By Madalaine Elhabbal
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Mar 19, 2025 / 12:40 pm
As the fifth anniversary of its program supporting mothers in need in the United States approaches, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is calling on parishes nationwide to intensify their efforts to embody the “gospel of life” by extending help to vulnerable women and children.
The upcoming solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord on March 25 marks the fifth anniversary of Walking with Moms in Need and the 30th anniversary of St. John Paul II’s pro-life encyclical Evangelum Vitae (“The Gospel of Life”) that inspired this initiative.
Walking with Moms in Need is a nationwide parish-based program that aims to enhance outreach and support for pregnant and parenting mothers in need.
Parishes can participate in this initiative by following the guidelines outlined in the USCCB’s Parish Action Guide, which involves assessing available resources for mothers in the community, identifying any gaps, and developing a plan to address them. Parishes are encouraged to establish new ministries and engage with mothers in the community.
Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas spearheaded the launch of the program in 2020 while serving as the chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities.
