Mothers, daughters learn “spiritual beauty lasts forever”

The archdiocesan Marriage and Family Life Office and the Office of Children’s Evangelism and Discipleship recently hosted “Altogether Lovely,” a bilingual program for mothers and daughters geared toward opening conversations about all things truth and beauty as well as the physical changes that girls will experience as they become young women. 

The event, which was held at the Catholic Pastoral Center, was a follow-up to the first “Wonderfully Made” program held this past fall for young women ages 12 and up and their mothers. The latest program was adjusted for girls ages 8-12.

“Altogether Lovely” included games, tea party-style treats, teen witnesses on friendship and faith, and talks on theology and the biology of puberty. Three local Catholic doctors: Dr. Alyssa Penick and Dr. Lauren Fehr from Saint Anthony Family Medicine, and Dr. Alejandra de Santiago, who practices medicine in Anadarko, gave the biology presentation. 

They discussed the changes girls will be experiencing in the next few years and gave advice for mothers to model positive body image. They told the girls how important it is to have good hygiene and healthy habits. 

Lauren Nelson from “Gathering Manna” and Lisa Carrasco from the Office of Marriage and Family Life gave presentations on beauty and truth. 
Nelson presented in English and Carrasco in Spanish. They shared with the girls that everyone has an eternal soul; that physical beauty may fade, but spiritual beauty lasts forever.

They also spoke about how feelings can come and go, so people shouldn’t always act on those feelings, especially without taking time to ask, “What is true?” in a situation. 

Isabella Godinez and Rebekah Cleary shared with the girls how important it is to let God define who they are – not the pressure from the world, social media or boys – and to put him first in their lives because he loves them so much. 

Rachel Jackson and Alejandra Godinez talked about how important it is to have a few good friends who will lead them to holiness. Jackson explained that a good rule is to say two positive things right away and challenge friends to do the same. Godinez said sometimes it’s good to walk away from friends who are leading them away from God, but still pray for them. 

At the end of the program, the mothers and daughters prayed together. 
The next program for mothers and daughters will be for girls ages 12 and older on Aug. 13 at Saint Mark Catholic Church in Norman. 

To stay updated on such events, e-mail Noelle McHugh at [email protected].