Lily’s gift uses peer ministers to offer support to families experiencing a prenatal diagnosis. Through shared experiences, peer ministers accompany families through the journey of carrying a baby to term and whatever the future may hold for them. If you have carried to term following a prenatal diagnosis or have experienced the loss of a child by miscarriage, stillbirth or newborn death, please consider becoming a peer minister.

Interested persons who may not have experienced a prenatal diagnosis or perinatal loss can also volunteer to support parents by prayer sponsorship, funeral planning, birth support, assistance with child-care and meals, translating, etc.

Peer ministers and volunteers are screened and trained. They may work in teams and their outreach is informed by a pastoral care manual.

To expectant parents, peer ministers offer unique insight and sensitivity regarding such difficult issues as mourning the loss of the anticipated baby, maintaining hope after receiving a prenatal diagnosis, stillbirth and neonatal critical care.

For information regarding upcoming trainings, please contact Catholic Social Services at kbevenour@chs-adphila.org, fvarela@chs-adphila.org, or (215) 587-3595.