Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

In my family, the announcement of a pregnancy was met with “joy” and “anticipation.” Congratulations were extended to the blessed couple who represented not only blood aunts, uncles and cousins, but also neighborhood friends who were treated as members of the family. As the pregnancy progressed, there was a moment when my mother, one of my aunts or one of her lady friends would proclaim a date for a “baby shower.” Of course, as a little boy this term “baby shower” was a strange term to me since there was no baby present and, “shower?” What did that mean? Was it going to be a group clean up?

In one of the few times in my young life, all the kids were entrusted to the care of either my father or one of my uncles. The men were strictly prohibited from invading this inner sanctum of the adult female gathering. In the end, all the ladies were so happy that it appeared to be a great way to celebrate the coming baby and reinforce the “joy” shared by so many for the mother to be.

We are only a little more than two months away from Christmas and the birth of Jesus. Mary would be in her seventh month of pregnancy and, to the best of my knowledge, no one gave Mary a baby shower. Mary probably could have used a bit of anticipation and joy in her young life. St. Elizabeth, who experienced pregnancy beyond her child bearing years, seemed to be the only one who shared her joyful anticipation. So, we have an opportunity to provide a baby shower for Mary.

I have heard it said that obviously the three kings were bachelors. Had they been husbands, instead of gold, frankincense and myrrh, they would have provided gifts of disposable diapers, infant or toddler clothes, a baby car seat and a few dollars.

Now, we can’t all go to Bethlehem or Nazareth to hold our shower, but the Cousins Center is available. We can’t give gifts directly to Mary for the child Jesus, but we can assist the many brave women who have chosen life despite some of the difficulties they experience and reinforce their joy in the child who comes as gift.

We have two wonderful sites in our Archdiocese that assist women during their pregnancies: The Women’s Care Center, 1441 North Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee and Women’s Support Center, 2051 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee. Both of these centers offer assistance to women who are pregnant and need our support. We can be proud as an Archdiocese that these two centers represent us as support for women. I know that Mary would love to share her shower with both of these centers of life.

I propose that we bring our gifts to the Cousins Center (3501 S. Lake Drive, St. Francis) this coming weekend October 23 (Friday) from 3 to 7 p.m.; October 24 (Saturday) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and October 25 (Sunday) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to support Mary’s Baby Shower. I am asking that you might generously drop off some disposable diapers (especially sizes 3, 4, 5, 6 and pullups 2T – 5T); new or gently used infant or toddler clothing; no longer needed child booster car seats (must be non-expired and never involved in a car accident); or a monetary contribution (checks payable to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee with “Mary’s Baby Shower” in the memo line). The Archdiocesan staff will distribute the donations to the two Women’s Centers.

Donations can be dropped off at the main entrance (look for the big red feather flag). For your convenience, please drive up to the main entrance by using the circle drive. Staff from the Archdiocese will be there to collect your donations.  

I thought about going to the store and buying some disposable diapers but I was afraid that a suspicious clerk might call the gossip columnist at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and I will find myself answering some curious questions, or that an industrious salesperson may think that I’ve made a mistake and substituted a package of “Depends” for diapers. So instead I will donate $250, knowing that it’s going to a good cause and will be used in whatever way will be helpful.

Over a year ago, our generous Archdiocese donated over 200 bicycles and $2,000 for the St. Vincent de Paul Society to assist the poor. Now we are turning our attention to pregnant women in need through a Baby Shower in honor of the Blessed Mother Mary. We love life, we love children and we are thankful to women who have chosen to bring their children into the world. The child born to Mary reminds us of God’s love for us and our responsibility to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the October 20, 2015 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.