St. stephen prepares ministry

PREPARES is a nurturing response of the Catholic community, open to all, to provide meaningful, local, and unconditional support to Washington mothers, fathers, and families as they nurture their children through pregnancy and early childhood. Our vision is that a mom or family can come to any Catholic community in the state and be served.

Our help is caring, personal, and confidential.

Essential needs
Giving to those in need is a great way to make a difference and directly impact families in your community! St. Stephens assists families by collecting diapers and gently used clothing for distributing to families through a baby closet, PREPARES Bags (filled with items for children ages newborn through 5), or by collaborating with another parish outreach ministry, like St. Vincent de Paul. 

Parish-based events and activities
Lead and/or support activities and events that support families in your community like hosting a Parish Baby Shower, support a community diaper distribution through the food bank, create a “meal train” for a family with a newborn, and much more!

Family Companions
Family Companions are volunteers who want to walk in encouragement and friendship with a parent or family. You can be trained to provide direct one-on-one support to a PREPARES family experiencing hardship. You can also act as a Companion on a team of volunteers. PREPARES Family Companions agree to commit to at least three visits with a family and on-going support as arranged with the PREPARES family.

Prayer
Make the commitment to support PREPARES families through prayer. Create a prayer chain, pray the rosary, or commit to our PREPARES Novena.

As a Catholic parish, we are called not only to celebrate the gift of life but also to support families as they welcome and raise their children. PREPARES allows our parish community to put that call into action by accompanying parents with compassion, practical assistance, and friendship. Through PREPARES, St. Stephen the Martyr becomes a visible sign of Christ's love for families in our community.

Every mother deserves support as she welcomes the gift of new life. Pregnancy can bring joy, uncertainty, and unexpected challenges, and PREPARES is here to help. Through caring volunteers, practical assistance, and connections to local resources, PREPARES supports mothers with baby supplies, referrals to community services, encouragement, and ongoing accompaniment. Whether a mom needs material support, guidance, or simply someone to walk alongside her, PREPARES helps ensure she has the resources and community she needs to confidently choose life and care for her growing family.