Please discuss with your health care provider and/or pastoral care team. The hospital may offer a burial option, or you may be responsible for making other arrangements. If the Holy Innocents ministry is an option, transfer of custody forms must be completed and returned to us prior to your upcoming surgical procedure appointment. We encourage you to also share a copy with your health care provider at the time of your appointment to ensure clear communication. Depending on hospital protocol, testing may be performed and when completed (typically a few days-weeks) the child’s remains will be ready for transfer. Some hospitals release custody to the parents, and some require a funeral director/mortician which can be arranged.

We can arrange for ministry volunteers to come to your home, or we can meet at New Cathedral Cemetery for a brief visit, to answer questions, offer resources, take custody of your child’s remains for burial, and pray, if you would like.

Holy Cross Cemetery
6020 Ritchie Highway
Baltimore, MD 21225

Losing a child through miscarriage, though an unspoken pain, is quite a common pain. Approximately 20-25% of pregnancies end in miscarriage.

In some cases, miscarriage may be related to infertility, however, it is important to consult with your primary healthcare provider.

Blessing of parents after miscarriage

The first thing that you can do is just be present with them and pray for them. Let them grieve at their own pace. Let them share or simply be silent. Pray with them and for them.

Contact us at holyinnocents@archbalt.org or at 410-547-3142. No special skills required. Volunteers will receive training.

Most local Catholic hospitals provide a burial option. If you feel strongly about burying your child, discuss the hospital’s policy with your health care provider(s) before undergoing any procedures.