Catholic Single Mothers

In this episode, we sit down with MerryJill Milne, who shares her journey through marriage, separation, and becoming a single mother. With honesty and depth, she reflects on the pain of leaving her marriage, the grief that followed, and the profound healing she experienced through surrendering her life to Jesus. MerryJill speaks about the reality of walking through brokenness while learning to tru...

In this episode, we sit down with Fr. Kevin Darwent, a priest with the Companions of the Cross and pastor of St. Willibrord’s Parish, who shares his powerful personal journey of faith. Fr. Kevin opens up about a difficult season when he was asked to leave the seminary, and the deep spiritual journey that followed. Through this experience, he reflects on the movement from poverty to authenticity, a...

In this episode, Jennifer shares her journey of coming to Canada, discovering she was pregnant, and navigating the challenges of finding out she was expecting. She speaks openly about the fears, uncertainties, and moments of grace that shaped her path. She also reflects on the importance of community, how connecting with other women, including Momentum, provided encouragement and understanding. Je...

In this episode, we sit down with Kathleen and Eric Cook, parishioners of St. Ignatius Parish, who have volunteered with Momentum’s Annual Single Mothers Retreat at Dominus Vobiscum Retreat Centre since 2018. They share what it has been like to serve at the retreat over the years and the powerful impact they have witnessed as women encounter faith, community, and healing. They also reflect on how...

In this episode, we sit down with Cara Palanca, a teacher, singer, and dedicated volunteer who supports Momentum retreats through childcare and music. Cara is also the daughter of a single mother, and she shares openly about her experience growing up, offering a heartfelt perspective on what children notice, absorb, and emulate. Cara reflects on the importance of mothers caring for themselves, not...

In this episode, we sit down with Fr. Garrick, pastor of St. Willibrord’s Parish in Verdun, Montreal. Originally from Vancouver, he has served in several communities across Quebec and has accompanied Momentum mothers at multiple retreats. Fr. Garrick shares his story as the son of a single mother, speaking with honesty and gratitude about the challenges and graces and how it shaped his heart as a...

In this episode, we sit down with Fr. Eugene O’Donnell, a priest in the Diocese of Dallas who serves as a parochial vicar at Holy Family of Nazareth Catholic Church in Irving, Texas. Before entering the priesthood, Fr. Eugene was a single father, a journey that has deeply shaped his understanding of God’s mercy and pastoral care. Fr. Eugene has been a strong supporter of the Momentum Irving Chapte...

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 specifical...

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 si...

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...

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 dis...

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 pass...

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 Momen...

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 l...

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 h...

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 duri...

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 o...

In this episode, we delve into Catherine's journey as a single mother, a spiritual director, and a source of wisdom. Catherine opens up about her experiences raising her children alone since they were just 5 and 7 years old. Through heartfelt reflections, she offers us glimpses into pivotal moments of insight and inspiration in her spiritual journey. Catherine shares how her relationship with God...

Josephine is a single mom, a dedicated nurse by profession, and a resilient cancer survivor. In this episode, she shares about her unwavering faith in God and how it serves as the foundation for her strength and positivity. Josephine provides insight and inspiration about how to find hope in the face of adversity.   Other items of note that Josephine mentions during the episode: Divine Mercy...

In this episode, Fr. Rob Elford reflects on shame, its impact on our lives, and offers suggestions on how to free ourselves from it. Fr. Elford, a former naval officer who followed a calling to the Priesthood, now serves as the Pastor at Stella Maris Parish in Halifax. Additionally, he serves as the Chaplain for Momentum. For more information about Momentum and our services, please visit: www.mome...

Anne is a single mother of an adult son who has special needs. She has been raising him alone for the past 47 years. Anne candidly shares the highs and lows of navigating the challenges of parenting as a single mother within the Catholic faith. She reflects on her journey, and how she overcame obstacles to ensure both she and her son find a meaningful place within the Church. For more information...

Corey was raised by a single mother. In this episode, he shares his journey, discusses his relationship with his mother, and imparts key insights he has learned along the way. His reflections are both moving and valuable for single mothers and any parent to hear. Other items of note that Corey mentions during the episode: NET Canada Ministries: NET is a ministry that sends teams of young adults to...

Talitha was a single mother for 14 years. She is now married and has two more young children with her husband. During this 25-minute episode. Talitha shares about the journey that led her from bitterness to fulfillment. She reflects on key turning points where God guided her to bring the desires of her heart to Him. Talitha is interviewed by Claire, co-founder of Momentum. For more information abo...

Vicky, a single mother of two children aged 11 and 14, shares her heartfelt journey during this 30-minute episode. Reflecting on her personal and faith development, Vicky opens up about her experiences of moving from Argentina to Canada and navigating the challenges of relationships and single motherhood. She candidly shares how Mary, played a pivotal role in reconnecting her with Jesus and God, l...

Shelley is a single mother of two adopted daughters from China. During this 40-minute episode, Shelley shares about her faith journey, how she felt God calling her to adoption, as well as a key turning point where after 10 years of not speaking to God, she reconnected with Him. Shelley is interviewed by Talitha, co-founder of Momentum. For more information about Momentum and our services, please v...