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Archives New Gabriel Project is launched in Canton

April 23, 2014

By Colleen Miner
Staff writer

Canton  - St. Mary’s Catholic Church is the newest site of a Gabriel Project. The parish-based apostolate joins eleven other locations in our diocese, offering hope and assistance to women in a crisis pregnancy.

According to parish coordinator, Linda Trill, Gabriel angels (women trained for the ministry) will act as advocates and spiritual mentors for women in need both before and after pregnancy.

“We will promote the message of the angel Gabriel,” she said. “‘Rejoice, Fear not!’”

Mrs. Trill is the mother of five adult children and grandmother to four. She was a young mother, giving birth to her first child at the age of sixteen.

“I know what it’s like to be in a pregnancy and not know what’s going to happen next”, said Trill who first learned about Gabriel Project while riding with a friend to a Formation for Ministry class.

Shortly after, the parish was approached by a mother in need.

“I thought, this is something I’d like to do,” Trill said. “It’s something our parish needs. Father Doug Lucia (pastor of St. Mary’s) has been super! He’s with me 100 percent!”

After sitting in on a couple of Potsdam Gabriel Project meetings and touring the Brasher Falls Gabriel Project, Trill along with 12 interested volunteers from St. Mary’s attended a training session on March 1. Then, the group held a parish-wide baby shower to collect baby items which will be kept in rooms in the rectory which have been designated for the Gabriel Project.

Trill said “A donation of shelving units was received but there is a need for more shelving or bookcases for the storeroom. The Knights of Columbus (Sarto Council #1059) will soon purchase a sign for the parish lawn. It’s amazing how it’s coming together. Everyone has been very helpful especially the other Gabriel Projects - Massena, Potsdam, Gouverneur, Brasher Falls.”

Donations from a parishioner and friends paid for all advertising materials and the project’s phone. The hotline number is 315-244-8232.

Donations may be made by sending a check payable to St. Mary’s Gabriel Project, 68 Court Street, Canton, NY 13617.

Further information, including about how to serve a volunteer angel, is available from Linda Trill at 315-212-9918 or bltrill@yahoo.com.

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