ST. JOHN – Pristine white bibs, floral arrangements and unique teacups graced the circular tables Nov. 3 in Trinity Hall at St. John the Evangelist. The amusing décor left attendees curious about the activities scheduled for the afternoon Ladies’ Tea Party/Bridal Shower.
After checking in at the hall, women bustled upstairs to the Day Chapel for prayers and presentations. Amy Goggin, a member of SJE’s Missionaries for Life, greeted the ladies, led a prayer and gave a talk about Blessed Chiara Petrillo, a young mom who died in 2012 at age 28. Blessed Chiara gave birth to two children each with malformations who died after their baptisms, and then she died of cancer after giving birth to a healthy son.
“She is such an inspirational woman for us,” said Goggin. “We plan to make her the patron saint of our Missionaries for Life.”
The group watched two videos – one about Blessed Chiara and one about the birth of an infant with a medical condition. The group also prayed for respect life movement and for the United States.
Pro-life advocate since 2018, Sheila Lachcik, a founding member of the Diocese of Gary’s Walking with Moms in Need program, shared a personal testimony about her struggles with faith, family and life. “I remember hearing a voice in my head. It was telling me things were going to get better…”
As a convert to the Catholic faith, Lachcik thanks God for bringing her in communion with the Catholic Church and to fellowship with Goggin and other like-minded individuals.
After suffering from an abortion as an 18-year-old, Lachcik is now a married mom of three boys. She has been sharing her testimony for several years, is a member of Lake County Right to Life and serves post-abortive women at Rachel’s Vineyard retreats.
“The presentation in the Day Chapel was amazingly inspirational,” said SJE parishioner Mary Ellen Rassel. “The strength of each of these women and families, both of the videos and of Sheila, could only come from the Lord. I saw the bib decorating table as we came in and I thought ‘oh no,’ but once my table started decorating, it was so fun. We laughed and talked about the babies that would wear the bibs!”
Bibs, diapers and baby gifts donated during the baby shower were given to the Women’s Care Center in Merrillville which provides free, confidential counseling, support and education for pregnant women, as well as free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds.
Madeline Graal, who spearheads SJE’s Missionaries for Life, said she was so touched by the generosity of the more than 70 women who attended the Tea Party/Bridal Shower and was so appreciative of all the volunteers. “It was such a huge success. Everything exceeded my expectations. ”
Loretta Levin, of Munster, enjoyed the event and the opportunity to support WCC. “It is in my heart to support them…It was a fun event, and I could tell a lot of work was involved. It was lovely.”
In addition to hot tea, iced tea and water, guests enjoyed Caesar salad, homemade chicken tetrazzini, sandwiches, fruit, vegetables and desserts.
Rassel appreciated the attention to detail. “The decorations were absolutely adorable. My table just loved all the different china cups and saucers and the adorable cookies. I was actually surprised that we were getting food and not just muffins and tea. The food was so delicious!”
Mary Fulka, of Dyer, said she was glad to support the program and women in need, as was the friend she invited, Brittny Mauros. “I believe in life. There are a lot of mothers who might feel differently about having their babies during difficult situations if they know there is support out there,” Mauros said.
Rassel believes it is “imperative” for women in difficult situations to find love and support from places like WCC. “I believe with all my heart that all these little souls are created by God for His perfect plan, and we do not have the right to take these lives.”
Graal said it is incredible to see how many people want to save babies and help moms at the WCC. She is excited about spreading the word and continuing to gain support for moms in need. “Doing this has been a blessing.”
“Everyone at my table had a wonderful time and already said they are coming back next year, so my table is already set,” said Rassel. “I love that this really was a baby shower for babies that have been prayed for throughout their gestations and will soon be brought into the world. It was truly a celebration of all these precious little lives and saying ‘yes’ to God's plan.”
Caption: Longtime friends Sister Barbara Kuper, a Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ and former director of Nazareth Home, and Loretta Levin, of Munster, enjoy the afternoon together at St. John the Evangelist's Tea Party/Baby Shower on Nov. 3. They were two of the more than 70 women who brought gifts for recipients at the Women's Care Center in Merrillville, dined on chicken tetrazzini and listened to presentations about the importance of life. (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)