Mother & Daughter Seminar at Church of the Nativity

By Razier and Christina Harragin

On Saturday, April 11, the meeting room at the  Church of the Nativity in Crystal Stream, Diego Martin, became a space of fellowship and grace. From beginning to end, the mother-and-daughter seminar was well-structured and organised.

Lead facilitator Pauline Phelps, alongside co-facilitator Joan Ryan hosted a five-hour seminar dedicated to guiding young ladies aged 11 to 17 and the significant women in their lives, as they journey together through God’s design for womanhood. Susan Henry was also on hand to give logistical support.

Pauline is an accredited Billings Ovulations Method coach and is BOMA-TT’s Coordinator. BOMA-TT hosts many workshops throughout the Archdiocese and schools, geared towards educating children and young adults about self-respect and the gift of the body.

Temples of the Holy Spirit

The seminar at Nativity Church provided a supportive, faith-filled environment to discuss the transition from childhood to young adulthood. Rooted in the understanding that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, the session included:

• Understanding God’s Design: A clear, informative overview of puberty, framed as a natural and holy transition into womanhood
• Health and Wholeness: Practical wisdom on physical wellness and caring for the gift of the body
• Dignity and Virtue: A guided discussion on the sanctity of human life, the virtue of self-respect, and the maturing responsibilities that come with growing in age and wisdom

A communion of generations

There were collectively 16 mothers and daughters in attendance at the session, but the seminar is open to all significant women in young ladies’ lives—reflecting the beautiful domestic Church in action. One mother attended with three of her daughters, a powerful testament to the importance of nurturing the family bond. My daughter, Christina, and I were blessed to be part of this group, and we both agreed that it was a day incredibly well spent.

Strengthening the covenant of family

Parts of the retreat were dedicated to private heart-to-heart conversations. Mothers and daughters were given a confidential space to share thoughts and questions, strengthening the unique bond they share. Pauline emphasised that the learning continues well beyond the seminar—the day served as a foundation for ongoing dialogue between our young ladies and their mothers. She encouraged attendees to:

• Intentionally create opportunities for deeper connection, within the coming month and onwards. Engaging in shared activities was recommended as a natural way to invite casual, honest conversation about the journey into womanhood
• Take advantage of the many resources available after the seminar, including free consultations and reading materials

We are fearfully and wonderfully made

For all who attended, especially the mothers, the seminar was a beautiful reminder of our vocation as primary educators and guides. It was a day spent building trust, sharing knowledge, and celebrating the divine gift of the next generation of Catholic women. I am reminded of this beautiful Scripture:

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” — Psalm 139:14

BOMA-TT Phone or WhatsApp: 384-1659, Email: naturalfertility@catholictt.org or billingstt@gmail.com, Local Website: billingstt.com, International Websites: woombinternational.org

or billings.life