Elizabeth Ministry
An outreach to women in special times of motherhood.
Elizabeth Ministry is an outreach to women in special times of motherhood.
It is based on Jesus' vision of the radical goodness, beauty and truth of human life. The purpose of this ministry is to affirm, support, encourage and assist women in response to their needs during the childbearing years.
Areas of Involvement:
- Pregnancy
- Celebration of Birth
- Grandparent Support
- Prayer Support
- Miscarriage and Infant or Child Death
- Fertility and Infertility
- Adoption
- Infant or Child Crisis
- Family Support
- Gift and Resource Kits
Why Is It Needed?
In the past, the presence, intimacy and support needed during childbearing years were found in the structures of family, neighborhood and church. Today these structures are undergoing rapid change.
- Neighborhoods are fragmented, leaving many families isolated
- Churches have increased in size, making it difficult to create a warm, hospitable, personal and loving environment.
- Mobility has caused many extended families to be separated by miles, making frequent visits improbable and presence impossible.
The wisdom of sharing stories of about the joys and trials of childbirth is still needed. Reassurance and advice, usually given by the extended family, often now need to come from another source. The search to fill this need has resulted in Elizabeth Ministry. By sharing their stories and experiences, women serve one another in an atmosphere of faith, love and hope.
How Does It Work?
Elizabeth Ministry follows the example of the Scripture story of the Visitation by bringing together women who share a similar story. This ministry provides an opportunity for like-to-like ministry through personal visits. An Elizabeth Minister will be a link with the broader parish community.
Elizabeth Ministry offers support, resources, prayers and understanding during the joys and sorrows of the childbearing years.
- The Elizabeth Minister presents the person she is visiting a special Gift and Resource Kit.
- These visits may take place in homes, at the hospital or in the parish.
- Follow-up contacts are made in person, by phone or by mail.
- This outreach fosters a companionship based on personal experience, formal knowledge, the acquired skills of the participants and the mutual love of God.
- Women become mentors for one another in the magnificent adventure of bringing new life into the world.
- The sharing of life experiences brings a caring commitment and sense of connectedness.
- Each Elizabeth Minister represents the parish community. She becomes an instrument of its care, support and resources to women and their families during their childbearing years.
What Are The Benefits?
Elizabeth Ministry will enable our parish to:- Give reassurance and encouragement to women who are pregnant or are caring for a newborn.
- Offer support to women dealing with infertility or a childless lifestyle.
- Reach out to women who experience a miscarriage, infant or child death.
- Celebrate birth with parents and families.
- Respond at times of infant and child crisis.
- Assist parents involved in the adoptive process.
- Offer support and encouragement to grandparents during their children’s childbearing years.
- Empower women to relate to each other in a spirit of inclusiveness and sisterhood.
- Welcome young families into the parish community.
Contact the Elizabeth Ministry at the Parish office
St. Gabriel Parish Office - 440-352-8282
Send your prayer and support requests to stgabesem@gmail.com