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Nicky Wallace, M.S.W.
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Welcoming Children in Jesus' Name: the St. Ann's Guild
Sacred Heart Herald, November 2003
"And he took a child, and put him in the midst of them; and taking him in his arms he said to them, 'Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me'" (Mark 9:36-37). Since early this year, a new apostolate at St. Mary's has been carrying out in a literal way the Lord's call for us to welcome little children in his name. The St. Ann's Guild of St. Mary's Church welcomes new-born children into the parish and extends care to their parents.
The Guild is aptly named for Our Lady's mother, Ann, who was Jesus' grandmother. Mary was the only child of Joachim and Ann, who had tried for years to have a child without success. Ann received a vision telling her that she would give birth to a child who would be an instrument of God's grace.
St. Ann's Guild was the idea of Taylor Smith, who, while visiting her daughter in Memphis last September during the birth of the first grandchild, answered the door to find a lady from her daughter's church. The woman brought homemade soup, bread, flowers from the altar, and a special written blessing for Baby Will. "I was so touched by the gesture that I returned to Greenville determined to do the same for new parents and babies at St. Mary's" said Taylor.
St. Ann's Guild Ministry began shortly thereafter to welcome all new babies of both first- time and seasoned parents to the parish. In the weeks following the birth of a child, a St. Ann's Guild member visits the parents with a meal, a special blessing for the baby, and a baby rosary. If appropriate, the Guild member will also bring Communion, inquire about the baby's Baptism, and leave Baptismal guidelines for St. Mary's.
After the visit, the Guild follows the progress of the baby through the first year and then presents the child with a special card on their first birthday. In addition to welcoming new babies, the Guild serves as a support resource for parents who have lost a baby due to due to miscarriage or death. Knowing that this is a devastating and lonely time, St. Ann's Guild calls the bereaved parents with offers of help, prayers, or the time to listen. In all cases, the Guild arranges for a Mass to be offered for the family.
Although "Grandmother Taylor" has spearheaded this project, she has been joined by many others. The visits to new mothers are coordinated through Nicky Wallace at the St. Mary's Church Office.