An unexpected pregnancy can be a difficult and frightening time, and it’s important that your friend knows you are thinking of her and supporting her. Your support might be the only support she receives. Even if we never know how, the smallest things we do can change someone’s life.
“There is an everyday heroism, made up of gestures of sharing, big or small, which build up an authentic culture of life... Part of this daily heroism is also the silent but effective and eloquent witness of all those ‘brave mothers who devote themselves to their own family without reserve, who suffer in giving birth to their children and who are ready to make any effort, to face any sacrifice, in order to pass on to them the best of themselves’... We thank you, heroic mothers, for your invincible love! We thank you for your intrepid trust in God and in his love. We thank you for the sacrifice of your life” (The Gospel of Life 86).
Pregnant and parenting moms in need are in our parishes and our neighborhoods. As Pope Francis reminded us in his message for Lent 2015, our parishes need to be “islands of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference.” Everyone in a parish community should know where to refer a pregnant woman in need.
RI Right to Life’s Maternity Hope Chest assists expectant mothers and families with diapers, toiletries, clothing, bassinets, and many other needs, subject to availability. They also help mothers identify and sign-up for programs and benefits offered by other agencies, both public and private, including housing. You will find comprehensive assistance, confidential guidance, and caring support. They are located at 266 Smith Street in Providence; 521-1860
40 DAYS FOR LIFE LENTEN CAMPAIGN
The Office of Life and Family Ministry and RI Right to Life are co - sponsoring the 40 Days for Life Lenten campaign, will continue through Palm Sunday, March 28th . If you are interested in learning more about the campaign that calls for prayer, fasting, and community outreach contact: Monica Leandre at 480-1571 or Lisa Cooley, Office of Life and Family Ministry, at 421-7833 ext 218. Sign - up for an hour or more at 40daysforlife.com/providence
(In 2017, the most recent year of available abortion statistics, there were 2,813,503 deaths and 862,320 abortions in the U.S. The number of abortions is equal to 30.64% of all other deaths.
Also of note, there have been an estimated 312,000-350,000 deaths in the U.S. from Coronavirus in 2020).