DYER – It’s about faith, fun, friends and giving back. Members of St. Joseph’s new women’s ministry have completed their first season and are already looking forward to the next.
Founded in October 2022, about 40 women connected each month through prayer, presentations and discussions. Christened “Halo Ladies,” the group is a fellowship of women who desire to grow in spirituality, leadership and service through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Their primary goals are to support the parish mission, further education in the Catholic faith and provide service to the community.
The group’s culminating event on May 9 included Mass, the Rosary, meal, fellowship and plans for the future. In a procession after Mass, 50 women also placed roses before a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Halo Ladies plans to build on its accomplishments from the past eight months while inviting more women to join in the mission, said Dorothy Piscitelli, who began the group with a handful of women.
“We are looking for ways to attract more women, especially younger ones. Many of the young women are busy with their children, so that is something we will be looking into,” she shared.
Another founding member, Rita Pritchett, also hopes to bolster participation. “Any woman who is looking for a women’s ministry is invited to join us,” she said. “We are even interested in expanding beyond the parish. Women throughout the diocese are welcome.”
Pritchett said her favorite part of the ministry includes meeting new people in a trusting, faith-filled environment. “We really enjoy ourselves,” she continued. “We have fun, and we share. Any personal things that may be discussed are kept within the group.”
The group tries to emulate the Blessed Virgin Mary’s fiat, her yes to our Lord, noted Mary Beth Fry. Latin for “let it be done,” Mary's fiat was her response to the angel Gabriel when she was asked to become the mother of Jesus.
Fry, who designed the Halo Ladies logo which includes a halo over the blessed Virgin Mary and the word fiat, said she appreciates the community that is helping her grow in faith. “Everything, including our name and the artwork and how we conduct our meetings just evolved over time,” Fry said. “These women are just so humble, so genuine.”
Father Peter Muha, pastor of St. Joseph who presided at Mass, said the Blessed Virgin Mary is the “perfect example of what a disciple should be.”
He shared during his homily that despite the challenges she faced, the Blessed Virgin Mary always followed God’s plan. When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, she was united in suffering with her son. “She is the mother of the church…and we can all look to her for the pattern in everyday life, in the things we do each day,” he said.
Halo Ladies held a fundraiser in December. The bake sale generated more than $1,000 which the group has used to fund a pilgrimage to The Shrine of Christ’s passion.
The group also tapped into its philanthropic nature -- donating five baskets for the annual Paczki Ball fundraiser sponsored by St. Joseph Knights of Columbus Council 8082. The women donated gift cards, candies, bottles of wine and more to fill the baskets that helped the knights generate about $75,000 for donations to prolife institutions.
The women also made Christmas cards for people in nursing homes and plan to conduct more service outreach in the future. “We were glad to be a part of these things,” Pritchett shared, “and it is wonderful to get to know each other.
“We make connections,” she continued. “The women you see in church, now you know their names. You get to know them personally. This is a great foundation for things to come.”
After a summer break, Halo Ladies will meet again on Sept. 12. “We are looking forward to beginning again,” Pritchett emphasized. “The important thing is that these women know this is theirs. We want their ideas.”
Some potential plans include more videos, guest presentations and Bible studies. The women could also possibly create a parish welcoming committee, participate in a soup kitchen or offer a Catholic retreat.
“We want to do what the women want and expand our faith and outreach,” Piscitelli said. “We are a ministry, in service of God and others.”