Catholics celebrate motherhood by supporting pregnant moms in need on Mother’s Day and beyond
Faithful women of the Archdiocese of Newark are supporting pregnant women and mothers at Birth Haven in Newton and The Mercy House in Elizabeth, Jersey City, and Newark in May, the month dedicated to Mary, Mother of God.
In a special celebration of motherhood and community service, the Parents’ Association at Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child in Summit held a baby shower event this May in support of the pregnant women at Birth Haven in Newton.
The nonprofit organization, offers shelter, support, and education to homeless and pregnant women and girls across the tri-state area, irrespective of their backgrounds or circumstances.
On Wednesday, May 1, mothers celebrated morning Mass with their daughters at the schools followed by the mothers putting together gifts for the young women at Birth Haven.
The Mass set the tone for a day dedicated to both service and honoring motherhood, according to Meghan Hogdin, Director of Marketing and Communications at Oak Knoll.
While the students went back to their classes, the mothers came together for a morning of crafting and assembling 50 gift baskets filled with baby wipes, bottles, baby clothing, postpartum care items, and toiletries for moms.
Just in time for Mother’s Day Weekend, the gift baskets were delivered to the Birth Haven on May 8.
“As a Catholic school and a Holy Child school, supporting people in need, especially expecting and new mothers, is at the core of our mission. As a school that stands in a long tradition of educating and empowering young women, we are so proud to be able to support women in need,” Michele Van Kalsbeck, Director of Upper School Campus Ministry, said.
The baby shower initiative led by the Oak Knoll Parent’s Association exemplifies the pro-life activity that the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) encourages through their nationwide initiative, Walking with Moms in Need.
According to the USCCB, Walking with Moms in Need encourages Catholic parishes and communities to step into the lives of local pregnant and parenting women facing challenges, urging Catholics to aid local pregnancy centers and pool resources to support these women.
“Everyone should know how to help moms in difficult circumstances,” the website reads.
The Archdiocese of Newark Respect Life Office also runs resource centers for pregnant and parenting women at The Mercy House’s three locations in Newark, Jersey City, and Elizabeth.
The Mercy House offers support for over 300 women and families a week at each location by providing nonperishable food, clothing, baby supplies, furniture, and help finding work and housing.
On Mother’s Day this year, The Mercy House is giving away over 600 gift bags to benefit families facing hardship at several locations.
“At the Mercy House, we serve mothers throughout the year, but Mother’s Day is a poignant moment when we direct our focus towards them in a particularly meaningful way,” Miller said.
To sustain their support for young mothers, The Mercy House relies on the generosity of donors. Essential items such as diapers, baby wipes, clothing, cribs, strollers, and car seats compliant with current Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards are greatly needed.
Moreover, the Mercy House aims to provide mothers with essential toiletries to promote their well-being and self-care. These items include soap, lotions, body washes, hairbrushes, comfortable slippers, and bathrobes.
Miller emphasized the importance of these toiletries for maternal mental health. “We strive for the moms to feel good about themselves,” she said. “We want them to prioritize taking care of themselves when they’re so busy looking after their families.”
Featured image: The Oak Knoll Parent’s Association packed 50 gift bags for moms in need at the Birth Haven. (Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child)
