Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Cambridge and Arapahoe parishes in the Diocese of Lincoln are taking part in the "Walk With Moms in Need" initiative, a pro-life ministry launched by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The goal of the ministry is to support and assist pregnant women in need by providing them with access to local resources within their communities.

Led by Father Kenneth Wehrs, pastor of St. John the Baptist in Cambridge and St. Germanus in Arapahoe, a committee of 11 individuals from both parishes came together to create a comprehensive directory of resources available to women, children, and families in need. The directory is now accessible on a new parish website and includes information on various services such as pregnancy and medical care, pregnancy testing, food, clothing, housing, counseling, adoption, childcare, parenting education, financial assistance, and post-abortion healing.

Kylea tenBensel, a committee member from Arapahoe, highlighted the importance of making these resources easily accessible to vulnerable women. She said, "Everyone has a phone in their pocket, so we knew making an online directory would be one way to get the information out. We also created a scannable QR code that links to the directory for easy sharing. The directory is user-friendly and easy to maintain since we'll continue to update it with more resources."

The creation of the digital directory was a collaborative effort by the committee members, who utilized their unique skills and insights to gather information, create artwork, and develop webpages. Reflecting on their contributions, tenBensel emphasized the shared goal of the committee, stating, "We each bring something different to the group, but we share the same goal, and together we can make a difference in our communities."

The committee intends to raise awareness about the resources available to support pregnant women facing difficult circumstances. They plan to place QR code posters throughout the local communities, linking to the digital directory, and will distribute information cards to mothers delivering at Tri-Valley Health System. Additionally, custom-designed t-shirts featuring artwork by local artist Sondra Jonson and her daughter-in-law Maridel McHale are available for order.

The online directory not only equips the parish and community to provide real solutions and support to local mothers but also emphasizes that they are not alone in their challenges. tenBensel emphasized, "There are resources, organizations, and people who care and want to help."

To learn more about the initiative and access the digital directory, visit the parish website at www.cambridge-arapahoecatholicchurch.com. For more information about "Walking with Moms in Need" in the Diocese of Lincoln, please visit www.lincolndiocese.org/moms.