As members of the Church that “goes forth,” we are called to take the first step toward those in need—sharing in their lives, listening to their concerns, offering them both material and spiritual support. For “true faith in the incarnate Son of God is inseparable from self-giving, from membership in the community, from service, from reconciliation with others.”15 And while we may feel unequipped for such a mission, the Holy Father reminds us that “whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms.”16
The USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities is inviting Catholics to walk in the shoes of local pregnant and parenting mothers in need. Excerpts from Evangelii gaudium © 2013, Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2021, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved.