On May 1, 2001, the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, Fr. Al Lauer, led by the Holy Spirit, decided to open a Pregnancy Center at Old St. Mary’s Church. The approval was previously granted by the Archbishop of Cincinnati in 2000. Old St. Mary’s Pregnancy Center is the only pro-life care center attached to a Catholic Church in the Archdiocese and is in one of the poorest areas in the nation, Over-the-Rhine.
Old St. Mary’s Pregnancy Center exists to affirm the sacredness of every human life and for the purpose of evangelization. Each day we are open, we hold a Bible Study. Most of those who walk through our doors attend, with some coming just to attend the study.
When women come to us for a pregnancy test and they are pregnant, we refer them to Healthy Beginnings or Good Samaritan Clinic for pre-natal care, both of which also affirm dignity of human life. About a month before they to have their baby, we have a class for them to attend and receive a new born baby packet, including many supplies they will need (diapers, wipes, sleepers, blankets, bottles, formula, and many other items). We also distribute larger items, such as car seats, cloths, and high chairs. The new parents come back as needed for other items as we have them available.
In the last 14 years, we have done about 9,000 pregnancy tests, helped over 10,000 parents with baby supplies, counseling, and prayer. Through the Holy Spirit, numerous women have chosen the sanctity of life because of the work here. Every life saved reminds us why we exist.
We are open Monday-Thursday, from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. We are always in need of donations and volunteers. Please visit our online giving page for information on how to donate online, or you can always mail us a check. If you need to contact us, or feel that you want to be apart of what we do here, please call us at (513) 929-9165. Any donations or checks can be made to: Old St. Mary’s Church (put Pregnancy Center in the Memo Line). Mail them to: 123 E. 13th Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, c/o Terri Huwel (Executive Director).