Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Volunteers from several parishes gathered on October 18 to discuss their experiences in the Walking with Moms in Need ministry, which supports pregnant women facing difficult circumstances. The meeting, held at St. Francis of Assisi Church in the Highlands, provided an opportunity for volunteers to share both the blessings and challenges encountered through their work.

Stories highlighted included a baby born to a mother who had previously considered abortion, another mother seeking baptism for her child, and a woman who initially referred to her unborn baby as “it” but later expressed joy at her child’s birth. These accounts reflected some of the positive outcomes volunteers have witnessed.

However, participants also discussed challenges such as interacting with mothers primarily seeking financial help and losing contact with some clients unexpectedly.

Stuart Hamilton, pro-life activities coordinator for the Archdiocese of Louisville, addressed these issues during the gathering. “If you’re involved in this ministry, you have to understand your part to play,” he said. He encouraged volunteers to recognize their limitations: “‘I’m not responsible for saving everyone. I did what I could in my ministry.’” Hamilton emphasized that success is measured by whether volunteers “show them the face of Christ in walking with them in our ministry.”

Danna Dandurand from Little Way Pregnancy Resource Center also spoke at the event. She described The Rose, a program aimed at supporting mothers as they transition out of cycles of poverty and trauma. The program focuses on helping clients develop action plans together rather than doing everything for them.

Dandurand recounted one case involving a mother already raising five children who was 16 weeks pregnant with twins and considering abortion. After prayer support from volunteers, including a novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dandurand shared that “They had started the procedure, and she felt strongly prompted to leave. She said she audibly heard, ‘Don’t do it; I’ve got your back.’ It was so evident the Lord was in this.” The twins were later born on the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The Rose also offers peer support groups for pregnant women, post-partum mothers, and fathers. One group connects women with therapy services to address past trauma. Meetings include childcare and meals so attendees can take a break and build supportive friendships.

“We don’t have to be everything to everybody,” Dandurand said. “They help each other.” She added encouragement for fellow volunteers: “What you all do is what Mary did at the Visitation.”

“No one takes the time to listen to these girls,” she continued. “Most of them don’t have friends; they don’t have trusting relationships.” According to Dandurand: “They need someone to listen without judgment and meet them where they are… It’s about being present, encouraging, being a cheerleader — letting her know someone is there for her.”

For more information about Walking with Moms in Need or volunteer opportunities within the Archdiocese of Louisville’s Office of Family and Life Ministry, interested individuals can contact Stuart Hamilton or Morgann Lucas via email.