October 14, 2011
Gabriel Project reaches out to women
Brother Guerric Letter stands by as Benedictine Fther Gregory Chamberlin blesses a new sign for Project Gabriel, on the lawn of St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville. (Message photo by Paul R. Leingang) Click for a larger version.
By EMILY SNIPES (Diocesan Pro-Life Coordinator)
The Gabriel Project is a ministry that reaches out to women with unplanned or crisis pregnancies, to help them choose life and avoid abortion. In our diocese there are currently three trained groups of volunteers through St. John’s Daylight, St. Benedict Cathedral and several Gibson County churches.
Volunteers provide guidance and support to the mothers in need. Their job is to stand beside the mother and accompany her, with other volunteers, through each trial and joy of her pregnancy and beyond. The Gabriel Project offers mentorship, someone to listen, unconditional love and support, guidance, referrals to other local agencies and spiritual support through prayer. Their mission is to offer a message of hope and love from the Church to mothers and families who are facing a difficult or unplanned pregnancy.
In an effort to provide more awareness of the ministry locally, St. Ben’s volunteers helped oversee the selection of a new diocesan logo for the program, which was recently displayed on a sign in front of their parish.
On Oct. 9, Benedictine Father Gregory Chamberlin blessed the new sign that was provided by a donation from the Knights of Columbus Council #7544, which will advertise that this ministry is available to those who are pregnant and in need.
One change to the diocesan program will be the use of a local phone number previously used for Project Rachel. In the past an 800 number was advertised that routed calls through the Indianapolis Gabriel network, which then made referrals to the Diocese of Evansville.
Gabriel Project is already being practiced in many Catholic and Protestant churches in Indiana, and locally the diocese has trained volunteers and groups in Gibson, Warrick and Vanderburgh counties.
To learn more about being a volunteer or prayer partner, or to make a referral for someone in need of support please contact Emily Snipes at 812-423-1445 or esnipes@evdio.org.