First Steps

Any Catholic woman who is in good standing, married or unmarried, with or without children, can be admitted, provided she seriously intends to promote the aims of the Confraternity, especially that of the Christian education of children, and to comply with its statutes. She must be received by the Director of a Confraternity ecclesiastically erected, or by his lawful representative.

Yes. A Confraternity must operate with the approval and support of the pastor, who serves as the spiritual authority in the parish.

Meetings are usually held monthly and focus on prayer, spiritual growth, and mutual support. A typical meeting may include:

• Members strengthening one another through mutual prayer, which should be the central element of every Meeting

• Mass and Holy Communion (when possible)

• Eucharistic Adoration

• A spiritual talk or reflection

• Fellowship and brief business items

Special gatherings may be held on feast days, often with Mass, a reception of new members, or other spiritual activities.

Continue to explore on this page! Down below are the first few documents to get you started as a Confraternity. If you have any questions feel free to contact the International Office at admin@christianmothers.org or call (412) 683 - 2400.

At the International Office (based in Pittsburgh, PA), one of our primary functions is to help you bring the Confraternity to mothers in your parish. We can provide you with the information, materials and support to start (or restart) a chapter at your parish, including:

• Information to share with your pastor when seeking approval.

• Forms your pastor (and bishop) need to sign, and documents for getting started.

• Resources and materials for promoting the Confraternity to the women in your parish.

• Ritual of Solemn Reception and guidance on how to enroll women once your chapter is established.

• Support in operating a Confraternity chapter.