What is the Gabriel Project?
The Gabriel Project is a ministry of the Archdiocesan Pro-Life Office providing help to pregnant women in need. It can be described as a “Good Samaritan” approach towards helping women in a crisis pregnancy. The church community responds in a loving, unconditional, and nonjudgmental manner to the woman. This love is a witness to the community of the infinite and healing love of God. A trained volunteer, called a Gabriel Angel, is assigned to the mother when she calls for help and is responsible for ongoing contact with her. Through the Gabriel Project the mother can receive love, care, and the spiritual, material, and emotional support she needs. The Gabriel Project is the work of the Holy Spirit; it is educational, evangelical, and pastoral.
What is the role of the church?
The key to the Gabriel Project is the “whole” of the church response. For example, if the woman is in need of a crib, the Gabriel Angel puts this need of a crib in the church bulletin, allowing the whole church to respond to that need. And, so many resources are so readily available through already established help centers. The church is the safety net to make sure the women get the help they need. Most women don’t know that this help even exists. The Gabriel Project can help with this message. The Gabriel Angel helps the woman find the help she needs.
How does a church implement the Gabriel Project into their parish?
An interested parish coordinator calls the Director, Ann Marie Alvey, before approaching the pastor to learn what is entailed in starting this ministry. The Director and the parish coordinator then set up a meeting with the pastor to make a presentation. Upon receipt of pastor approval. the parish coordinator and the Director inform the parish council, parish staff and/or finance council, about this ministry. It is important to inform the pastor and the parish/finance council that the Gabriel Project will not be a financial burden on the parish.
Ann Marie Alvey Telephone: 913-621-2199
Pro-Life Office, Archdiocese of Kansas City in KS, 12615 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, KS 66109
director@gabrielprojectkc.com
What parishes are currently involved with the Gabriel Project?
We are working on updating this list. Please check back soon.
Why would anyone want to start “the Gabriel Project”?
The Gabriel Project is a perfect response to Jesus’ call to the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. In Matthew: 25:45 Jesus commands whatever you do to the least of your brother you do for me. But honestly, how many times do we really run into someone truly in need? As Christians, we all like to help people, especially on a personal level.
What services do you offer?
Not only do we offer spiritual and emotional support, we offer baby items such as clothes, blankets, diapers, toiletries, formula. We can also help pregnant moms and new moms with clothes and toiletries. We have a long list of resources that we can help them with such as shelters, employment, medical care, education, testing, etc.
Do women have to be Catholic to get help from the Gabriel Project?
No. The Gabriel Project are here to help any pregnant woman or new mom in need.