More than 100 mothers, daughters, godmothers, aunts, and grandmothers gathered on May 30 for the biennial diocesan Mother-Daughter Tea. Held at St. Thomas More, Allentown, the event was sponsored by the NFP (Natural Family Planning) Task Force and the United Hearts Life Mission.
The afternoon began with fellowship as attendees enjoyed sweet and savory refreshments, a photo booth, a pop-up thrift shop, and, of course, tea.
Bishop Schlert welcomed attendees with a discussion about the importance of femininity and the dignity of all women. “Don’t let anyone take that dignity away from you. No one. No one should ever have permission, in your life, to take away your dignity as a daughter created in God’s image and likeness,” he said.
The afternoon centered on two presentations designed to help young women better understand their dignity, femininity, and personal identity.
The first talk was given by Kathleen Chovanes, a certified fertility awareness instructor and chair of the NFP task force for the Diocese.
Chovanes spoke about womanhood by outlining the difference between true femininity and feminine stereotypes. Pointing out things like playing with dolls, being thin and delicate, being pretty, or even liking the color pink are all forms of feminine stereotypes
“These are not bad things … these are preferences. They’re common, and they’re fine. But they are not what makes us inherently feminine,” she said.
Chovanes explained the Christian belief that human beings are both body and soul in union. Therefore, stereotypes are not nearly enough to define a woman. Reminding the women in the room that they are beautifully and intentionally made in God’s likeness, Chovanes then presented on the changes that occur for young women as their bodies grow.
Chovanes provided age-appropriate information about puberty and the physical changes young women experience as they mature. She explained what changes are expected, when concerns should be discussed with a trusted adult or medical professional, and how understanding these developments can help girls appreciate the way God created them.
“Young women, now you are entering a phase where your body is beginning to harness that God-given creative power through a little process called puberty,” she said.
She also encouraged young women to be cautious of social media and AI during these changes. “It is easy to go searching for answers using these tools. But we have to remember that these tools are computers that are programmed to spit out data. They are not people who love and care for you,” Chovanes said. She recommended to the girls that they seek the support of the family sharing tea with them nowwhen they notice these changes begin.
Lillian Fallon, author of Ascension Press’s “Theology of Style: Expressing the Unique and Unrepeatable You,” offered the second presentation of the afternoon.
In the years since releasing her book, Fallon has become a role model for young women within the Diocese and beyond. She challenged the girls in attendance to evaluate their personal style and reflect on how it can emphasize uniqueness and their individual dignity.
Through prayer, fellowship, and practical presentations, the Mother-Daughter Tea encouraged participants to celebrate the dignity of womanhood and embrace the unique gifts God has given them. Organizers hope the event continues to provide young women and their families with opportunities for faith formation, community, and support.
The NFP Task Force consists of a committee of members whose mission is to serve members of the diocesan community in fertility awareness by supporting couples on their NFP journey. Through this task force, couples can find community and talks provided to support their God-given body and gifts.
United Hearts Life Mission, a non-profit organization based out of Macungie, works to provide pro-life care to women while honoring the dignity of all life through the practice of ob-gyn Dr. Maryanne Freeman-Brndjar.
Photos by Ed Koskey.
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