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GREENSBORO — Tiny candles illuminated the faces of more than 160 women at the inaugural Volare Women's Mass at St. Pius X Church in Greensboro Feb. 2. "Let your light shine," said Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, pastor, during his homily encouraging and praising the role of women in the parish and the local Church who have organized a new group called Volare Women.

Coincidentally, this Mass – the first of its kind for the parish – was celebrated during the same week as the World Day for Consecrated Life. Similarly, "magnifying the talents of women to reply 'yes' to the greatest commandments of loving God with all your heart, soul and mind, and our neighbor as ourselves" is the mission of Volare Women.

Pictured:These nine women said “yes” to God’s call of organizing a special women’s group at St. Pius X Church called Volare Women. From left are Lori Thomas, Allison Ray, Lorraine Malphurs, Carolyn Painley, Cecilia Riek, Shannon Dahlstedt, Emma Linn, Lisa Michaels and Sue Rochette. (Georgianna Penn, Catholic News Herald)

Volare Women of St. Pius is a much-needed and divinely inspired gift to the community of women at St. Pius X Parish. The inspiration came to parishioner and Volare's founder Allison Ray through many discussions with friends and fellow parishioners Shannon Dahlstedt and Cecilia Riek.

"The hope is to connect all the gems of the parish together to share and grow in our faith," Ray said – forming a group for women much like the Knights of Columbus is for men.

After only a few months of inspiration, a proposal to Monsignor Marcaccio and the staff of St. Pius Church, the three found themselves saying "yes" to Volare Women. The effort soon grew to include a core planning group of 13 women.

Volare Women plans to meet monthly as well as sponsor a special women's Mass four times a year. Each quarter will focus on one quadrant of Volare's mission: heart, soul, mind and neighbor. The group hopes to "create a measurable increase in the presence of women as participants and leaders in stewardship" by reaching out to ministry leaders and parish offices. The hope is to develop inter-parish relationships for women as well. The group's monthly meetings will consist of guest speakers, workshops and mentoring programs for women.

The next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. March 1 in the Kloster Center of St. Pius. For details, go online to www.volarewomen.com.

— Georgianna Penn, correspondent