Pregnant and parenting moms in need are in our parishes and our neighborhoods. As Pope Francis reminds 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’s important to assess, expand, and communicate resources to pregnant moms and families in need. The USCCB 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. Watch a video HERE.
Parishioners become volunteers by joining a group online in Realm HERE. One Realm group is called Walking with Moms in Need Allies; the other is Walking with Moms in Need Walking Angels. The Allies group supports the ministry by purchasing or contributing toward essential baby items and basic living expenses. These needs are communicated through Realm as they arise. Allies may also offer support through prayer for moms, logistical support during donation events, and occasional errands and tasks on behalf of moms and the ministry.
The Walking Angels group are trained volunteers 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, identify resources from an online database that may meet additional needs, and coordinate moms’ shopping trips to the ministry’s two Baby Boutiques.
While the ministry is supporting a few moms, monthly in-person meetings will be at the church for those who serve as Walking Angels. The ministry will add quarterly in-person meetings at the parish for all volunteers, and anyone interested in joining the ministry.