What is Spiritual Adoption?
Spiritual Adoption is an opportunity for us to intercede on behalf of a child in danger of abortion who may not have anyone else to pray for them, “that they might have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10). While this child will remain unknown to his or her “spiritual parent”, God knows each of them. Many people find it helpful to name their spiritual baby to keep them focused in prayer. Bishop Fulton Sheen promoted this adoption with the following prayer:
Jesus, Mary ,and Joseph,
I love you very much.
I beg you to save the life of the unborn baby
that I have spiritually adopted,
and is in danger
of abortion.
Mary, our Mother in Heaven,
pray for us,
and especially for your little ones
in danger of abortion!
What is a Spiritual Adoption Program?
While anyone can pray for the unborn at any time, a spiritual adoption program is a parish, religious education program or school wide program where participant pledge to pray for nine months for a baby in danger of abortion. Many will begin at the Annunciation on March 25 and run until the Nativity of Our Lord on December 25. Other programs will run the 9 months of a school year. Others will use whatever timing works best for their parish.
During this time, participants learn about the growth and development of children in the womb. Fetal Development posters are helpful in educating participants in the growth of children in the womb. In addition, you may consider offering “Precious Feet” pins or fetal models. See the resources section below.
At the end of the program, many will sponsor a “baby shower” of donated items or money to be given to local pregnancy care centers or other charities caring for babies and their mothers.
Where can I find resources?
We have the following resources available for download:
- An information sheet giving general instructions about how to conduct the program in your parish or school.
- Pledge cards
- Prayer cards for younger and older grade-school children
- Sample bulletin announcements with color photos or Sample bulletin announcements with simple graphics
- Thank You notes
In addition, here are some sources for other materials: - Heritage House has “Milestones” fetal development posters, literature, models, precious feet pins and much more.
- Little One Publishing has “Watch Me Grow” brochures and more.
- You may consider ordering prayer cards from Spiritual Adoption.org who also provides materials for the program.
Spiritual Adoption Prayers
Bishop Fulton Sheen’s Spiritual Adoption of Unborn baby
Jesus, Mary ,and Joseph,
I love you very much.
I beg you to save the life of the unborn baby
that I have spiritually adopted,
and is in danger
of abortion.
Mary, our Mother in Heaven,
pray for us,
and especially for your little ones
in danger of abortion!
Father Frank Pavone’s “Spiritual Adoption” of Abortion Clinic
Father, all life is in Your care.
You have entrusted us to one another,
that we may show our brothers and sisters
the same love You have for us.
We pray, then, for the least among us,
the children in the womb.
Protect them from the violence of abortion.
We pray for those that are scheduled to die at [fill in name of abortion mill]
Save them from death.
Give new hope to their parents,
that they may turn away from the desperate act of abortion.
Grant conversion to the abortionist and to the staff.
Show us how we are to respond to the bloodshed in our midst,
And lead us to the day when this place of death
Will be transformed into a haven of life.
Guard us with your joy and your peace,
For in You, life is victorious.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Other Prayers