This month, many of you likely celebrated your mother and our Mother Mary! We have so much to be grateful for in the mothers in our lives, especially in the way they nurture and uphold the dignity of the most vulnerable among us.

The tenant of Life and Dignity of the Human Person is the foundation for all Catholic Social Teaching. We believe in the dignity of the youngest and the oldest among us, and everyone in between! We know that the youngest among us include the unborn.

CCD affirms the worth of unborn children and their parents through various acts of support and compassion.

When a mother approaches Catholic Charities and shares that she is pregnant, our pregnancy counselor shares a variety of resources and options. If a mother chooses to parent, we offer pregnancy support groups and parenting classes that provide community, guidance, and practical help—including diapers, wipes, a car seat, a Pack ’n Play, and clothing.

If the mother is interested in adoption, our pregnancy counselor walks with her throughout the entire process. Our infant adoption program matches loving families with birth mothers who are choosing adoption for their child.

We also have the Finally Home program. This program works with the Department of Family and Protective Services to place children that are in DFPS custody into permanent adoptive homes. These children are typically ages eight or older and often come in sibling groups looking to stay together! There is a great need for families who can lovingly welcome these children into their home.

We are blessed with the number of couples and families who have reached out for our infant adoption program. Currently, we have a large number of families eager to adopt and a waiting list to begin the adoption process. We encourage you to research our Finally Home program to see if this is the right fit for you, and to check back in the future for any updates!

Additionally, pregnant mothers who are unhoused are invited to stay at Mater Maria, a safe space for mothers in need to have a healthy pregnancy and the chance to bond with their baby. Mothers are welcome to stay with us throughout their pregnancy and for the first eight months of their child’s life.

This can be a lot! So how can you help? You can show dignity to all people by loving all those in need, no matter their age. If a pregnant mother comes to you, please share the resources we offer at Catholic Charities with her, and remind parents interested in adoption that this is a loving choice! Parenting and adoption are both great opportunities, and we are here to help parents make the best decision for their families.

We also encourage you to include our adoption information in your parish communications! Included below are some easy-to-download graphics that are free to use.

Thank you for working with us to show dignity to all those in need. Until next time!

Learn more about CST

• Examination of Conscience in Light of CST
  • English PDF
  • Spanish PDF
• Host a talk by Devyn