PREGNANT AND CONFUSED?

DRAW COMFORT AND GUIIDANCE FROM THOSE WHO CARE

      The purpose of the Gabriel Project is to assist women in a crisis prignancy obtain all the help they need physically, spiritually and emotionally and to save the lives of unborn babies.  People must know that the church ---who opposes abortion- - just as vigorously provides an alternative to abortion.  The Gabriel Project lets this happen in a very local and personal way.

Overview of the Gabrial Project

          Today every third pregnancy ends in abortion.  Women who have abortions never see them as good, but as what they consider a "necessary evil."  Rather than having "freedom of choice," they obtain them because they think they have no freedom ...no choice.  An abortion minded woman needs to know that help is close by, not only from city and state agencies, but from members of the Church, her spiritual home.  The Gabriel Project is a compassionate and caring way that each parish can carry our its" mission and extend the Gospel of Life

      "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you: and before you were born, I consecrated you...."   Jeremiah 1:5

Ten fingers...Ten Toes...

During the early weeks of pregnancy, babies develop at an astounding rate!  As if eager to be part of the world, they quickly begin to develop a head and a body, brain, eyes, mouth, inner ears, digestive system, arms and legs - all within the first month!  And baby's little heart begins beating around day 25 - often before mom even knows she is pregnant!

Month   two brings more definition to baby's fingers, toes, elbows, knees and facial features.  First bone cells appear and begin to harden.  All major body organs and systems are in place, getting stronger every day!

By the third month baby begins to kick and make a fist -- "I'm really somebody, Mom!"  baby seems to say with his body language.  He can also turn his head, squint, frown and respond to stimuli.  Teeth, lips and genitals are developing, too!  He looks like a miniature newborn.

Pregnancy does bring change...Whether unexpected or planned for a lifetime, the presence of a tiny child within his/her mother causes physical and emotional changes which she may never  have experienced before. Many pregnant women experience new questions and fears each day.  Feelings of joy, sorrow, anticipation and even anguish can come in waves, or all within the same minute!  Much of this anxiety, however, can be attributed to normal hormonal changes which are occuring rapidly to support the needs of two very special people - a mother and her child.

The Gabriel Project has provided help to many pregnant women who have found themselves in difficulty or confusion.  For many, it has been a welcome refguge, providing housing, counseling and love during a very trying time.  For others, it has been a saving "last resort" when they felt they had no other place to turn to.  Above all, the Gabriel Project has provided a hopeful future for lives which otherwise may have had none.

The Gabriel Project "Angels"  --When a woman calls the Gabriel Project for help, she is assigned a "Gabriel Angel".  Gabriel Angels are volunteers from the local parish community who work with the pastor or clergy to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of the mother-child team.  The Gabriel Angel keeps the church community up-to-date on the progress and needs of the mom and child.  Each Gabriel Angel remains a close, personal contact of the expectant mother, walking beside her through the course of her pregnancy.  Meanwhile, the church's role is to support the mother with love and prayer, and to assist her and her child in their specific needs.

Thus, through the Gabriel Project, the Church community as the living Body of Christ responds to a specific need by living out the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

The Gabriel Project  networks with a variety of help centers that can assist you with:

              Housing          Counseling       Adoption Services     Medical Care     Prenatal Care

                                 Spiritual Direction           Material Needs

"The Angel Gabriel was sent as a Messenger of God.  'Fear Not! Nothing is

  Impossible with God......'"