Pregnant and parenting moms in need are in our parishes and our neighborhoods. As Pope Francis reminded us, our parishes need to be “islands of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference.” Everyone in the parish community should know where to refer a pregnant woman in need.
It is important to assess, expand, and communicate resources to pregnant moms and families in need. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which laid the groundwork for this ministry, invites parishes, through the support of their bishop and pastor, to join this nationwide effort, which has been growing in dioceses across the country since launching in March of 2020.
How the Ministry Works
Parishioners become volunteers through ministry events, bulletin posts, and annual SFA Ministry Fair. While the ministry is supporting a few moms, monthly in-person meetings will be at the church for those trained volunteers who serve as Walking Angels. Walking Angels are those who wish to accompany pregnant moms throughout their pregnancy and for up to one-year following the birth of the child. Angels offer social, emotional and prayerful support, and identify resources from databases that may meet additional needs. The ministry will add quarterly in-person meetings at the parish for all volunteers and anyone interested in joining the ministry. Other volunteers will support the ministry in many ways including prayer for moms, logistical support during donation events, doing occasional errands and tasks on behalf of moms, quarterly communication via the bulletin and social media to the parish about ministry activities, and tracking stock of in-kind donations.