Father and maker of all, 
you adorn all creation
with splendor and beauty, 
and fashion human lives 
in your image and likeness. 
Awaken in every heart
reverence for the work of your hands,
and renew among your people 
a readiness to nurture and sustain
your precious gift of life. 
Grant this through our Lord
Jesus Christ, your son,
who lives and reigns with you in 
the unity of the Holy Spirit, 
God, forever and ever. 
Amen.  
 

Copyright 2001 USCCB, Washington DC

This ministry promotes education about life issues and respect for human life in all its stages.  The ministry engages in efforts to raise awareness, to provide guidance, and to support other organizations who are promoting a respect for human life as understood by the teachings of the Catholic Church.
 

All who wish to help others in their understanding of the realities of life issues and in being part of the activities of this ministry may contact the coordinator.
 

Coordinator: Janet Brown   978 489 4196

On the weekend of January 23 we begin our Annual Spiritual Adoption Program. Participants will pray daily for an unborn child for 9 months. Each month we will feature an up date on the development of a preborn child.  The program will conclude with a Baby Shower in the fall during which we will be collecting baby items for new moms in need. 

MONTH ONE
"My heart started beating today!" During the first amazing month of life, a baby grows 10,000 times his or her size from the momen of their conception. Babies are totally dependent upon their mothers. Between mother and child lies the vital organ galled the placenta. Here vessels from mother and baby intertwine without joining, highlighting the newly formed relationship - mutual, nourishing and deeply connected. By the 3rd week the baby's tiny heart begins to beat

MONTH TWO
" I can suck my thumb now! " The developing baby is now called a "fetus" (Latin for "Little One"). She is making rapid progress developing all her external and internal organs. During the second month baby deeth are formed and fingers and toes are developing. Her earns, nose lips and tongue can not be clearly seen. Brain waves can be recorded. The skeleton changes from cartilage to bone. The central nervous system is now functioning, and so fourty muscle sets begin their first exercises. By 8 weeks all body systems are present. This little one can now suck her thumb and is about 2 inches long. 

MONTH THREE
Baby is quite active in the womb now - although his mother won't feel him for another couple of months. If his mother's womb had a window you could watch baby, squint, swallow and move his tongue. He can make a tight fist if you touch his palm. He is breathing amniotic fluid which he will continue to do until birth, though he obtains the oxygen his body needs through the umbilical cord. He now weighs one ounce.

MONTH FOUR
The baby you are praying for now weighs six ounces. He or she has fingernails and eylashes. This child has their own unique fingerprints which will remain the same until they die. Tastebuds are now working.  By 14 weeks this child can hear not only their mother's voice but sounds from her surrounding environment. This child already has all of his or her major organs. From this point forward they will primarily be gaining weight and growing strong.  What a miracle this child is!
 

Pray that the Lord of Life might move the heart of the Baby's mother to give him or her the most precious gift of all... the gift of life.