Respect Life Committee

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Embrace Grace

This group provides emotional, practical, and spiritual support for single, young pregnant women who find themselves in an unexpected pregnancy. The primary goal of Embrace Grace is create a safe and nonjudgmental place for these young women to run to when they find out they are pregnant, instead of the last place they are welcomed because of shame and guilt. It is a 12-week program that teaches them about God's love and grace, and at the end we will give them a baby shower to honor them for choosing life and to help provide for their baby’s needs.

We need your help! Would you prayerfully consider coming along side us as we serve weekly in the group meetings, or consider serving at the events that are a part of this program?

For more information on Embrace Grace ministries, please visit www.embracegrace.com. If you would like to learn more about how you can get involved, please contact Mary Beth Sifferlen (317-408-5476) or [email protected]) who is heading up this group at St. Michael.

Check out the Embrace Grace commercial here: http://embracegrace.com/media/media/i-came-here- for-peace/

Testimonial Video: http://embracegrace.com/media/media/embrace-grace-church-testimonials/

Suicide Prevention

Did you know 25% of people age 18-24 will consider suicide this month? Unfortunately, there is not a set list of signs for every person, but here are some things to take note of and watch for: changes in behavior or sleep patterns, unexplained physical pain, accessing lethal means to carry out suicide such as buying a gun, or hoarding pills, having someone close attempt or successfully commit suicide, or emotional upheaval in a person's life. Bottom line, anything that gives you pause, you should take seriously and ask if they’re considering suicide. Asking this question will not make someone attempt to take their life. It may actually be the thing that saves it! If you or someone you know is struggling and considering suicide, please call the national suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK. There are trained professionals available to give all ages, including veterans, someone to talk through what is being felt.

Monthly Meetings

The Pro-Life Committee is also looking for input and new members to help grow this ministry! We would especially like to get the youth involved to have the most diverse ideas on how to affect change in the current culture. Events are planned for the month of October and January each year. Contact Mary Beth Sifferlen at [email protected] for more information.

Resources in Hancock County

Life Choice Care Center, 1454 State Street, Greenfield, IN 46140. Call 317-467-9700 for help with pregnancy testing and pregnancy support.

Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-TALK

The Landing Place: Teen recovery program offers education and 12-step workshops/prevention. Ages 13-19. Healing Hearts program for families and friends of loved ones in addiction. 18 W South St Greenfield. Phone: 317-525-7791

Celebrate Recovery at Brandywine Community Church meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays. Child care provided and Recovery Zone available for children in first through ninth grade. 1551 E. New Road, Greenfield. Contact Gina Colclazier: 317-462-4777, extension 104.

SMART Recovery Hancock County is a self-empowering addiction recovery support group for adults. 9-10:30 every Saturday, Hancock Regional Hospital, 801 N. State St., Greenfield

The Way Out Club, 226 Cherry St., Greenfield, offers numerous meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Al-Anon. Phone: 317-468-0082.

Community Health Network: 800-662-3445 or 317-621-5700 for mental health and addiction referrals; or text HELPNOW to 20121.

Prayer for Pregnant Mothers

O Blessed Mother, you received the good news of the incarnation of Christ, your Son, with faith and trust. Grant your protection to all pregnant mothers and fathers facing difficulties. Guide us as we strive to make our parish communities places of welcome and assistance for mothers and fathers in need. Help us become instruments of God’s love and compassion. Mary, Mother of the Church, graciously help us build a culture of life and a civilization of love, together with all people of good will, to the praise and glory of God, the Creator and lover of life. Amen.

~Cf. Evangelium vitae 105 © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Vatican City. Adapted with permission. All rights reserved. Photo: @mukuni via Twenty20. Copyright © 2019, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. All rights reserved.

St. Michael Catholic Church