Pregnancy Loss
You are not alone. In this time of grief, come to the Church. Know that others are praying for you as you struggle with your loss, fear, confusion, and sadness. Know that your child is with God.
Edwin Cardinal O'Brien's homily from the Mass for those who have lost children can be read here.
Elizabeth Ministry offers books for guidance and healing in this difficult time.
After Miscarriage: A Catholic Woman's Companion to Healing by Karen Edmisten is reviewed by the USCCB here.
Hannah's Prayer Ministries provides support for pregnancy and other losses.
Another helpful article can be found here.
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep is an organization that offers the free gift of professional photography to parents suffering the loss of a baby.
If you would like a memorial or funeral for your child, you may have one. There is an Order for Naming and Commendation of an Infant Who Died Before Birth. Copies are available from the Respect Life Office at life@archbalt.org or (410) 547-5537.
The Church recognizes the value of each and every human person. There is a set of prayers, including a blessing for the parents and a rite of commendation for the infant, for the passing of the unborn. This service can be done in a church or at a graveside. Call your pastor to ask for his help.
You may want to name your child.
If you have your child's remains, you may want to bury him or her. If you don't, you may still want to have a memorial service. For more details on this difficult topic, click here.
Know that you are not alone. Our prayers are with you.
Miscarriage Prayer
My Lord, the baby is dead!
Why, my Lord—dare I ask why? It will not hear the whisper of the wind or see the beauty of its parents’ face—it will not see the beauty of Your creation or the flame of a sunrise. Why, my Lord?
“Why, My child—do you ask ‘why’? Well, I will tell you why.
You see, the child lives. Instead of the wind he hears the sound of angels singing before My throne. Instead of the beauty that passes he sees everlasting Beauty—he sees My face. He was created and lived a short time so the image of his parents imprinted on his face may stand before Me as their personal intercessor. He knows secrets of heaven unknown to men on earth. He laughs with a special joy that only the innocent possess. My ways are not the ways of man. I create for My Kingdom and each creature fills a place in that Kingdom that could not be filled by another. He was created for My joy and his parents’ merits. He has never seen pain or sin. He has never felt hunger or pain. I breathed a soul into a seed, made it grow and called it forth.”
I am humbled before you, my Lord, for questioning Your wisdom, goodness, and love. I speak as a fool—forgive me. I acknowledge Your sovereign rights over life and death. I thank You for the life that began for so short a time to enjoy so long an Eternity.
 For information about offering a Memorial Service for those grieving the loss of a child in your parish, click here. |