Despite the impending snow predicted from winter storm Fern as it barreled toward northeastern Pennsylvania, more than 40 mothers from across the Diocese participated in the “Fill Your Cup” retreat to rest and be restored. Held on Jan. 24 at Sacred Heart, Bethlehem, the morning began at 8 a.m.
Put on by the Office of Marriage and Family Life, the retreat was inspired by Psalm 23:5: “You set a table before me in front of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
The goal of the morning: to provide a peaceful and uplifting morning for young and homeschooling mothers who are in frequent service to others. Retreatants were provided a place for spiritual talk and connection while balancing the ever-growing demands of motherhood.
The retreat began with Mass celebrated for those in attendance, with Confessions also offered. This set the tone for a Christ-centered retreat and allowed the mothers to center themselves spiritually before the social portion of the morning.
After Mass, attendees were invited to participate in fellowship with a social hour featuring a coffee bar and continental breakfast. During this time retreatants met and mingled – many of them with their young babies in tow.
Vendors from Catholic groups and offices were invited to exhibit resources to support mothers. Among the vendors were Pray and Play ministry for moms at Holy Family, Nazareth; Heart + Host Catholic Shop; and Mustard Seedlings ministry.
“We’re being pulled in so many different directions and we can be drained and not give the best version of ourselves,” said Rhady Tulloch, Director of Marriage and Family Life for the Diocese of Allentown in her welcome to the retreatants. “In reality, unless we fill ourselves first, no one is going to be able to get the best version of you. So that’s what today’s about. That’s why we’re here.”
After breakfast, a keynote was given by homeschooling expert author and speaker Susie Lloyd. Lloyd spoke on how mothers sometimes need to set limitations on certain things to make sure they are at their best for their children.
“Sometimes you have to just dial it back. I did. [Giving talks] was just hard on me and the family. It just wasn’t something I could make a priority, even though it may have been my ‘thing.’ I now had another priority,” said Lloyd in reference to her 7 children and 20 grandchildren.
Lloyd referenced Philippians, noting that Christ “emptied Himself,” as an example of how even God embraced limitation.
Lloyd spoke on how God limited Himself in another way, too. By His incarnation, God provided Himself with limitations by having to do all that it is to be human.
After the keynote, participants broke into small groups to reflect on how to place healthy limitations in their lives. Through discussion, they examined what drains them and how to remain spiritually replenished during demanding seasons.
The retreat ended with a panel discussion from the Diocese of Allentown staff. Retreatants were invited to ask questions about motherhood.
By Jennifer Russell
Photo by Rey Gabriel.
