Remembering, Honoring, and Hoping: Healing After Pregnancy Loss
Have you or someone you know lost a child before birth?
Countless women and families have experienced the heartbreak of miscarriage. Whether a loss occurs at six weeks, 12 weeks, 20 weeks, or later, the grief and heartache can be deep and life-changing. From the moment a mother learns she is pregnant, hopes, dreams, and plans for the future of her child often begin to take shape. When that child dies before birth, those dreams are suddenly changed.
Because the baby may have been so young, family and friends may not realize how profound the loss can be. Many women carry this grief quietly in their hearts. The baby may never have been named, and often there is no funeral, memorial, or other ritual to acknowledge the child’s life and the family’s loss.
As Catholics, we believe that life begins at conception and that every child is known and loved by God. Scripture reminds us that God calls each of us by name and never forgets us:
Hear me, coastlands, listen, distant peoples. Before birth the LORD called me, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name. – Isaiah 49:1
See, upon the palms of my hands I have engraved you; your walls are ever before me. – Isaiah 49:16
How can we better honor and remember these children and offer comfort to those who mourn their loss?
A Day of Remembrance
October 15 is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.
“Remembering Our Babies was created to provide support, education, and awareness for those who are suffering or may know someone who has suffered a miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy, a stillbirth, or the loss of an infant. We hope that we can help you by giving you and all of the other parents, grandparents, siblings, relatives, and friends a special day of remembrance.” – The Official Site of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
The Catholic Cemeteries began offering an annual Service of Remembrance for Those Who Lost a Child Before Birth two years ago. This year, the service will be offered at two of our cemeteries:
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.
Resurrection Cemetery Chapel Mausoleum (Mendota Heights)
Presider: Bishop Kevin Kenney
Gethsemane Cemetery Chapel Mausoleum (New Hope)
Presider: Fr. Michael Joncas
No cost, but an RSVP is required.
During the service, families will have the opportunity to enter their baby’s name in a special Book of Names. When each baby’s name is read, families may light a candle in remembrance.
We encourage families to bring friends and loved ones as we gather to remember these precious children and to support all those who grieve their loss.
In the rising of the sun and in its going down, we remember them.
In the beginning of the year and when it ends, we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength we remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart, we remember them. So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
–Jewish prayer for a holy day
A Message of Hope
This service reminds us that, through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we have hope in eternal life. We trust that one day we will be reunited with those who have gone before us—including the children who died far too young
We hold onto the hope that we will one day be gathered together in the communion of saints and welcomed into the Kingdom of God.
We encourage you to invite others to this special morning of remembrance, bringing hope and comfort to those who grieve the loss of their child.
