It appears that motherhood is gradually returning to its honoured position, with Catholic mums in Perth setting up their own group aimed at promoting the role of mothers and providing them with a chance to support one another.
On February 4, 15 mothers with their children, most of whom were infants, gathered for Mass at St Francis Xavier Church in East Perth, followed by a shared lunch.
Archbishop Emeritus Barry Hickey celebrated the Mass for the mothers, who began meeting on a monthly basis at the start of this year.
The group, which consists of about 30 mothers, was formed last year, and held its first gathering in January at Kings Park.
“Perth Catholic Mums Group is a place of support and social interaction with other mums who share the same Catholic faith,” organiser Lisa Chua said.
“The support is uniquely Catholic because it is not merely practical or emotional. It offers spiritual support through the Sacrament of Holy Communion which is held at the start of our meetings as well as the moral support gained from other mums who share the same Catholic values.”
Mrs Chua, who, like many of the other members of the group, became a mother for the first time recently, said the group’s formation has come at a good time.
“There seems to be a baby boom in the Catholic Church in Perth right now,” she said. “New mums as well as the more seasoned ones need to experience solidarity in a culture that is largely hostile to Christian values, especially regarding family life and the dignity of women.
“A sense of solidarity is essential if we wish to succeed in our mission as parents to love, morally guide and educate our children in the way Christ challenges us.”
For more information, visit the Perth Catholic Mums Group Facebook page or call Carmel on 0403 959 305.