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| Our founder Kathy Eckert at our Twilight Retreat. |
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The History of M.O.M. Heart of the Home The inspiration for M.O.M. Heart of the Home ministry began on Saturday, September 8, 1990 when Mrs. Kathy Eckert, Ministry Founder attended a healing service at Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Media, Pennsylvania. During the service, a quiet peace enveloped her and then a picture came to her mind’s eye. It was a picture of a large assembly of women. The assembly was in an auditorium with balconies that were filled with women. There were colorful banners and a sense of peace and joy filled the air. At that time, Kathy wondered what this picture in her mind's eye meant. Then When the service ended, Kathy told the Prayer Leader what she had experienced, hoping she would shed light on this imagery. The Prayer Leader simply said, "Pray. God will direct you." Kathy wondered about that image, and, of course, she did pray. A few weeks later, she told her confessor about the experience and imagery, and he also said, "Pray." She prayed and prayed. After a year of prayer, Kathy sent a letter to Cardinal Bevilaqua and asked if the Archdiocese of Philadelphia would have a Day of Renewal for mothers. Her letter was forwarded to the Family Life Office, and their response made her realize it was not the time. Kathy, a wife and mother of four went on with her life, but the thought continued to come to her mind that there should be a renewal day for mothers. She decided it was time to write the Office of Evangelization. Since mothers are the first evangelizers to their children, surely the Office of Evangelization would see the benefit of putting on a day of renewal for mothers. Well, once again her letter was forwarded to the Family Life Office. This time, however, the Family Life Office contacted her and invited her to meet with them to discuss this proposal. Though the Family Life Office was genuinely interested in the idea, due to financial constraints and lack of manpower, they said it was not feasible. Kathy felt that she was back to square one but continued to pray. She wondered what was God asking of her and felt like she was pestering God with this incessant desire for a day of spiritual renewal for mothers. She felt bewildered, impatient, and began to doubt herself. She wondered, was it a vision she saw on that September day in 1990? Was it Kathy's family knew she was struggling with how this dream could be accomplished . One day, her daughter came That day Kathy made a commitment to be patient and wait on the Lord. It was a turning point for her because she In October 1994, Kathy had a phone conversation with a woman from a neighboring parish. She shared the image Kathy met with her parish priest who suggested a Mothers Renewal Day could be accomplished by starting on a small scale and building up. He suggested gathering a cluster of parishes together to organize a day. The picture became clearer. Then her pastor brought the idea to pastors of the Chester County Cluster 52 Parishes, and they gave it their blessing. First Renewal Day The logo designed in 1996 by Denise Ceurvorst Ford is of Mary holding the child Jesus in the center of the church. Naming this Ministry (Jn 19:26-27) When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," (27) and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." At that moment Mary became our spiritual Mother. Mary spiritually nourishes her children and mediates on our behalf. A Mission Statement was written to help keep the ministry focused. Our Mission Statement By-laws were written and in 1999 an Executive Board was formed to help keep the organizational structure consistent and ensure the movement’s direction is in response to Christ’s call to the Church which is to build up the Body of Christ. The Executive Board consists of a Lay Director, Assistant Lay Director, Treasurer and Secretary. Kathy Eckert’s term as Lay Director (1999 – 2002) was followed by Debra Glancey (2002 – 2005); Peg Choinski (2005 – 2008); and Rosemary Christie ( 2008 to present). Each of these women have shared their hopes, talents and service so that the ministry can continue to grow and serve mothers both in their relationship with God and others. The organization of MOM - Heart of the Home received recognition as a Private Lay Association in December 1999, with a "Letter of Praise" from the Chancery Office of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Each year hundreds of women attend Renewal Days throughout the Delaware Valley. This movement has grown During Peg Choinski’s tenure as Lay Director, Loretta Ceurvorst requested that MOM – Heart of the Home be brought to the Rock Island Vicariate, Illinois. Loretta attended a Chester County day with her daughter Denise in 1996 and as often happens in this ministry, mothers who participate in a renewal day want to bring it to their area. Rock Island’s first renewal day was held in Spring 2007. The first Archdiocesan Day of Renewal for Mothers was held at St. Charles Seminary on October 8, 2008. Cardinal Rigali celebrated the liturgy and encouraged catholic mothers to turn to Mary as guide and role model for their vocation. Archdiocese of Philadelphia Archdiocese of Allentown Rock Island Vicariate, Illinois Spring 2007 - dissolved The Contact Page of this website lists the current Executive Board members, Coordinators, as well as the newsletter and website contacts. These women continue the mission giving life and growth to this ministry. Please pray to Mary that through her intercession and the Holy Spirit’s prompting this ministry continues to grow and reach out to spiritually renew mothers so that we seek to bring peace to our families, and to our world. And, say a thank you prayer for these volunteer Moms who serve us so well! With Gratitude, |
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| ©2012. M,O,M, Heart of the Home. | |||