Dear Monsignor McGraw,I am writing once again to share some of the many ways our family has benefited by joining the St Joan of Arc community three years ago, when a job change brought us to Florida. Besides the obvious, we have had the opportunity to experience Koinonia, 1 Day Women’s Retreat, traveling Living Eucharist Presentation, and Culinary International Day among many other events and ministries I’m certain to have overlooked.There is one particular ministry that has touched me recently – The Women of Grace Bible Study. I mentioned this to Martha Nicolli recently and she asked that I share
Facilitator & Regional Coordinator, Martha Nicolli
my thoughts with you.
Over the 30 yrs. since I converted to Catholicism (from a cradle Muslim), I have involved myself with many opportunities that expand my religious, academic knowledge knowing that is what develops deeper faith. I have participated in various studies always benefitting in some way from the time invested. My experience consists of numerous Workshops, Retreats, Bible Studies (Mother wise series), Presentations (including Matt Kelly & Christopher West) along with serving as Pre canna Facilitator for years, and belonging to a rosary group for over 15 years. While this study required the most amount of time, effort, and commitment, I do believe I got back much more.
I had been stuck in a dry spiritual phase for a while now….Women of Grace reminded me of some things I had lost sight of, mainly God and faith has to come first above everything else. Like any other devoted wife and mother, I had elevated my husband (and kids) to be my God through no fault on their part. I had become self-centered in an effort to make everything just right for my family- exhausting myself spiritually on a daily basis. I neglected to offer up my challenges to God, trust in Jesus, and rely on the Holy Spirit to help me always. I frustrated my husband with my disappointments when he, a mere mortal couldn’t fill the emptiness in my heart, the part that needed to connect with Jesus in a more active way again. We fought often and I was angry with our children as I got overwhelmed doing it on my own. Again I wasn’t relying on God and didn’t even realize it. I did it to myself, and wasn’t even cognitive of it until Women of Grace.
We women spend our entire lives searching for love and a place to belong, along with a dire need to nurture and be valued for who we are. We frequently rely on men around us to make that happen- waiting on men to choose us for too many things, whether it be for a date, a relationship, prom, and marriage just to name a few. This was the first study of its kind that clearly conveyed to women, for women, by a woman, that we belong to God and God loves us more than anyone, particularly mere mortals known as “man”. This concept filled my heart, and hopefully I will manage to pass on similar sentiments to our own daughter. We need this message to go out to all the young adolescent ladies of our parish and faith community, possibly saving them much heartache in their lives. Wish I had this wisdom when growing up, but then again it is all part of God’s plan for me.
What I discovered early on in this study is that I needed to have an affair. Yes Monsignor, an “Affair” …. with the “Big Man Above” (hope that made you chuckle)! I needed to fall in love with God all over again and Women of Grace did that for me in a deliberate, concise, intellectual, and well researched way. The revelation of “How Much God Loves Me” was presented in such a unique way – that it finally clicked! My heart and soul is filled with God’s love and no longer a void which my husband couldn’t fill without losing himself in the process. Only God can do that without losing one self. Many of our peers unable to withstand the daily sufferings of life, along with mid-life crisis and the challenges that accompany it, while living in our demanding, secular society are reduced to giving up on their marital vows and the sacrament of Matrimony. I certainly feel a change, and W of G may have well saved our marriage and that is priceless.
In closing, kudos to Martha Nicolli and her dedication to making sure this study continues so other women in our community can benefit like I did. Women of Grace is an absolutely valuable ministry for the women of our parish. I hope and pray for your support of this ministry in every way. Thank you Monsignor McGraw, for your time and consideration and everything you do for all of us. God bless you and yours.
Humbly yours, along with my warmest regards,
Rehana (Roe) Molloy
