What is the Spiritual Adoption Program?
It is very simple. Participants in the Spiritual Adoption Program pledge to pray for nine months for a baby in danger of abortion. While this child will remain unknown to his or her 'spiritual parent', God knows who the child is. Many people have found that naming 'their child' helps to keep them focused on the reality that their prayers are helping to save a particular baby from the harm of abortion.
The Purpose of the Spiritual Adoption Program is threefold:
1. Encourage schools and other communities to pray for babies in danger of abortion.
2. Educate adults and children about the development of the pre-born child.
3. Provide mothers in need with assistance at a 'baby shower' of donated baby gifts, or simply celebrate with a 'birthday party' at the conclusion of the program. In some schools a crib was bought with monetary gifts and the children filled a crib with gifts for expectant Mothers.
How does the program work and how can my group get started?
At the beginning of the program a brief announcement asking the students to pray is made, preferably by the principal, at school. If desired, prayer cards can be distributed to all involved in the program. It is advisable to have the children give their baby a name. The prayer can be recited each morning before beginning class. For the following nine months (or a period of time that fits into the school year) one poster is displayed per month in a prominent place so everyone can see how 'his or her baby' is developing.
The "Thank-you" file on the resources page contains "thank-you notes" from the baby each month. These can be copied onto colorful paper pre-printed with a baby or children's theme (or brightly colored plain paper) and posted on the bulletin board next to the Little One Sweet poster. At the end of the program a 'baby shower' or 'birthday party' can be held and gifts of baby items donated given to a local pregnancy center. This is a great project for Catholic Confirmation preparation classes as it involves prayer, education and community service.
Who can participate?
Church members, students, prayer groups and anyone who is concerned about abortion, and who is willing to pray for babies in danger of abortion, "that they might have life and have it to the full." (John 10:10)
Who benefits from the Spiritual Adoption Program?
Everyone! While it is not always possible to see the particular effects of prayer, we know through Scripture that God wants us to pray, and we know by faith that He answers all prayers. The educational aspect of the program is beneficial to people of all ages, including children. Churches and schools are encouraged to display the very gentle and appealing full color posters that both depict and describe in words the baby's development each month. There is no mention of abortion on the posters. Some schools obtain enough sets of posters for each classroom and/or entrance or exit to the school.
Where can additional posters and precious feet pins be purchased?
The posters series is available for order online from the Respect Life Office. Visit our online form, or email life@archbalt.org or simply phone in your order: 410-547-5537. precious feet pins (or precious hand pins) can be ordered through the Heritage House Catalog: 919 S. Main Street, Snowflake, AZ 85937. Phone: 1-800-858-3040 Fax: 1-928-536-7785. Heritage House also has an online catalog: www.heritagehouse76.com
Prayer Cards
There are two sources for prayer cards:
Mr. Bob Paige of Novi, Michigan has three types of prayer cards, each with a different image on the front and, on the back, a brief description of Spiritual Adoption and a short prayer. You can phone Mr. Paige at: (248) 474-8064 or email: rjpaige@msn.com
Mr. Arthur Maes of Denver, Colorado also prints and distributes prayer cards. The card has an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the front, a brief description of the program and the short prayer composed by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen on the reverse. His mailing address is: 11142 Osage Street, Northglenn, CO 80234. Phone: 720-977-9150.
