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WALKING WITH MOMS IN NEED: PUTTING OUR FAITH INTO REAL ACTION BY MEGAN MORRIS, DIRECTOR, THE LIFE CENTER OF SANTA ANA AND SHEPHERD OF HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH’S WALKING WITH MOMS PROGRAM
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MAGINE YOU ARE praying on the sidewalk outside of the abortion clinic, a brochure of resources in one hand, a Rosary in the other, when a woman, who most likely has an appointment scheduled to abort her baby, turns to pull into the parking lot. Your heart begins to race because you know what is at stake, or whom — a living, whole, distinct, human being. You feel hopeful when she rolls her window down, indicating it is okay for you to approach. You take a cautious step towards her car to hand her the brochure and share a message of support, but she catches you off guard imploring, “Why should I keep this baby? What are YOU going to do to help me?” And she’s right — she is onto something. She knows that the work of having a baby goes far beyond the free ultrasound image that you can help to provide. Walking with Moms in Need (WWMIN) is a nationwide initiative that answers her plea and the pleas of many other vulnerable women. Launched by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in March of 2020, the same time the world was navigating the onset of the COVID pandemic, WWMIN got off to a slow and bumpy start. Howev- THE LIFE CENTER OF SANTA ANA MOMS GATHER FOR LUNCH AT HOLY FAMILY PARISH IN ORANGE. PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN MORRIS er, God’s timing is always perfect and as we approach the five-year anniversary of love and support, it has a powerful impact. Pill Reversal, adoption resources and One great example of WWMIN is St. the initiative’s release, parishes across the It's not that each church needs to Hope and Healing after abortion. Kilian’s in Mission Viejo. Their ministry Diocese are celebrating the Good News of become a pregnancy center, but it is more Since its inception, many parishes group, averaging 30 members, meets Walking with Moms in Need. a prayerful and intentional mindset of across the Diocese have embraced WWmonthly to discuss how to best tend to the The mission of WWMIN, a modhow in working together, we can each be MIN, transforming the initiative into a needs of vulnerable families. ern-day Gospel Story of the Good Samari- one small piece of that circle of love and lifeline for families in their communities. Noreen Cichocki, their representative, tan, is simple but powerful: equip parishes support. Fr. Greg Walgenbach, director of Life, Jus- said, “We are busy! We shower expectant to assess, expand and better communicate, That network of compassionate care tice and Peace in the Diocese of Orange, mothers in need in the community with connect and share resources that can help needs to consist of everything and everyhosts bi-annual gatherings for parish love, gifts and real help.” pregnant women, fathers and families who one from sidewalk advocates to pregnancy leaders involved in the ministries and for Supported by pastor Fr. Angelos Seare facing unplanned pregnancies. The centers with free services, housing and those interested in learning more. Last bastian, who is also the Vicar General and goal is to create a network of support that transportation help, employment assisOctober, the annual diocesan Respect Life Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of provides all the services needed to feel tance, emotional support, mentors, mental collection, previously known as Pennies Orange, the ministry regularly publishes empowered to choose life. health care, parenting classes, personalfrom Heaven, was officially changed to the services of a pregnancy care center in When parishes unite to form a circle of ized support plans, education on Abortion Walking with Moms in Need. CONTINUES ON PAGE 10 M A R C H 2 , 2 0 2 5 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
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