Frequently Asked Questions

General Information:

What is Walking with Moms in Need?

WWMIN is a nationwide, parish-based initiative that launched in 2020 by the USCCB. The goal is to increase outreach and support for pregnant and parenting mothers in difficult circumstances. It is a deliberate process of prayer, discernment, and service through which the Catholic Church seeks to ensure that no mother "falls through the cracks." Learn more by clicking here.

Why do I often see The Gabriel Project listed with WWMIN? Are these the same or different ministries?

Two of our parishes (St. Ambrose-Brunswick; St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception-Wooster) refer to their ministry by the title, Gabriel Project. This is an older, Catholic-aligned accompaniment initiative pre-dating WWMIN, and these chapters have continued to keep this name. For instance, St. Mary’s ministry began in 2008 (whereas WWMIN was not initiated until 2020). With that said, the ministries are essentially same and thus grouped into our diocesan, WWMIN network.

On a broad level, the Gabriel Project is a specific ministry model that pairs pregnant women with trained volunteers called "Angels" for friendship, prayer, and practical support. Walking with Moms in Need is not a replacement for the Gabriel Project; rather, it is a broader process. A parish might complete the WWMIN inventory and discern that starting a Gabriel Project is the best way to meet identified local needs.

Why are parishes encouraged to start this ministry if there are already pregnancy centers and government programs?

WWMIN is not meant to compete with or replace existing resources but to enhance and unify them. While government programs provide some material aid, they often lack the personal accompaniment and spiritual support the Church can offer. WWMIN helps parishioners know exactly where to refer mothers and how to bridge gaps in local services.

For Parishioners & Volunteers

Who can volunteer for this ministry?

Anyone can do this ministry if they feel God's Spirit calling them to do so. This includes men, women, and families. It relies on lay volunteer leadership to be the "hands and feet of Christ."

With that said, if you are serving as a companion or "angel" (Gabriel Project terminology) to a mom seeking support, it is imperative that you strive to be a faithful witness to the teachings of faith and morals of the Catholic Church. While the role does not require you to evangelize by word, we also want to insure that we do not lead those we help astray. For example, companions and angels should know what the Church teaches about realities like IVF and Contraceptives, so as not to recommend or advise women to engage in practices that contradict Catholic teaching.

Our office is more than happy to assist parish groups in ongoing formation around these and other topics--contact us for consultation.

I don’t feel qualified to help. What should I do?

Many volunteers feel unprepared initially. WWMIN provides a Parish Action Guide that offers step-by-step instructions, templates, and best practices. Additionally, the "Into Life" video series by the Sisters of Life is highly recommended for learning how to accompany women with love and compassion. Lastly, our office, as well as many of your seasoned leaders throughout the diocese are more than willing to help you support you on this adventure. If God has placed this desire on your heart, we'd encourage you to not let fears of inadequacy or incompetency prevent you from deeper discernment and exploration.

Does this ministry only help Catholic mothers?

No. WWMIN is for any woman in the community who is in need, regardless of her faith background or religious affiliation. We help them not because they are Catholic, but because we are Catholic.

For Those Seeking Help:

What kind of help might I find if I reach out to a WWMIN/Gabriel Project Group?

Parish support can include practical aid like diapers, baby clothes, and meals, as well as referrals to medical care, housing, and social services. Most importantly, our parish teams offer accompaniment and friendship so you don’t have to walk this journey alone.

Do I need to be Catholic or part of the parish where I am seeking help?

No, you do not need to be Catholic or a member of the parish to receive assistance. WWMIN is an initiative designed to support any woman in the community who is in a difficult situation, regardless of her faith background, religious affiliation, or if she has no religion at all. The goal of this ministry is to ensure that any woman facing an unexpected pregnancy or parenting young children in challenging circumstances knows the Church is a place where she can find love and practical help. We provide this support not because those we serve are Catholic, but because we are Catholic, following the call to love our neighbor and make God's love real in the tangible world. Whether you are seeking a friend and personal companionship or specific material resources, all mothers in need are welcome to receive support.

Do I have to be a pregnant mom in order to seek assistance? What if I am parenting, or I am a single dad raising children, or a grandparent?

No, assistance is not limited only to pregnant mothers.  While the name of the initiative focuses on "moms" to reach a demographic particularly vulnerable to abortion—specifically unmarried women who may feel the Church will not support them—the actual scope of the ministry is broader.

• For Parenting Mothers: The Church recognizes that the need for support continues well beyond the moment of a pregnancy crisis. Many parishes provide resources for mothers parenting young children, such as diapers, clothing, and even "Breakfast with Babies" events to build community.
• For Fathers: While the public-facing messaging emphasizes support for mothers, the initiative's resource inventory process specifically includes identifying support for fathers and couples counseling to strengthen the entire family unit.
• For Grandparents and Families: The goal is to support families in need. For example, one participating parish "surrounded" a family of triplets being raised by a mom and a grandmother, providing them with meals and volunteer childcare.

Ultimately, if you are a parent or guardian raising children in a difficult situation, the Church wants to be an "island of mercy" where you can find authentic community and practical assistance.

Is my information confidential?

Yes. All of our parish chapters are encouraged to maintain privacy and confidentiality. Many offer discreet ways to access resource information, such as flyers in restrooms.

How do I find a participating parish near me?

As an office we do our best to provide an up-to-date list of all our active WWMIN/Gabriel Project chapters throughout the Diocese of Cleveland. Access our interactive map to explore which chapter is closest to you. Or, visit our "Looking for Help Page."