Lily of the Valley Catholic Ministry

There is something about Easter that holds both ache and beauty in the same breath.

During this past season of lent we have been reminded again and again of our mission: to walk with families in the valley. To sit with them in the unknown, to offer light in places that feel unbearably dark, and to witness the quiet, courageous love that blooms even in sorrow.

The image of the lily of the valley has never felt more fitting.

We often speak of this flower as a symbol of hope, joy, light, and beauty that blossoms after walking through a valley of darkness. But what we later learned deepened that meaning even more: lily of the valley is also called “Mother of Tears.” Tradition holds that these delicate blooms sprang up at the foot of the Cross—where Mary stood, suffering and mourning the death of her Son.

Tears that touched the ground.
Sorrow that gave way to something living.

In a beautiful and providential way, we also came to learn from the daughter of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla that lily of the valley was her mother’s favorite flower—their family flower. A flower tied to both purity and death. Found in wedding bouquets and funeral arrangements alike. It felt, unmistakably, like the name chosen for this ministry had been placed long before we ever spoke it aloud.

Because this is the tension we live in:
Life and loss.
Joy and sorrow.
Death and resurrection.

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day can be difficult and stressful times for parents whose children are in their hearts and in heaven. Here are some ways to help your suffering heart during these difficult days when those with children on Earth are given extra attention.

As Co-Founder and Director of Mission for Lily of the Valley Catholic Ministry (LOTV), I want to share how your kindness and mercy has helped us grow from a small parish ministry into a nationwide source of prayer and comfort for families facing difficult early life circumstances. Read more to learn about our upcoming yearly retreat and how donor support has made an impact on changing the social script for families walking through infertility, prenatal diagnosis, postnatal medical challenges, and pregnancy or infant loss.

Hi! I’m Katie. My journey with Lily of the Valley Ministry began through a special statue of the pregnant Virgin Mary. This statue had been a source of comfort during my own pregnancies. When I heard of Whitney walking with her son who had a difficult prenatal diagnosis, I felt called to pass the statue on to her. Several years later we reconnected and I learned the statue has been with LOTV since its inception and continues to be a symbol of hope and grace watching over this ministry, which now touches hundreds of families, all under Mary’s mantle. I gradually became more involved as a prayer ambassador and now as Content Designer.

Hi, I’m Jamie-Lee Lavelle, a Catholic wife and mother. I have the incredible privilege of serving in my role as Prayer Care Package Support for Lily of the Valley, a ministry close to my heart that is dedicated to bringing God’s peace and healing to families experiencing profound grief and difficult early family life challenges.

In this role, I oversee the assembly and shipment of care packages that reach families across the United States who have been touched by infertility, prenatal diagnosis, pregnancy or infant loss, and postnatal medical challenges. Each package is thoughtfully curated and includes hand-crafted bracelets, handwritten letters, and a variety of prayer aids—all designed to provide comfort, hope, and a reminder of God’s enduring love during times of sorrow.

Hi! I’m Catherine. I am the Family Bereavement Support here at Lily of the Valley. I have the profound honor of walking with families who are currently journeying through grief after the loss of their child. For an entire year after their loss, Lily of the Valley sends families quarterly bereavement support through a series of books on grief, encouraging Scripture passages, and a personal letter all assuring families that their walk through the valley of grief need not be alone.

As we journey through the Advent and Christmas season, we are invited to reflect on the wondrous mystery of Christ’s birth. The star that guided the Magi to Jesus is a symbol of divine guidance, leading us closer to the light of God’s love.

We are thrilled to announce that Lily of the Valley has been awarded a Respect Life Grant from the Diocese of Raleigh! This generous grant will allow us to host our second retreat in 2025. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!

The Respect Life Grants were established in 2000 to support initiatives that affirm the dignity of all human life, from conception to natural death, and are made possible through the Bishops Annual Appeal. Thank you to all who donated to the BAA and thank you to Bishop Luis and the Diocese of Raleigh for your generosity and encouragement to keep working towards our mission and vision.

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the many abilities of individuals with Down syndrome while raising awareness about their unique journeys. This month’s origins trace back to Venerable Jérôme Lejeune, the French geneticist who discovered the third copy of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome. His devotion to life and advocacy for those with disabilities is why he is now on the path to sainthood.

Experiencing pregnancy or infant loss is an incredibly painful and isolating journey for parents. As friends and loved ones, it’s important to offer support in ways that are sensitive and meaningful. Here are five thoughtful things you can do to help someone who is grieving such a profound loss:

1. Acknowledge Their Loss on Infant Loss Awareness Day (October 15)

On Infant Loss Awareness Day, take a moment to reach out. Send a text or message letting them know you are thinking of them and their precious baby. Consider lighting a candle in memory of their child and share that gesture with them. You can also invite them to join in prayer on Zoom with us on October 28, where we will gather to pray and remember together.