A prayer for pregnant mothers: Grant me a motherly heart that is pure, steadfast, and generous. I hand over to you my own concerns; any anxious fears that may come, my own wishes for the little person that I still have no knowledge of. Grant that it may be born healthy in body, keep far from it perils to the soul.
"We stand ready to broaden and increase awareness about the abundant resources and programs we offer, from pregnancy and foster care centers to clothing, food, housing services, adoption agencies, and family resource centers. We promise to assist and stand by every mother and family facing a difficult and unplanned pregnancy."
-Catholic Bishops of New Jersey
May 12, 2022
It is not enough for Catholics and all people committed to ending abortion to simply oppose pro-abotion legislation, regulations, and public policies, we must work even harder to build a culture of life.
No mother, regardless of race, religious belief or affiliation, or marital or immigration status should feel that her only option is to end the life of her child because she lacks the financial resources or access to life-affirming programs necessary to have and raise the child. Catholics and all people of good will should help to raise awareness of the many local resources available for pregnant moms and families in need.
Below are the numerous resources the Catholic Church offers to mothers and their children. Should you find yourself in a difficult pregnancy or know someone who is, please know the Catholic Church is here to help you.
For mother's who need assistance:
Catholic Charities: New Jersey's five Catholic charities serve every county in the state. Their mission is to provide assistance to all people regardless of faith or background. Click HERE to learn more.
Diocesan Respect Life offices: The mission of Respect Life is to promote the Catholic Church’s teaching on the respect, care, and protection of human life from conception to natural death, and to assist in affirming the dignity of life and provide support to people in need. To learn more about NJ's Respect Life Office's, please see below:
NJ Safe Haven Law - - A Refuge for Unwanted Infants
A parent or designee can leave an unharmed, unwanted baby, less than 30 days old, at a hospital emergency room or police station for a safe haven without prosecution - - No Questions Asked! Click HERE to learn more.
For parishes or faith communities that want to help mothers and their children:
Walking with Moms in Need: "Everyone should know how to help moms in difficult circumstances." Click HERE to learn more about this program sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. You can also take a pledge to "prayerfully support pregnant and parenting women in your community."
For additional resources you can visit your Diocesan Respect Life Office. For a directory of the the New Jersey Diocesan Respect Life Offices please click HERE.
For women suffering the emotional, psychological, and spiritual effects from having an abortion:
Rachel's Vineyard - - Post Abortion Healing
Rachel's Vineyard is a safe place to renew, rebuild, and redeem hearts broken by abortion. Weekend retreats offer a supportive, confidential, and non-judgmental environment where women and men can express, release, and reconcile painful post-abortive emotions to begin the process of restoration, renewal, and healing.
Click HERE to find a retreat in your area.