By student correspondents: Sydney Cogar '24 and Char Hrobsky '24
From tea drinking to bracelet making, Fiat is a young women’s ministry club at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington that emphasizes the importance of a Christ-centered community. Fiat comes from the Latin word for “let it be done,” which was Mary’s response to the Angel Gabriel when asked to become the mother of Jesus. This complete acceptance of the will of God is exactly the message the club strives to embody, and being females only, the club allows young women to come together and grow their faith through conversation, prayer and Scripture.
“Fiat has given me a place to go if I want a space to feel comfortable and relaxed,” said junior Erin Kowalski. “It’s a great place for young women at O’Connell to meet other girls like themselves and grow in their faith.”
One of Fiat’s most popular events is its tea meetings, which are a chance for Fiat members and nonmembers to unite and grow in the community. At the tea parties, girls can grab a mug, pick out their favorite tea, chat with friends, meet new people, or read a book.
Another highlight of the club is the beading. Members can create bracelets, rings and necklaces — some of which were handed out at the school’s club fair Sept. 19. Making bracelets during meetings serves as a creative outlet for some as well as a physical reminder of living out one’s faith. Senior Alex Little has pioneered the beading aspect of Fiat, hoping to get younger students to join in.
“Fiat means strengthening not only my relationship with my community, but also my relationship with God,” she said. “Being able to talk about what my faith means to me with other girls my age is an immeasurable experience.”
Fiat has helped create a significant sense of community within O’Connell and provide a safe space for young girls to talk about their faith and be themselves.
“Being a part of Fiat is like being a part of a community of girls who understand you, there’s a sense of togetherness that helps everyone feel more empowered both in their faith and in themselves,” said junior Sophia Perez.
Club members credit Victoria Lewis, social studies teacher and campus ministry volunteer, for shaping the club into the nurturing and spiritually enriching environment it has become and the impact it has made on the lives of its members over the years.
“Fiat is designed to be a place where any young woman at O’Connell, regardless of where she is in her faith journey, can come to find joy in community and the strength and encouragement to keep saying ‘yes’ to Christ,” said Lewis.
As seen in the Arlington Catholic Herald: https://www.catholicherald.com/article/local/schools/fiat-is-more-than-a-tea-party/
