While May is the month devoted to Mary, I often ponder her life during the month of October as we contemplate and pray the rosary. I also reflect on Mary knowing that she would have been entering her third trimester of pregnancy, the image of the visitation not only fills by vision but all my senses.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.  In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear.” Luke 1:41-42

Having a daughter who recently welcomed her own daughter into the world, I have been reflecting on the importance of the bonds between women within the family setting, within a circle of friends, amongst work colleagues and social networks. It is in conversation with female solo travellers, that they offer speak fondly about the encounters and connections with other female travellers on the journey. Often contact details are exchanged and invitations for return visits or catch ups on future travels ventures are made.

Recently I have come to learn more about a group of women from the Boolaroo/Warners Bay parish who have been working together for over the last 17 years to bring women together to feel special, loved and spoilt.

In March 2007 Real Women’s Café Nights was launched as God placed an idea firmly on the heart of late Kerrie Bush to bring real women of all walks of life together to listen and learn from one another. Yvonne Potter who is also no longer with us, along with Sue Campbell worked together with Kerrie to bring the Real Women’s vision to life.

The Café Nights who come together several times a year attracts over 150+ women at each of the gatherings to listen to a guest presenter, meet new people and develop friendships. Over the years some women have attended by themselves, and beautiful relationships have developed because of the Real Women’s Cafe Nights.

There have been over 50 guest presenters over the years and recently I have felt privileged to be asked to present at the Christmas Café Night next month. The presentation will be on the diocesan annual pilgrimage, the aMeN caMiNo and will focus on its origin and progression, its benefits and impact as well as hearing insights from those who have untaken and assisted the journeys.

If you would like to make a booking, please contact Sue on 0417 091 255

Christmas Real Women- Placing Value on Womanhood, Café Night

Date: Monday 18 November

Time: 7.30pm - 9.15pm (Tea and coffee served from 7.00pm)

Place: St Mary’s Catholic Church Hall Bayview St, Warners Bay

Cost: Donation of $15 per person. Specific diet requirements will be met as far as possible. Please advise when purchasing tickets with Sue above. 

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