Janine Costello, co-coordinator of the ‘Walking With Moms in Need’ ministry at St. Francis, describes how this ministry came into being at our parish. “The USCCB created this ministry, following the Dobbs Supreme Court decision in 2020, so that we could serve in a similar way to what pregnancy resource centers do, but in a more personal way,” explains Janine. They created a very thorough guide on how to create this ministry. Other parishes in the Raleigh area have served in this ministry for several years, particularly St. Mary Magdalene, which has been doing this ministry for five-plus years.”
The ‘Walking with Moms in Need’ ministry is a pro-life ministry in which several different volunteer opportunities are available. One of the volunteer groups, nicknamed ‘Walking Angels,’ socially, emotionally, and spiritually supports pregnant women and continues to accompany them until their child’s first birthday, if the mom wants them to. “These moms have courageously chosen life for their babies despite very challenging situations,” says Janine
The second group of volunteers is called ‘Allies.’ They may support the ministry by purchasing specific products that moms need or offer other financial support for basic living expenses. “We also need them to help with donation drives, logistical support, and occasional tasks on behalf of our moms,” Janine explained. Alerts about these needs will appear in the ‘Walking With Moms in Need’ Group on Realm here, where all these communications will be posted.
The St. Francis ministry is just getting off the ground, joining with the four other parishes in the Raleigh area. “We are now a team, and we meet every other month,” says Janine. “Diane Haley and I started this ministry because of our strong belief in the sanctity, protection, and support for all human life from conception to natural death. We, amongst other parishes in the Raleigh diocese with the same ministry, develop and maintain an expansive database of local and state organizations that are also geared toward supporting these women and their children,” says Janine, adding, “It’s just amazing how many organizations are out there to assist. We’re constantly adding new organizations that we learn about.”
Walking Angels also coordinate moms’ shopping trips to the ministry’s two shared and stocked ‘Baby Boutiques,’ which provide essential supplies for mothers, such as clothing, donated strollers, bassinets, and baby shower baskets filled with necessities. “Every mom receives a baby shower basket, just things to get them started,” Janine explained. She emphasized that while physical items are important, emotional support is at the heart of their mission. Volunteers engage with mothers to provide companionship and practical assistance, and identify resources from an online database that may meet additional needs.
The ministry will eventually have quarterly in-person meetings at the parish for all volunteers and anyone interested in joining the ministry. Parishioners can become volunteers by registering online here with the ‘Walking with Moms in Need’ Realm group, or at the annual SFA Ministry Fair August 22-23. Once the ministry expands and is supporting a few moms, monthly in-person meetings will be at the church for volunteers. If you are interested in learning more about becoming an Ally or Walking Angel, and receiving training this fall, please contact Janine at sfarespectlife@gmail.com.