Saint Fabian Catholic Church

In the past, the presence, intimacy, and support needed during childbearing years were found in the structures of family, neighborhood, and church. Today these structures are undergoing rapid change.

	Neighborhoods are fragmented, leaving many families isolated.
	Churches have increased in size, making it difficult to create a warm, hospitable, personal, and loving environment.
	Mobility has caused many extended families to be separated by miles, making frequent visits improbable and presence impossible.

The wisdom of sharing stories of about the joys and trials of childbirth is still needed. Reassurance and advice, usually given by the extended family, often now need to come from another source. The search to fill this need has resulted in Elizabeth Ministry. By sharing their stories and experiences, women serve one another in an atmosphere of faith, love, and hope.

How Does it Work?

Elizabeth Ministry follows the example of the of the Visitation by bringing women who share a similar story. This ministry provides an opportunity for like-to-like ministry through personal visits. An Elizabeth Minister will be a link with the broader parish community.

	Elizabeth Ministry offers support, resources, prayers, and understanding during the joys and sorrows of the childbearing years.
	The Elizabeth Minister presents the person she is visiting a special Gift and Resource Kit.
	These visits may take place in homes, at the hospital, or in the parish.
	Follow-up contacts are made in person, by phone, or by mail.
	This outreach fosters a companionship based on personal experience, formal knowledge, the acquired skills of the participants, and the mutual love of God.
	Women become mentors for one another in the magnificent adventure of bringing new life into the world.
	The sharing of life experiences brings a caring commitment and a sense of connectedness.
	Each Elizabeth Minister represents the parish community. She becomes an instrument of its care, support, and resources to women and their families during their childbearing years.

What are the Benefits?

Elizabeth Ministry will enable your parish to:

	Give reassurance and encouragement to women who are pregnant or are caring for a newborn.
	Offer support to women dealing with infertility or a childless lifestyle.
	Reach out to women who experience a miscarriage or infant or child death.
	Celebrate birth with parents and families.
	Respond at times of infant and child crisis.
	Assist parents involved in the adoptive process.
	Offer support and encouragement to grandparents during their child's childbearing years.
	Empower women to relate to each other in a spirit of inclusiveness and sisterhood.
	Welcome young families into the parish community.

Areas of Involvement

Pregnancy General Pregnancy First-Time Pregnancy Subsequent Pregnancy Large Family Pregnancy Later in Life Pregnancy after Miscarriage or Infant Death   Pregnancy Complications Bed Rest High-Risk Pregnancy Prenatal Testing Concerns Fetal Abnormality Issues Celebration of Birth General Birth First-Time Birth Subsequent Birth Large Family Raising Child Choosing Adoption   Special Birth Outcomes Multiple Births Delivery Complications Postpartum Depression Grandparents Support General Nurturing as Grandparent First-Time Grandparents Grandchild Joined Family by Adoption Long-Distance Grandparenting Grieving Grandparent Grandparent Facing Obstacles Rejected Grandparent Grandparent raising Grandchild Grandparenting Unwed Child's Baby Unwed Child is a Teenager Unwed Child is an Adult Grandchild Placed for Adoption Grandchild Aborted Prayer Support Prayer Partner Prayer Network Blessing Rituals Memorial Services

Miscarriage & Infant or Child Death Miscarriage Infant or Child Death Stillborn Multiple Birth Loss SIDS Illness Violence Fertility and Infertility Waiting to Conceive Without Known Infertility With Known Infertility Accepting Inability to Conceive Accepting a Childless Life Fertility Transformations Onset of Menses Hysterectomy Menopause Adoption Considering Adoption Waiting to Adopt Adoption Loss Celebration of Adoption Birth Mother Infant or Child Crisis Premature Birth Intensive Care Nursery Special Needs Physical Mental Child Illness Surgery Hospitalization Family Support Meals Child Care Housekeeping Transportation Gift & Resource Kits Women &/or Men Moms &/or Dads Married or Single Siblings Grandmothers &/or Grandfathers

Scheduled events will be shown on the bulletin page.