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Archives Parish ministry creates pregnancy center

May 4, 2022

WATERTOWN – Blessed Sacrament Parish in Watertown is about to inaugurate a pregnancy and parenting center in Watertown.

Walking with Moms in Need (WWMIN) is the parish’s ministry that will bring the free services to pregnant women in the parish’s Faith Formation & Family Life Center (former IHC intermediate school on South Massey Street in Watertown). The pregnancy and parenting center will offer pregnancy testing, first trimester ultrasounds, pregnancy counseling, parenting education and counseling, breast feeding assistance, nutrition education and referrals for community support services.

Program volunteers include a certified licensed midwife, three retired maternity nurses and office staff. All services are free, but there are equipment and supply expenses.

“It is time to raise funds to sustain our ongoing services and needs,” said Kathleen Mastellon, the founder of the parish’s WWMIN ministry. “We love the baby bottle fund raiser concept and brought it to Father (John M.) Mickey (Demo, pastor of Blessed Sacrament) for his consideration. Father liked it, and off we go!”

Each of the Watertown churches – Holy Family, St. Anthony’s and St. Patrick, which are linked to make up Blessed Sacrament Parish, and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart – will receive 50 bottles to be distributed to parishioners beginning on Mother’s Day.

“Over the weeks between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day,” Mastellon explained, “we hope folks will add their loose change to the bottle. Then they can return the bottle to church by June 18 filled with coin, currency or a check to support Watertown’s Walking with Moms pregnancy and parenting program.”

Walking With Moms In Need is supported by the parish Elizabeth Ministry Chapter which is co-located in the Family Life Center.

“The resource shelves are stocked with baby blankets, baby clothes, diapers and wipes thanks to parishioner generosity to the local Elizabeth Ministry Chapter,” said midwife Joyce Wilder who co-founded the pregnancy and parenting center. “We have an exam room set up to provide first trimester ultrasounds. An ultrasound will enable moms to hear their babies’ heartbeat and see the child growing in the womb.”

In addition to following Christ’s call to serve those in need, the new services also promote life.

“From a pro-life perspective, that sound and view of life in the mother’s womb, particularly if the pregnancy is unplanned, is a game changer,” Wilder said. “Many lives will be saved!”

Proceeds from the Baby Bottle fundraiser will also help provide funds for the WWMIN parenting education series.

The Catholic Bishop’s Respect Life Committee reminds us: “A child's first experience of God is through the love, examples, and teachings of the parents. For those in difficult life situations, it can be tough to have the time and energy to teach God's love. For those of us blessed to be in a time of peace in life, let us open our hearts and be an example of God's love to those who need it most.”

“We pray people will respond favorably to the Baby Bottle campaign,” Mastellon concluded. “It is an easy way to support our work for life.”

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