Helping Moms find support before and after their babies are born
In 2022, St. Ambrose parish joined Walking with Moms in Need, an initiative of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to increase the Church’s outreach to pregnant and parenting women. The project is inspired by St. John Paul II’s call to strengthen the Church’s efforts in building a culture of life. The St. Ambrose Walking with Moms in Need team has worked to make sure that parishioners have access to current information about local resources for pregnant and parenting mothers. Our goal is that each parishioner will know where to refer a pregnant or parenting mother for help. In this way, our St. Ambrose community can respond to Pope Francis’ call for parishes to be “islands of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference.”
In its first year, the team shared information with parishioners; built a parish support network; visited local agencies that serve pregnant and parenting mothers; sponsored two diaper drives; completed an inventory of local resources; distributed a printed resource brochure; and posted an online resource directory on the parish website.
Next steps:
The team will meet quarterly to pray; make sure information in the brochure and online resource directory is current; and plan how our parish can support mothers in our community as they prepare to welcome the gift of new life and raise their children. Going forward, our ministry will be called Walking with Moms.
Thank you for supporting this ministry. We ask for your continued support and prayers and we welcome your involvement! If you are interested in joining our team or have questions or suggestions, please contact us at walkwithmoms@saintambrosecathedral.org.
Find resources here
At the Masses on the weekend of June 3 and 4, 2023, the team distributed a printed brochure. containing several resources for pregnant and parenting mothers and their families. More resources are included in an online resource directory.
Certain resources may be subject to income eligibility and funding limitations. Non-Catholic organizations are included in the brochure and online resource directory where, to our knowledge, the service offered by the organization does not contradict the teachings of the Catholic Church. If a concern arises about a resource, or to identify other resources, please inform the Walking with Moms in Need team.
Current projects
March 9 and 10, 2024
Thank you for giving to the Parish Baby Shower to benefit Mary’s Helping Hands
Mary’s Helping Hands provides hope, love and support for new and expecting mothers who may need a helping hand with basic needs for their child’s first two years of life. They provide maternity clothes, baby clothes, and a variety of other items for moms and babies at no cost.
Thank you to everyone who brought gifts to support Mary’s Helping Hands. Your donations were so generous and beautiful! We were able to deliver an abundant collection of items for moms and babies, including diapers, wipes, clothes, bibs, blankets, pacifiers, childproofing items, towels, sheets, books, toys, bottles, and financial donations.
If you know anyone in need of clothes and other supplies for expecting moms, babies and young children, contact Mary’s Helping Hands at 515-225-3827 or visit their website at www.maryshelpinghandsiowa.org.
A Prayer for Pregnant Mothers
O Blessed Mother, you received the good news of the incarnation of Christ, your Son, with faith and trust. Grant your protection to all pregnant mothers facing difficulties.
Guide us as we strive to make our parish communities places of welcome and assistance for mothers in need. Help us become instruments of God’s love and compassion.
Mary, Mother of the Church, graciously help us build a culture of life and a civilization of love, together with all people of good will, to the praise and glory of God, the Creator and lover of life.* Amen.
*CF. EVANGELIUM VITAE 105 © LIBRERIA EDITRICE VATICANA, VATICAN CITY. ADAPTED WITH PERMISSION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. IMAGE ‘MOTHER OF LIFE’ BY NELLIE EDWARDS (WWW.PAINTEDFAITH.NET). USED WITH PERMISSION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COPYRIGHT © 2019, UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS, WASHINGTON, D.C. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
