Mothers of Preschoolers of Saint Andrews reflect on past years, and look for new members
Mothers of Preschoolers of Saint Andrews recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, with a reunion of past and present members.
The celebration took place at the Parish Hall of Saint Andrew the Apostle RC Church of Gibbsboro and Voorhees.
Over the last two decades, hundreds of moms have enjoyed this special community of mothers, where they can share the ups and downs of raising preschool age children, while enjoying breakfast and some great social time.
“I remember sitting in mass and watching all the young families come in. The babies would be crawling up and down the pews every time the moms and dads stood or knelt during the service. I knew a MOPS group was needed, and I wanted to meet other mothers of young children. When we started, we were only one of nine MOPS groups in Catholic churches in the world. Father Glen thought it was a wonderful idea, so I put an ad in the church bulletin, and moms called me,” Leta Strain, founder of the local group said.
Moms still call on MOPS for an authentic community, where they can gather to experience encouragement, support and hope, even after 20 years.
It is one of thousands of local MOPS groups across the country and 38 countries internationally, serving millions of families since 1973. Denver-based MOPS International is a non-profit ministry that creates communities of moms helping each other.
Many join the group for friendship and getting answers to questions.
Jamie Williams joined MOPS of Saint Andrews after relocating to South Jersey, and realizing she needed a group like MOPS not only for making friends and friends for her children, but also, to have an established network to find resources like reputable doctors, preschool options and organized service opportunities. Other mothers share similar experiences.
“I was a stay at home mom with my precious 12-month-old daughter from Russia. MOPS provided a comfortable place where my daughter could play with other toddlers, and I could share my journey through motherhood with others,” MOPS member Eglas Leistiko said.
Beth Garcia remembers receiving an invitation to join MOPS, not long after her first son’s baptism.
”I wasn’t sure I could do it because I was a new mom living in a new neighborhood, and I could barely get my baby dressed, let alone myself, but my neighbor Noelle said, ‘just come.’ Those two words changed my journey through motherhood forever. I cannot describe the feeling I had that first semester of MOPS … It was overwhelming to be welcomed by a community of mothers who knew just what I was feeling, who were there to tell me I would make it, and everything would be okay,” Garcia said.
Every mom is welcomed, accepted and inspired to reach her potential and recognize her influence within her family and her world. MOPS members believe that better moms really do make a better world. MOPS is about meeting the needs of every mom with a child from newborn age, through kindergarten.
Whether you’re urban, suburban, rural, stay at home, working, teen, adoptive, special needs, single or married, MOPS is for you. MOPS members have different way to get involved, even within the club.
For example, Leistiko said she was honored to serve as the MOPS newsletter editor and registrar for many years.
“Now I share my motherhood journey with younger mothers as a nurturing mom. I invite you to come to visit and stay a while … Share with others the joys and worries of motherhood. Bring your talents to this wonderful organization,” Leistiko said.
MOPS of Saint Andrews is still accepting members for the upcoming spring semester. Anyone interested in joining the group, or wanting more information, should email Lisa or Janet at [email protected].
For more information about MOPS International, please visit www.MOPS.org.
