Carolyn - A Birth Mother’s Story and Adoptive Mom’s Story

A true story told from the perspective of a birth Mother and adoptive Mother in the State of NH with appreciation from their daughter.

From the Birth Mom Putting my baby up for adoption was the most difficult decision of my life. I was young and irresponsible. I deeply regretted getting pregnant. Deep down I knew how important it was for a child to have good parents and a good upbringing. I knew I was not that person and my baby deserved better.

When the time came to give birth, I regret deeply that I chose to not see or hold my baby.

Open Hearts – Stories of Adoption

Adoption was simply a miracle of life for us. It allowed us to overcome infertility!

After realizing our family would not grow biologically, we investigated our options and chose to adopt. We had a negative image of adoption - bad press, a lengthy and bureaucratic time-line, the unforeseeable surprises and disappointments along the way. However, once we accepted these challenges and decided to jump in anyway, we began the count down to growing our family, God willing.

Virtue - Don't Leave Home Without It.

We have been given the tools we need to build virtuous families!

Norm and Cindy Coutu, parents of five children, share why they believe building virtue is important in arming our children to face the challenges of the world.

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A Change of Heart

Catherine Adair worked for Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts at the largest abortion clinic in New England. After seeing the aftermath of a second-trimester abortion, she was forever changed. Her personal experience with abortion at age 19 and time working at Planned Parenthood changed her from a pro-choice feminist to a pro-life activist. Her story is one of hope and healing, and she credits God, with His infinite mercy and forgiveness, for giving her the strength to share her story.

Enthronement to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

If you enthrone your family to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and you really make Him the center of your family, you will be amazed at the results.

Jesus made twelve promises to St. Margaret Mary regarding the many blessings that He would pour out on those who honor His Sacred Heart. One of these promises is, “I will grant peace to their families.”

Faith & Prayer, Life Challenges, Parenting and Family LifeSr. Mary RoseNovember 25, 2013family, Jesus, peace, prayer, Sacred Heart

Adoption Versus IVF

Our decision to choose adoption over IVF was not a difficult one, in that we had discussed the issue prior to marriage, but it wasn’t without some significant questioning on our part.

Since before we first met each other, we both wanted to live our lives according to church teaching. As a couple who married in our mid/late 30’s, we were aware that there were no guarantees of successful pregnancies.

Young Adult, Life Challenges, Marital, Parenting and Family Life, Pre-MaritalSara McDonnellNovember 25, 2013adoption, baby, embryo, family, IVF, NFP

A Place for Corey

When our son, Corey, was born 23 years ago, he was gravely ill with a blood disorder. Immediately we could also see that he did not resemble our other children. His ears were small and low-set and there was a curious fold of skin at the back of his neck. Trisomy 21 was the diagnosis, Down Syndrome, an extra chromosome.

We were stunned, but instinctively knew that our son was a whole person inside an imperfect body.

Of Time and Money

In sharing his thoughts on money and childrearing, Stan from Hawaii said philosophically, “It is more important to have a high level of living than a high standard of living.” Marilyn from Oregon agreed. “Buying things is no substitute for time and love. Kids can’t be fooled. They would much rather have us attend their school program, for example, than miss it because we are working late so they can wear a designer label on their clothes.”

Facing Times of Transition as Your Children Grow

Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." John 20:21

Being peaceful with transition is often not easy - especially when it involves our children. Whether we are sending a child off to kindergarten for the first time or to a new school; beginning home schooling; watching a young adult board a plane for active duty in the military; or to study at a far away university, everyday life becomes different and we have to adjust. Seasoned parents offer their words of wisdom . .

It's All Right to Be Wrong

Dear Dr. Ray,

I worry a lot about making mistakes in raising my children. How do I know what I'm doing now won't hurt them in some way later in life? ―Nervous

Few things can ruin the enjoyment of parenthood more surely than a fear of mistakes. Nowadays so many parents live with the daily worry that they will accidentally set in motion some emotional hang-up that will plague their youngster through childhood and maybe into adulthood.

Parenting and Family Life, Life ChallengesDr. Ray GuarendiNovember 25, 2013children, family, mistakes, parenting

We have been given the tools we need to build virtuous families!

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Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." John 20:21

St. Joseph Catholic Family Center @ Ste. Marie Parish, Manchester, NH