I decided before I gave birth that I wanted to try to remain in the Legion of Mary. Although,
some were opposed to me being in the Legion while pregnant, my doctor said there was no
problem, and was supportive. So was my praesidium president, in fact, I completed my
assigned door-to-door work the morning I began labor.
For my experience, my first suggestion, other than prayer, is to read an excellent article Mrs.
Peffley wrote in Maria Legionis.
Second, know that you can do it. It helps to have your husband supportive. Your life does
change with children, but you must look at your priorities in raising your new family
member. If you make your faith a priority, you will be able to stay involved and active with it.
Third, the Legion of Mary can help your children in their faith. How? As the child
grows up, they see you as the parent making it a priority. Example is the best teacher for
children. Bringing young children to works such as nursing homes also helps them to
interact with the elderly and people. Joshua has become a people person and almost smiles
on cue now at 7 months. Not only that, it’s always been a part of his life. When he is old
enough to be in Juniors, I look forward to him wanting to copy his parents and join.
Fourth, you can fit 3-4 hours in your schedule every week. In the first months of life, I took
Joshua with me to meetings and he was well behaved. Now my husband watches him while
I go to the meeting.
Fifth, a baby helps with works. I bring Joshua with me most of the time. He is a great
icebreaker to conversation and brings so much joy to so many people on the different works. It’s easy to bring up things like baptism because you can say something like, “My son was baptized 9 days after he was born, when was your son and daughter baptized?” When Joshua was 4 months old, I participated in a recruiting drive and he was great in recruiting many to the Legion because everyone wanted to come over to see him.
My praesidium has 3 young moms including one who was pregnant when she first joined.
We promote an atmosphere that is friendly to young people and moms and we have all
become very close friends.
Lastly, PRAY, and teach your baby to pray right away. Don’t think he or she is too little
to understand what you are saying. I know of many children who grew up making the Sign
of the Cross before they spoke.
By Chelyse Miller