During Lent, children and families of St. Dunstan’s Basilica Parish Catechetical Program donated essential items in support of the Island Pregnancy Centre (IPC). The IPC is a Christian non-profit organization providing emotional and practical support to those facing an unexpected pregnancy, pregnancy-related challenges, and early family life. The IPC has a Baby Boutique at both their Charlottetown and Summerside locations, providing free, gently used baby and maternity clothes and supplies.
The children and families of St. Dunstan’s generously supported this service project with an abundance of these, as well as a beautiful infant car seat, convertible playpen, high chair, convertible wooden crib complete with mattress, sheets, and blankets. In addition to the donations, children were asked to pray for the babies and families who would receive the much-needed items.
During these holy days of Eastertide, some of the children and their mothers gathered to organize and prepare all the donated supplies to be distributed to the IPC ensuring that each item was ready to bless those experiencing hardship. These families have also generously allowed their photos to be shared with the Island Pregnancy Centre with details of the service project to help them raise awareness and engagement in the wider community.
Supporting the different service projects throughout our catechetical year allows children – with the support of their families – to recognize, at a young age, their call to discipleship. It enables them to understand how their actions can support others through hard times. It broadens their perspective on the challenges with which other children and families may be living. The outreach of the children and families in our program helps foster a community of hope. This is timely as we approach the 2025 Jubilee Year, with the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope.” The Jubilee Year will begin with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on December 24, 2024.