The month of May in the Church is dedicated to the Blessed Mother, the earthly mother of Jesus, the Son of God. In May we also celebrate Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, 2025, honoring all moms, including those in need, or experiencing an unexpected or difficult pregnancy.
The news of an unexpected pregnancy can come as a shock and bring overwhelming feelings of fear, shame, anxiety, and doubt. Without a strong support system, what should be joyful news, can instead be experienced as a crisis. Often, a woman facing an unexpected pregnancy may not know where she can turn for help and assistance.
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. As Pope Francis reminds us, Parishes need to be “islands of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference.” 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/.
The USCCB also offers a new guide to help the faithful learn how they can support a friend experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, called “10 Ways to Support Her When She is Unexpectedly Expecting,” and can be found at respectlife.org/support-her.
Each tip offers practical advice because for women, an unexpected pregnancy can be a difficult and frightening time, and it’s important that she knows she has support.
The guide also provides a reminder that prayer in essential. “Although the tips mentioned can be helpful, don’t forget the most important thing is to pray. Even if it’s just a quick two-second prayer, prayer is the most effective way we can help. Pray for her, for her child, and for guidance in how you can give her the best possible support.”
For more information about Respect Life activities in the Diocese of Venice, please contact Respect Life Director Tavia Ames at ames@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-441-1101 or visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife.
