*Comments on this post are now closed. For exact directions on what to do, go to the St. Greg's Pocket page!*
Do you remember this post of Sukie's, in which she casually refers to “ little pockets of like-minded communities spread all over”? Unfortunately the comments didn't make it over to the new site here, but there were a lot, as many of you lamented your inability to find these pockets of which she spoke.
And do you further remember this meet-up? I know, it was last year… so long ago.
Basically, I responded to all those laments with my thoughts on how to get started. Here at Like Mother, Like Daughter, we began having a vague idea of how to loosely connect all the groups, provide a bit of guidance, and in general just encourage you to get started… but just vague.
Some of you are already in the midst of a thriving community of friends. But I keep hearing many of you say that you would like to connect with other Like Mother, Like Daughter readers — either a women's group or a couples' group. (And who knows, maybe men's groups as well.)
Well, now that Sukie just wants to meet up with some ladies in her neighborhood, we are going to actually do it.
Announcing the official Like Mother, Like Daughter, Pocket-Forming Kindred-Spirit-Finding, Community-Making debut!
On the Feast of Glorious St. Gregory, beloved by Protestants and Catholics and Orthodox alike! Gregory rescued the disintegrating city by bringing true worship of Christ to the people. You might not know it, but this is what you are called to do as well. So he's a great patron!
Here's how it will work, for now, at least.
If you would like to start a group of like-minded readers of our humble journal here, all you have to do is set up a Facebook “group” page for it. This group must be private.* Then send the link to Sukie at LMLDblog (at) gmail (dot) com. If you don't get how to set that up, ask us. Sukie is standing by to guide you.
She will post the link and your general area on a new tab just for that purpose on our menu bar.
This is not the kind of Facebook group you might be used to. It's not primarily to discuss things on Facebook. Instead, it's to use that platform to find each other and meet in real life, in real time, making real friendships. Your own little pocket.
If you would like to find a group, all you have to do is look here on the blog! Of course, it will take a while for the groups to appear, so starting one is your best bet at this point — but starting the group doesn't necessarily mean running it! Others will spring up to help you, I feel sure!
Your group will be private, closed. Do not set your group to public, because we want you to be safe! To join a group, you will need to find it here. We are the home page for the groups, but you are starting them.
If you live in the area of the group, just message or email the moderator of that group (not Sukie) with your bona fides, your stellar character, your sincerity. These can take the form of your blog URL, the church you attend, your address, your cousin's twitter account, or whatever it takes for the moderator to believe that you are indeed a nice person and not a scary internet stalker.
The groups can meet at someone's home, the church hall, the playground, or the library. Your call.
You may already have a group and are open to adding like-minded LMLD readers — that's fine, you can link it here and our readers can find you if they are in your area.
To have your group approved here and to use our group name (more on that below), you need to include Sukie as “admin” on your page. When your group is big enough (also your call), someone else can just start another one.
So, read this post again to get the idea of what form this group could take. On Friday I hope to post about discussion ideas to keep a great conversation going, things to do together, and practical ways to care for each other.
Now, these groups can be called what you like. Personally, I am not a huge fan of acronyms as names of groups, so I encourage you to find an actual name.
Back to St. Gregory the Great, beloved by all Christians! He is not called “Father of the city, the joy of the world” for nothing! In the future, we will have a compendium of all the little efforts everywhere to live the authentic Christian life and we will call it The St. Gregory Guild. For this little start, let's use the name The St. Gregory Pocket.
You could call it the “Name of place” Pocket. Like, The Roxbury St. Greg's Pocket, The Nashville St. Greg's Pocket. Or St. Greg's Birmingham, St. Greg's Cobb's Hill. You might have your own ideas for names, and that's fine by me. I'd like to hear what they are!
We do think that it's important that you make this group local, as local as possible. The idea is to find your neighbors and make friends with them. Little by little, they will become your community. You will see.
~~
*Edited to say that you probably want to make this CLOSED but not PRIVATE. People need to be able to see it if they search for it/click the link, but they need to request membership (or be asked by you, the moderator of the group or other members). ALSO: You need to have another member to start a group. If you want, Sukie can be your other member until you get going — she needs to be on there anyway!
Jenny says
Funny you should mention The Nashville St. Greg’s Pocket. I’m in Nashville, but I will be shocked if anyone else is. But perhaps I will be surprised. And, of course, I don’t actually live in Nashville, but I do work here. Hello Nashville people! Are you out there?
Layla says
Surprise! Do start a Nashville pocket, Jenny, and I’ll look forward to meeting you (and I know others who will, too).
Jenny says
Well color me shocked. I’ll follow the instructions and see what comes.
Josie says
Nashville 🙂
Josie says
Nashville 🙂
CJ says
Nashville here, too!
Meredith says
Yes, I think there are more than a few Nashville readers here!
Jenny says
Alright I am creating the group, but can’t figure out how to create it without adding additional members. If this is the Meredith I think it might be, I’m sticking you in the group. If not, well I guess, I’ll explain it to her later. 😀
Shelley says
Nashville also.
Mary Keane says
My pocket has been coming through for me in a big way this week. I’m on bed rest and I have a four-year-old and a two-year-old who don’t stay still for very long! Five years ago we didn’t know anybody here. So it can happen!
Kathy@9peas says
I’m sure it is no surprise that I jumped right on this! What a wonderful idea, thank you Sukie and Leila!
Tamara says
This is wonderful! Thank you for finding a way to make this possible! Now if Rosie could just move north a few states so we can share all her cake when we meet up, that would be lovely 🙂
Rosie says
You know I’m game! (for the cake, at least. I don’t know about the moving…)
Deborah Conyers says
The St. Gregory’s Pocket sounds like a great idea to me. However, I live in a small town in SE West Virginia, with not too many Catholics. I don’t know if I can find a community, but I will try. I wonder if I should email the blog to those who I think would be interested?
My husband was recently ordained a Roman Catholic Priest under the Pastoral Provision, so I am also searching for my role in the church. I am in charge of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program in our parish, which includes three churches.
I am a Grandmother of two, neither my granddaughters nor either of my daughters are in the church (although I pray daily for that to change). I had searched for a blog that suited my stage of life, and heartily love Like Mother, Like Daughter. The frugality and resourcefulness have always been part of my life…with apples for sauce now piled on the counter, red raspberries for jam in the garden (picked daily), and tomatoes almost ready to sauce and can.
So, I will follow your instructions to begin the St. Gregory’s Pocket Community here in Greenbrier County, WV.
In Christ’s Love, Deborah
Leila says
Deborah, I think it’s important to think of this as the way to meet your neighbors. And who is your neighbor? Maybe not other Catholics, for you… 🙂 Bless you — if you can reach out to those around you, it will bless them, I just know it will! We will talk more about it in future posts. xoxo
Suzanne says
Deborah, I’m in Blacksburg, VA. I looked up Greenbriar Co, and while it’s not that close, it isn’t that far either. I’m sure there are other readers in the area!
Virginia says
I know a couple of Orthodox mamas in Southwest VA who might be interested… I will direct them here.
Deborah Conyers says
Blacksburg is about an hour’s drive. I drove down in June to take my adult daughter thrift shipping for her birthday.
I am going to try to set up the “Pocket”. Maybe our pocket will have to be a “Deep Pocket” in order to gather in a few more folks.
In Christ’s Love, Deborah
Heidi says
I believe the phrase “coming out of the woodwork” will be applicable here. This is gonna be epic. (Denver? How are we doing in Denver? I’ve entered into a covenant with my husband and with myself to not get involved in leading anything without approval from the extracurricular activity committee, or I’d just take care of the Denver group right now. Step up, my dears!)
Clare says
I’m in Denver and was thinking about starting up the FB group–not sure I’m in a position to lead anybody, but can certainly set up a place for us to find one!
Virginia says
Perhaps this means I’ll finally break down and rejoin Facebook. I left it in an ascetic frenzy after graduating from college. What a great idea!
Mrs. B. says
I don’t want to join Facebook, but my guess is that once you figure out who’s who in your area, email should be sufficient to be kept in the loop, right?
Leila says
Yes, Mrs. B — I know. FB is annoying and not everyone wants to join it. We couldn’t come up with a way of doing this at all efficiently without it, though.
But you should be able to follow the link, get the person’s contact info, and then just email them.
Mrs. B. says
I thought so too… But when I click on a group’s link in the St. Greg’s page here, I am asked to log in and I don’t see anything.
Molly says
You could try meetup.com – it doesn’t allow the “chatting” online like a FB group, but it’s a great way to facilitate in person meetings!
Susanna Q Cover says
Ok, so I’m trying to make a Milwaukee Pocket because I’m brand new to the area and would love some friends. Buuut, apparently to make a FB group you need a friend to add to it. Thanks, Facebook… So any other MKE/Tosa folks out there? Or any LMLD admins want to be my friend, at least until there’s more than me?
Gwenny says
I added my husband to start my group. Also, Sukie since I needed to make her an admin anyway
Susanna says
Thanks, Gwenny. I think you have to be friends with someone to add them (?) so I’ll add my husband for now.
Gina says
This is such a wonderful idea! I’m looking forward to seeing if one pops up for my area, and if not, then I might take the plunge and start one.
Joy in Alabama says
Anybody around Birmingham, Alabama? And do I have to be Catholic to start one?
Leila says
Joy, NO! Our vision is that the people involved in the pockets will not be seeking those *exactly* like themselves, but simply those who see value in the collective memory, appreciate beauty and goodness and truth, and enjoy reading this blog 🙂
So you do not have to be Catholic to start a Pocket! Nor should you have to be Catholic to join one! You will see — so much good will come of people just getting to know their neighbors…
Dianna says
I’m in Louisville, KY if there are any others around! May I suggest a map to allow people to locate each other? I’ve used zeemaps and it’s fairly straight forward to use.
@ Mrs. Conyers – We are members of the Ordinariate, and it’s lovely to see other former Anglicans 🙂 We’re a bit too far though!
Leila says
Dianna, hmmm… We will look into this idea.
Kristi says
Any readers out here in San Diego? 🙂 I’m not on Facebook, so I can’t start a group myself, but I’ll keep an eye on the blog to see if anyone else does. Thanks for getting this going, LMLD ladies!
Kathryn Jones says
I am in San Diego (well Escondido actually). My MIL and I are big fans of the blog and want to get a group going here!
Amanda says
Zee maps is wonderful, I’ve used it for similar features before!
I think I’ll be starting an Altoona, PA (or just central PA) group though I doubt anyone who reads this lives local to me. Can’t hurt to try though 🙂
Julie says
Anyone in the Inland Northwest? My facebook presence is blotchy and not very sophisticated, but if a group could meet….I might just brave the world of technology.
Lori says
I am in Washington state.
Kathleen L. says
I’m in Washington State,( far northwest corner).
Donna L. says
We are in Washington state, too–Far Northwest area .. I really don’t do Facebook at all–but I would adore driving to a “pocket”. I could bring goodies and 5 kiddos to the mix..
Theresa says
Washington state here! Seattle area pocket!
Julie says
Theresa- aaargh- I am way over here in spokane. Glad to know that there is a seattle pocket. Thanks for all of your work.
Mary says
I’m close to the WA/ID border near Spokane, don’t do FB though!
Jessica says
I’m in Tacoma and would love to organize a pocket! Would all the WA readers like to organize through meetup.com instead? I will start one there called “PNW Pocket” so we can find each other. 🙂
Theresa says
I’d rather do FB than Meetup…. feels more private! Plus, I think if people start using different social media sites to organize, it will be hard for LMLD to keep track of various groups!
Jessica says
Good thinking, plus Meetup gets pricey and FB is free. Here is the link for Seattle-Tacoma Pocket http://www.facebook.com/groups/503940616406986/
Hope to connect with some WA readers! 🙂
Julie says
Mary, I am in Spokane.
Jessica says
Is there anyone else in the Finger Lakes (Geneva-Seneca Falls-Auburn) area of New York? I would have loved something like this when we moved here two years ago – off to start a group!
Elizabeth says
I’m not on Facebook, but if someone wants to handle that aspect of it I’d be happy to host meetings and/or help organize for the Lafayette/West Lafayette area of Indiana!
Teresa says
I don’t have Facebook, but if someone wants to start a Chicago pocket, I’d love to join.
Noel Miller says
Teresa I just started a chicagoland pocket today, here is the link, hopefully this works: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1501228593450225/
Noel Miller says
Oh I just noticed you don’t have Facebook. Well now you at least have my email so you can contact me to get in the loop!
Rosie says
Totally doing this when we’re done with our road trip! I was actually planning on doing almost EXACTLY this now that I’m staying home, but couldn’t figure out exactly how to get it started… Anyone up for a DC area group? We’re inside the beltway (near Braddock & little river in VA) and I’d be happy to host at our place, since getting out of the house with my crew gets trickier the more pregnant I get 🙂
Mrs. B. says
Hi there! We’re quite close to you – just outside the Beltway near Huntley Meadows/Kingstowne.
Mrs. Pickles says
Me too! I’m right near the Springfield interchange — both of you are <10 mins. from me! (My kids LOVE Huntley Meadows! That's our go-to nature walk locale.) I'm going to hazard a guess that there are enough readers in the DC area that we could have a few groups. Should we start a NoVa group?
Elizabeth says
Anyone in Ann Arbor? 🙂 If so, I’ll figure out how to set up the FB group, as I would love to be part of a pocket around here.
b says
I’m near Ann Arbor – the edge of Jackson County.
Elizabeth says
Great! I’ll see if I can fiddle around with with fb during nap…
Melissa O'Donnell says
I am 45 min from Ann Arbor…. In Commerce MI 🙂
Michelle Murphy says
Are any of those near Kalamazoo? We just moved to Michigan and are REALLY needing a pocket!
Jessica says
Do you read houseunseen.com? Dwija’s family is in the Kalamazoo area!
Melissa O'Donnell says
Hello Michelle, Kalamazoo is two hrs from where I live in Commerce MI.
Elle says
This is such an amazing idea, I live in Britain though so I’m not sure if there are many British readers.
Paula says
I agree Elle. I’m in Eastern Ontario (Renfrew County) and I highly doubt there’s any one else up here. I hope I can be pleasantly surprised.
Elle says
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you Paula!
Molly says
Anyone in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids are can look up Corridor Catholic Parents on FB – a group a started with this exact idea in mind a few months ago! It hasn’t grown very much yet, but it’s just been waiting for some exposure!
Presv. Magda says
I can’t find that group on FB. Would they accept Orthodox?
Sara says
I’m not on Facebook, but I am in Memphis and could host!
Katie says
Yeah – I’m in Memphis too! (But not FB savvy)
Sara says
Hi, Katie! Let’s figure this out. Maybe our lovely hostesses would allow a google group instead of Facebook? That, I could set up. Or I’ll just give you my email.
Katie says
I’m moving to Pittsburgh in 2 weeks! I can host and whatnot just not until I get there. 🙂
Amanda says
We’re two hours from Pittsburgh (Altoona) and just moved here a couple years ago. Feel free to e-mail me if you want a *somewhat* local contact 🙂 I know how hard it is to come into a new area. I’m at imagine.more@yahoo.com
Katie says
Thank you! We lived in Pgh previously and had to move away for a short time. We are very happy to be moving back. I cannot wait to meet all of our neighbors in our little pocket!
Susannah says
I am in Madrid, Spain. I am not Catholic but would love to find a bolsillo. I have one other friend here who follows your blog, maybe there are more of us. .
Jacklyn H says
Before I get back into FB and set up a group, curious if there are any mamas in NJ? 🙂 If so, I might just set one up! 🙂
Allie says
South Jersey? Cherry Hill, right outside Philadelphia!
Michelle says
Yes, we’re in Fort Dix, NJ.
sue mcmillen says
I am an older mom from the Pittsburgh area. A grandma now and would LOVE to meet like minded women! I am on face book. But am truly not very computer savvy. Someone would really, really have to walk me through this. Probably with a phone call. Yep, that bad. Blessings! Oh, and I am a Catholic in good standing! Home schooled my kids k-12. etc…
Katie says
Please do join! If you click the “St. Greg’s Pockets” link at the top of this webpage, there are very detailed instructions how to sign up. It is really easy, just to click the Pgh link and then click ‘join group’ more or less. 🙂
Celeste says
Anyone in NE Indiana? I don’t have FB but I would like to join a pocket!
Leila says
To add Sukie, simply email her a request to join your group. LMLDblog (at) gmail (dot) com.
You don’t have to go all full Facebook to do this group. Just join and start the group and that’s it.
We are getting together this weekend and will discuss other platforms.
If you’ve emailed her with a question, be patient because this response is far more than we expected!!
Love you, you’re the best!
corina says
I’m in Italy (North), in the Lombardia region, very close also to Piemonte. I’m pretty sure I’m the only LMLD reader in the area, but after Deirdre’s encouragement today I thought it cannot do any harm to let know that I’m here 🙂 Any Italian readers?
Suzanne says
Any interested readers in or near Raleigh, NC? I live outside of Raleigh but am there regularly and would love to get a pocket going!