Kathy Itzin is the Directer of Elementary Religious Education

Why are we involved in this partnership? St. Joan of Arc has been honored to partner with Children's Home in establishing an Adoption Ministry. Children's Home has helped us immeasurably in meeting with us many times, suggesting different formats that have proved valuable for other churches, and assisting us in implementing and continuing a ministry that is informative for those thinking of adoption and supportive of those who have already adopted. Our experience has been very positive.

Parishioners have given a sermon in which they shared how adoption has profoundly changed their lives, classes have been given here through Children's Home, and we have hosted several different 'Adoption information evenings' in which we helped interested people explore the adoption option.

Benefits to our parish have been an expanded awareness of the need for adoptions internationally as well as domestically, and specifically of the needs of Minnesota’s' Waiting Children, and support to families who have already adopted. Many people who have tossed around the idea of maybe adopting someday have actually begun the adoption process, and many additional people have received information that was helpful in discerning what is best for their families.

The support and expertise of Children's Home has been wonderful! We are very grateful for their interest and assistance!