A church-based ministry to support pregnant mothers and their unborn children.
Angel Gabriel
In the Gospel of Luke, the Angel Gabriel told Mary the good news that a child would be born and that she was to be the Mother of our Savior. When she asked, “How can this be?” the angel told her not to be afraid for “nothing is impossible with God.” The Gabriel Project announces the same comforting message to frightened pregnant mothers: Fear not, for God is with you! Nothing is impossible with God.
The Need
Many mothers faced with crisis pregnancies feel abandoned by their families, the fathers of their babies, and their communities. Many are poor and in their teens. Some are homeless. Most feel alone and afraid. For too many, abortion seems the only answer. Pregnancy centers, prenatal care programs, and maternity homes struggle to provide necessary support services. But budgets are limited and insufficient to meet the growing need. Church communities pray for mothers, their babies, and for an end to the tragedy of abortion. They provide spiritual guidance and loving pastoral care. Yet too many women and families remain unaware that these essential resources are available. Enter The Gabriel Project!
The Role of the Church
The church community announces that they see in the creation of each child a fresh expression of God’s unfailing love and their commitment to offer assistance to pregnant mothers in need. They make this message known on a “Sign of Hope” placed in front of their church along with an expression of outreach – PREGNANT? WORRIED? NEED HELP? – and a toll-free phone number. When a call for help is received, the phone line volunteer contacts the parish coordinator at the nearest participating church to where the caller lives. The coordinator contacts the caller and makes an initial assessment of her situation. A church volunteer (“Angel”) is assigned the responsibility for ongoing contact with the mother throughout her pregnancy and somewhat beyond. An initial meeting is arranged to further assess her needs. The church community responds with love by providing spiritual, emotional, and material support to help meet those needs. Through prayer and action, the church community assures the mother that she has their love and the love of Christ. If a mother has been abandoned by family or her child’s father, the church community can lovingly help her overcome her sense of loss and loneliness.
Kinds of Assistance
By employing their individual talents, collaborating with various ministries in the church or diocese, and utilizing community resources, parishioners stand ready to provide a mother with the kinds of assistance that she needs in caring for her child. These may include: Friendship and emotional support, Pastoral care and counseling, Transportation, Prenatal care, Baby items, Education, Employment, Housing, Adoption, Financial assistance