Pro-Life Ministries are listed below the Topic of the Month

Topic of the Month: Supporting Families Who Receive a Prenatal Diagnosis

For parents, the news of a prenatal diagnosis is crushing. They may not know what to do or where to turn. They may anguish over what medical decisions would be best for their baby and wonder how to approach the rest of the pregnancy. In some cases, the diagnosis may indicate that the baby is expected to die before or shortly after birth. As parents face the heart-rending knowledge that their hello may also be their goodbye, those around them may wonder how to provide the best support. 

FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Remember that both the mother and the father deserve our concern. Some may try to comfort parents with comments such as "God needed another angel" or "You're young; you can have another one." Most parents do not find these comments helpful; they want this baby. We can help parents by acknowledging their baby, using his or her name, asking about their hopes and plans for their child's birth, and most of all, by affirming their exceptional role as the parents they already are. 

FOR THE PARISH COMMUNITY
As with any member of your parish who is experiencing a serious illness or death in the family, you can offer practical support like help with meals, babysitting, housework or yard work. The time between the diagnosis and the baby's birth is filled with medical decisions and plans—for the birth, baptism, recording precious moments together, and even a funeral, if the baby's death is expected. Long before the baby is born, parents may be overwhelmed by their unexpected situation and may welcome the practical support and prayers of the parish family.

FOR CLERGY AND PASTORAL CARE WORKERS
A prenatal diagnosis often raises deep spiritual questions for parents. They may be hearing statements about God "taking" their baby, which can be very difficult and challenging for them. Many parents are comforted by the thought of God being with them and their baby throughout their experience, as well as by the thought of God lovingly caring for their child until they meet again. It may therefore be helpful for you to speak to them on this topic and help them to reflect on it themselves.

For more information on this topic, click here for the usccb article and more like it.
 

The mission of MCCL is to secure protections for innocent human life from conception until natural death through effective ecuation, legistlation and political action.  Contact Gloria at 651-437-5961 for more information.
 

“We’re here for you.” 1 in 5 pregnancies will end in abortion in the United States. At Pro-Life Action Ministries, we offer women entering abortion facilities, real options of hope and love by ministering to them from out on the sidewalks. As sidewalk counselors and prayer supporters, we do all we can with God’s help to encourage women to choose life for their child.
 

Click HERE for Archdiocesan programs and resources in Respect Life Outreach.
 

TLC serves the community by providing life-affirming pregnancy and parenting education and support. The services include pregnancy testing and verification, limited obstetrical ultrasound, life coaching, fertility education, medical management, lactation consulting, abortion education and healing, adoption information and referrals, parenting classes and support, STD and contraception education, baby clothing, furniture and supplies. Youth outreach is essential and TLC provides speakers for schools and churches on topics such as teen pregnancy and parenting, sexual integrity, STD's and healthy relationships. All services are free and confidential.