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As you know, we as a parish are participating in the Spiritual Adoption Program.  Some of you have been praying for the protection of a baby in it’s mother’s womb since February.  The spiritual births of these babies will be in October.  In order to continue to support babies and their moms when an unexpected pregnancy brings challenges such as judgment from others, unemployment, or abandonment of the baby’s father, we will hold a baby shower.  In September we will place a baby bed in the back of church where donations can be placed through October - Respect Life Month.

The really exciting news is the donations will remain here in Bogalusa. There is a new pregnancy center opening right here in our own backyard.  The Southeast Louisiana Pregnancy Center for Women and Children will be open very soon and will be located at 502 Avenue F near the hospital.  This center will support moms in crisis pregnancy and follow through with the children up to the age of four.  They are completely in line with our Catholic teachings.  They will never support or recommend abortion, abortifacients, or birth control.  They will teach abstinence and chastity and respect for life. They are very happy to have the items that our parish donates and our Respect Life Committee - and hopefully our parish community - will be working with them as they grow in the community.

The Gospel of Luke tells us when our Blessed Mother learned of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, she traveled to the hill country in haste. Despite Mary’s own needs and the challenges of travel, she knew Elizabeth would be in need of help due to her advanced age.  Mary’s witness invites us to be more aware of the needs of pregnant and parenting moms in our own parishes and communities who are vulnerable and alone. When we help others in these situations, we are bringing Christ to them in us.

Once the pregnancy center opens, we will provide more information on how we can all help and volunteer for those in need in our community.  There will be a list of suggested donation items in the bulletin.

“If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.”  -Isaiah 58:10