In this episode, we sit down with Kelly Lugo, a single mother and the author of The Single Parent’s Devotional: 101 Reminders of God’s Purpose and Promises for Your Life. Kelly opens up about her personal journey through single motherhood. Through her story, she reminds us that Scripture is alive and full of encouragement for every season of life. Her devotional book offers reflections specifically for single parents, rooted in God’s unwavering love and faithfulness.

Items of Note in This Episode:

• Kelly's Book: The Single Parent’s Devotional: 101 Reminders of God’s Purpose and Promises for Your Life – A collection of 101 Scripture-based devotionals offering spiritual encouragement and reminders of God’s promises for single parents.
• James 1:2–3 – “Consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials,” a foundational passage that shaped Kelly’s understanding of perseverance and spiritual growth.
• 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 – Paul’s reflection on God’s strength made perfect in weakness—a truth Kelly experienced firsthand in her own limitations as a mother.
• Romans 5:3–5 – A powerful reminder that “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
• John 5:1–15 – The story of the man at the pool of Bethesda, which resonated deeply with Kelly as she waited on the Lord for healing and restoration.
• The Chosen – Kelly shares how The Chosen helped her experience Jesus’ mercy more intimately.

For more information about Momentum and our services, please visit: www.momentummothers.org Or contact us at: [email protected]

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of Momentum: Catholic Single Mothers.

In this episode "Starting a Momentum Chapter", we speak with JoAnn Lacheny, a single mother of two daughters and a chemical engineer who launched the first Momentum chapter in the United States, located in The Woodlands, Texas. With over 15 years of leadership experience in the chemical industry and a deep passion for her Catholic faith, JoAnn shares how she stepped into ministry to serve other single mothers in her parish community.

As Chapter Leader at St. Anthony of Padua, JoAnn facilitates Momentum gatherings that offer spiritual growth, healing, and a strong sense of community for Catholic single moms. Now stepping into the role of Regional Director, she will be supporting new chapter leaders in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and helping to grow the mission of Momentum across Texas.

Items of Note in This Episode:

Walking with Moms in Need: A nationwide, parish-based initiative by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops that equips Catholic communities to support and accompany pregnant and parenting women in need through friendship and access to local resources. Website: www.walkingwithmoms.com

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church (The Woodlands, TX): A Roman Catholic parish in The Woodlands, Texas, dedicated to discipleship, community, and service. It serves as the home of the first Momentum chapter in the U.S. Website: www.ap.church

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston: One of the largest and most diverse Catholic archdioceses in the United States, serving over 1.7 million Catholics across southeastern Texas. Website: www.archgh.org

For more information about Momentum and our services, please visit: www.momentummothers.org or contact [email protected].

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the podcast do not necessarily represent those of Momentum: Catholic Single Mothers.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Daniel Cere, a scholar in religious studies and the philosophy of love and marriage. Dr. Cere brings deep insight into the biblical theme of nuptial longing, exploring how Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well reveals our innate desire for communion, love, and fulfillment. Together, we discuss how this passage speaks to single moms, pointing us toward Christ as the ultimate Bridegroom.

Items of Note in This Episode:

John 4:1-42 – The passage where Jesus encounters the Samaritan woman at the well, offering her "living water" and inviting her into a relationship that fulfills her deepest longings.

Dominus Vobiscum Retreat Centre: Located in Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon, Quebec, the Dominus Vobiscum Retreat Centre is a place of peace and renewal, offering retreats that help families grow in prayer and deepen their faith. To learn more about Dominus Vobiscum, visit www.dominusvobiscum.ca.

Amy Simple McPherson: Amy Simple McPherson (1890-1944) was a pioneering Pentecostal evangelist and founder of the Foursquare Church. She became famous for her work in radio evangelism, large tent revivals, and for being one of the first women to lead a major religious organization in the United States. Her life and ministry had a profound impact on the Pentecostal movement, and her story speaks to the transformative power of faith.

For more information about Momentum and our services, please visit: www.momentummothers.org or contact [email protected].

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the podcast do not necessarily represent those of Momentum: Catholic Single Mothers.

In this episode, Navigating the Highs and Lows of Our Faith Journey, we sit down with Jackie Cere, Director of the Dominus Vobiscum Retreat Centre and a spiritual director with over 25 years of experience. Jackie has been a dedicated supporter of Momentum since its inception and a member of our leadership team, with a deep heart for single mothers. She brings profound wisdom on the journey of discernment, consolation, desolation, and hope, sharing how these spiritual movements, rooted in Ignatian Spirituality, can help navigate life's highs and lows and foster trust in God’s plan.

Items of Note in This Episode:

Ignatian Discernment: Jackie explains how St. Ignatius’ principles of consolation and desolation can guide us in making decisions and finding peace amidst uncertainty. Learn more about these principles at IgnatianSpirituality.com.

Dominus Vobiscum Retreat Centre: Located in Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon, Quebec, the Dominus Vobiscum Retreat Centre is a place of peace and renewal, offering retreats that help families grow in prayer and deepen their faith. To learn more about Dominus Vobiscum, visit www.dominusvobiscum.ca.

For more information about Momentum and our services, please visit: www.momentummothers.org or contact [email protected].

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the podcast do not necessarily represent those of Momentum: Catholic Single Mothers.

In this episode, God’s Perfect Plan, Rose, Talitha, and Claire from the Momentum Leadership Team share their reflections on the deep longing for marriage and the dream of a perfect family. They discuss how they navigated the challenges of waiting, trusting, and ultimately surrendering to God’s will.

Items of Note in This Episode:

Biblical Reflection: Claire shares the powerful and comforting passage from Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Dr. Seuss Inspiration: Talitha references the beloved Dr. Seuss book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, reflecting on the concept of being present in the moment and not living in a state of limbo.

From Suffering to Hope – Romans 5:3-5: Rose highlights this passage, which beautifully connects suffering to hope: “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

Rose Hawthorne Lathrop: Rose introduces listeners to Rose Hawthorne Lathrop, who became a Catholic and dedicated her life to serving the poor and terminally ill. Her story is a testament to finding God’s purpose in unexpected ways.

For more information about Momentum and our services, please visit: www.momentummothers.org or contact [email protected].

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the podcast do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Momentum: Catholic Single Mothers.

In this episode, “It’s Not the End of the Story,” we are joined by Andorra Howard, a member of Madonna House DC, who shares a beautiful testimony of hope and faith. Andorra reflects on the life of Catherine Doherty, the founder of Madonna House, who herself was a single mother. She also shares her experience of being raised by a single mother and reflects on the profound impact of leading a Momentum retreat focused on God the Father. Through Andorra’s heartfelt sharing, we are reminded to look up and see God even in the most challenging of circumstances.

Other items of note:

Madonna House Apostolate, where Andorra serves, is a Catholic community of lay men, women, and priests dedicated to serving God through prayer, hospitality, and service to others. Founded by Catherine Doherty, Madonna House is rooted in simplicity and love for Christ, offering a place of retreat, reflection, and spiritual renewal. For more information, visit www.madonnahouse.org.

Catherine Doherty's autobiography, “Fragments of My Life,” provides a deeply personal account of her journey, including her struggles and triumphs as a single mother and her unwavering faith in God.

For more information about Momentum and our services, please visit: www.momentummothers.org or contact [email protected].

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the podcast do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Momentum: Catholic Single Mothers.

In part two of our parenting series, Elena Borrega returns to explore the transformative role of listening in parenting. She shares how practicing presence and compassion when listening to our children creates a safe space for them to feel heard, express themselves, and build problem-solving skills. Elena beautifully connects this approach to the way God listens to us—attentively, patiently, and lovingly. Through this conversation, she offers single mothers valuable insights into nurturing their children’s emotional and spiritual growth by embracing intentional listening.

For more information about Momentum and our services, please visit: www.momentummothers.org or contact [email protected].

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the podcast do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Momentum: Catholic Single Mothers.

In this episode, “Mothering Ourselves and Our Children,” which is part one of a two-part series on parenting, we have the privilege of speaking with Elena Borrega, a seasoned educator and spiritual director, who has spent over four decades working with families, children, and teachers. Elena shares her insights into parenting through the lens of faith, particularly for single mothers. She shares how healing ourselves is essential in becoming the parents our children need. Elena offers heartfelt reflections on how cultivating a relationship with God enables us to parent our children with greater awareness and compassion.

Other items of note that Elena mentions during the episode:

Ignatian Spiritual Director (Montreal Ignatian Spirituality Centre): A spiritual director trained in the Ignatian tradition helps guide individuals through spiritual exercises and discernment, rooted in the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The Montreal Ignatian Spirituality Centre offers programs that focus on personal reflection, prayer, and deepening one’s connection with God. For more information, visit www.ignatiancentremtl.org

For more information about Momentum and our services, please visit: www.momentummothers.org or contact [email protected].

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the podcast do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Momentum: Catholic Single Mothers.

In this episode, we sit down with Nadia, a single mom who shares her journey. From the loss of her father at a young age to becoming a mother, Nadia opens up about the challenges she faced and the support she received along the way. She expresses tremendous gratitude to those who helped her and shares her message to women: keep reaching out for support.

Other items of note that Nadia mentions during the episode:

The Sisters of Life: The Sisters of Life are a contemplative/active Roman Catholic community of women religious, who profess the three traditional vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and a fourth vow to protect and enhance the sacredness of human life. Their missions include serving women who are vulnerable to abortion, giving them the support and resources to be able to choose life for themselves and their children; hosting weekend retreats; evangelization; outreach to college students; and helping women who have suffered after abortion to encounter the mercy and healing of Jesus Christ. https://sistersoflife.org/

McGill Newman Centre: The McGill Newman Centre in Montreal is a Catholic student center affiliated with McGill University. It serves as a hub for Catholic students and others interested in exploring and deepening their faith. Named after John Henry Newman, an important figure in the Catholic Church known for his work in education and theology, the Newman Centre aims to provide a supportive community and a range of spiritual, social, and intellectual activities. https://newmancentre.org/

For more information about Momentum and our services, please visit: www.momentummothers.org or contact [email protected].

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the podcast do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Momentum: Catholic Single Mothers.

In this episode of the Catholic Single Mothers Podcast, Tessa shares her deeply personal journey as a single mother. Despite enduring a challenging marriage in another country, Tessa found the courage to leave and return to Canada, not knowing she was pregnant at the time. Through perseverance, and support of key people, she navigated the uncertainties of single motherhood, discovering the power of self-love and the trust that she was not alone along the way.

For more information about Momentum and our services, please visit: www.momentummothers.org or contact [email protected].

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the podcast do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Momentum: Catholic Single Mothers.