“Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them.”
– Matt. 6:28-29
CROWN POINT – “Wildflowers” was the theme on Jan. 26 as St. Matthias hosted its annual Celebrate Women Event, welcoming 70 women for an afternoon of gourmet appetizers, delicious beverages and good conversation with new and old friends.
Pastoral Associate Jackie Gentry welcomed the guests by speaking to the popularity of the event with those who decorate, cook and serve their guests. “You can tell by our smiles as we greeted you that this is one of our favorite events to host,” she said.
Gentry opened the program by asking attendees to list “some things about wildflowers” and learning that they can grow anywhere without water, fertilizer or even sunshine, that they like to grow together, and that they are hardy.
“Like women, they are tough chicks,” Gentry said. “Like us, they live in communities, and they are fiercely unique, like God made us.”
Gentry asked the guests to hold a table discussion, first with each woman sharing how she is fiercely unique, second by revealing “What community do you cherish (being a part of)? The third topic was “How do you trust in God?”
“Catholics are made to be wildflowers in the world,” suggested Gentry. “Wildflowers are the color in a field of drab grass. We face a lot of ‘lawnmowers,’ so we have to be hardy.”
Melissa Devon, active at St. Matthias as a sixth-grade catechist, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and member of the Parish Life Team, attends the women’s event “about every year for the fellowship,” considering it “a wonderful opportunity to connect with other people in the parish for prayer, reflection, games and a lot more. It is a chance to celebrate us and be thankful for each other.”
Vanesa Breshock, Family Life coordinator for the parish, has been attending the Celebrate Women Event for seven years. “The organizers do a great job of making sure everyone mingles,” she said. “I see people that I don’t see for the rest of the year. We talk about what we enjoy doing as women, our favorite books and hobbies.”
Breshock added that she shared with her tablemates a new twist for the parish’s annual Valentine’s Day Date Night this year. “Instead of inviting couples to come to the parish for dinner, we are inviting them to drop off their children at the parish and then spend the evening the way they want, maybe with dinner out, a movie, or just a chance to spend an evening alone,” Breshock explained.
“I’ve always wanted to be a part of this event with just women, but this is the first time I’ve been able to attend,” said Melinda Quasney, a teacher as well as a wife and mother. “I’ve wanted to meet more women in the parish.”
Introducing herself to the gathering was Kelly Napiorkowski, the parish’s new Women’s Ministry leader. She invited them to join a new women’s group she is forming for mothers and daughters of all ages. “I want us to help our daughters build a village in the Church,” she said of “Growing in Grace,” which will begin meeting in March, with details to come.
The ladies departed with smiles, parting words for new friends, and plates of extra food.
“Depending on the day, whether cold, dark or windy,” urged Gentry, “be the wildflower for someone else.”
Caption: St. Matthias parishioners and Crown Point residents (from left) Linda Plewniak, Ugochi Okoro and Beth Cooke compare notes of what makes each of them "fiercely unique," like wildflowers are, during the Celebrate Women Event held on Jan. 26 at the Parish Center. Keeping with the theme, the attendees each took home a packet of flower seeds in a small pot, with a miniature shovel for planting. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)