Driving to the Cathedral for Sunday Mass when we first moved here in 2006, I was struck by the huge two-story houses along the way.  Sadly, so many of them were in disrepair representing the decline of what must have been a beautiful time in Shreveport.

I thought, “I wish I could do something in Shreveport to make this better.”  Nice dream…but I work full time, have children, grandchildren, no time…that’s a crazy idea. Another of my “Let me save the world ideas.”

Twelve years later, the 5^th  Embrace Grace Baby Shower was sponsored by the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Parish and Mary’s House.  Thirteen young mothers were being honored because they are carrying babies in tough circumstances.  But they said “YES” to the invitation to attend twelve classes at Mary’s House.  Classes that introduced them to Jesus, new people, practical information and the Church.

What is just as wonderful is that women and men from eight parishes in the Diocese and other groups in Shreveport said “YES!” to pray, bring gifts and/or to attend this Embrace Grace Baby Shower. 

The Embrace Grace vision is to give single, pregnant women a church to go to for spiritual, emotional and physical support. 

The Embrace Grace mission is to inspire and equip the church to love single and pregnant young women and their families.  Both the girls and the people of the Church step out of their comfort zones to make an Embrace Grace class and Baby Shower happen.

On October 7^th, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, that nice thought I had in 2006 became a reality, not just because I did something, but because many people in the church said YES!  Thank you for your prayers, gifts, work and attendance at the Embrace Grace Baby Shower.

Besides the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Parish, Embrace Grace classes have been held at St. Jude Parish, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish as well as other churches in the North Louisiana area.

L'Anne is the Founder and Director of Mary's House.  She loves encouraging people and especially likes helping young women discover God in their lives through the love of Mary's House volunteers and staff.