The Women’s Ministry of the Diocese is taking the theme of
Presiding Bishop Curry’s Way of Love
for 2019. This is his initiative to encourage us to be part of the “Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement”.
Our Christmas event this year was a two-part Christmas party to Bless children in the NM
foster care system. Thanks to Camille Donoghue, Women’s Council member, for
spearheading this wonderful idea. We got a jump start on this by the donation of 3 GIANT bags of stuffed toys from Holly in El Paso!!
Multiple ‘comfort backpacks’ for these children were
decorated at a Christmas party at Holy Family Episcopal Church on December 8. Live Christmas caroling was
provided by Santa Fe Music Works, under the direction of Dr. Mary Badarak
(music director for Holy Family). The women also shared hot chocolate
and cookies along with fun conversation.
Part two of the party was held at St. John’s Cathedral on
December 15. Women from Albuquerque and Los Lunas gathered for a soup luncheon
and cookie exchange. They sorted items, like stuffed animals, coloring books,
blankets, and baby supplies, that were collected for the ‘comfort backpacks’. About a dozen backpacks were filled and delivered to the Albuquerque office of CYFD.
The remaining items will be used to finish filling the Santa Fe Back Packs for delivery to the Santa Fe office of CYFD. These will Bless
the children who receive them, who often don’t have their own things when
entering the foster care system.
Throughout 2019, Women’s Ministry will
continue to find ways to be part of the Way
of Love with other exciting events. All women, lay and ordained are encouraged to be part of this ministry and join in our gatherings!