BLESSING OF EXPECTANT FAMILIES

Wednesday, May 15th, 2002

We are called to minister onto each other.

On Wednesday, May 15, seven families were present in the church for a touching ceremony designed to offer strength, support and wisdom as they travel the road toward parenthood. The Blessing of Expectant Families is a tradition started six years ago by Anna Vagle and JoAnn Potts. It takes place each spring and fall at St. Joan of Arc, welcoming all families preparing for either the birth or adoption of a child.

This year Anna and JoAnn passed the torch to three young women on the Spiritual Parenting Committee. Angie Arnold, Heidi Wemmen, and Mary Bosch are young mothers with a strong commitment to all children and their parents. Heidi is the daughter of Fred and Anna Vagle, which made it even more of a family affair with Fred and Anna providing the music.

Impending parenthood can be an emotional and overwhelming experience. After welcoming everyone, Angie helped them prepare for the blessing by inviting them to center their thoughts and spend a few quiet minutes in prayer and reflection. As a palpable calm embraced the group, Anna softly sang “From My Mother’s Womb” accompanied by Fred on the guitar.

Heidi read the Prayer, A Psalm During Pregnancy by Edward Hay. That was followed by the Gospel: Luke 1:39-48, the story of Mary’s journey to see Elizabeth. “Blessed are you among women and blessed is your child”, “Oh, how happy is the woman who believes in God, for he does make his promises to her come true”. A meditation song, “Maiden Voyage” followed.

The solemnity of the occasion lifted as Mary Bosch shared her journey into parenthood. With a flourish she covered the floor with books intended to teach parents everything they need to know. As a teacher, Mary naturally turned to these “experts” to prepare herself for her new role as mother. But in the end, Mary assured attendees, parents have all the real answers inside their own hearts. Her presentation was light-hearted, but sincere. She talked about problems and challenges confronting new parents, and her audience clearly appreciated the inspiration she shared.

The Blessing Ritual was an emotional ceremony. One by one the expectant mother, accompanied by spouse or partner if present, approached the “altar” where there was a large candle and bowl of water. Mary handed the mother a smaller candle with the words,

Receive this candle and in the days ahead
let its light remind you that out of the darkness of the womb
comes new life and the light of God’s love.
Angie immersed her hands in the water, then reached out to touch the shoulders of the family being blessed with the words:
Waters of life, sacred and refreshing,
pour out your blessing. Keep these families strong,
fill them with wonder, and give them thankful hearts
as they near the arrival of their child.
 When the Blessing was done the group offered community prayer requests. It was clear that participants were not just mindful of their own child, but of all the world’s children and their caregivers. One poignant request for prayer was from a mother anxious for the arrival of an infant daughter coming from Guatemala.

Near the end of the ceremony the group was introduced to the Prayer Chain. This is a way for the members of the group to request prayers at the time of labor and delivery of their child, or any other time they might be in need. The idea was quickly embraced by the participants and most added their name to the Prayer Chain list.


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Sue Obrien is the wife of Tom, mother of four children, and grandmother of six. She is dental hygienist and manages a dental practice in Spring Lake Park. A parishioner for many years, Sue worked as a caregiver at Grace House for seven years, beginning the week it opened. Now she is looking forward to meeting new people at St. Joan of Arc as she helps out as a web reporter and photographer.
After the closing blessing, Anna and Fred led the group in the singing of “Somos el Barco” The gathering that started with seven individual families ended as a small community of people all concerned for each other and their children. When Angie, Heidi and Mary invited the group to share cookies and beverages they didn’t have to coerce anyone! The newly bonded group gladly stayed to make new friendships and encourage each other as they embark on parenthood.

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