Beginnings: Nativity House

When we got married, there was an understanding that one day we would live on a farm and serve the poor.  We weren't sure when, or where, or how - just that it was our goal. Lately, God has been beating down the door of our hearts, "Now is the time!" So Justin and I have been driving around looking for land and seeking out the needs of the suburban poor. God has a way of taking everything you are and turning it into something new.

So with that being said, we are working on a plan and slowly putting it into action.

In January of this year, a gentleman came to our church and talked about Project Gabriel. He emphasized how there was a need for women volunteers (angels) to walk with women who are in crisis pregnancies. This sounded like a great way for me to get in touch with a need. I attended few meetings and met with a few angel mentors and was eventually tapped to get a Project Gabriel started at my parish, Our Lady of Peace.

The thought was that once connected to Project Gabriel we would have a pool of support and guests so that we could start a hospitality project for these women who need healing and nurturing support during their pregnancy. Justin and I have been tossing this around for months now and the time for action is here.

We are planning the launch of The Visitation, a Catholic Newspaper that will hearld the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church with particular emphasis of life issues (restoring dignity at all stages of life.) Our first issue will be in December.

We have found land in the Downers Grove area. We have to convince the person selling it that they want to sell it to us at a reasonable price. We have hopes to build a house that can be a place of healing for 3 single mothers, 2 live-in volunteers and ourselves. It will be called Nativity House. Our goal is to build with volunteers under the direction of skilled builders. We will be calling for volunteer crews when the time is right.


Just recently Justin and I were discussing how preposterous it is that the people who really need organic produce, cleaning supplies not laden with toxicity, fair-trade clothing can't afford it. Living in a way that is the most healthy for ourselves and our earth is out of reach for so many because it requires a hefty annual income.

This is where the farm comes in.

We will have a farm where we hope to grow most of our produce. Since pregnant women require stellar nutrition we will do our best to provide it. We will also do our best to teach them how to grow it so when they move on, they will be able to nourish their children with bounty from the earth without spending their Whole paycheck at Whole Foods.

Our farm will also be a CSA (community supported agriculture,) where up to 20 friends can purchase shares, come and work the land, and take their portion of organic produce home. We will raise our own chickens for eggs, goats for milk/cheese and sheep for wool.

So we are seedlings in this venture. I ask for your prayers during this time of growth. If you are interested in receiving our first newsletter please send me your mailing address.