Women's Hearth Traditional Rebirth

The Women’s Hearth is teaming with over 100 women, excited for the annual Christmas party, eager for gifts, and waiting to enjoy the delicious meal prepared by the Providence associates.  Before the festivities begin, the women are led in a few Christmas carols, and then the room becomes hushed in silence. A table with candles is moved to the center of the room and Joyce Blazek, one of our faithful volunteers, begins reading a modern day version of the Christmas story.  At the end of the story she asks the question, “What do you want to give birth to in this coming year?”

Hope
Peace
Friendship
Healing of a broken relationship
Finding a home
Getting my baby back
Community
Love
Continued sobriety
Health
Self-esteem
A job
Go back to school

These are among the responses the women give to this question.  As each person names what is closest to her heart’s desire, she lights a candle to signify her dream.  Occasionally a woman will light one for someone else who is unable to be present or cannot walk to the center of the room.  They want to make sure everyone is included

This moving ritual has become an annual tradition at the Women’s Hearth over the past 15 years and it helps the women here give voice to the true meaning of Christmas.