We shall find our little ones again up above.”
-St. Zelie Martin
If you are looking at this page because you or someone you care about is having a miscarriage or has experienced child loss, we mourn with you. We believe that all life is precious and your child’s life mattered, no matter how short or how small. Please feel free to reach out to the parish office for more information or for support. Below are some of the ways we are available and other resources you may find helpful.
If you are interested in being involved in this ministry, even if it’s just to provide a meal, contact the parish office at blessedsacramentalb@gmail.com or (518) 482-3375.
This ministry is new to us, and we’d appreciate any help or ideas. Please also be patient with us as this page is a work on progress.
Supports available from Blessed Sacrament Church
Memorial Mass: If you would like, you may request a full memorial Mass (like a funeral Mass) for your child, no matter how early their loss was in pregnancy.
Mass Intention: you can request a prayer intention for a Mass, this could be for your child, an unspecified “special intention” that only you and God know, or even for your own healing. (If you want a Mass intention to remain private, we often use the terminology “Special Intention.” )
Blessing after Miscarriage: This may be done in person, prayed over the mother or couple by the priest or deacon, or prayed privately. The text of the prayer from the Book of Blessings is available here:
https://www.usccb.org/prayers/blessing-parents-after-miscarriage-or-stillbirth
A meal: Would you welcome a home cooked dinner delivered (even if your miscarriage was a few months ago!)? Please let us know and our parish “meal train” will bring you a meal.
Caring follow up: would you welcome a phone call to check in or a card to remember this date next year?
Pastoral care: clergy from the parish are available to talk and pray with you.
Catholic Miscarriage FAQ
- Coming Soon
- Oftentimes Catholics have questions about Limbo, and are understandably concerned about the soul of their unbaptized children. Rest assured that we trust in the goodness and love of God to not forget anyone he has made, and has redeemed the world for the sake of welcoming into heaven all of his people.
Burial Options
Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont
(more information coming soon)
Other Resources
CARES is a support group of St. Peter’s Hospital that is currently meeting virtually.
After the Loss is a support group from Bellevue in Niskayuna. It is currently meeting virtually, and registration is required
Springs in the Desert provides information on miscarriage and virtual support groups for couples and individuals.
Shrine of the Holy Innocents is under an hour from Albany at the Divine Mercy Shrine in Stockbridge, MA.
Lasagna Love is a community resource available around Albany to request a lasagna for yourself, or even to have delivered to someone else.
The Consultation Center is affiliated with the diocese of Albany, although there are not many counsellors available at the present (2023).
Betsy Bradley, Ph.D. provides counselling in the Albany area: (518) 618-2387, betsypsych@gmail.com.
Eastern Door Counseling operates out of Renssellaer.
If you are in Crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, 24/7:
1-800-273-8255
National Maternal Health Hotline, 24/7:
Call or Text 1-833-943-5746
Toll-free NY Statewide Postpartum Resource Center of New York Helpline, M-F 9am-5pm: 1-855-631-0001
Videos
“The Show”, Bluey
“Onesies”, Bluey
The resources gathered on this page are not necessarily endorsed. If anything is found that contradicts Catholic teaching, please contact us so that we can update our list. Also, recommendations of other resources are welcomed.