November 10, 2026

Bethany Brunch offers young women a chance to learn about religious life

REGIONAL
Story and photo by Michael Pedro

A Bethany Brunch was held Saturday, Nov. 7 at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Westfield. The event is designed to help single Catholic women discern their vocation to either marriage or religious life.

WESTFIELD – With open hearts, single women gathered for a Bethany Brunch, Saturday, Nov. 7 at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Westfield. The morning retreat, with a theme of “Capture My Heart,” was designed for single Catholic women aged 18-35, to help them discern their future calling, whether it be marriage or to religious life.

“The Bethany Brunch is just a place of welcome where we can share, learn about the vocations, and pray for God to enlighten us,” said Little Sister of the Poor Carolyn Martin, who organized the event, along with a hospitality team and the Office of Vocations.

Conventual Franciscan Friar John Koziol, the parochial vicar of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr in Chicopee, celebrated morning Mass in the church. Then the women gathered in the parish center for brunch and a virtual presentation by Sister Deirdre Byrne, the sister of Bishop William D. Byrne. Sister Byrne is the superior of the Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts in Washington D.C. She is double board certified in family medicine and general surgery and a retired colonel in the United States Army. She runs a pro-bono medical clinic in her convent in Washington and sees patients at the Catholic Charities clinic nearby.

“I really hadn’t considered religious life,” said Julia Rose, one of the attendees. “The more that I have been surrounded with women that have seriously considered religious life, the more I’ve felt really encouraged to at least explore it.”

Father David Aufiero, the director of recruiting for the Office of Vocations, was available to hear confessions. The Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help were also in attendance.

“The young women were so excited about coming,” said Sister Martin. “They participated in the preparation…The support among the young women is really tremendous, and I can’t think how happy our Lord must be, because this is for his bride, the Church.”

For more information email BethanyB1107@gmail.com or calling (860) 402-4478.