Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

Supporting Life: Birthright of Windham Continues Vital Mission Amid Financial Challenges

Posted on April 02, 2025 in: Events, ProLife, Around the Diocese

Supporting Life: Birthright of Windham Continues Vital Mission Amid Financial Challenges

For 35 years, Birthright of Windham has been a steadfast source of hope for women facing unplanned pregnancies, offering compassionate care rooted in Catholic moral teachings. In 2024 alone, the organization provided support to over 1,000 women and their babies, distributing essentials such as diapers, baby formula, clothing, and other necessities—all free of charge.

With a small team—just one director and two full-time volunteers, none of whom are paid—Birthright operates with remarkable efficiency on a modest annual budget of $40,000. And yet, the impact is anything but small.

This kind of hands-on support reflects the mission of national pro-life initiatives like the Knights of Columbus’ ASAP program—“Aid and Support After Pregnancy.” In just its first year, the program raised over $5 million to help mothers care for their newborns. Birthright of Windham embodies this mission at the local level, offering real-time, real-life help to families who need it most.

However, the rising cost of baby essentials and unexpected expenses—like a broken furnace in late 2024—have strained Birthright’s finances. Space heaters used during the repairs sent the electric bill soaring. While the landlord graciously covered the furnace replacement, the organization ended the year with a $5,000 shortfall, the first deficit in its 35-year history.

“The end of the year is usually our strongest fundraising season,” explained Darlene Wagner, director of Birthright, “but many of our regular donors were facing their own financial difficulties and weren’t able to give as they usually do.”

The result has put the organization several months behind on rent, and while the landlord has been patient, Wagner emphasized the urgency of catching up to ensure services continue uninterrupted. Birthright has responded by strengthening its development efforts to prevent future deficits.

To help Birthright regain financial stability, several local Knights of Columbus Councils are joining forces to host a Pasta Dinner Fundraiser:

When: Saturday, May 24, beginning at 5 PM
Where: St. Joseph Church, Willimantic
Tickets: $30 each
Keynote Speaker: Father Walter Nagle, Director of Pro-Life Ministry, Diocese of Norwich
Also Speaking: State Deputy Joseph Rahtelli, Connecticut Knights of Columbus

To purchase tickets, call Garry Beausoleil at 860-617-6082.

If you are unable to attend but would like to contribute, donations can be made by contacting Mike Romeo at 860-208-6723.

Together, we can ensure that Birthright continues to be a refuge of love, dignity, and life for women and children in need.

Article by Garry Beausoleil, member of St. James Council #2883 in Danielson


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Calendar of Events

Posted on April 11, 2025 in: Events, Around the Diocese

29499

A Tradition of Giving: 47th Annual Layette Event to Support Mothers and Babies in Need
The Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women invites all women of the diocese to join in a heartfelt tradition of compassion and service at the 47th Annual Layette Event. Hosted by the Saint Pio Parish Ladies Guild and Father Hussion Columbiettes, the event will take place on Sunday, May 18th from 1 PM to 3 PM at the Saint John School Gym, located at 161 Main Street in Old Saybrook. Women attending are encouraged to bring baby items such as newborn to toddler size 3 clothing, diapers (especially large sizes), wipes, crib blankets, formula, and baby food. All donations ...

Read More

Holy Week Schedule of Masses — Cathedral of Saint Patrick
Holy Week Masses Cathedral of Saint Patrick Masses will be live-streamed as indicated by * NorwichDiocese.org/Masses   Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord April 13 7:30am + 9am + 10:30am* + 5pm Vigil Saturday, April 12th, 5pm   Chrism Mass Wednesday, April 16 10:30 am* No 12 pm Mass, no confessions   Holy Thursday Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper April 17 Mass of the Lord's Supper, 7 pm* Confessions Following Service No 12 pm Mass   Good Friday  The Passion of the Lord ...

Read More

Supporting Life: Birthright of Windham Continues Vital Mission Amid Financial Challenges
For 35 years, Birthright of Windham has been a steadfast source of hope for women facing unplanned pregnancies, offering compassionate care rooted in Catholic moral teachings. In 2024 alone, the organization provided support to over 1,000 women and their babies, distributing essentials such as diapers, baby formula, clothing, and other necessities—all free of charge. With a small team—just one director and two full-time volunteers, none of whom are paid—Birthright operates with remarkable efficiency on a modest annual budget of $40,000. And yet, the imp...

Read More

Monthly Pro-Life Mass to be Held May 3

Posted on April 24, 2025 in: ProLife

98

Monthly Pro-Life Mass to be Held May 3
The monthly Diocesan Pro-Life Mass will take place at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich on Saturday, May 3 at 8:30 A.M. Please join our celebrant Rev. Brian Maxwell, at Mass as we pray to end abortion and for the healing for those who have had an abortion. Following the Mass, the Rachel Rosary will be prayed at the Cathedral. A brunch in the Cathedral Hall will follow the Rosary this month.        

Read More

Faith, Fellowship, and Fun for Homeschooling Families
Homeschooling families with children of all ages are invited to the Cathedral for Mass with other homeschoolers from around the Diocese on Wednesday, May 21st at 9:30 AM.  After Mass all are invited to bring your own lunch to the Field Pavilion at Mohegan Park for a time to connect with one another. Ice cream will be provided by the Diocese. Outdoor games and activities to share are welcome! A choir of children is being formed to enhance this Liturgy. If you have a son/daughter (grades 4-12) who would like to sing in the choir for the please contact Patty Jo...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Richard F. Reidy
Click to view album: Students Called to Feed the Hungry
Click to view album: 40 Days for Life 2024
Click to view album: Blessing of the Fleet 2024
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294