The Joy of Catholic Friendships

Susan Ciancio contemplates how much we need the love and encouragement of our fellow Catholics.

Twenty-four years ago I had my first child—a beautiful baby girl. I had always known that I wanted to nurse her, so when I found out that the hospital I delivered in offered a weekly breastfeeding support group for new moms, I happily went. We had recently moved to the area, and I was eager to meet some other new moms.

What I found at that group was not only support but lifelong friendship. When I first started attending, there were eight of us. Amazingly, five were Catholic. That group of women was a godsend.

For space reasons, the hospital’s policy was that moms could only meet there until her baby was three months old. But we all got along so well that, after those three months, we decided we would continue to meet weekly and that we would rotate houses to do so.

Our group met for five years. Along the way, a couple of people left, and even one or two new people joined. Most of us had our second children around the same time. But our core group stayed.

After five years, I moved away, but I still remain in contact with several of them via Facebook and text. However, one in particular—and one who is also Catholic—has become one of my greatest friends and a champion that I never even knew I needed. Jennifer has taught me what it means to be a supportive Catholic friend. Her friendship has taught me why it’s so important to have a sister in the faith.

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The world can be a cold and daunting place. As all adults know, friends come and go. And many possess outstanding qualities that help us through difficult times. But to have a friend who shares your faith, who truly understands you from a Catholic perspective, and who helps you become a better Catholic is a true gift.

In addition to editing, I write fairly frequently. Jennifer reads everything I write—and not just because I send the articles to her. She genuinely wants to read what I have to say. I have been on the radio and on podcasts, and she even takes the time to listen. Jennifer gives me something priceless—her time.

When I need a friend, Jennifer is there with a call or text. She was there for me with Catholic wisdom at the lowest part in my life, and she has been there through the good times. When I have something I’m worried about, she is there with advice. When I need to talk about silly things, she is willing to listen. And I do the same for her because friendship must be a two-way street.

So as we draw closer to Christmas and to a time when gift-giving is first and foremost on our minds, I want to stress the importance of the gift of faithful friendships.

Click to tweet:
All friends are valuable, but it’s the faith-filled friends who truly care about your soul who can make a world of difference in your life. #catholicmom

All friends are valuable, but it’s the faith-filled friends who truly care about your soul who can make a world of difference in your life. These people help strengthen our resolve to be a better Catholic. They help us see people in a more Christlike way. And they bring us closer to Christ because in them we can see a little bit of His love.

This is a gift of immense proportions—a gift we should feel thankful for each and every day. And it’s a gift we should give freely to the women in our lives.

So look around at the women you are friends with. Do these people build you up? Do they truly care about whether you end up in heaven or not? Do they even believe in God?

If you don’t have good Catholic friends, I urge you to join a moms’ group at your church, find some online Catholic forums, or even start a Catholic book club in your area. As faith-filled women, we need the love and encouragement of our fellow Catholics. We need someone to help us on the road to heaven. We all need a Jennifer.

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