By Thea Jarvis

On an overcast April Tuesday, a small group of women drifts into the library just off Our Lady of the Assumption's school cafeteria.

Some tote baby bottles or cling to energetic pre-schoolers. Others just bring themselves. Every now and then, a lively toddler breaks away and makes a beeline for the cafeteria stage -- with momma at his heels.

Once the children are successfully settled in an adjacent nursery -- all but a gurgling five-month-old content to watch the proceedings from her mother's lap -- the women begin their meeting of Mothers in Christian Community.

Gathered around an oversized conference table, the women's scripture and shared prayer flow easily, as among old friends. Prayers are offered for sick children, troubled marriages, in thanksgiving for a baby's birth.

The topic under consideration today is "The Gifts of Women." Those present are asked to think about a gift they are grateful for and a gift they would like to have.

Next, a delightfully probing filmstrip focuses on four women who, through following different life paths, are able to use their talents effectively, making the world a richer, fuller place. The discussion that follows considers these women and allows those gathered to share a gift with which they have been blessed -- love for children, listening, enthusiasm, insight, concern for others.

What emerges throughout the session is a panoply of female individuality which, because it is pooled together on a regular basis, provides a dynamic network of support and community.

Mothers in Christian Community has been meeting weekly at this northside Atlanta parish for only a year and a half. During the summer, meetings are held once a month. But in that time frame, a real camaraderie has developed, fostering friendship and family-feeling among the women who attend.

The group was begun by OLA's director of religious education, Anita Willoughby, who conducted a survey of nursery parents almost two years ago to determine the interests of young parish families. The responses indicated the appropriateness of a mothers' group.

"There are four women's groups that meet in the parish," said Mrs. Willoughby. "This is the only one with a nursery available."

During the first few months of the group's existence, discussion, led by Mrs. Willoughby, focused on parent/child communication. Later, other topics were developed, including women in the scriptures and John Powell's "Fully Alive," as well as parental concerns. Discussion leadership became a shared responsibility as participants became more comfortable with one another.

"We consider value systems, spirituality, practical day-to-day living," said Patty Anderson, a group leader and founder who is the mother of two young children.

Anywhere from a minimum of four to a maximum of 20 women attend the gatherings, which are held weekly to allow for normal family occurrences -- sickness, travel, doctor's appointments.

A sense of informality and acceptance characterizes the group, whose members run the gamut from a mother of six with college-age children to a young expectant mother. Most have come seeking a reprieve from the isolation that surrounds many women today.

"I was just lonely," said Mary Walsh, tending five-month-old Allison as she spoke. "I was home with a three-year-old and I needed to meet people, especially other mothers. My neighbors were all older."

The need for outside interaction -- apart from the tennis, bridge, and garden clubs so readily available on the Atlanta scene -- was echoed around the table.

"The way you get involved is through your family," Melanie Brent, the mother of two teens and a pre-schooler, observed. "Sometimes you wait until (the children) are in school. This group gives people a chance to become involved before school."

Pamela Tomaszewski, whose family includes a fourth grader and a high school junior, has found Mothers in Christian Community to be a "really positive, uplifting" experience.

"One person told me that until she came (to the group) she didn't have any friends in the parish," said Anita Willoughby, who has seen many of the women go on to take a more active role in the parish once they had gained confidence through the open-armed acceptance of other mothers.

The very real isolation of the American women at home -- especially the young mother -- provides a not-to-be-missed opportunity for the Church to extend its hand of friendship and support. OLA is taking advantage of that opportunity, building community quietly but effectively through this ongoing effort that promotes personal commitment and outreach from parish women.

Personal invitation to meet with other mothers are continually extended to parents whose babies have recently been baptized and to friends and neighbors of those who presently attend. With a mother's spirit of generosity, the group openly affirms new life and growth among its membership.

"When I see mothers with young children in church, I ask them to come to our meetings," smiles Patty Anderson, with the enthusiasm of one who has herself experienced the support and friendship of Assumption mothers.