Living the Mission: One Woman’s Journey with CWOC

I have a confession – I had no idea CWOC was a thing despite being a military spouse (at that point) for almost twelve years.

I am almost certain we’ve been stationed at installations where there was a vibrant CWOC community (hello, Naples, Italy!), and I still didn’t know. Or, maybe I wasn’t prepared to know.

In October 2020 when we arrived at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, I was so excited to find out about this “Catholic Women of the Chapel” group, which I thought was just specific to Korea. I even said out loud, “This is a great idea – this should be at all military bases!”

Don’t worry – I’m even sure God facepalmed.

I went to my first meeting and felt at ease right away because I knew these women and I had so much in common. I joined right in the middle of their fall Bible study and definitely missed a lot, but, in a way, I also fit right in.

Following along in that first meeting, I didn’t realize how much I needed a space to be able to ask questions and talk freely, not just about my faith, but everything else, too: life experiences, parenting, topics in the news. I needed that space without being judged in the way I feel Catholic women tend to be. CWOC was truly a safe space, and it was refreshing to find everyone was wearing the same faith-filled glasses to view the world.

Toward the end of Spring 2021, there was a discernment for leadership for the following year, and I felt moved to attend discernment. I knew that I just wanted to keep that space “open.” I could just be someone that was there, so that others could join.

From that discernment, I became President, even though I had only realized CWOC existed only six months prior!

To say I had no idea what I was doing is a gross understatement!

Other women joined the board, half of whom I met for the first time that night at discernment. It is these women who have become amazing friends.

Together, we had a great year of faith study, fellowship, and fun. Our group chat on Facebook Messenger is enough proof of how funny, smart, and caring they were. 

But, what was truly amazing was to see how the fruits of the Holy Spirit worked through them, and how their strengths and gifts accomplished God’s work.

Friends are supposed to build each other up and encourage one another, but within CWOC leadership, it was as if God was doing all that heavy lifting. He was inspiring us, giving us opportunities to do good, and challenging us to bring more women together.

In working, praying, and studying for Him, we were able to admire each other’s beautiful souls and form a deep connection. It was women’s empowerment from the most powerful authority.

How can one not sit back in awe at God’s masterpiece?

We didn’t change the world, of course, but I am proud of that corner of Camp Humphreys that we did change for that time.

I miss those women dearly but we still have the Messenger group going!

Now my family and I are stationed near RAF Alconbury, England, with a very small CWOC group. But I am keeping the same trust that I had in Korea – I just want to keep the space “open.”

Meeting and talking with women that have those faith-filled glasses is exactly what is needed when moving to a new place and trying to make friends. 

I cannot wait for the opportunity to see their beautiful souls working for God once again!

 

In Christ,

Michelle Nataro

U.S. Navy Spouse