Elizabeth Ministry aids new mothers, pregnant women

Published: 2004-05-04

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CNS) -- An international outreach program modeled after the biblical story of two mothers aims to provide woman-to-woman support in the same way that Mary and Elizabeth supported each other in times of need. Elizabeth Ministry, a parish-based ministry, is designed to involve mothers in networking to support one another through personal visits, prayers, telephone calls and family support services. Members are typically paired according to common experiences and needs such as birth, pregnancy, miscarriage, a child's death, adoption, fertility and infertility. "It's a program very much based on the sanctity of life from conception forward," said Nancy Milton, pastoral care and safe environment coordinator for the Sacramento Diocese. "It strengthens families and builds community within the church."

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