Thirteen families participated in the annual Blessing Service for Expectant Families on Wednesday, November 9th at 7 p.m. in the St. Joan of Arc church.  

The bland description above does not do credit to this wonderful annual event for all those families that are expecting a child. This service includes, as well, any families who are awaiting adoption.  

Anna Mae Vagle, St. Joan’s staff musician and liturgist, created this service some years ago when she discovered there was no special attention given to families in the parish expecting a child. In fact, there was no official church based service in any of the usual manuals or prayer books.  

Anna scoured books and found some appropriate prayers and created a simple blessing service for expectant families. She then recruited a helper or two from the Prayer Partners, a few musicians and the service/ blessing evolved into what it is today - truly a celebration of whole family groups who await the arrival of this new member of their family in the best of all ways – with prayer.  

This event has evolved into more than a service of prayer, music and blessing; it is now woven with people closely connected to birthing thus adding their expertise and depth to the service.

There is usually someone who is willing to share her own unique birthing experience. This time a Doula (a professional birthing coach) added helpful thoughts to pass on to the attendees. There is a simple but moving water/candle ritual that is a calming rite done on an individual basis, involving the whole family. There seems to be a growing number of grandparents-to-be to complete the intimate family group as part of this celebration.  

This reporter has experienced this service many times, first as an assistant to Anna at many blessings; having the honor of blessing our own grandchild before his birth six years ago; and now as a reporter and photographer for the church’s website. From each vantage point, I am reminded of how grateful I am for being a member of this parish, where the events that are important in peoples’ lives are events that are blessed and celebrated.

My hope is that the wide church institution would proclaim more celebrations that truly involve events in the lives of the people of the church. It is good that we celebrate the great saints of yore and try to emulate their lives, but then again, what is a greater need for a church community than to welcome each new child into the Catholic community even pre birth just as we celebrate the Advent season that awaits the birth of the child of God, Jesus Christ Himself?  

Judith Nylander, Louise Jankowski and Beth McAllister
This Wednesday’s blessing and prayer service included, besides, Anna Mae Vagle, Judith Nylander, Doolah; Louise Jankowski, Prayer Partner; and Beth McAllister, Doolah and mother of three children.  

After a calming and lovely centering prayer, Judith spoke from her experiences of the strong presence of angels during many of the births where she was a Doula. The angels’ message was always the same, “Do not fear”. That was the permeating thought Judith nicely conveyed to the expectant moms and families present.  

The readings were well chosen for this occasion:  

Anna and Fred Vagle supplied opening music and later Fred played a quiet guitar during appropriate times. (I wish to add here that their daughter, Stephanie and husband, Bill and children were there to bless that family as they wait for their newest family member-another musician perhaps?)  

Carin Vagle, another daughter of Anna and Fred’s, sang the lovely and apt signature song for this event, “Breath of Heaven”.. in which Blessed Mary is asking God to help her be strong as she carries His son, Jesus.  

I cannot end the report on this event unless I note the unexpected emotion that I see in faces whenever the individual family group steps forward to be blessed.  

Anna dips her hand in water and presses lightly and symbolically on the mother’s womb with these words in part:

  “…Water of life, symbol of birth and blessing. Strengthen and refresh this family, give them thankful hearts as they enter this new chapter of life”
Louise, then steps forward and lights a small candle and places it in the hand of the mother to be and says:  
“…May this candle symbolize God’s love and guidance as you journey toward family. Let its small circle of light remind you to trust in each present moment of grace, free of fear for the future or longing for the past.”
As sometimes, tears flow from eyes around the room as this ritual is completed and the closing blessing is said:  
“…Go now and may the blessing of God, Compassionate Mother; Jesus Son born of Mary, and the Spirit of Love and Care be with each of us and hold us in the great mystery of life” Amen  

and
JoAnn Potts is a retired teacher, music/English/choir director and 35 year member of St. Joan's. She enjoys volunteering to assist Anna Vagle with music tasks one day each week; singing in the choir; writing her memoirs, poetry and SJA web articles; keeping up with family and friends. JoAnn and Jim, husband and wife team of 54 years, are proud of their family of five children and nine grandchildren. Wanna see pictures?  JoAnn can be reached at jpotts@mn.rr.com.
Smiles erupted all around and a semi-formal picture was taken of the entire group. There was an announcement that refreshments were awaiting in the vestibule consisting of - what else - cookies and milk to be served to all.  

And the celebration begins!

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