PROVIDENCE — “Comfort and Joy” — words that ring out this time of year represent what mothers desire most for their families, and not just during the holidays, but throughout the year. St. Gabriel’s Call, a ministry of the Diocese of Providence, is dedicated to bringing that comfort and joy to women who are pregnant, desperate, and in need of assistance in a local and personal way by providing material needs, friendship and guidance. St. Gabriel’s Call also offers access to social services provided through the Diocese of Providence’s offices of Catholic Charities and Life and Family Ministry.
Lisa Cooley, coordinator of the Office of Life and Family Ministry, shared that items that are always needed — and go the quickest — are the larger size clothes (2-5T), diapers (4-6) and toiletries. Items that are the most sought after would be new car seats, pack and plays or gift cards to Walmart or Target.
“The importance of this ministry is easy to answer,” said Cooley. “We are doing the Corporal Works of Mercy daily here and helping those in need. We are building relationships, evangelizing and mentoring in a confidential and Christian way. We are helping moms that are desperate, take care of their families. If we are going to tell a woman not to abort her baby, we need to be there to help her keep and take care of that baby if she needs it — walking with them along the way.”
If you or someone you know needs help, or if you, your parish or school would like to donate to this important ministry, please contact the diocesan Office of Life and Family Ministry at 401-278-2518 or lcooley@dpvd.org.
