Catholic Charities Celebrates Two Adoptions during the Holidays

We were recently reminded of why we do what we do: the adoption of a beautiful baby girl. Her journey to this day began on the day of her birth, October 9. Her birth mother, raised in a Catholic household, entrusted us with her wish for her daughter to be placed with a family who shares her faith. That’s where Catholic Charities stepped in, guided by our Catholic identity and a commitment to serving everyone, regardless of their beliefs.

"While our Catholic faith inspires everything we do, our doors are open to everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs,” says Krysti Alexander, director of adoption and pregnancy services. “Love and stability transcend all boundaries."

Acting on the birth mother’s request, Father Foshee blessed the baby on October 14, a poignant moment that underscored the spiritual significance of this journey. By December 18, the baby had transitioned to her adoptive family’s home, where she’s being fostered while we finalize the adoption after the required six-month grace period. Until then, Catholic Charities remains her legal guardian.

This adoption carries special meaning for everyone involved because the adoptive family has been here before. During the height of the pandemic in 2020/2021, this same family adopted their first daughter through Catholic Charities—a bubbly, now five-year-old who’s ecstatic to become a big sister. Seeing this family grow through our agency has been a powerful reminder of the enduring relationships we build with the families we serve.

The birth mother made the courageous decision to relinquish her parental rights in court. It’s a moment that speaks volumes about the depth of her love and hope for her child’s future. The open adoption arrangement ensures that both birth and adoptive families can remain connected through Catholic Charities, keeping the lines of communication open while prioritizing what’s best for the child. While the adoption ceremony has been postponed due to unforeseen weather, the joy and significance of this moment remain undiminished. We look forward to celebrating this special occasion soon and honoring the loving family who has welcomed this child into their hearts and home.

This isn’t the only adoption we’re celebrating. In December, another baby girl, born on December 13, was placed with her adoptive family just one day later. Like the January adoption, this little one is currently being fostered while awaiting the official relinquishment of parental rights. Two adoptions in just over a month—it’s a time of celebration and gratitude to God for allowing Catholic Charities to play a vital role in this process.

"These two adoptions are a testament to the courage of birth mothers and the unconditional love of adoptive families,” says Alexander. “It’s a privilege to walk alongside them on this journey."

Our Adoption & Pregnancy Program is rooted in the legacy of St. Joseph’s Orphanage. While the orphanage grew into the multifaceted Catholic Charities organization we are today—with services ranging from housing to refugee resettlement—our commitment to finding loving homes for children has never wavered. We’ve evolved to meet the needs of modern families, but the essence of our mission remains the same: creating safe, nurturing environments for children and supporting individuals through unexpected pregnancies or crises.

As we reflect on these adoptions, we’re filled with hope and purpose. Helping families grow is both a profound joy and a sacred responsibility. Whether through adoption or parenting, Catholic Charities stands ready to support families in building a brighter, more stable future. These moments of connection and love are why we do what we do—and they’re what inspire us to keep going.