NAMW

The advent of Flocknote changed the landscape for the National Association of Melkite Women (NAMW).  For the first time in the history of the organization, communication with the women of the Eparchy is simple and effective.  NAMW started the church year in September with the kick-off of a monthly Flocknote newsletter designed to provide connection, communication and faith formation to Melkite Women as well as support the Eparchy’s vocations.

Sayidna François clarified his vision for the organization, saying he would like to see a ladies’ organization in each parish, each of them a chapter of NAMW.  He stated that learning to pray and learning our faith are important goals of his episcopate and charged the women not to neglect them.

Connection

The Eparchy of Newton encompasses the vast continent of North America, thousands of miles separating east and west coast churches.  Opportunities for fellowship and friendship are often as few and as far between as our parishes.  This year, NAMW is striving to start a conversation among the parish women’s organizations, sharing successes, best practices and ideas for vocations fundraisers.

In parishes where the unity among women has faltered, NAMW provides an opportunity to work together toward the common goal of supporting vocations – truly an effort everyone can get behind.

Communications

A monthly newsletter and meeting agenda comprise NAMW’s general communication via Flocknote.  Meeting agendas are designed to provide an outline and structure to new ladies’ organizations or those that would like to use a prepared format.

Faith Formation: Each month, NAMW newsletters focus on an aspect of our common faith, starting with who we are as a church.  The goal is to help everyone grow in their faith and knowledge of the church and the God we serve.

Vocations

Historically, the women of the Eparchy have provided a monthly stipend for seminarians who are in active formation for the Melkite Church.  Funds for the young men are generously donated through the dues of each woman and through designated parish fundraisers.  During the 2022-23 year, NAMW fundraisers from parishes across the United States made it possible to provide a substantial contribution to the Eparchy to defray the costs of Vianney Vocations, a consulting organization who is helping the Melkite church attract and develop men with a desire to serve as clergy.

NAMW and Parish Ladies’ Organizations

For parishes without a robust ladies’ organization, NAMW encourages pastors to help start a chapter.  All that is required is a few ladies with a desire to work together for the good of the parish and Eparchy-wide vocations.  Each parish is asked to collect annual dues of $25 per member to support NAMW’s ongoing work.  In addition, each chapter dedicates the proceeds of one annual fundraiser.  Chapters can choose to use the monthly meeting agendas as a starting point for their meetings or follow their own format.

Co-chaired by Kh. Jocelyn Abyad and Kh. Sylvia Dorham, NAMW also relies on the skills of secretary Caridad Naddaf and treasurer Sue Ammar to accomplish its goals.

If you have questions about NAMW, vocations support or how to start a chapter at your parish, email namw@melkite.org , respond to a Flocknote message, or sign up at this link: https://MelkiteEparchyofNewton.flocknote.com/Members-NAMW

For now, please contact us at namw@melkite.org and we will keep you in the loop!