This Saturday and Sunday, December 13th and 14th, St. Joseph's Church will host its 18th Annual Spiritual Adoption Prayer Crusade with a Village-Wide Baby Shower. The donated baby gifts and items will be delivered to Long Island-area crisis pregnancy centers in time for Christmas.

Earlier this year in March, parishioners of St. Joseph's began a nine-month prayer program, dedicating themselves to pray daily for babies who were in danger of abortion, and also to pray for the babies' mothers and fathers who were experiencing difficult pregnancies. This weekend the prayer program concludes with a Baby Shower to help the mothers and fathers in caring for their newborns.

Noted a member of St. Joseph's Respect Life Society, "Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta has said, 'Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use violence to get what they want. This is why the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion.'

"Our Baby Shower is an effort to support mothers and fathers who choose life and reject abortion. The mother and father who lovingly embrace their unborn child recognize the intrinsic value of each human life. They are today's heroes."

Over this past year, maternity centers such as The Life Center, MOMMA's House, Birthright, Mother of Good Counsel Home, and Regina Residence, have offered their love and support for mothers and fathers who find themselves facing uncertain futures for their unborn babies. These award-winning organizations provide 24-hour, confidential crisis counseling, pregnancy testing, medical assistance, housing, and clothing - all without fees. The main goal of these groups is to provide mothers and fathers with a chance to choose life for their babies instead of abortion.

This Christmas the centers are in particular need of Newborn Baby Items such as: layettes, baby blankets and towels, crib sheets, diapers (new born through toddler), wipes, formula (Enfamil), pacifiers, digital thermometers, humidifiers, nose aspirators, diaper cream, shampoo, baby wash, and gift certificates to Target, Kaybees, Toys "R" Us, and CVS.

There is also a need for Toddler Items such as: clothes, pajamas, underwear and socks.

And finally, Christmas Gifts for Moms such as: sweatpants and jackets, pajamas, toiletries, robes, slippers, umbrellas, watches, Metro and Phone Cards, and gift cards to Kohl's, Wal-Mart, and McDonald's.

Shower Gifts can be placed in designated Christmas Boxes at the doors of the church or auditorium following all Masses.

St. Joseph's Parish thanks all Garden City residents for their continued support in this most worthy cause to support efforts to assist mothers who value the sanctity of all human life.