Adoption Ministry at St. Bridget’s and St. Bernard’s Catholic Churches
Mentorship/Spiritual Support ----------------- Families helping families Sponsorship/Financial Support --------------- Help couples grow families through adoption Awareness/Adoption is the Loving Option --- Many families are formed through adoption. Who has been touched by adoption? What is this ministry all about?
Our Goals are to establish and formalize an Adoption Mentorship/Scholarship Ministry for the parishes of St. Bridget’s and St. Bernard’s, raise funds to assist families in our parishes with the adoption process, and increase awareness of what adoption is like today.
The idea for an adoption ministry at St. Bridget's and St. Bernard's was born out of love from several families who have been blessed with the gift of children from God through adoption. We want to work with families in our parishes and help them grow their families through adoption, just like we did. It is an opportunity to help families in the adoption process, 1) spiritually, through mentorship and support and 2) financially with scholarships. In addition it will build awareness about Adoption – It is the Loving Option.
Why do this?
First, it is personal. God has blessed us with children through adoption. Thus, we want to support families in our parish with their adoption journey. It is a long process with a lot of questions, unknowns, ups and downs. There are questions about the process, how do we start, what does "open" adoption mean? Our goal is to develop a network of people in our own parishes who are willing to be mentors and share the journey of adoption with families in the process or those considering adoption.
Second, we are a Pro-life, Pro-family church. It just seems to fit, to help build families in our church and to spread the beauty of adoption - Adoption is the Loving Option. The bible provides for us a perfect example. Jesus was adopted by Joseph. WOW!" The ministry will also build awareness - sharing how the adoption process has changed, what the possibilities are. Someone may choose adoption as the loving option because of our ministry in our churches.
Third, the adoption process is expensive. The minimum cost is about ~$15,000 with Catholic Charities and they are one of the most cost efficient agencies. Many are over $20,000 for a domestic adoption. There are very few resources to help with the process. Our families want to help families in the adoption process with these expenses through scholarships.
Our goal is to complement what Catholic Charities is doing. One never knows who the next person or family will be that is considering adoption as the loving option. We want to be there for them.
Where Do We Start? Who Can We Talk To?
Mentorship/Spiritual Support:
If you have questions about adoption, are curious about adoption, would like to know more about adoption in our church family, contact St. Bridget’s/St. Bernard’s parish office at 507-533-8257 and we will connect you with families.
Who Qualifies: Who Qualifies:
Married, heterosexual, practicing Catholic family that is a member of St. Bernard’s or St. Bridget’s parish. Our desire is for children to be adopted into two parent Christian homes. God ordained marriage and children will benefit and grow in this love.
The couple must complete the application form. This will be discussed during the interview process. Your relationship with Jesus Christ is critical.
Families must be working with a licensed adoption agency such as Catholic Charities. The Loving Option Committee reserves the right to approve or decline the use of other agencies.
You must be active in the adoption process
May be a domestic or international adoption
Your family must be actively involved with the fundraising campaigns at St. Bernard’s and/or St Bridget’s
Must be active, supportive members of St. Bernard’s or St. Bridget’s parish
Sponsorship/Financial Support Application Form (located under documents) – Please provide the following and submit to the Church Office
Provide the name and address of the agency you are working with
Provide a copy of your letter of acceptance from your agency
Indicate if this is a domestic or international adoption
Provide picture of your family
Provide statement of expenses from adoption agency
Interview Process & Grant Awards: An interview will be conducted with St. Bernard’s and St. Bridget’s Adoption is the Loving Option Committee
This is a time to learn more about your family, God’s plan in your adoption, child/children you are adopting, plan for additional fundraisers (if needed), and a time for the board to pray for you as a family.
Grants will be sent directly to the licensed agency you are working with for your adoption.
Grants are dispersed directly toward adoption expenses, i.e. adoption fees, legal fees, travel expenses, etc.
Grants will be awarded in two parts, at the beginning of the process and once a child has been placed with your family.
There is the opportunity to apply for support and assistance with additional adoptions
** If you have questions or would like help establishing an adoption sponsorship/mentorship program in your parish, please contact us.