Our gathering is scheduled for an hour and a half, but this past study we went over a tad. So really, two hours is probably a more realistic time for gabby moms. With book studies, it's nice to do a chapter at a time, but also to include an introduction gathering to hand out the book and to meet the moms. So, with this particular book, 8 gatherings would be ideal.
Like I shared before, our Altar and Rosary Society sponsored us, paid for all the books and provides food/drinks for us moms during our study time. Feel free to go to your parish priest or president of your Altar and Rosary Society and ask them to do this for moms in your parish. What a beautiful gift they can give you, and I'm sure they will all remember the much needed support when raising kiddos, as many of them were once there themselves.
So gather up local moms in your area, parish, and/or homeschool group and take this beautiful book into your hearts and homes!!
It's as easy as 1, 2, 3!!
#1 - Welcome/Opening Prayer - a prayer to the Holy Spirit is a great one...
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
#2 - Go through the questions (found here) one-by-one and let each mom have a chance to share her responses. Our leader also goes through a couple pages at a time, and has moms share anything that stood out or maybe something they underlined or highlighted as they read it.
#3 - Closing Prayer/Send Off - Send the moms off with a reminder to read the next chapter between gatherings, hand out their questions (see step #2), and close in prayer. We use this prayer - "A Daily Blessing for Children"...
Through the sign of the cross may
God protect our children
and deliver them from all evil.
Blessed Mother, cover them with your mantle
and protect them always.
Send legions of angels to help and guard them.
We place them in the
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
We offer them with Jesus in each Holy Mass.
May the Holy Spirit always be their guide
especially in choosing their
vocation, profession, or marriage partner.
Jesus, cover them with your precious blood and
fill them with Your Spirit of Peace.
Help them to love You,
to love themselves, and to love others.
Keep them safe from all harm,
danger, sickness, and disease and from the
snares of the world, the flesh, and the devil
now and forever.
Amen.
++May God bless you as you gather, learn and grow in love with the calling of motherhood that He has chosen for you!!++