What is Walking with Moms in Need
Inspired by Pope Francis’s words, we strive to be ‘ “islands of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference.’ Walking with Moms in Need is a nationwide, parish-based initiative that has already made a significant impact, supporting pregnant and parenting mothers in challenging circumstances. Our goal is to ensure no woman feels alone on her journey, and your participation can help us achieve this.
Mission Statement
St. Christopher’s Walking with Moms in Need Ministry is committed to supporting women facing unexpected pregnancies or parenting challenges. We connect them with essential resources and foster a culture of empathy and support within our Parish and beyond, empowering each woman to feel valued and equipped for her motherhood journey.
How Can St. Christopher Help
At St. Christopher, we have partnered with local non-profits to evaluate available resources, identify service gaps, and effectively respond to the needs of mothers in our area. We will establish support systems in areas where resources are limited, utilizing our parish members’ unique gifts and talents.
Our assessment found a critical gap in emergency financial assistance for mothers facing crises. This highlights the importance of our mission and the urgent need for active participation. Your involvement can make a significant difference in the lives of these mothers.
Who We Help
Alyssa, a nail technician, had just welcomed her third child into the world when she and her children fled an unsafe home with the help of a local domestic violence organization. Alyssa was staying at a shelter, saving up for a deposit on a new apartment when her car was broken into. The thieves took everything, including Alyssa’s critical nail tools. Without her tools, Alyssa was unable to work as a nail technician.
St Christopher’s Walking with Moms in Need Ministry stepped up and collected donations to replace her tools so she could work. Due to the generous donations, she could replace the tools within a few days and return to work. Currently, Alyssa lives in a safe home with her children. She is working and saving for a home of her own one day.
By sharing personal testimonies like Alyssa’s and Shannon’s, we illustrate the profound impact of our collective efforts in uplifting mothers in our community.
Recently, Sisters Haven connected a mom in need, Shannon, to St Christopher’s Ministry called Walking with Moms in Need, which connected us to parishioner Geoff Panteck of Brunswick Automart—a few hard years had ravaged Shannon’s life, resulting in economic hardship and a poor credit score. With help from Sisters Haven over many months, she was doing her best to put her life back together and effectively parent as a single mom. Shannon had saved some money to purchase a car. She was so excited to have her own vehicle! Unfortunately, the car she bought on Facebook Marketplace entirely broke down within a month, jeopardizing her ability to begin a better-paying job scheduled to start the following week. Rather than going to a “buy here, pay here” dealership that would penalize Shannon with high fees and interest rates, Geoff helped Shannon navigate the process and secure a safe car and affordable loan through Brunswick Automart. Many thanks to Geoff and Brunswick Automart, who recognized an opportunity to help a mom in a challenging situation!
How Can You Help?
Please join the Walking with Moms in Need team and support women emotionally, spiritually, and financially by:
- Pray for all women and children in need
- Serve on the WWMIN Committee
- Donate to the WWMIN Emergency Fund used to provide immediate financial assistance to mothers in crisis. (Send a check to the parish office with “WWMIN” in the note. Or go to “Donate Now” at the top of stchrisparish.com, choose the Walking with Moms in Need Fund from the pull down menu.)
- Connect your network of professional contacts, including painters, construction firms, movers, car dealers, lawyers, and realtors, who are willing to collaborate on business opportunities.
- Share your talents (tutor, prayer partner, mentor)
For more information or to get involved, please contact Melissa DiFini at mdifini@stchrisparish.com or 440-331-4255 x 105. We look forward to your support in this crucial mission.
We can help.
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 become instruments of God’s love and compassion.
Mary, Mother of the Church, graciously help us 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.