by Debra Niesen
Right on the heels of October’s Respect Life Month comes November with more pro-life themes and prayer opportunities.
Not only is November known as “the month of holy souls,” a fitting time to consider how to provide life-affirming care to our loved ones who are nearing the passing from this life to the next, November is also National Adoption Month.
As pro-life people, we know that adoption is a loving and beautiful way for a child to be welcomed into a family. We ask God to bless all whom adoption is a part of their life story — an adopted child, parents making adoption plans for their baby, adoptive families, couples in waiting and children in care waiting for their forever home.
Those in pregnancy support ministry understand that considering an adoption plan for a child can be a complicated and emotional process for any woman experiencing an unplanned or challenging pregnancy. Many women unfortunately misunderstand adoption as “giving away” or abandoning their child and therefore won’t consider it.
Forming an adoption plan is actually a courageous and selfless act of love. It is loving a child so much that you are willing to place them in better circumstances, holding them in your heart instead of your hands, while trusting in God’s plan.
To increase adoption awareness and lift up families who have opened their hearts and home to adoption, Kathy White, the archdiocesan foster/adopt ministry coordinator, is planning some fun and supportive events.
November 16 is a Foster/Adoptive Family Appreciation and Chiefs Watch party. Families will enjoy food and fun while being appreciated with door prizes and gifts. Foster/adoptive families can also take advantage of an archdiocesan scholarship to join other Catholic couples at an inspiring and rejuvenating conference coming up in February. Visit the website at: archkck.org/foster for more information on both opportunities.
These events would not be possible without your generous support of the archdiocesan respect life fund. Thank you to all who have already donated. Your financial sacrifices directly benefit foster and adoptive families and support many other important respect life educational and pastoral efforts.
Though there are trials and uncertainties involved in every adoption, the church celebrates and shares the message that adoption is a beautiful option! To learn more or receive support as a birth mom or adoptive parents, visit:
• archkck.org/foster – archdiocesan foster/adopt ministry
• catholiccharitiesks.org/adoption – archdiocesan adoption agency
• springsoflove.org — Catholic adoption support
• bravelove.org — support for birth moms
This month, please pray for more hearts to see the beauty of adoption and for all who have adoption as part of their life story!
