St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church participates in The Gabriel Project, A Catholic network that helps women in crisis pregnancies by offering Christian love and practical solutions at the parish. Our volunteers are committed to helping mothers in distress and encourage to turn all hearts to Jesus Christ.
WANT TO HELP?
Un programa de la parroquia de la Arquidiócesis de Galveston-Houston que tiene base en la parroquia de San Lucas. Este ministerio le ayuda a mujeres que tiene un embaraza con crisis. Reciben asistencia de todos los servicios de la parroquia que la madre y el bebé necesita.
We respect all life and see the birth of each child as a fresh expression of the unfailing love of God. Our concern is not only for the unborn child, but also for each and every mother in need.
CONTACT:
Gabriel Project Central- 713-225-5826, Website
Gracie Alvarez, Ministry Lead- 832-510-3657, gabrielproject@stlukescatholic.com
St. Luke is blessed to be able to have the Project Gabriel ministry in the parish. This ministry is currently headed up by Gracie Alvarez, who says "she is blessed with many volunteers who help in all areas of need. This allows this ministry to continue helping mothers, from washing and folding donated clothes to carrying and putting away the heavier items and helping the annual baby shower etc."
All referrals come from the diocese and sometimes women from other areas of town, due to the fact that there is not a church near them or their church does not provide this ministry. One of the St Luke Gabriel Project Founders recalled that one of her most memorable experience was "a young disabled woman who came for donations and was brought by Metro-lift. This woman needed everything and since some of the larger items did not fit in the Metro-lift, they followed in their own vehicle and between all of them they were able to unload all the items".
Another incident was "a young woman who lived in South Houston and her trailer home burned down. She had to move in with her mother and did not have any items for the baby. So again items were provided for her".
Not only do volunteers provide services needed for the ministry, there are regular volunteers who buy things when they are on sale to be sure they are available when they are needed. The generous donations include walkers, high chairs, cribs, clothing, etc. A baby shower, sponsored by the St Luke Catholic Daughter usually happens in December to stock up on diapers, wipies, baby toiletries, and other donations. The Catholic Daughters and Knights of Columbus have also graciously donated monetary funds to this ministry.
This ministry has been blessed, with the help of so many good stewards
to be able to provide to mothers in need.
Each of Us is a Masterpiece of God's Creation!
We want to be part of a society that makes affirmation and protection of human rights its primary objective and its boast. Yet to women faced with an unexpected pregnancy, abortion is often presented as their only “choice.” A large percentage of children pre-diagnosed as having Down syndrome are never given the chance to live outside their mothers’ wombs. Elderly members of our families fear they will become burdensome and seek physician assisted suicide. We see these and many more of our brothers and sisters pushed to the periphery. These tragedies go directly against respect for life, and they represent a direct threat to the entire culture of human rights. Rather than societies of “people living together,” our cities risk becoming societies of people who are marginalized, uprooted and oppressed.
Respect Life Month Statement
Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley, O.F.M. Cap., Chairman