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St. Dominic hosts first Women’s Summit
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By Macie Capote
Clarion Herald
The Women of Saints Martha and Mary Ministry at St. Dominic Parish hosted its first-ever Women’s Summit on Sept. 14, entitled “Harmony of Hearts.”
The gathering aimed to address three significant areas of human struggle, “confronting loneliness, conquering distraction and championing justice.” Approximately 100 women from more than 20 parishes came together to share in prayer, learning and fellowship, with participants from all faith backgrounds.
Father Wayne Paysse, pastor of St. Dominic, opened the summit with a prayer. The summit featured three speakers: Regina Boyd, who addressed the issue of “confronting loneliness”; Stacy LaMorte, who offered advice on “conquering distraction”; and Ty Salvant, who spoke about “championing justice.” Attendees were guided through a thoughtful exploration of these topics, connecting on both spiritual and practical levels.
Marianite Sister Judy Gomila served as the facilitator, and Monica Julianna Miller offered a song after every presentation to further express the ideas of each speaker.
The annual summit was developed after Father Paysse shared with members of St. Dominic’s “Women of Martha and Mary” ministry about two all-female gatherings held at his former parish, Our Lady of Lourdes in Slidell, which had attracted more than 300 women from various faith backgrounds.
Salvant, St. Dominic’s communications director and one of the event’s speakers, said she was amazed by the feedback she received from the attendees.
“Considering that 80% of the attendees made a meaningful connection with someone at the summit, the goals of uplifting and supporting women while building community were met,” Salvant said. “The day was filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit, marking the beginning of a beautiful new tradition for the parish.”
Called to be charitable
One of the summit’s committee members Melissa Wender found herself moved by the call to service highlighted during Salvant’s presentation.
“The talk on Catholic Social Teaching reminded me of our need to serve and live a life of charity,” Wender said. “I left Ty’s talk inspired to serve in areas in our community where I have not often served.”
Attendee Pamby Barfield reflected on LaMorte’s presentation, sharing how it prompted her to re-evaluate her routines.
“Stacy’s presentation provided an opportunity to examine my evenings and reflect on how I can intentionally rest and recoup some time to invest in other areas of my life,” she said.
Sister Judy described the event as “a glorious experience of faith and the feminine in action.”
“The Women’s Summit at St. Dominic was an opportunity for all – young moms to widowed grannies – to share life and faith,” she said. “I especially appreciated each luncheon table dedicated to female saints. We stand on their shoulders!”
Plans for the second annual Women’s Summit are underway, and resources are being added from this year’s summit to St. Dominic’s website, Salvant said.
For information on this year’s event and to sign up to receive details on next year’s event, visit stdominicparish.com/womens-summit.
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