| Gabriel Project |
Gabriel Project is a national parish-based program which exists to help pregnant women both materially and spiritually. These needs are met with no charge to the mother. Out of 199 Dioceses in the United States, 47 have Gabriel Projects; 25 additional Dioceses have showed interest or are in the beginning stages of establishing the apostolate. In the Dioceses of Texas, the state where Gabriel Project was founded, all 15 Dioceses have the Gabriel ProjectGabriel Project Day of Enrichment Gabriel Project Day of Enrichment After Mass, Bishop LaValley presented the Madonna of the Streets award to those serving six or more years in the Gabriel Project Apostolate. Those receiving awards for nine years of service were: Carrie Dumas (St. Joseph’s, Mooers), Marilyn Willette (St. Joseph’s, Mooers), Carol Alexander (St. Ann’s, Mooers Forks), Carol Pulsifer (OLV, Plattsburgh), Sr. Joan Lashway (OLV, Plattsburgh) and Louise Mazuchowski (St. Joseph’s, Dannemora). Mary Pulsifer received an award for seven years in the Gabriel Project ministry. Those receiving awards for six years were: Donna Steenberg (St. Patrick’s/St. Lawrence, Brasher Falls and North Lawrence), Sr. Evelyn McCarte (Gabriel’s Helping Hands, Massena) and Linda Proulx (Gabriel’s Helping Hands, Massena). The day included time for sharing and socialization. Angelo and Suzanne Pietropaoli, directors of the Natural Family Planning office for the Diocese of Ogdensburg, gave an informative, afternoon presentation. The day concluded with a drawing for two door prizes containing items for expectant moms. The winner of the second prize basket was Chris LaRose from St. Lawrence Church, North Lawrence and the winner of the first prize basket was Judy Austin from St. Patrick’s in Brasher Falls . Watch the Conference online! Watch the Gabriel Project Conference
The Diocese of Ogdensburg has eleven Gabriel Project parishes: St.Mary's in Potsdam (315) 265-9520 St. James in Gouverneur (315) 287-0114 Our Lady of Victory in Plattsburgh (518) 561-1842 St. Vincent de Paul Society in Massena (315) 769-1200 St. Joseph’s in Mooers (518) 236-5632 St. Ann’s in Mooers Forks (518) 236-5632 St. Joseph’s in Dannemora (518) 492-7118 St. John the Baptist in Keeseville (518) 834-7100 Our Lady of Lourdes in Schroon Lake (518) 532-7100 St. Edmund’s in Ellenburg (518) 594-8843 St. Patrick's in Brasher Falls (315) 389-5401 The Church offers this program which provides parishioners the means to walk with needy, hurting women. The women are picked up and helped by members of the community.Volunteers for the Gabriel Project are called ‘angels’. The Gabriel Angel throughout history delivers the message: "Rejoice! Fear Not!" When a pregnant woman calls the Gabriel Project hotline, she is assigned a Gabriel Project angel. The church volunteer becomes a friend and advocate for the woman in need. The angel delivers the message to the church and community, any physical needs the woman may have and discerns with the parish clergy in her spiritual needs.According to Wanda Gaffney, co-chair of the Bishops Apostles for Life, "Gabriel Project is a fairly easy program to get started up." Start by asking permission from your pastor to put a brief description in your bulletin. Ask for volunteers and call a meeting. The only initial cost is for the Gabriel Project sign which is placed on Church property. The sign is $120.Gabriel Project is a perfect response to Jesus’ call to the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy (Matt 25) . For more information on how to start Gabriel Project in your parish, call Our Lady of Victory Parish at 518-561-1842. The parish is also available for training of Gabriel Project volunteers anywhere in the Diocese.Additional information can be found at www.diogh.org/RespectLife/gabrielproject.htm If you would like to send a donation please address to: Gabriel Project c/o Our Lady of Victory Church, 4919 South Catherine St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901
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