""Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.""
Gospel of Matthew
Spiritual
Motherhood
One of the greatest blessings of Mary's Women of Joy has been the faithful priests who have walked beside us along the way. They celebrate the sacraments with us, guide us in truth, encourage us when we struggle, and help keep our hearts centered on Christ.
As women, mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends, we seek to respond with a spirit of spiritual motherhood, lifting our priests up in prayer, supporting them with gratitude, and entrusting them to the loving care of Our Lady.
Together, we become a spiritual family. Through parish chapters, retreats, studies, and shared prayer, our priests accompany us as fathers in the faith, and we, in turn, strive to be a source of encouragement and prayer for them.
The reflections here are offered by priests who have witnessed the fruits of Mary's Women of Joy firsthand. Their words remind us of the beauty of this shared journey and the grace that unfolds when spiritual fathers and spiritual daughters walk together toward Christ.
Spiritual Fathers. Spiritual Family.
Very Rev. John T. Putnam
Pastor, St. Mark Catholic Church, Huntersville, NC
“Mary’s Women of Joy is one of the great gifts God has given to St. Mark’s and to the wider Church in the Carolinas. Rooted in prayer, Scripture, and a deep love for Our Lady, this sisterhood consistently leads women into a more intimate encounter with Jesus Christ. I have watched it form holy friendships, deepen faith, and send women out as joyful disciples. I wholeheartedly support Mary’s Women of Joy and encourage every woman who desires more of Christ to consider joining this beautiful work of the Holy Spirit.”
Rev. Timothy S. Reid
Pastor, St. Ann Parish, Charlotte NC
Having been familiar with Mary's Women of Joy since 2004, it was an organization I knew that I eventually wanted to bring to St. Ann's. I love MWOJ's ability to bring women of faith together for support and community, to provide formation, and to give a spiritual boost to the parish. St. Ann's is a spiritually richer parish because of MWOJ.
Rev. James Stuhrenberg
Pastor, Holy Family Catholic Church
The Fruits of Mary’s Women of Joy have been a faithful presence here at Holy Family. Through prayer, fellowship, and support of one another, they have fostered a spirit of community within our parish. Their dedication to praying for our priests and supporting the spiritual life of the Church is sincerely appreciated.
I am grateful for the way these women encourage one another in faith and continue to serve as a source of support within the parish community.
Rev. Mark S. Lawlor
Pastor, St. Therese Catholic Church, Mooresville, NC
As pastor of St Therese parish, I have witnessed the joy of the Lord, devotion to Our Lady, and the zeal of the Holy Spirit within Mary's Women of Joy.
Rev. Robert (Bob) Ferris
Spiritual Director, Retreat Master
To Jesus through Mary. I believe that this is the road that these dedicated women are following in their faith journey. The Blessed Mother leads them to adoration of her Son, a deep knowledge of His love for them through instructions in their faith, support and healing of their difficulties in life, and compassion and love of their sisters in Christ and prayer for their priests. I find it a great blessing and privilege to be asked to assist them in their needs.