Nurturing Mothers in Faith

Strengthening Bonds in Faith

Join us for an enriching retreat experience designed for Catholic mothers to renew their spirit and connect with each other.

Registration Closed for Feb. Retreat

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.

Digital Sanctuary

Our Online Community/Membership

Join Here

- daily scripture

- audio-guided reflections

- prayer request wall

- saint of the week

- a community of Catholic mothers walking together in faith.

Meet the Team

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Founder, Director and Keynote Speaker

Madeleine Karako

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Married 47 years, she is the mother of four daughters and grandmother to 7. She also serves on the Canonization team for Dorothy Day.

She is a published author of the book: Holding His Hand, a Walk with Jesus Through the Mysteries of the Rosary.

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

Katlyn de Torcy

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.

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.

Katlyn finds joy in simple beauties and creative outlets: flowers, reading, acting, public speaking, hiking, various crafts, and cuddling with her cats.

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.

Loyal, intense, introspective, dedicated, and creative, she's here to love fiercely and live authentically.

Discover Saintly Mothers' Wisdom at St. Zelie Retreat

The journey of motherhood is filled with challenges, joys, and profound lessons. For many, the wisdom of those who have walked this path before can offer invaluable guidance. At the St. Zelie Retreat, mothers come together to share their experiences, learn from one another, and draw inspiration from the lives of saintly mothers. This retreat is not just a getaway; it is a transformative experience that nurtures the spirit and strengthens the bonds of motherhood. The Essence o

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