The Pro-Life Office is in the process of updating this program and developing more tools and resources for parishes and individuals to use. Please continue to visit for updates.

WHAT IS SPIRITUAL ADOPTION?

The Spiritual Adoption Program saves the lives of unborn children at risk of abortion. Spiritual Adoption is an age-appropriate family-friendly program based on an idea by Archbishop Fulton Sheen which is accomplished through intercessory prayer. Participants simply pledge to pray for nine months for an unborn baby, learn about the development of the preborn, and in the end sponsor a ‘baby shower’ for a local pregnancy resource center. There is no cost to participate and best of all…the program can be enjoyed by all, from pre-school to adult. To learn more, contact Deb Niesen at dniesen@archkck.org or go to www.archkck.org/prolife and select “Programs & Events > Spiritual Adoption”.

What is the Spiritual Adoption Program?

Participants in the Spiritual Adoption Program pledge to pray for nine months for an unborn baby.  Since the child is adopted “spiritually”, it is not necessary to identify an actual unborn child. This can be done in a parish or school setting, with age appropriate materials.  At the end of the nine months of prayer, a baby shower is held to gather items for a local pregnancy resource center or other organization that  provides support for mothers and babies. Find resources HERE.

The Spiritual Adoption Program has three goals…

  • Encourage prayer for parents who are expecting a child; that they will respond to God’s grace and welcome their child into life.
  • Educate adults and children about the development of the pre-born child.
  • Provide mothers in need with a ‘baby shower’ of donated baby gifts, or simply celebrate with a ‘birthday party’ at the conclusion of the program.
Who can participate?

Church members, students, prayer groups and anyone who is concerned about the unborn, and who is willing to pray “that they might have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

As faithful Catholics we must understand how truly precious the gift of human life is.  All too often in our efforts to share this beautiful message we find ourselves in discussions that require an understanding of theology, a knowledge of science, or a level of life experience which is exclusive of younger members of our faith.  

For this reason the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas Pro-Life Office sponsors this Spiritual Adoption program that can be enjoyed by all members of our Catholic family whether it is in our parishes, in our schools, or in our homes. 

How can my school, parish, or family participate in the Spiritual Adoption program?

At the beginning of the program a pledge card or prayer card is completed with your name and the name you have decided to give to your adopted child.  The prayer is recited at regular intervals throughout the nine months and a regular update on the development of the unborn child is provided in the form of a poster, a card, a bulletin announcement, etc. 

There are a number of options for promoting and implementing your Spiritual Adoption Program.  A variety of prayer and pledge cards, progress update  cards and posters, and program completion materials may be downloading from the list below.  

You may also customize your own program with additional merchandise available from website links below.

Spiritual Adoption Program Resources:

PROMOTIONAL

PLEDGE & PRAYER CARDS

MONTHLY UPDATES

PROGRAM COMPLETION

PERSONALIZE YOUR OWN SPIRITUAL ADOPTION PROGRAM