A Community of Faith and Fellowship for Catholic Moms

The Moms Plus Ministry at St. James Parish in Arlington Heights is a vibrant, faith-filled community where Catholic moms find support, fellowship, and spiritual growth. This ministry, a branch of the larger Women of St. James group, meets once or twice a month to engage in discussions, listen to speakers, and share motherhood's joys and challenges.

Tamara Hoffman, who co-leads the Moms Plus group with Rachel Lucas, has roots in the St. James community. “My husband grew up in this parish and attended St. James school,” she shares. Married at St. James nine years ago, Hoffman is now entering her third year leading the Moms Plus Ministry. She understands the unique needs and pressures of being a mom to four children.

Over the years, Moms Plus has grown and evolved, offering a space where mothers, especially those with younger children, can focus on their faith and connect with others. “Our meetings are a time to focus on our faith and hear from speakers who talk about faith and marriage, faith and being a mom,” Hoffman explains. The group also organizes playdates and social gatherings a couple of times yearly. Babysitting is offered at meetings so that moms can focus fully on their faith during that time. There is no commitment necessary to participate, “The great thing is that you don't have to commit; we want people to come whenever they can; we have a fully open-door policy,” Hoffman explains.

Faith and Family

One of the goals of Moms Plus is to help mothers incorporate their faith into their family lives. “We've had priests and deacons talk to us about making religious holidays like Advent and Lent more approachable and meaningful for our children,” says Hoffman. She fondly recalls a speaker who shared the tradition of having a birthday cake for Jesus each Christmas to help her children understand the true reason for the holiday.

The ministry also emphasizes that children are always welcome at St. James, no matter how young or restless they might be. “Our priests thank us for bringing our kids to church. They want them here, which makes us feel welcome, and it's ok if your two-year-old doesn't know how to whisper,”she notes. “Being part of this group has deepened my faith; I have met so many people and gotten to know our pastor in a smaller setting. This group helps you realize you're not alone. Some days feel like a wash, and you think I haven't had time to pray, but this group helps me to remember that God is there in those moments,” Hoffman says.

Fellowship and Friendship

Moms Plus is also about building lasting friendships. Tamara remembers her experience of “breaking into” the parish community as someone who wasn't originally from St. James. “It's great to meet people who share that foundation of faith and to have fun together,” she says. The group provides a space where moms can decompress, focus on themselves, and enjoy fellowship with others going through similar life stages. Moms with older kids are often helpful in providing advice and insight to younger moms.

Looking to the Future

As the ministry continues to grow, Hoffman is hopeful about the future. “In the coming year, we hope to continue to evolve and help people advance in their faith and community with other Catholic moms,” she says. With plans to increase participation and expand their outreach, the Moms Plus Ministry is committed to supporting moms' spiritual and emotional well-being at St. James and beyond.

Whether it's through faith-based discussions, social gatherings, or simply offering a listening ear, the Moms Plus Ministry is making a meaningful impact on the lives of Catholic mothers, helping them navigate the beautiful, challenging journey of motherhood with faith and fellowship at the center.