Embrace the Children forms in archdiocese

ARCHDIOCESE — What began as a group of women gathering for prayer in space provided by the Comboni Missionaries has evolved over the years into Embrace the Children, a voluntary organization of predominantly lay Catholics dedicated to renewing the family focus and supporting missionary outreach projects in Africa.

COURTESY PHOTOS

African children assisted by Embrace the Children pose for the camera.

The result, she said, through the power of prayer and efforts of several other women, was Embrace the Children. Initially, the group focused its ministry on working with inner-city youths, bringing children from Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine together with those from IHM for recreational and educational programs. They have also sponsored many prayer days for priests, retreats and have successfully completed numerous Catholic women’s events. The most recent of the gatherings, which feature prayer, music, inspirational speakers and Mass, was held March 19, at Xavier University’s Cintas Center. "It’s an opportunity for women from parishes throughout the tri-state area to come together for an empowering and uplifting experience," Foti said.

Inspired by the ministry of the Comboni Missionaries, Embrace the Children also became involved in outreach projects in Africa in 1997, offering compassion and financial support. "It’s in our hearts to care for the poorest of the poor and the Comboni charism moved our spirits," said Foti.

Among these projects have been the building of Life Centers in Sudan, places of education and worship where people displaced by war can find food, clothing and hope. In Uganda, Embrace the Children has helped many orphans continue their education. The group has also financed the construction of a goat farm run by 13 families who have formed a coop and will sell the goats for income or use them for food. In another village, Embrace the Children contributed to a $20,000 water project that will bring fresh, clean water to 400 people. The projects are funded through the group’s events and private donors, Foti said.

To continue its efforts and draw future members, Foti noted that the group eventually recognized the need to formalize its work. In addition, a group of women in New Jersey had expressed interest in starting a chapter of Embrace the Children, and "it was important for their bishop to know that we are recognized by the church as a legitimate organization," said Foti.

After several meeting with Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk to determine the best way to accomplish this, Foti and her husband, Paul, were referred to Deacon Steve Brown, a canon lawyer who works in the archdiocesan tribunal. The goal, he explained, was for Embrace the Children to be recognized as an private association of the faithful, defined under the Code of Canon Law, Canon 215 and 216, which read in part, Canon 215 —"The Christian faithful are at liberty freely to found and direct associations for purposes of charity or piety or for the promotion of the Christian vocation in the world . . . , " Canon 216 — "Since they participate in the mission of the church, all the Christian faithful have the right to promote or sustain apostolic action even by their own undertakings, according to their own state and condition."

The process, which took a year to complete, involved consultation with other canon lawyers, writing a constitution and gathering documentation such as the group’s financial information. Deacon Brown submitted the required paperwork in February and, in July, Archbishop Pilarczyk named Embrace the Children as private association of the faithful.

"I think this recognition will give them the status they need to further their mission and secure more funding," Deacon Brown said.

"The challenge for us is to now move forward, to define our mission, pursue more members and form more chapters as the Lord calls us forth," added Foti.

One aspect of ministry she would like to develop is outreach to young women who may struggling with issues such as self-esteem, relationships and sexuality. "I’ve encountered so many young women who are hungry for healing," Foti said. "I’d love for us to be to help them see their full potential and discover whom God has intended for them to be."

For more information, visit www.embracethechildren.org