By Mary Stadnyk | Associate Editor

The message that all human life is a sacred gift from God and that life is a journey from the moment of conception to natural death resonated among the hundreds of people who gathered to celebrate the commendable works of Good Counsel Homes-South Jersey, a Riverside-based ministry that assists homeless pregnant women and their children.

At a fundraising banquet held Oct. 27 in The Merion, Cinnaminson, staff members, friends and supporters listened intently to the compelling keynote address given by Father Robert Hughes, vicar general for the Camden Diocese, who centered his talk on what it means for people to be on pilgrimage and dealing with the joys and challenges they encounter along the way.

Sometimes people struggle on their journeys and require the help of others, he said, and that help can be accomplished first by listening and then walking with the other “so that they might grow closer to God,” Father Hughes said. Then focusing on the pro-life movement, he added that support for pro-life ministries goes across a broad spectrum in that they offer assistance to women who are pregnant, caring for the elderly and sick, assisting those affected by violence, abuse, terrorism and those who flee their homes and countries to find new opportunities.

“Ultimately, we need to realize that it is God who has begun his good work within us, and we pray that he may bring it to fullness,” Father Hughes said, adding that the works of Good Counsel Homes and other such organizations is vitally important.

“In a culture where abortion is simply accepted as an option, it is not enough to oppose the idea. The Church must respond to make life possible,” he said.

Personal Perspective

Following Father Hughes’ keynote speech, a witness was given by “Alexa,” a current 25-year-old GCH mother who shared how she ultimately chose life for her now 10-month-old daughter, Harper, instead of having an abortion.

Upon learning that she was pregnant and that she could not return to her family or friends for support, the “ashamed and confused” Alexa decided that her only option was to have an abortion. Though she had visited a clinic, Alexa was frightened by what she had witnessed, and upon leaving the clinic, she “had the good fortune” to meet two women who gave her a pamphlet on how to get help.

“I was then motivated,” she said. “I was welcomed into the Riverside home. The staff was at my side during my pregnancy, helping me with pre-natal care, showing great kindness and lifted my spirits during a difficult time. I no longer felt alone. Good Counsel provided everything my baby and I needed,” she said, citing how the counseling services had helped her to be “mentally mature, learn to face problems and to deal with people inside and outside of Good Counsel.”

Since arriving at Good Counsel, Alexa said she has secured a job where there are opportunities for advancement. She works three days a week and walks 40 minutes to and from work, “during which time I plan for the future while getting ample exercise,” Alexa said with a smile. It’s her goal to be self-sufficient by March, 2017, and have the ability to leave Good Counsel Homes successfully. She also hopes to return to college and eventually pursue a master’s degree.

“Good Counsel Homes has helped me to maintain a positive attitude and get excited about my future and to prepare for life afterward,” she said. “Because of this experience, Good Counsel Homes will always be a part of my life.”

Ministries Honored

The evening also included the presentation of the first Father Benedict Groeschel Award as a way to recognize supporters of the agency. This year’s honorees were Infant of Jesus Parish and the St. Margaret Knights of Columbus Council, Woodbury,  and the pro-life ministry in St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton.

Accepting the award on behalf of St. Raphael-Holy Angles Parish were Diane DiGiovacchino, parish respect life committee coordinator, and Deacon Rich Arcari, committee moderator.

“We may be small in number, but we are mighty in purpose,” Deacon Arcari said, noting that in addition to he and DiGiovacchino, the committee is composed of John Connolly.

Citing how the committee “strives to promote the dignity and protection of all human life from conception to natural death by keeping our parishioners aware, educated and praying for respect life issues,” DiGivacchino and Deacon Arcari said that among the events the respect life committee hosts include meeting every month to discuss issues, plan prayer events; dedicate a page in the parish bulletin to respect life news and have phone numbers for pregnancy resources readily available.

On the second Sunday of the month the committee prays the Rosary for Life following the 11:30 a.m. Mass and has hosted baby shower campaigns in which parishioners are invited to donate baby items to be given to El Centro, a program of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, which provides outreach to the Latino community throughout the Greater Mercer County region.

Every year, the committee holds a prayer service on Jan. 22 in commemoration of the Roe v. Wade decision, legalizing abortion. The service in St. Raphael is held for people who are not able to attend the March for Life in Washington. For four years, the committee has also been involved with Good Counsel Homes’ Baby Bottle Campaign that is held each October during Respect Life Month. The campaign invites parishioners to take a baby bottle home, fill it with spare change and return the bottle the following weekend when coming to Mass.

“Our parishioners are very generous to Good Counsel Homes,” Deacon Arcari said, noting that the amount of donations has increased each year. Last year, nearly $9,000 was raised. He also noted that students in St. Raphael School also participate in their own Baby Bottle campaign and raised $1,000 for Good Counsel Homes.

“It is an honor for our committee to be selected by Good Counsel Homes-South Jersey as the recipient of the Father Benedict Groeschel Award,” DiGiovacchino said, extending appreciation to Father John Chang, pastor, Father Gene Daguplo administrator, parishioners and the school community.”

Deacon Arcari said he had an opportunity to visit the Riverside home, an experience he found very moving.

“I could feel the love and dedication of a caring staff and I met some of the moms and their babies,” he said. “These moms come from all walks of life and some sad circumstances, but here they are happy and they have a purpose in life to be able to pick themselves up and make a life for themselves and their child.

“Thank God for GCH,” said Deacon Arcari.

Father Joe Noche, diocesan respect life ministry chaplain, offered the invocation at the banquet, then commented on the beauty of the work of Good Counsel Homes-South Jersey.

“They try as much as possible to meet the immediate needs and also provide and ongoing support that will give” the mothers a good start and a better chance to succeed in life both financially and spiritually, he said.

“What I love about Good Counsel Homes is the fact that they are not only a shelter but also a home,” said Father Noche. “It is really a family that instills not only family values but also the love of God, and that says everything about Good Counsel Homes. The staff gives pregnant women a new chance at living a normal and better life, a chance of becoming good mothers, who not only care for their babies, but also of becoming a productive member of our society.”