By Val and Deacon Gary Streff
Special to the Herald
May is known as the Month of Mary. In Luke 1:30-31, we remember the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary and saying, “Mary, do not be afraid. You have found favor with God. You are to become a mother and have a son named Jesus.”
Mary’s “Yes” made a difference in the world for us. Catholics honor Mary with prayers, processions and crownings. We do not worship Mary but have a deep respect for her place in God’s salvific plan. She is the model of faith, obedience, humility and trust in God.
It is through Mary’s example that we salute all mothers in May.
The Walking with Moms in Need program was started by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on March 25, 2020, in commemoration of St. John Paul II’s 1995 encyclical “Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life).”
In the encyclical, St. John Paul II emphasizes the sacredness of human life at conception. Mother and child must be cherished and, when faced with financial strain, lack of housing or medical fears, be provided with substantial, practical help ensuring no pregnant mother feels pressured to end a pregnancy.
As Christians, we celebrate all mothers who devote themselves entirely to their families; they are to be recognized, appreciated and supported by the faith and local communities.
Walking with Moms in Need took root in Hawaii in 2022. Since then, parishes on Oahu, Kauai and Maui have hosted baby showers to support pregnant mothers and families.
We hope this program inspires others to join and honor pregnant mothers. It is one way to rebuild the “culture of life.”
On May 17, the East Honolulu Vicariate held its annual baby shower at Holy Trinity Church in Kuliouou. St. Elizabeth Church in Aiea and Resurrection of the Lord Church in Waipio Gentry held their baby showers May 31.
Other parishes will host baby showers in October, another month dedicated to Mary. Please join all Christians as we continue to ignite the fire of love to mothers.
We acknowledge the following pregnancy centers across the islands, which are open throughout the year to provide free counseling, testing, ultrasound and resources for pregnant mothers and fathers-to-be.
Oahu: Pearson Place Pregnancy Resource Center, Aloha Pregnancy Care Center
Hawaii island: LIV (Live Well) in Kona, Hilo and Ocean View.
Maui: Pregnancy and Wellness Maui
Please visit these centers and share their good works with others in your respective communities.
In May, we visited Pregnancy and Wellness Maui in Kihei (the center also serves women on Molokai). We met Dr. Sara Mitchell Edwards, a nurse, and others who faithfully serve men and women who come to their clinic. It is truly a welcoming place, especially for women who have questions about their pregnancy and prenatal care. especially if you are in doubt about your pregnancy and prenatal care.
The center needs financial assistance to support its operational costs for the next two years. Any support will be greatly appreciated: Send donations to Pregnancy and Wellness Maui, 115 E. Lipoa St. Unit 100, Kihei, HI 96753 or call (808) 280-5810.
For assistance or more information about Walking with Moms in Need, please contact the Respect Life Ministry, c/o Deacon Gary and Valerie Streff, at gstreff@rcchawaii.org or vstreff@rcchawaii.org, or call (808) 673-3074.
East Honolulu Vicariate parishes come together for baby shower at Holy Trinity Church
Special to the Herald
The nine parishes of the East Honolulu Vicariate held the fourth annual Walking with Moms baby shower on May 17 in the gym at Holy Trinity Church in Kuliouou.
Moms were honored and received gifts and gift cards to Walmart, Amazon and Target; they could also select items from a table filled with diapers, clothing and other useful items.
It was a day of fun, fellowship and wonderful food provided by Holy Trinity parishioners.
We are blessed to support these moms and families. We heard their personal stories, and we are impressed with their strength, positive attitude, gratitude and faith. Donations from all nine churches supported these moms as well as the Mary Jane Home, the After Care Moms program and Pearson Place resource center.
Above: The East Honolulu Vicariate’s fourth annual baby shower May 17 was held in Holy Trinity Church’s gym. (Courtesy photo)