A statement from Bishop Hanefeldt on Walking With Moms in Need

     One of the most important works of mercy is that of accompanying another person in their time of need. Accompaniment is not found on the traditional list of the works of mercy, but it is at the heart of how the Church fulfills the Gospel. To accompany someone is to come alongside them and support them with our presence as much as with our material resources. Perhaps the greatest fruit of accompanying someone in need is the gift of hope they receive. 

     In recent years, the bishops in this country have launched an initiative known as “Walking With Moms in Need.” This is an effort to assess the needs of mothers, both with children and those yet to be born, and respond to their needs, not simply in a material way but also to accompany them with compassion and concern. Walking With Moms in Need is one of the best examples of how to fulfill the Gospel challenge of Jesus, who said, “Love one another as I have loved you.” Like our Blessed Mother, who visited her cousin Elizabeth, Walking With Moms in Need is a ministry of Hope for women at a critical time in their lives. 

 May the Lord draw us all into some ministry of accompanying others in their need as we care for one another, especially for mothers in whatever their needs may be.