By Gia Myers • Posted August 29, 2024

More than 700 individuals – including new and expectant mothers, their families, and children – attended the second annual “Philly’s Biggest Baby Shower” event on Saturday morning, Aug. 24 at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center in Philadelphia.

The fun-filled morning combined a party-like atmosphere with compassionate care and support for young mothers and families through the efforts of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) and the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia.

Volunteer Patricia Campbell said she came to the event “to spread the respect life message.” Campbell, who helped with handing out hundreds of soft pretzels and six gallons of water ice to guests, is a parishioner of Mother of Divine Providence Parish in King of Prussia, where she’s a member of the parish’s Respect Life Ministry.

CSS Intern Annie Sheehy helped by distributing free clothing to mothers. She marveled at how so many people responded with generous donations for the event. Mothers were able to select from donations of clothing for babies and young children, and stock up on diapers, wipes, and other infant care necessities.

Tashina Wright and Amanda Leggedt handed out donations of women’s products for mothers. The residents of McAuley House, a CSS program that provides transitional housing for women who are medically fragile and experiencing homelessness, volunteered for the event so they could give back to their community

John Dunlop, head soccer coach at Father Judge High School in Philadelphia, attended the event with six incoming freshman soccer players to play games with the children who attended. A CSS social worker at the school had reached out to Dunlop asking for help at the event.

“These guys are seeing something they don’t see every day,” said Dunlop. “They can share their experiences with their religion classes back at school.”

Amy Stoner (center), Director of CSS’ Community-Based and Housing and Homeless Services Divisions, with prayer tent volunteers. (Gia Myers)

Members of the Sisters of Life based out of St. Malachy Parish’s convent in North Philadelphia attended the event for a second year. They assisted mothers, carrying babies in their arms, engaging siblings, and listening to mothers and their needs.

“It’s a chance to come together and be a part of the network of support here in Philadelphia,” Sister Leonie said of the event.

Members of Knights of Columbus La Rábida Council 1191 also volunteered at the event for a second year.  They provided soft pretzels and helped with both set up and clean up for the event.

“We need more men to step into the breach,” said council member Mickey Kelly, referring to the Knights of Columbus-produced video series titled “Into the Breach,” about Catholic marriage and family life in today’s world.

The council’s Grand Knight Michael McGough agreed, saying that watching the video series is what inspired him to join the Knights of Columbus four years ago. McGough said the baby shower event has become one of the council’s main events of the year.

“We care for the mom and baby,” Kelly said. “It’s a lifelong connection.”

Nutritional Development Services’ Executive Director Lizanne Hagedorn (center), Assistant Director of Community Relations David Stier, and one of the event’s volunteers hand out nutritious boxed lunches to children. (Gia Myers)

Also returning to the event for a second year was Nutritional Development Services (NDS), an agency of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia within the Secretariat for Catholic Human Services.  NDS extended its free summer meals program for children  to provide boxed lunches for the event. Each box included a sandwich, hummus, fruit, graham crackers, and milk.

NDS Assistant Director of Community Relations David Stier said all the food items offered by NDS are USDA-approved and, using some creativity, NDS selects healthy foods that the children enjoy eating, “which can be challenging,” he said.

There were visits from two new auxiliary bishops in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Bishop Christopher R. Cooke and Bishop Efren V. Esmilla. Bishop Esmilla said he wanted “to show support for the community.”

Mothers at the event expressed much gratitude for the outpouring of support they received.

One young mom from Levittown said she was happy to come to the event for a second year. Last year she was pregnant at the event. This year, she attended with her now 20-month-old and 6-month-old daughters.

Another young mom was happy to win a raffle prize of an infant car seat. She has a 1-year-old daughter and is pregnant with another baby due in November.

Young parents from Philadelphia attended with their 8-week-old daughter. “The gifts of clothing and diapers are a big help for our family,” the mother said.

To connect with parenting resources throughout the Philadelphia area, contact Catholic Social Services and the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia.