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Yesterday, I posted an Instagram reel that was a fun take on a popular trend but essentially had the message, "Instead of telling women that abortion is their only logical option, we should get them the resources, support, and love that they need." Seems simple enough, right? The people in the comments didn't think so. I woke up this morning to comments telling me to "shut up" and that I've been brainwashed, don't care about women, etc. All of which, of course, are not true. That being said, I thought it might be helpful to talk about some of the practical steps we can take when helping women facing an unplanned pregnancy or difficult situation. As much as we love to have conversations and logically convince people to see that abortion is morally incorrect and a grave evil, often it's the practical support that changes hearts and minds and enables a woman to choose life for her baby. Be Positive In most situations, when someone tells you she is pregnant, the proper response is always, "Congratulations! " No matter how a child has come into the world, he or she is still a child and a blessing. Every life is a miracle- no matter what. In cases of rape or incest, "congratulations" may not be the most tactful reaction, even though the child is still a gift. In that case, you could say something like, "I don't know exactly what to say that will help right now. I'm sure this is so overwhelming. I'm here for you and here to help with whatever you need." then, LISTEN! See what she truly needs and how she's doing, and connect her with professional help. Even if you can't be upbeat in every situation, at least be sympathetic. Empower her and let her know that you genuinely believe that she can do this. She can have her baby. And whether she chooses adoption or to raise her child, make sure that she knows you will be with her through it all. Be Available Like anyone in crisis, one moment to the next can be more difficult than another. While you certainly still need to live your own life and take care of your current responsibilities, it's important to let this new mom know that you're there for her- to talk, listen, or be with her. Quality time with supportive friends can do a world of good. Online Resources These are quick articles, helplines, and other resources you can send to any mamma facing an unexpected pregnancy. They provide financial assistance, help with any questions she might have, and so much more. This is an easy way to support someone even when you can't physically be present with her. These links are not categorized or ordered in any particular way. Adopthelp.com Adoption Services Inc. Birthright International Embrace Grace Feeding America College Grants for Single Mothers Maternity Housing Coalition 2-1-1 United Way Sisters of Life Human Defense Initiative Leap for Joy Inc Mercy Housing National Domestic Violence Hotline National Life Center National Safe Haven Alliance Once Upon a Child Option Line Project Cuddle Safe Haven Baby Boxes SNAP The Nurturing Network Rideshare Safety and Sexual Abuse Prevention Sally's Lambs ... and Standing With You has so many more! Accompany Her to Appointments and Classes Medical appointments can be intimidating as is, even without the stress of being a mom without a sound support system. You can help by recommending her a good pro-life ob-gyn, finding parenting classes, offering to accompany her or give her a ride, driving her to appointments, etc. Even if she already has reliable transportation, having someone along to talk to after an appointment can be helpful. Purchase Supplies and Giftcards Purchasing pregnancy or baby supplies, grocery cards, gas cards, or even just providing a meal can mean so much. Financial struggles are one of the biggest reasons for women to feel like abortion is their only option. A few dollars toward groceries or a box or two of diapers can help to relieve that burden. In the past, I've done gift card drives for a mother in need. Things like that that involve numerous people rallying around one mother (even if she chooses to remain anonymous to everyone but you) can be so effective. A meal dropped at her front door, an offer to help set up the baby's crib, or even just a care package full of her favorite treats can mean the world on a difficult day. Provide Financial Assistance This goes along with the gift cards! You can connect women with resources at your parish (ie: Saint Vincent de Paul Society), or other community resources that provide grants to those in need. Some of the online resources listed above also have financial assistance programs. Provide Shelter Not everyone has the space or capacity to safely bring another person into their home. But when a pregnant woman needs a place to stay to escape an abusive situation or unsupportive home, there are options. If she is facing homelessness, many communities have programs where churches take turns hosting people while they get back on their feet and find a new place to stay. Some places (though more urban areas than rural ones) have maternity homes where women can have a safe place to stay for the duration of their pregnancy and a few months after birth. Connect Her with Local Resources Think food pantries, pregnancy care centers, reliable doctors, affordable clothing options for maternity and baby clothes, etc. Pregnancy Care Centers are also a fantastic option. Many have programs that allow women to attend parenting classes in exchange for free clothing, supplies, and other resources. They're a great place to turn if you don't know how to help a woman in a particular situation or don't feel equipped to help meet her specific needs.

YES!! The answer is yes. 100%. Absolutely. Today's Gospel had me thinking about the healing ministry of the Apostles. Jesus literally told His disciples to "take nothing for your journey and heal the sick..."So are we called to do that too? Yes- without a doubt. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is "intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness" (CCC 1511) and may certainly bring about physical or emotional healing! In addition to this, we are called as Christians to pray and intercede for those who are sick that they might be healed. The Catechism (1506-1513) says: We share in Jesus' ministry of compassion and healing. The Lord renews this mission: "In my name... They will lay hands on the sick and they will recover." These signs and healings demonstrate that Jesus is truly the God who saves. The Holy Spirit gives the charism of healing to manifest the power of the Risen Lord The Church has received this charge from the Lord and strives to carry it out by taking care of the sick as well as by accompanying them with her prayer of intercession. Jesus says, "...whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it." (Jn 14:12-14) If this is true, then when we pray for healing in Jesus' name, we can have faith that, in God's timing, He will do it. We can pray with faith and expectation, always in submission to God’s perfect will. Though not every single person we pray for will be healed at that moment or in the way that we expect, Jesus can and wants to heal them. He knows what they need for their body, soul, and salvation. Friends, I've seen miracles. I saw a woman get up and walk who hadn't walked for a long time, my own dislocated knee shifted back into place, and a woman held her arm over her head when she could barely move it before. And this is just a tiny glimpse. Pray for healing in the name of Jesus. Intercede for your Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Let the Holy Spirit work through you.

In the last year or so, and more specifically in this last week, I've discovered a love for the Catechism. What a blessing it is to have a text that contains a summary and explanation of all that Christ's Church teaches!! I was never quite sure what the Catechism was- what the purpose of it was- why we needed it if it wasn't the Bible. The Catechism is not here for us to read instead of the Bible- rather, it serves as a companion to the Christian life, summarizing the teachings of the faith that comes from Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium in a way that is easy to comprehend. In a word, it makes the faith accessible. The great depths of knowledge that are found in this text are simply remarkable. Reading so much for class in this last week has opened my eyes to the Catechism and how useful it is in explaining the faith. There are lines I've found myself nodding along with- "Oh. So THAT'S why we do that..." Questions I've never even considered before have been answered. So friend, if you don't yet own a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church , please buy one. It makes a fantastic resource for apologetics and evangelization, is a key tool for catechists, as well as those learning the faith even for the first time, and is a great book to take to adoration with you. Catechism of the Catholic Church Paragraph 1 "God, infinitely perfect and blessed  in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life. For this reason, at every time and in every place, God draws close to man .  He calls man to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength. He calls together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family, the Church.  To accomplish this, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son as Redeemer and Savior. In his Son and through him, he invites men to become, in the Holy Spirit ,  his adopted children and thus heirs of his blessed life." Catechism of the Catholic Church Paragraph 739 "Because the Holy Spirit is the anointing of Christ, it is Christ who, as the head of the Body, pours out the Spirit among his members to nourish, heal, and organize them in their mutual functions, to give them life , send them to bear witness , and associate them to his self- offering  to the Father and to his intercession for the whole world. Through the Church's sacraments, Christ communicates his Holy and sanctifying Spirit to the members of his Body." Catechism of the Catholic Church Paragraph 789 "The comparison of the Church with the body casts light on the intimate bond between Christ and his Church . Not only is she gathered around him; she is united in him, in his body. Three aspects of the Church as the Body of Christ are to be more specifically noted: the unity  of all her members with each other as a result of their union with Christ; Christ as head of the Body ; and the Church as bride of Christ." Catechism of the Catholic Church Paragraph 104 "In Sacred Scripture, the Church constantly finds her nourishment and her strength, for she welcomes it not as a human word, "but as what it really is, the word of God". "In the sacred books, the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children, and talks with them ." Catechism of the Catholic Church Paragraph 3 "Those who with God's help have welcomed Christ's call and freely responded to it are urged on by love of Christ to proclaim the Good News everywhere in the world.  This treasure, received from the apostles, has been faithfully guarded by their successors . All Christ's faithful are called to hand it on from generation to generation, by professing the faith, by living it in fraternal sharing, and by celebrating it in liturgy and prayer." If you've read parts of the Catechisn- what's one paragraph you're loving right now?

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The Little Apologist- Defending and Sharing the Beauty, Goodness, and Truth found in Jesus Christ, His Church, and the World. Helping people understand, share, and defend the faith in ways that are clear, straightforward, & rooted in the reality of the Holy Spirit actively working in their lives. BLOG POSTS "Should Catholics still pray for others to be healed?" 5 Catechism paragraphs I’m loving right now. I used to be so afraid of the end of the world. "Call no man 'Father'?" READ THE BLOG CONTACT SHOP NOW BOOK AN EVENT MERCYLIGHT DESIGNS With a variety of talks for all ages and levels of understanding, Colleen specializes in conveying the Truths of Catholicism in ways that are simultaneously relatable and thorough- rooted in the knowledge of the Holy Spirit alive in the souls of the Baptized. RETREATS & EVENTS Lover of Jesus Christ, Catholic Apologist, small business owner, Saint Francis University Grad, Franciscan University Student, and Catholic Speaker. THE LITTLE APOLOGIST Helping people understand, share, and defend the faith in ways that are clear, straightforward, and rooted in the reality of the Holy Spirit actively working in their lives through writing, speaking, and social media. Providing beautiful Catholic gifts and artwork in an accessible manner at an affordable price. COLLEEN EISLEY Subscribe! Follow us on Instagram @the_little_apologist Load more

About The Little Apologist Blog, Creator, and Mission. Hi there! I’m Colleen, the heart behind The Little Apologist. I’ve been passionate about Catholic apologetics and evangelization since middle school, thanks to countless hours of listening to Catholic Answers Live every day. My mission with The Little Apologist is to help people understand, share, and defend the faith in ways that are clear, straightforward, and rooted in the reality of the Holy Spirit actively working in their lives through writing, speaking, and social media. At 20, I’m a graduate from Saint Francis University with an associate's degree in Business Administration. I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s in theology and communications at Franciscan University. A few fun facts about me: •The Little Apologist turned FIVE this year! (It started as Catholic Teen Life.) •My Confirmation saint is St. Gianna Molla. • I'm an apologist with and the social media coordinator for Catholic Questions •I work as a digital content creator for Franciscan's career services office, a communications assistant for the office for personal vocation, run an Etsy shop, and offer freelance business consulting with more adventures to be determined. •I’m passionate about the power of the Holy Spirit, deep conversations about the Lord, and intercessory prayer, and Saint Therese of Lisieux. I am so very grateful for you- please know that you are in my prayers! Feel free to connect on social media and send me a message! I'd love to hear from you. In His Mercy, Colleen Contact Please send any inquiries or concerns here! I'd love to hear from you. Note: Please send any Catholic-related questions through the form on the main page of the website. Thank you! First name Email:* Type Message Here:* Submit