Pastoral Ministries

Respect Life Office

The Confidential Intake Form is the most important document each Angel will use.  All Moms' information is included in this document.  At the first and all follow up interviews, the Angel will record all information on the intake sheet.

The Gabriel Angel must review Mom’s case with the Parish Gabriel Coordinator.  When Mom has delivered her baby, all information must be given to the Parish Coordinator.

This information is confidential and can only be used for the precise purpose of helping Mom.  For liability purposes, an accurate and full record is required.  A copy of all intake forms must be sent to the Archdiocesan Gabriel Project Coordinator or Respect Life Director.  Copies of the intake form are in the Gabriel Project Resource Manual.
 

Interpersonal Communication

At the root of all successful communication is treating Mom as you would wish to be treated yourself.  Communication refers to all meaningful exchanges between Mom and her Angel.  It is not just words, but it is the meaning of these words as understood by Mom and her Angel.  Misunderstanding can readily occur.  Hence, there is the need for the Angel to prepare herself, and learn on the job, the art of communication.

We take part in interpersonal communication all the time, with our families, friends, and colleagues at work.  As caring helpers we must understand that listening is more important than talking. It is through listening that you discern the details of Mom’s story.  You must never jump to conclusions about Mom or stereotype her.  You must never interrupt or correct Mom.  Through listening, you lead Mom to come to know and understand herself and her situation.  Finally, attentive listening allows Mom to begin to regain self respect when the angel accepts her unconditionally.  When you listen, you listen with

• Your ears – to hear her story, the way the story is told, what Mom understands
   
• Your eyes – to see her body language and facial expressions
   
• Your undivided attention – to focus completely on Mom, not yourself
   
• Your heart – to allow Mom to confide and trust in you, which takes time; to show love, sympathy and compassion for Mom
   
• Your self -  to be present to her; Mom is not a client or unit of mass data to be processed, she is a person who needs to meet with and be loved by another person

Communication can be:

• the spoken word
   

• body posture and gesture
   

• voice tone and inflection
   

Of these, the most telling is voice tone and inflection, then body posture and gesture and then the spoken work, yet we often tend to put more importance on the spoken word.

In one-on-one relationships, we continuously communicate whether we speak or not.  The effective Angel must become aware of the impact her tone of voice, inflection, body posture and gestures have on Mom.  Angels must know how to evaluate non-verbal communication from Mom to gain a better understanding of her situation. (Gabriel Project Resource Manual)
 

Reconciliation And Healing

Reconciliation and healing is central to helping Mom.  Only in this way will she be able, with God’s love and help, and the help of her Angel to bring order, peace and fulfillment into her life, whatever the difficulties.

The Angel must bring Christ to Mom in her person, helping her in practical ways, always showing concern for Mom not herself.  This is the new evangelization.

The Angel must pray for Mom and place her in God’s hands, waiting for Mom to respond to the working of the Holy Spirit.  Often we will not see this happen but the Gabriel Project is full of wonderful stories of conversion.

In coming to know God is so full of love for each of us, so full of mercy, Mom, both Catholic and non-Catholic, is open to admitting fault on her part and aware of the need for forgiveness, from others and from God.  This is the beginning of true Reconciliation

The release from sorrow and burdens, the relief in being back with God and the Church, the peace which follows confessing one’s sins, cannot be described.  Mom is back in the land of the living.

The only true healing with true peace follows sacramental reconciliation and absolution.

Only God can forgive and heal us fully.  He will help us to forgive others if we only ask.  Psychotherapy or counseling is not a substitute for reconciliation and healing.

The Angel must remember that the priest is available to help ALL Moms and she must tell Mom she can go to him for spiritual advice, guidance and sacramental reconciliation.