Welcome to St. Edith/St. Colette MOPS!

This summer was full of change for our group: thanks to so many amazing people who came together and make BIG things happen for us. At the end of last year we faced a challenge: we were running out of space for our moms. We had 2 choices: one-cap membership and have a waiting list or two-move to a new meeting space.

For me, it was an easy decision! There was no way I could look a mom in the eyes at Laurel Park Mall Play-scape and say, “You should be in MOPS. It’s amazing! You will make incredible friends, have support you never thought you possible, all while eating a hot meal WITHOUT your kids fingers in your face or hearing MOMMY MOMMY MOMMY MOMMY! Oh, but you can’t be in my group.” So, we needed to move.

The next questions were: Where? How? I was at a complete loss. So, I prayed. Weeks went by and I was still clueless. So, I prayed again and again. I knew that God had the answer, I just needed to shut my mouth, open my heart, and listen. It felt like forever, but then, “St. Colette.” What? Where is that? That led me to stop in at St. Colette one day, ambush Father Gary and check it out. He gave me a tour - I was in LOVE! More space for our moms, rooms for our kids, and room to GROW!

I need to thank the entire staff of St. Colette for welcoming us with open and loving arms; especially, Father Gary, Greg, Theresa and Nancy. As Greg and I have joked before, we think this will be a wonderful marriage! We are so happy to add the support of St. Colette to the continued support of St. Edith, we are sure to do great things.

My vision for this amazing group is to allow every mom the opportunity to join us while keeping our close bonds and relationships. I have made lifelong friends in this group, people that I really don’t know what I would do without. I have been supported on my darkest and toughest days and celebrated on my highest and they have become my family, “my moms” as I like to say.

Last year we had 4 tables with 10 plus ladies at each. This year we have a max of 8 people at each table. So far we have 8 tables to start the year. This will be trial and error for a little bit so we may have to add additional tables if we keep growing (I hope we do!) My hope with the smaller tables is that we will be able to make close connections even if we are a large group.

The theme this year is “Be You Bravely” I really love this theme. It is who I try to be every day. Me. Sometimes I’m happy and awesome, sometimes I’m cranky and no fun, sometimes I say the first thing that comes into my head. Sometimes those things do not sound as funny when they come out of my mouth as they did in my head. I try very hard to be who I am and be ok with it. Once someone told me, “So you make mistakes, its ok, everyone does. FORGIVE yourself and move on.” I think about that every day. Forgive myself? Be ok with screwing up!? No way! NEVER!!! (ß say that like captain hook for the full effect)

As moms, women and human beings we tend to be our own worst enemy. How do you talk to yourself? Are you critical? Most of us are and most of us beat ourselves up over simple mistakes. It’s ok. Forgive yourself and move on. Be who you are fully, mistakes and all. God loves us fully, mistakes and all. This is what it means to be Christian - to be more Christ like - he loves you so you are worth loving. YOU. All of you.

I challenge all of you to be who you are. The real you. Mistakes, flaws, yoga pants and all! Yes, I will be in my foga (yoga pants that have never been to yoga) pants 99% of the meetings. I do usually shower but no guarantee on deodorant. I apologize now.

I am looking forward to all our returning members and all our new faces this year! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Tabitha Kelly

coordinator@stecmops.org