Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • October 15, 2021 16 This supplement sponsored by these Knights of Columbus councils: The Gulf Pine Catholic staff & the people of the Diocese of Biloxi applaud the Knights of Columbus’ educational efforts to promote the respect & dignity of the human person. Msgr. Leech Council 4472 Pass Christian Navigating Infertility From page 11 1 Pope Benedict XVI, Homily at the Mass with the Beatification of Venerable Cardinal John Henry Newman on September 19, 2010 , (Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2010). 2 Pope Francis, General Audience , May 7, 2014, (Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2014). 3 Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-8; 1 Samuel 1:1 – 2:11, 18-21; Luke 1:5- 25 4 Pope Francis, Amoris laetitia , (Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2016), nos. 80-81. 5 John M. Haas, Ph.D., S.T.L., “Begotten Not Made: A Catholic View of Reproductive Technology,” (Washington, DC: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1998). 6 “Infertility,” NaProTechnology, accessed May 9, 2016, www. naprotechnology.com/infertility.htm, Copyright © Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction. 7 Pope John Paul II, Homily at the Mass for the Families on February 13, 1982 , (Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1982). 8 Pope Francis, Meditation at the Prayer Vigil to “Dry the Tears” on May 5, 2016 , (Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2016). Excerpts from Homily (February 13, 1982) © 1982, Homily (September 19, 2010) © 2010, General Audience © 2014, Amoris laetitia © 2016, Meditation © 2016, Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Models used for illustrative purposes only. Copyright © 2016, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. All rights reserved. Unexpectedly Expecting From page 12 10. Point out some real-life role models. Many amazing young mothers and birthmoth- ers have experienced unexpected pregnancies and still followed their dreams. Other women have discovered that, even when unable to follow their lives as planned, something beautiful and good came out of the twists in the road, bringing oppor- tunities, growth, and joy they hadn’t imagined. Point your friend to some of the many web- sites, blogs, and social media accounts dedicated to supporting young mothers. And let’s not forget Mary, whose “yes” to bearing Jesus affected the course of history. The Blessed Mother is a great person to pour her heart out to, and she’s a pow- erhouse of intercessory prayer. An unexpected pregnancy can be a difficult and frightening time, and it’s important that your friend knows you are thinking of her and support- ing her. Although the tips mentioned can be help- ful, don’t forget the most important thing is to pray. Even if it’s just a quick two-second prayer, prayer is the most effective way we can help. Pray for her, for her child, and for guidance in how you can give her the best possible support. Also, pay attention to how your friend feels most loved. One person might appreciate encour- aging words, while another might feel more sup- ported if you wash the dishes. Simple things -- let- ting her know that you care and are always ready to listen, that you are available to help her, that you are praying for her -- can give hope and cour- age when she might otherwise feel alone. Your support might be the only support she receives. Even if we never know how, the smallest things we do can change someone’s life. You can make a difference in her life. Will you? The author is now a married mother of four who works as an advocate for young mothers facing unexpected pregnancies. She had her first baby in college and is a proud Catholic who supports life in every circumstance and at every stage. Heartbeat International provides a directory of pregnancy services, which is accessible at www.heartbeatinterna- tional.org/worldwide-directory. You can learn about setting up parish-based support for women who are pregnant and need assistance by visiting the websites for The Gabriel Project (www.gabrielproject.us ) and Elizabeth Ministry (www.elizabethministry.com) , which have chap- ters across the country. For more information about how you can help, or for information about help that may be available, such as pregnancy care centers, maternity homes, and other assistance, contact your local diocesan Respect Life office. A list of diocesan Respect Life Ministry offices can be found at www.usccb.org/about/pro- life-activities/diocesan-pro-life-offices.cfm. *Name changed for privacy. Copyright © 2015, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. Oscar J. Gelpi Council 6872 Picayune C. Mark Landry Assembly 3007 D’Iberville Msgr. Gregory Kennedy Council 10499, Ocean Springs Fr. Michael A. Leane Assembly 2227, Picayune Gulfport Bishop Gunn Council 1583, Gulfport James D. Hart Council 9673 Woolmarket St. Mary Council 2180 Gautier John P. Myers Council 2180 Laurel Msgr. PJ Carey Council 1605 Pascagoula