Elizabeth Ministry

Following the example of Mary and Elizabeth, we visit and share the sacredness of life.

Elizabeth Ministry follows the example of the Scriptural story of the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth by bringing together women who share a similar story. This ministry offers support, resources, prayers, and meals during the joys and sorrows of childbearing. This includes pregnancy, celebration of birth, miscarriage, infant loss, adoption, and infertility. Our hope is that this ministry will help the parish community truly celebrate the gift of each child conceived and born, and fully mourn each miscarriage and child death. It is based on Jesus' vision of the radical goodness, beauty, and truth of human life.

Why Is It Needed?

In the past, the intimacy, physical presence, and support needed during childbearing years were found in the structures of family, neighborhood, and church. Today these structures are undergoing rapid change. Neighborhoods are fragmented, leaving many families isolated. Churches have increased in size, making it difficult to create a warm and personal environment. Mobility has caused many extended families to be separated by miles, making frequent visits improbable and presence impossible. The wisdom of sharing stories about the joys and trials of childbirth is still needed. The search to fill this need has resulted in Elizabeth Ministry.

What is Required of Me as an Elizabeth Minister?

Elizabeth Ministry provides wonderful opportunities to meet other women in our community and to help others in need. This ministry recognizes that our own families come first. Whatever volunteer time your schedule allows - a lot or a little - we are thrilled to have! You may choose to involve yourself in several areas or only in one area. The choice is up to you. See the Services and Events below for the many ways in which to involve yourself in Elizabeth Ministry.

Services and Events

One-to-One Visits

When a woman is referred to Elizabeth Ministry, she is assigned a minister who has gone through a similar experience. Typically, the Elizabeth Minister will meet with the woman (and her family if they wish) either in one of their homes or another comfortable location. The women take a few minutes to get to know one another, maybe offer prayers or blessing with holy water. During this visit, a visit bag is given that include gifts, prayers, and resources appropriate for the visit.
To help train for visits, new ministers accompany experienced ministers on visits. Ministers are matched up with referrals based on the minister's personal experience. For example, only a minister who has experienced a miscarriage would be matched up with a referral for a miscarriage.

Meals

We offer meals for women and their families during a difficult pregnancy, after delivery or adoption, in the event of a miscarriage or infant loss, or other special circumstances. Many Elizabeth Ministers sign up to help with meals. Each minister chooses the frequency in which she provides a meal - once every 3 months, 6 months, or 9 months.


Community Services

Twice per year, we host a Blessing Ceremony for Expectant Parents. During this beautiful service, the maternal blessing is given and intercession is requested of St. Gerard, the patron saint of motherhood.

Once per year, we host a Memorial Service for Child Loss for all of those who have lost a child through miscarriage, child death, or abortion. This is a beautiful and spiritual service that allows us to remember, to grieve, to love.

Community Events

We host one women’s community event each year, alternating between the two below. Volunteer to help with these events, or just come and join in the fun.

Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul Luncheon is a bi-annual event that warms the heart and the tummy. Each table is uniquely and wonderfully decorated by a table hostess. We feast on homemade chicken soup, beautiful stories from the Chicken Soup for the Soul series or other personal anecdotes, homemade rolls, and fruit. It is a great opportunity to get to know other women from St. Johns and the Longmont community.

Autumn Comforts and Spiritual Desserts is a wonderful fall gathering. It is a Friday evening social event for women with mouth- watering appetizers, varieties of wine, and delicious desserts. As importantly, we feature a speaker who will lift up your spirit and feed your soul.

Hispanic Outreach

Our ministry is expanding to include St. John's Spanish-speaking community. If you or someone you know is bilingual and may be interested in helping with our ministry, please call the number below. Even a little help can make a big difference.

Craft Fair

St. John’s Annual Fall and Spring Craft Fairs are Elizabeth Ministry’s main source of funding. We host three or four craft gatherings per year to make items for the fair or to give in our visit bags. These are fun, social outings at a different minister’s home each time. If you are interested in helping at a craft gathering (no traditional crafting skills required), or if you are interested in hosting a gathering in your home, please call the number below. Another way to help our ministry is to make craft items on your own. If you or any of your friends or family like to sew, knit, crochet, woodcraft or otherwise craft, please consider donating items to Elizabeth Ministry.

Contact Elizabeth Ministry

To refer someone to Elizabeth Ministry, for general information, or to join as a minister, please call Kathy Sniffin at 303-530-9164 or click here to submit an online form.
You may email us as well.











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phone: 303-776-0737
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email: info@johnthebaptist.org