Respect Life Podcast Episode: 
Mother, Doctor, Saint: What we can learn from St. Gianna

On episode 7 of "The Respect Life Podcast," Dr. Robin Goldsmith, co-founder of the Gianna Clinic in Wisconsin, shares about St. Gianna and what it looks like to use the gift of medicine to lovingly serve mothers and families. 

Watch on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and most other podcast platforms.

In the News:

Farrell center offering new initiative for moms in need

Alex Imwalle

WKBN First News 27

May 18, 2026

"FARRELL, Pa. (WKBN) – Being a new mom isn’t always easy, but a non-profit organization in Farrell is doing its best to take a load off mothers in the area.

For over 40 years, the Prince of Peace Center in Farrell has been a vital resource for food security, clothing and family services. Now, it debuted its new mom support initiative as a part of the National Walking with Moms in Need program.

'Being able to come in and support the mother to be able to provide her the level of support and encouragement and education that she needs, it allows her to then focus on other aspects of the home that also need attention, where we can relieve that pressure and that stress, maybe just a little bit,' said Sarah Worthington, chief executive officer of the Prince of Peace Center.

The center received a $75,000 grant from the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Erie to bring it to life. Now, it has a dedicated room stocked and ready for pregnant women and mothers with infants up to 1 year old.

'We’re able to provide our monthly box full of diapers and wipes, diaper cream, shampoo — anything the baby would need for a month’s supply,' Worthington said.

They also offer referrals for SNAP benefits and mental health counseling, as well as financial assistance for housing and transportation.

'We’ve had three moms come in already, actually, for help with bills, and we’re helping them with anything that they need, and two of the moms have already had their babies,' said Christine Loy, crisis intervention specialist.

Worthington said the program couldn’t be coming at a better time.

'Unfortunately, there were a number of agencies here in Mercer County that closed within the last year or two that supported pregnant moms and new parenting moms, and they’re no longer here. So we really feel like we’re able to step in and fill that gap in service that has existed since their doors closed,' she said.

For those who need assistance, call (724) 346-5777 to schedule an appointment, or walk-ins are welcome every Wednesday at the center. The center is located at 502 Darr Ave. in Farrell.

Leaders at the Prince of Peace Center say that while the grant funds a big chunk of the program, they are looking for donations to help with the cost of supplies.

The program has wishlists on Amazon and Walmart for those who want to help. Learn more about the nationwide program at www.walkingwithmoms.com."

Saints inspire students’ support for Catholic Charities

Lucas Blackwell

Florida Catholic

April 23, 2026

"ORLANDO |  Inspired by the witness of St. Monica and St. Thomas More, fifth‑grade students from Holy Family Catholic School in Orlando raised $2,380 for Culture of Life and Immigration Legal Services ministries of Catholic Charities of Central Florida (CCCF).

Earlier this year, Leidy Rivas, director of the Culture of Life Office for CCCF, was invited to speak to the students. She shared the call to 'build a culture that honors the dignity and sacredness of every human life' that is highlighted in the U.S. bishops’ nationwide initiative, Walking with Moms in Need that supports pregnant and parenting mothers.

Students from Holy Family Catholic School in Orlando present checks to Leidy Rivas, Diana Garcia, and Raul Pinzon from Catholic Charities of Central Florida.

Through the Culture of Life Ministry, 'our hope is for every parish to be a welcoming and loving place where mothers can find friendship, support, and hope,' Rivas said.

Students found Rivas’ presentation relatable because many of them have younger siblings.

'It hurt me to hear that some moms didn’t even have a clean diaper to change their baby into,' said Holy Family student Sofia A. 

'I heard that people need help with their babies, and I have a baby brother, so I know what that feels like,' added Maximus B.

Rivas invited students to make a tangible expression of their faith, by offering monetary donations to help purchase diapers and writing cards for the families. 'In doing so, they shared words of hope and encouragement inspired by the example of St. Monica, whose life was marked by persevering in prayer, patience, deep faith, humility, and steadfast maternal love,' Rivas said...

Students donated their birthday money, allowance and money typically spent on extracurricular activities. Cibotti noticed the students 'were just so excited that they knew exactly where that money was going' which fueled their almsgiving. They also wrote cards and prayers for the clients and staff of both ministries. 'It felt good to take time out of my day to tell someone they would be okay,' Ivanna O. said.

On April 14, the students surprised Rivas and Pinzon and presented each of them with a check for $1,190. Pinzon is grateful for the students’ support...

For Rivas, the students’ gift was meaningful. 'It was deeply moving to witness their joy and enthusiasm in serving others, and truly inspiring to see these young students so eager to live out their faith in action.'"

Grand Island: Walking with Moms in Need

Mike Kube

West Nebraska Catholic

March 3, 2026

"As director of the bishop’s Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities for our diocese, I am honored to serve the bishop and grateful for the trust placed in me...

I sometimes receive comments about our work at the Pro-Life Office. They follow a common thread, such as: 'We are just pro-birth, not pro-life'; 'We need to not limit our focus on abortion only'; and, finally, 'We need to be more than just about aborting babies.'

My response to comments like this is provided by our Bishops. There are many grave threats to the life and dignity of the human person, including, but not limited to, euthanasia, assisted suicide, IVF, death penalty, immigration and human trafficking.  

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ 'Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship' affirms that abortion remains a preeminent priority due to its direct impact on the most vulnerable. Our Pastoral Plan emphasizes that undermining respect for life in one context affects all others. 

Shifting the message 

Recognizing the broader scope of our mission, the U.S. Bishops launched the 'Walking With Moms in Need' (WWM) initiative in 2020, inspired by St. John Paul II’s encyclical Evangelium Vitae. Statistics show that most abortions involve young, unwed mothers, many of whom feel pressured and lack support, with 24 percent self-identifying as Catholic. (USCCB) 

WWM calls on parishes to be 'islands of mercy,' offering tangible support to pregnant and parenting women facing difficulties. Every parishioner should know how to refer a mom in need and communicate available resources. The goal is to ensure that mothers turn to the Church for help, fostering hope and compassion. 

This initiative is not about abortion; it is about affirming and supporting mothers. WWM is parish-based, focusing on service and practical assistance, and aims to move the conversation from political division to pastoral unity. 

WWM is not just saying 'NO' to abortion. It is saying 'YES' to our moms. When moms with unexpected and/or under-supported pregnancies come to our parish doors, our message to them must be filled with hope and love. We need to build them up, so they choose life, instead of an abortion. 

Vulnerable moms need to know that the Church is a place where they can receive help. We can do this through this wonderful initiative. WWM is a parish-based initiative that asks us to respond to moms in need. It is about service and is focused on providing real, tangible support to pregnant moms. It is intended to move the conversation from political division to pastoral unity. 

Implementing WWM in your parish. What can you do?

• Go to https://www.walkingwithmoms.com/ and click on the 'Get Started' button. 
• Pray for discernment and visit with your pastor about starting WWM in your parish... 

Each of our parishes and deaneries has unique strengths. By working together, we can better support mothers in need."

Prayer Intention

May expectant mothers be lovingly supported by the fathers of their children in welcoming new life.



Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be...

Full Prayer Guide

Prayer Cards Available

Our Prayer for Pregnant Mothers is available in English and Spanish for free download. It can also be ordered as a beautiful prayer card.

USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities

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