St. Elizabeth's Ministry- anyone have one in their parish?

[Chovy]

My DH and I moved back to our hometown and have joined our new and PERMANENT parish . It is a new parish and I have been trying to discern what ministry I might be called to participate in.

What I’m really interested in is in starting a St. Elizabeth’s ministry, for women who are experiencing infertility, miscarriage, or stillbirth, esp. reaching out to couples who recently experienced a loss. Does anyone have any experience with this type of ministry that could give me ideas of what their group typically does? I’d like to formulate a plan before I approach Father.

As someone who has gone through years of infertility, miscarriage, and adoption loss, and has come out the other end relatively emotionally sound, I think I’m uniquely qualified for this, but need some guidance as to where to start. I know that when I had my miscarriage, and when I first had questions about infertility, it would have been REALLY awesome if someone from our parish had been available to speak with me, or if someone from Church had contacted me to express their condolences or to provide me with some reassuring reading materials, etc.

 

[Convert_in_99]

Chovy! It’s been so long since I’ve seen you here. :hug1:

This a GREAT idea. There’s like viritually no support for infertile couples at the local parishes. I actually have been having the exact same idea, but I was wanting to name it Elizabeth’s Hope. I have already started an Elizabeth’s Hope group here on CAF groups and it is really picking up pace. I’m sure your St. Elizabeth’s ministry would work out similar. Very slow at first and then really take off. You might only get a few regular members, but reaching a few hearts and souls with this message of hope is worth all the effort.

One suggestion is to include miscarriage support as well as primary and secondary infertility support. The greiving process for both is very similar and they can often relate to each other in ways that others can’t. If you don’t feel comfortable with this, that is fine too, just a suggestion. Elizabeth’s Hope includes all three (primary and secondary infertility, and miscarriage support) and it’s working out great.

I hope and pray your St. Elizabeth’s ministry gets approval and up and running soon. God bless your efforts. I will be thinking of you. :hug1:

 

[Eucharisted]

Awesome idea! You could have an annoumcent in the parish bulletin about the new ministry. I’d refrain from making an announcement during announcments at Mass, becuase that might single out people if you know what I mean. Be sure to give them lots of love and cookies, and maybe every Friday you could go to Mass, then afterwords you can all drink vegetable soup (made of vegetables and holy water!).

 

[jcjennie]

We do have an EM in our parish here in New Mexico. I was a member for a short time. Basically we met for Bible and prayer study weekly, and provided meals for pregnant and new moms. Also collections for Birthright. It was pretty relaxed.

 

[Chovy]

Thank you all for your help and suggestions! I emailed Father today and he responded positively. I am going to do some more factfinding before scheduling a meeting with him to work out some particulars. In the meantime if anyone else has helpful suggestions, I’d appreciate them!