Pregnancy Loss - Archdiocese of Baltimore

For More Information

Call: 410-547-3142
Email: holyinnocents@archbalt.org

Please leave a message and your call/email will be returned

Holy Innocents

Burial Ministry for Families Who Have Lost Children to Miscarriage

We are sorry for your loss. In this time of grief, come to the Church.

In the days and weeks following your miscarriage, let us help you bury your child and offer you comfort, hope, and peace. Know that your child is with God.

Holy Innocents Practices the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy

Corporal Works of Mercy
To feed the hungry
To give drink to the thirsty
To clothe the naked
To shelter the homeless
To visit the sick and imprisoned
To give alms to the poor
To bury the dead

Spiritual Works of Mercy
Counseling the doubtful
Instructing the ignorant
Admonishing the sinner
Comforting the sorrowful
Forgiving Injuries
Bearing wrongs patiently
Praying for the living and the dead

Are you located in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and have experienced a recent miscarriage (under 20 weeks gestation) at home, or at a local hospital that doesn’t provide a burial option?

We offer:

Information about burial and memorial options
Resources on spiritual and emotional support

For More Information

Call: 410-547-3142
Email: holyinnocents@archbalt.org

We will return your call or email

FAQs

I am at home and actively miscarrying, what should I do?

Please note: this is not medical advice. For medical questions, contact your health care provider. If the situation seems to be life-threatening go to the nearest emergency department. If you desire a burial for your child, collect (if possible) the child’s remains and keep cool. Follow up with your health care provider as directed first, then reach out to seek burial options.

My child has died, and I am scheduled for a surgical procedure (example: D&C). What's next?

Please discuss with your health care provider and/or pastoral care team. The hospital may offer a burial option, or you may be responsible for making other arrangements. If the Holy Innocents ministry is an option, transfer of custody forms must be completed and returned to us prior to your upcoming surgical procedure appointment. We encourage you to also share a copy with your health care provider at the time of your appointment to ensure clear communication. Depending on hospital protocol, testing may be performed and when completed (typically a few days-weeks) the child’s remains will be ready for transfer. Some hospitals release custody to the parents, and some require a funeral director/mortician which can be arranged.

What does the transfer of custody look like?

We can arrange for ministry volunteers to come to your home, or we can meet at New Cathedral Cemetery for a brief visit, to answer questions, offer resources, take custody of your child’s remains for burial, and pray, if you would like.

New Cathedral Cemetery
4300 Old Frederick Rd
Baltimore, MD 21229

Where will Holy Innocents bury our child's remains?

Holy Cross Cemetery
6020 Ritchie Highway
Baltimore, MD 21225

Through the generous donation of the Sisters of Christian Charity, who donated graves back to the Holy Cross Cemetery, for miscarried children.

Each burial is marked with a simple gravestone stating the date of burial.

How common are miscarriages?

Losing a child through miscarriage, though an unspoken pain, is quite a common pain. Approximately 20-25% of pregnancies end in miscarriage.

I had a miscarriage, does it mean that I am infertile?

In some cases, miscarriage may be related to infertility, however, it is important to consult with your primary healthcare provider.

Support for infertility

What prayer resources are available following a miscarriage?

Blessing of parents after miscarriage

Our prayer partners will keep you and your family in prayer.

Check with your pastor, parish, and locally for bereavement groups.

St. Andrew by the Bay offers an annual service on/around 12/28 the Feast of The Holy Innocents.

How do I help a friend or family member who is miscarrying or who has miscarried?

The first thing that you can do is just be present with them and pray for them. Let them grieve at their own pace. Let them share or simply be silent. Pray with them and for them.

20 Ways to Support Love Ones Grieving the Loss of Their Baby

Loving Parents after a Miscarriage

How can I volunteer with Holy Innocents Ministry?

Contact us at holyinnocents@archbalt.org or at 410-547-3142. No special skills required. Volunteers will receive training.

Do all hospitals offer a burial option after surgical procedure?

Most local Catholic hospitals provide a burial option. If you feel strongly about burying your child, discuss the hospital’s policy with your health care provider(s) before undergoing any procedures.

Saint Agnes Hospital provides burial for fetal remains associated with early pregnancy losses and ectopic pregnancies, whether mothers come through labor and delivery or not (i.e., emergency department, operating room, etc.) Ambrose Funeral Home donates its services and the burial is at New Cathedral Cemetery.

Bon Secours Baltimore Health System now Grace Medical Center does not have labor & delivery. However, in the event of a miscarriage in the emergency room, they join with St. Joseph’s Medical Center for its fetal burial service.

St. Joseph’s Medical Center offers a burial for any fetal remains after any type of fetal loss, from a spontaneous miscarriage, D & C following fetal demise, or late term loss. Ruck Funeral Home donates its services, and the Sisters of St. Francis have donated a plot in Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

Mercy Medical Center also offers a burial option.

EVENTS

Holy Innocents Ministry’s Burial & Memorial Service
Bi-annually, Spring & Fall
Date: October 12th, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Holy Cross Cemetery
6020 Ritchie Hwy Baltimore, MD 21225

Holy Innocents Ministry burial and memorial service is for children lost through miscarriage or pregnancy loss. Families whose children will be buried by Holy Innocents Ministry will gather for this service. Others are welcome to attend and pray for the families or for past pregnancy loss. For more information, please contact Holy Innocent Ministry at 410-547-3142 or at holyinnocents@archbalt.org.

Holy Innocents Ministry’s Memorial Prayer Service
Annually
Date: November 3rd, 2024
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Our Lady of Victory, 4414 Wilkens Ave, Catonsville, MD 21229

Holy Innocents Ministry will host a Vespers Prayer Service for families who have experienced miscarriage, pregnancy loss or any loss of children. This will be prayer, reflection, remembrance of the lives of these children, and fellowship. All are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Holy Innocent Ministry at 410-547-3142 or at holyinnocents@archbalt.org.

SUPPORT GROUPS & RESOURCES

**These are associated with Catholic hospitals, parishes or other Catholic institutions.

GREATER BALTIMORE AREA

St. Joseph’s Hospital (website)**

Division of Maternal Child Health
7620 York Rd.
Towson MD, 21204
410-337-1109

Mercy Medical Center**

301 St. Paul Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-332-9600
(Only open to Mercy patients)

Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC)

6569 North Charles Street
Towson, MD 21204
Call: Women’s Resource Center
443-849-2612
443-849-2079

Sinai Hospital

2401 W. Belvedere Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215
Call: 410-601-5192

CARROLL COUNTY

Carroll County General Hospital

The Family Birthplace
Westminster, MD 21157
Call: 410-871-6919

Carroll Hospice

Footprints
292 Stoner Avenue
Westminster, MD 21157
Call 410-871-7231

HARFORD COUNTY

A Time to Remember

Upper Chesapeake Medical Center
Miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death
500 Upper Chesapeake Drive
Bel Air, MD
Call: 800-515-0044

HOWARD COUNTY

Bereaved Parents: A Small Group Ministry**
Location: Our Lady of Perpetual Help (website)

4795 Ilchester Rd.
Ellicott City, MD 21043
For more details, contact the Parish Office: 410-747-4334

Rising Hope Perinatal Hospice Program (website)

Call: 410-884-4709
or contact Amanda Meneses: adeane3@jhmi.edu

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Meritus Medical Center – Labor of Love

Robinwood Medical Center
11110 Medical Campus Rd.
Hagerstown, MD 21742
Contact: Meritus Medical Center Bereavement Support – 301-790-8614
or call 301-739-3863 or 301-739-2439

Hospice of Washington County (website)

747 Northern Avenue
Hagerstown, MD 21742
Contact: Grief and Bereavement Support Department
301-790-6360

Hope Through Birth

Maranatha Brethren Church
19385 Scott Hill Drive
Hagerstown, MD 21742
Contact: Stephanie Nalley
240-452-6323 or hopethroughbirth@gmail.com