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Contact: Marge Hayes (708) 798-0622
Ministry Goal: Women minstering to women of childbearing years; celebrating birth and adoption; supporting those women experiencing loss through miscarriage or infant death; prepare quarterly blessing Mass for expectant, foster and adoptive mothers.
Training Needed: Done within the group meetings and is ongoing. Time Commitment: Five meetings per year plus assist at special events as requested.
Elizabeth Ministry Prayer
Creator God, I pledge to truly celebrate
the gift of each child conceived and
born, and fully mourn each miscarriage,
abortion, stillbirth and infant or child
death. I will be a witness to my belief in
the dignity and worth of all life, by
honoring sexuality, treasuring the gift of
fertility, promoting chaste living,
uplifting the sanctity of marriage,
helping those struggling with unhealthy
lifestyles and sexual sins, supporting
those suffering infertility problems,
encouraging those in the adoptive
process, and assisting families with
prenatal, infant or child crisis, illness or
special need. I will be a strong and
consistent voice for life in my home, my
church, my community, and my world.
Amen.
Elizabeth Ministry reaches out to parish women
The Elizabeth Ministry uses prayerful reflection for the women of St. John Neumann Parish as its mission.
Women to women discussions and interactions are at the center of this ministry started more than 16 years ago by then parish nurse Diane O’Brien. The work of Elizabeth Ministry is to extend God’s welcoming hand through women to other women—both as individuals and as mothers.
That is still the mission carried out by the organization: from welcoming moms with a new child to hosting the prayer group to times of reflection, to remembering all who have lost a child.
“We want to welcome all new moms—not just those having babies. We include moms who are adopting or fostering children,” said Marge Hayes, Elizabeth Ministry coordinator.
The ministry welcomes the expectant moms at a blessing mass to give recognition to the joy of motherhood. At the child’s baptism, the baby is presented with a specially made white baptismal bib. An Elizabeth minister writes a note to the mom and encloses a prayer card of blessings for the child.
In November, the Elizabeth Ministry hosts a Mass of Remembrance for those who have lost a child, regardless of the age. Hayes said they have welcomed parents who have lost babies as well as parents who have lost adult children.
For those looking for inspiration, the Elizabeth Ministry hosts an afternoon of reflection in spring. Marge said teenagers through seniors are welcome to the program that includes lunch.
And when someone has a special request or a need of special intention, the Elizabeth Ministry’s “Prayers for You” is there to join in your call to God.
“We make it a confidential request. We don’t share with others, but we do ask our members to pray for these requests,” Hayes explained.
If you, or someone you know, have a particular need, send your prayer request to [email protected]
Women interested in learning more about Elizabeth Ministry, or joining the group, can contact Marge at [email protected] or 708-798-0622.
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