MADISON — Along with so many other problems increased by the COVID-19 pandemic, many services for women seeking help with their pregnancies have been stretched very thin.
An inspiring new effort is taking place across the United States, to discover, share, and create new resources to help women and their families when they are in need during a difficult or unexpected pregnancy.
The U.S. bishops started a unifying and heart-warming task in 2019. It is called “Walking with Moms in Need.”This special nation-wide endeavor is designed to make an even greater impact on moms in need.
Our parishes and institutions have long been renowned for the love and care they lavish on those who are struggling. Now, our whole network of help is being researched, shared, and made stronger.
Why now? In 2019, Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City and chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life said that as we celebrate the promulgation of The Gospel of Life 25 years ago, we will also begin a new effort.
“Every diocese and every parish in the United States are encouraged to assess the pastoral and practical assistance currently available to pregnant moms and families. We are also asking dioceses and parishes to evaluate the effectiveness of our communication of available resources to mothers experiencing a difficult pregnancy.”
Starting with the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, March 25, the Diocese of Madison joins this effort, and the one-third of the dioceses already engaged in creating a huge network of hope.
Catholic organizations have also committed to supporting this unprecedented effort to make the good efforts across the nation more accessible.
Nate Simmons, executive assistant to Bishop Hying and diocesan pro-life coordinator will be assisted by Susanna Herro in reaching out to each parish to find people willing to help create this network for the Diocese of Madison.
Interested volunteers are asked to contact Susanna at 608-255-2020 or [email protected] for further information. Training and support will be provided every step of the way.
Additional resources are available at walkingwithmoms.com
Putting resources already in place into an accessible format will help prepare our whole Church for increased calls for help, will surround moms with the care they need, and will show the warm, loving heart of our beliefs.