| What is the “Mothers’ Club”? St. Joseph’s Mothers’ Club is a small Christian community founded in 1984 by the late Fr. Rich. Hearing complaints of loneliness and isolation from new parishioners prompted Fr. Rich to start up the Mothers’ Club. As stated by Fr. Rich, “Years ago, most mothers of pre-school age children were at home and could go next door, down the block or around the corner to meet with their neighbors who were in the same situation. It was easier then to get together to talk, seek advice, have coffee or whatever. Not so today.” The majority of mothers are working. There is little, if any, time for weekday get-togethers. The many mothers who stay at home have no one to talk with, no one to share experiences and ideas on motherhood. As most mothers would agree, this type of sharing is necessary and beneficial. Being a mother is not an easy job, as we all know. Joining the Club puts you in a position to meet and become friends with women who share your same mothering situations. The Club is for fun, friendship, support and learning. The Mothers’ Club is NOT limited to Catholics only. Members of all faiths are welcome to join. However, Fr. Rich stressed that “we stay within the beliefs of the Catholic faith.” Our Mothers’ Club is not only a wonderful gathering place for mothers, but it also a wonderful volunteer ministry at the Parish. The Club members volunteer their time and talents at Parish functions throughout the year. We provide baked goods for the Blessing of the Babies mass; we volunteer for the annual Church Picnic; we Adopt-A-Family during the holiday season; we also help out with the food pantry for St. Vincent de Paul Society. We have scheduled activities each week. We may have a guest speaker, a craft, a holiday brunch, a Chinese auction…and sometimes just an “open” meeting. Our main thrust is to be together while exchanging a common interest— Motherhood! Won’t you join us? Meetings are held on Tuesdays from 9:30 am to 11:00 am September to June. (The Club meets when Kings Park schools are in session.) There is a yearly membership fee of $30.00 for the year (pro-rated). We have Mothers’ Room hospitality every week which is provided by two volunteers per meeting. Babysitting is available for a fee of $4.00 per child. Babysitting services are provided by a select group of women from the Parish whose families are now grown and who enjoy caring for the young children. The children are secure and happy knowing their mothers are nearby, and the babysitters have the peace of mind that the mothers are available. For more information please contact the St. Joseph’s Parish Center at 631-269-6635 or email us at info@mothers-club.org. |
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