MIDDLESEX TWP — When Mary was pregnant with Jesus, the Bible says her cousin Elizabeth was pregnant with John the Baptist. Mary traveled to be with Elizabeth during the last months of her pregnancy.

The women at Holy Sepulcher Roman Catholic Church are following suit as part of Elizabeth Ministry, an international nonprofit group devoted to aiding women and their families during the childbearing years.

"It is an outreach to women in special times of motherhood," said Lori Vish-Stearns, chairwoman of Holy Sepulcher's chapter of the ministry, which she started in June.

"The support of woman to woman during pregnancy and after delivery is a special kind of service."

Vish-Stearns said the volunteers provide newborn hospital visits, home visits, mentoring, meals, cards and welcome baskets.

"We also have volunteers ready to help women undergoing difficult pregnancies or delivery complications," she said.

After losing two children in infancy and receiving support from family and friends during two successful pregnancies, Vish-Stearns said she understands the importance of relief for new and pregnant mothers.

"On a personal level, I felt so supported while pregnant with my oldest daughter, Bea. I spent some time on bed rest, and then had trouble breastfeeding. Those months felt so long," Vish-Stearns explained of the birth of her daughter, now 11.

"Family and friends were sure to send cards, make phone calls and include us in their prayers. It was so meaningful to Scott and me."

Vish-Stearns said volunteers make and deliver meals or baskets, mentor mothers whose experiences are familiar, pray for a healthy pregnancy and delivery or send cards.

Those gestures have proved special to Karen Harsch of Penn Township, who recently gave birth to her fourth child, daughter Morgan.

Volunteers Dee Seelbaugh and her husband, Chuck, delivered a basket to Harsch.

"It is such a blessing," she said. "Even though this is not my first child, the meals provided by the group are most welcome."

Juggling Morgan's siblings, ages 8, 6 and 4, is not easy.

"Every little bit helps," said Harsch. The basket the group provided included a new blanket, sleeper, bottle, a photo album, pacifier and other newborn items.

Vish-Stearns said there is no specific training necessary to participate in the Elizabeth Ministry, and members can stay in touch via telephone and e-mail instead of through structured meetings.

"Most of our volunteer time is spent directly supporting other women," she said.

For Ginger Wilson of Middlesex Township, experiencing that personal touch first hand in September 2006 caused her to become a volunteer.

Wilson had complications after delivery when she contracted an infection due to a C-section.

"I had a visiting nurse at my house for six weeks two times a day to dress and pack my incision," Wilson explained. The Wilsons also had two toddlers at home.

"A member of the Elizabeth Ministry saw me wobbling in church and soon afterward called to see if she could bring dinners," Wilson said.

"She asked if she could bring me meals, not knowing that I had a nurse coming everyday and didn't have the desire or energy to cook," she said.

"We had home-cooked delicious meals for two weeks from the very generous people. My husband enjoyed them the most. He could take a little break," she said.

"Not only did they do that, but they also brought us a beautifully decorated baby carriage basket — and several of the members called me on the telephone to see how I was doing."

Soon after, Wilson got involved with the ministry and is returning the favor to other women in her parish.

"We have a range of women in all stages of life. Some are raising their own children now, while others have already raised theirs. Even women who are childless are part of our ministry," said Vish-Stearns.

"We are companions on a journey, whether through infertility, adoption, pregnancy, birth or loss."

"Services related to all aspects of growing a family are offered," Vish-Stearns said.

"We know it can be hard for women to reach out when facing infertility, adoption or other crises of pregnancy," she added.

For more information on the Elizabeth Ministry, contact Holy Sepulcher Parish Health Ministry Office at 724-586-6584.