Moms-to-be get support they need from Walking With Moms

by Debra Niesen

“I have never felt so loved and welcomed by a church before.”

These are words shared by a young woman participating in the “Embrace Grace” support group for single pregnant women at Holy Trinity Church in Lenexa. This is also what happens when a parish community, and specifically group leaders, share the love of Jesus Christ through authentic friendship, kindness and support as part of our “Walking With Moms in Need” ministry efforts.

Holy Trinity is one of four parishes to start this new support group and the fruits already coming from it are truly amazing. At a time when women facing an unexpected or challenging pregnancy may feel overwhelming fear, isolation and uncertainty, the support group helps them know they are not alone, they have support, and that they are loved by a Father who wants to give them peace and goodness during this moment of trial.

This is exactly what the four moms-to-be  experienced during Holy Trinity’s first 12-week “Embrace Grace” program that recently concluded. Terry Geenens, one of the group leaders, shared, “We had an amazing baby shower on Saturday! Deacon Stuart Holland gave a heartwarming blessing to the girls and their families. We had 30-40 people attend and parish and community members donated gifts. It was a beautiful picture of what it looks like to have an entire community surround these brave women in support. The moms truly felt loved by so many people.”

There were many Holy Spirit moments during the session. One mom went to Mass for the first time in a long time and felt an overwhelming sense of peace. One couple got married. Another’s family, though not Catholic, were inspired by the beauty of the church itself and generosity of the community. The moms enjoyed the friendships and program so much, they don’t want it to end. The leaders are now working on what to do next to encourage these new families to continue growing in their faith.

The Church of the Ascension in Overland Park also recently finished its first support group. Four healthy babies have been born with one mom making a loving adoption plan for her baby. Sue Leick, one of its group leaders, said, “This is the best thing any of us have done. We’ve fallen in love with these strong, brave women. The best way to love these babies is to love their moms.”

March 25, the solemnity of the Annunciation of Our Lord, marked the fifth anniversary of the nationwide Walking With Moms in Need parish initiative, created by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and his USCCB team when he was its pro-life committee chairman.

Thank you, Archbishop Naumann!  WWMIN has given such hope, support and joy to many in the archdiocese. Visit the website at: archkck.org/walking-with-moms to learn more.