Divine Mercy Parish in Merritt Island has launched a new program called Sisters of Strength, aimed at helping high school girls grow in their faith and develop strong friendships. The initiative began in September and is already having an impact on its participants.

Angela Becker, a parishioner with a son in ninth grade, recognized the pressures facing students today, from academics to extracurricular activities and social expectations influenced by trends and social media. After learning about Walking with Purpose—a Catholic organization that provides programs for women and teenage girls—Becker decided to get involved. She approached Danielle Cardamone, the parish’s youth minister and catechetical leader, about starting Sisters of Strength.

Cardamone said she appreciated the opportunity for young women to have “at least one space they can go where they can feel genuine; they don’t have to worry about being judged; where they are seen as daughters of the King and are treated as such.”

Currently, three girls participate in the weekly meetings held on Sundays. Each session begins informally with snacks and conversation before moving into discussions on topics such as identity, body image, friendships, listening to God’s voice, and discernment. Becker introduces each week’s topic through a video or story. Scripture is used to highlight relevant stories and solutions.

Becker explained her motivation: “Their faith is a gift, and they can do something with it and they need to find their path with God’s help.”

One participant named Natalia shared her personal experience: “I felt the Holy Spirit for the first time, and He helped. It felt like a miracle because I remember I was so sad and then suddenly, I just felt peace and I knew that it was God.” She added that meeting with other girls facing similar challenges has been helpful: “It’s really helpful to get with a group of girls that are in the same position as you… Every single time I’m there it feels like people understand me.”

Natalia also spoke about common struggles among teenage girls: being compared to others or feeling pressure due to expectations placed on them.

The Diocese of Orlando oversees Divine Mercy Parish along with 78 other parishes across nine counties including Brevard County where Merritt Island is located. The diocese was established in 1968 and currently includes 11 missions, two basilicas, 43 Catholic schools, and is led by Bishop James Noonan (https://www.orlandodiocese.org/).