A PLACE FOR CATHOLIC MOTHERS
Our Vision
St. Zelie Catholic Mother's Retreat is devoted to providing an uplifting environment for Catholic mothers. Our retreats feature keynote speakers, enriching discussions, and sacred practices such as guided rosaries. This space is dedicated to fostering community and support among mothers, especially those with young children, allowing them to grow in faith and fellowship.
Video About
the Retreats
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Plan a St. Zelie Retreat near you!
Want to host your own St. Zelie Catholic Mothers Retreat? I'll help you plan, organize and enjoy a beautiful retreat experience! You'll receive a PDF full of instructions and templates, as well as my email address where you can contact me with any questions you might have along the way! Think of me as your personal assistant. You've got this!
Meet the Team
Founder, Director and Keynote Speaker
Madeleine Karako
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Madeleine Karako, married since 2015, is a mother of three children. Her personal experiences, including two miscarriages and navigating postpartum health have deeply informed her Catholic Women’s ministry. She frequently speaks about the balance between motherhood and vocational work, encouraging the use of one's talents to enrich family life and evangelize.
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She is also a Catholic author and illustrator who creates Catholic resources that offer comfort and spiritual encouragement. Her book, A Letter for You, is specifically written for Catholic women.
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Madeleine is the founder and owner of Zelie Crafts, a small business she established in 2021. Her shop specializes in handmade gifts, original artwork prints, and Catholic-themed products.
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She also home-schools her two oldest children while chasing her toddler and keeping him out of toilets.
Keynote Speaker, Zelie Moms App Contributor
Wanda Styrsky
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Wanda Styrsky is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She received her teaching certification from the University of Texas at Arlington, and has a certificate of Biblical Scholarship from the University of Dallas.
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Married 47 years, she is the mother of four daughters and grandmother to 7. She also serves on the Canonization team for Dorothy Day.
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She is a published author of the book: Holding His Hand, a Walk with Jesus Through the Mysteries of the Rosary.
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A convert to the Catholic Church, she experienced a profound encounter with the Blessed Mother in 2017, which changed her life. Her mission is to bring the love of the rosary to others.
Zelie Moms App Contributor, Speaker
Katlyn de Torcy
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Katlyn's journey has been one of radical and ongoing transformation. In 2021, by God’s grace, she converted to the Catholic faith after years of searching and struggling. In 2024, she entered the sacrament of marriage, and now embraces her vocation as a stay-at-home mother to her vibrant, very active toddler son.
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Growing up as the eldest of eight children instilled in her a deep love for family life. She prays earnestly for the blessing of many more little ones in their home one day. Her path to this point involved real healing—walking through trauma, addiction, and mental illness alongside the Lord—and she can say with certainty that embracing Catholicism, marriage, and motherhood are the most incredible, life-giving gifts she's ever received.
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Katlyn finds joy in simple beauties and creative outlets: flowers, reading, acting, public speaking, hiking, various crafts, and cuddling with her cats.
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Above all, she loves meeting women in their pain, encouraging them, and reminding them of their dignity and strength in Christ. As part of that mission, she contributes biweekly audio reflections on the vulnerable realities and graces of Catholic motherhood to the Zelie Moms app.
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Loyal, intense, introspective, dedicated, and creative, she's here to love fiercely and live authentically.
Zelie Moms App Contributor
Emily Jaminet
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Emily Jaminet is a Catholic author, speaker, radio personality, wife, and mother of seven children and Executive Director of the Sacred Heart Enthronement Network (www.welcomeHisHeart.com) and co-founder of www.InspiretheFaith.com.
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She co-authored the award-winning book, Divine Mercy for Moms and The Friendship Project, PrayFully, and Our Friend Faustina and her most recent book is The Secrets of the Sacred Heart. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference and The John Paul II Preschool and writes on a regular basis for www.catholicmom.com and www.Diocean.com.
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Michele Faehnle and her recently started a Podcast called Inspired by Faith which is also aired on St.Gabriel Radio.
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Emily earned a bachelor’s degree in mental health and human services from the Franciscan University of Steubenville and was honored by Franciscan with the Bishop John King Mussio, Service award in October of 2018.
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She is a Christian Catholic woman who is looking to find meaning and purpose in her vocation as a wife and mother each and every day.
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She enjoys sharing her walk with motherhood and the lessons learned by serving as a Catholic Leader with her ministry work. She has found that as women we have a unique calling to share the Gospel message both inside and outside our homes.
