Curé of Ars’ Mothers of Young Children organization (MOYC) is a parish ministry group for women with children kindergarten age or younger (and those who are expecting) and their families. MOYC provides fellowship through spiritual enrichment events, philanthropic work, monthly meetings and social functions for moms, children, couples, and families. MOYC has a variety of activities and events during the daytime, evening and weekend to fit your schedule. Come when you can and as often as you like! We have an exciting year planned for 2011-2012.
Spiritual Enrichment
Because we come together through our Christian bond, spiritual growth is important to MOYC. We offer moms a faith-study book club, an e-prayer chain for special intentions, an annual day-long retreat, First Friday Mass gatherings, a monthly Rosary, opportunities to serve during MOYC’s Adoration hour and other activities to expand our faith. Couples can participate in marriage enrichment events, and children get to celebrate Jesus’ birthday and learn about the Mass with Father Sean!
Philanthropic Work
MOYC supports others in need through two main activities: the Gift Gallery fundraiser and monthly visits to St. Benedict’s Children’s Center. We also collect toys for Operation Breakthrough kids during the annual parish Breakfast with St. Nick and help our community right here at home by providing meals to MOYC members with new babies and/or when a family is experiencing a situation where providing meals would be helpful.
Gift Gallery
Gift Gallery is MOYC’s only fundraiser, and it is held each year in mid-November. This one-day shopping event brings together artisans and vendors selling unique and upscale items in a festive atmosphere. Last year the event hosted 1,300 shoppers and raised $20,000 to support local children’s charities. The 2011 Gift Gallery is Saturday, November 19th, so mark your calendars! Visit the event website, www.giftgallerykc.com, for more information.
St. Benedict’s
St. Benedict’s Children’s Center, located in Kansas City, Kan., is a childcare center for low-income and special-needs kids run by Catholic Charities. MOYC moms volunteer to visit the center monthly to celebrate the children’s birthdays. Each visit consists of story time, a craft and a birthday cake. We are known as “the birthday moms,” and this is often the only celebration the children have to mark their special day. MOYC members also can also sponsor a St. Ben’s Angel to provide a few Christmas gift(s) to help make their holiday special.
Monthly Meetings
The MOYC year runs from September through May & the MOYC monthly meetings are typically on Fridays from 9-11 a.m. Although we do have a couple of evening meetings too! The monthly meetings are in the Father Burak Room (off the main sanctuary at Curé of Ars). Each gathering features a different topic—from entertaining tips to parenting with a purpose. It’s a chance for learning and socializing. As a service to our members during the meetings, MOYC provides childcare for a nominal fee for little ones old enough to walk. Babies are welcome to attend meetings with us. Some terrific programs are on tap for 2011-2012, including special guest speakers special guest speakers on hosting easy & inexpensive seasonal get-togethers, raising responsible kids, feathering your nest, learning about couponing & becoming a smarter mom. This year will start off with a Living Your Faith: A Panel Discussion & Meet Father Shawn Tunink.
Social Functions
Moms’
The Moms’ Activities Committee is pleased to invite you to attend our many fun, new, events this year! We will continue the tradition of both our Christmas and Cinco de Mayo parties, but will have several new events, as well. We’ll be hosting a Fall Social, tour of a charity, recipe exchange (from which you’ll leave with a cookbook), walk/brunch, and a self-defense course. In addition to these monthly events, regularly scheduled book clubs and Bunko are available. We look forward to seeing all of you in the coming year!
Couples’
Couples’ activities provide our moms with a chance to spend an evening out with their spouses and get to know other Curé of Ars couples. In addition to the marriage enrichment event, MOYC has a dinner club, and this year members will have a chance to show off their bowling skills at Lucky Strike in the Power & Light District, dine at Urban Table, and attend the Parish Shrimp Feast and much more
Childrens Activities’
Need something to get your kids out of the house for a while? You’ve come to the right group. MOYC offers numerous kids activities throughout the year to entertain your child and you! Some of our most popular events are back including our annual breakfast with St. Nick, Easter Egg Hunt & the End of the Year picnic. Play groups and outings around the city are also available multiple times throughout each month.
Learn More or Become a Member
Check the Curé of Ars weekly bulletin for information on upcoming events! We welcome you to our next meeting or one of our many activities. You can even attend a couple of events or meetings on a trial basis before joining the group. Our annual membership fee is $25.
Need to know more? Get in touch with any MOYC board member about their specific area. For general information or to join MOYC, contact:
Coordinator
Meredith Winn
(913) 642-8135
mwinn1@kc.rr.com
Membership Co-Chairs
Michelle Hass
(913) 261-9373
michellehass@hotmail.com
Christie Kovalcik
(913) 766-8612
christie.kovalcik@gmail.com