The Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (VDCCW) celebrated life with a baby shower on Nov. 5, 2025. The shower was held to benefit local pregnancy resource centers as part of the Parish “Walking With Moms in Need” outreach.
Participants in the Our Lady of Lourdes baby shower were encouraged to bring baby supplies, including diapers and blankets. Pregnancy Solutions new CEO Melissa Gordon spoke on the different programs available at their centers. Celia Kane, Program Director at Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities, was grateful for the donations to help empower single mothers and children.
Our Mother’s House provides transitional housing, education and support to single mothers and their preschool-age children, the only such program in the area. Often, these women have nowhere else to turn, and the program offers not only a temporary solution but a path forward.
“Walking with Moms in Need” is a nationwide program established in 2020 by the U.S. Bishops and operates at the Parish level to accompany pregnant and parenting mothers in need. The Diocese of Venice is an active participant in this outreach which works to ensure that any woman who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, or parenting in difficult circumstances, can turn to her local Catholic Church and be connected with the resources she needs. For resources in English and Spanish on how you can Walk with a Mom in Need, visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/walking-with-moms-in-need/.
There are 22 Pregnancy Help Centers and six residential maternity and after-birth homes within the Diocese, standing ready to help. Importantly, there are many financial and volunteering opportunities available to support these Pregnancy Help Centers.
For decades, the Diocese of Venice has supported these Pregnancy Help Centers and will continue to do so. Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities in Venice is one of the programs in the Diocese that supports single mothers and their children, providing not just housing and material needs, but valuable counseling and education.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane stresses how the Church has built a Culture of Life and how we must all stand as a voice for the voiceless – the unborn. It is through the “Walking with Moms in Need” program that Parishes are to be “Islands of Mercy” in a sea of indifference and a field hospital for those in search of support.
Bishop Dewane extends an invitation for the faithful to join in the “Walking with Moms in Need” program “guided by the Holy Spirit, let us offer Christ’s presence and love to mothers in their time of need through our faithful service and support.”
A Prayer for Pregnant Mothers
O Blessed Mother, you received the good news of the Incarnation of Christ, your Son, with faith and trust. Grant your protection to all pregnant mothers facing difficulties.
Guide us as we strive to make our Parish communities places of welcome and assistance for mothers in need. Help us to become instruments of God’s love and compassion.
Mary, Mother of the Church, graciously help us to build a culture of life and a civilization of love, together with all people of good will, to the praise and glory of God, the Creator and lover of life. Amen.
