Baby Found at St. Raymond’s Parish a Reminder of Resources Available

By Joelle Shea, Director of Communications

I am going to share an event with you that occurred at one of our parishes this morning in the hope that we can partner in spreading the word about ministries available to those in crisis pregnancies:

A parishioner, headed to a morning Mass at St. Raymond of Penafort, Springfield, saw a bag at the entryway to the church parking lot. Upon inspection, the parishioner discovered an infant, who was crying and cold.  The parishioner, assisted by a church employee, brought the baby inside St. Raymond’s, called 911 and also alerted the pastor.

Emergency responders came to assist the baby, who has since been declared in good health, thank God!

The baby was found near a sign advertising Project Rachel, the diocesan ministry to women suffering after abortion. Perhaps the person who left the baby saw this sign and knew the parish would respond with mercy.

Let us join in prayer for the baby and the family, that they may experience the healing mercy of the Lord. Also, if you have information about this incident, please call 1-866-411-TIPS. Fairfax County Police are working to find the mother, as her health is also a concern at this point.

We can take some solace in knowing that those in distress turned to the Church, although it is unfortunate they could not have done so sooner. There are ministries available to help families who find themselves in crisis – please share this information with friends and family so that we can work with families before they meet this moment of despair:

• Project Gabriel offers long- and short-term assistance to women in crisis pregnancy, including a caring support system, confidential needs assessment, pre-natal care assistance, and other assistance for physical, material, spiritual, and emotional needs. Call 1-866-444-3553, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Whether you are pregnant and looking for options for you and your baby, a couple wanting to adopt, or a family needing post adoption services, Catholic Charities’ Center for Adoption Services is here for you. Further, if you or someone you know is in crisis, call 703-973-0129, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more ways to help, visit this page as well.

“Each of us is the result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is necessary.” – Pope Benedict XVI