Bishop dedicates new location of St. Gianna’s

From: Observer Today – July 28, 2018
Mary Heyl Observer Staff Writer

OBSERVER Photo by Mary Heyl Bishop Malone visited the Chautauqua County satellite location of the St. Gianna Pregnancy Outreach Center to dedicate and bless its new location on Moore Ave. in Fredonia. Pictured, from left, are Marlene Lezark, pregnancy educator; Pat Morelle, Chautauqua location coordinator; Cheryl Calire, Diocese of Buffalo Office of Pro-Life Activities director; and Richard J. Malone, Th.D., Bishop of Buffalo. Bishop Malone visited the Chautauqua County satellite location of the St. Gianna Pregnancy Outreach Center to dedicate and bless its new location on Moore Ave. in Fredonia. Pictured, from left, are Marlene Lezark, pregnancy educator; Pat Morelle, Chautauqua location coordinator; Cheryl Calire, Diocese of Buffalo Office of Pro-Life Activities director; and Richard J. Malone, Th.D., Bishop of Buffalo.

Bishop Richard J. Malone was welcomed by a large crowd at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church earlier this week for the 20th anniversary mass of the Shrine to the Unborn and the dedication of the new location of the St. Gianna Pregnancy Outreach Center at 32 Moore Ave. in Fredonia.

Originally, the Mass was scheduled to take place at the shrine in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Route 60, in Dunkirk; however, due to rain, activities were moved to the church. According to Pat Morelle, coordinator of the Chautauqua center, the rainy weather did not affect attendance, as she estimated a crowd of 80 to 100 people. “We were happy to have that many priests on the alter and so many people in attendance,” she said.

The shrine was completed in 1998, the result of the efforts of a small group of people devoted to the pro-life movement. Fr. Gerald P. Sheehan, Fr. Thomas Wopperer, Fr. Robert Beiter, the Knights of Columbus, Warren Riles and Mark Woolley, along with the support of many individuals and churches, created a peaceful place for all to visit. Morelle is pleased that their efforts have now grown to see the opening of a pregnancy outreach center in the Dunkirk/Fredonia area.
The center opened in 2014 at its original location at the former convent of Blessed Mary Angela Church on Doughty Street in Dunkirk. Its new space is located in St. Anthony’s Parish center at 32 Moore Ave. in Fredonia. “It’s very accessible, as everything is on the first floor. There is only one small step to get into the building, and we have room to grow,” said Marlene Lezark, client coordinator and pregnancy educator.

The center is one of four throughout western New York, which are named for St. Gianna Molla, the pro-life saint.

Molla lived in Milan, Italy, where she was a doctor, wife and mother of four. While pregnant with her fourth child, Molla learned that she had cancer. When she was warned of the significant risk to her own life that the continued pregnancy would cause, she insisted her unborn child’s life be saved over her own. The child was born on April 21, 1962, and seven days later, Molla died at the age of 39. St. Gianna was canonized in 2004, and the child whom she saved is alive and healthy today.

The center is under the direction of Cheryl Calire, director of the Diocese of Buffalo Office of Pro Life Activities. Morelle emphasizes that they are an ecumenical organization, welcoming families of all faiths. Bishop Malone reiterated this during his visit on Wednesday. “My hope is that people who are in a situation of an unexpected pregnancy will learn about this center and know they will be welcome here…Pope Francis said that we must accompany one another and that is the mission here,” he said.

Those seeking services from the center must be referred from an outside agency including, but not limited to, the Department of Social Services, the Diocese, a physician/pediatrician, priest, school counselor or WIC. Anyone interested should call the center at 401-3324 to be directed to the right agency for a referral. After receiving a referral, an appointment can be made with the center, which is open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon.

Expecting moms can meet with Lezark, a retired registered nurse. “We meet for a private, casual one-on-one conversation where I answer questions, share information about pregnancy and childbirth and share with young moms what helpful resources are available,” Lezark explained. “We also offer a place to have a discussion with parents, grandparents, boyfriends; anyone can be part of these conversations. We encourage families to be involved.”

The center offers clothing and baby care items, and is always seeking donations of new or gently used baby items. Currently, diapers are needed in all sizes, especially sizes 4 to 6, as well as pull up training diapers. Baby lotions and washes are always needed, as are gently used maternity clothes. “Basically, what we get, we give,” said Morelle. The center is not able to accept furniture or used stuffed animals. Limited donations of new toys are accepted.

Lezark said that nursing experience is not required, but anyone with experience is encouraged to volunteer their time as an educator. Responsible teens who need volunteer hours for school are also welcome. “And we welcome men, too, as there are occasions when we need help with heavy-duty work and lifting things,” said Morelle.

The center thanks the community for donating to the baby bottle fundraiser earlier this summer, which was a collective effort among more than half a dozen churches from Silver Creek to Westfield. Those wishing to volunteer, donate items or make a financial contribution can contact the center at 401-3324.