The Women's Guild of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church held its monthly luncheon Jan. 14 in the community gathering hall at the church.

The meeting was a homemade soup luncheon with a "Birth Right Baby Shower."

Guild members collected and presented baby gifts to Suzanne Clendenin, executive director of the Life Care Pregnancy Center, in Carthage, who was introduced by Marie Scheuermann, Guild president

Life Care Pregnancy Center is a Christ-centered ministry that promotes the sanctity of human life by providing Christian direction, compassionate care, accurate information and practical assistance for individuals and families facing crucial decisions surrounding an unplanned pregnancy or pregnancy-related crisis.

The center is a nonprofit organization supported by financial contributions, funded especially by St. Anthony of Padua, material donations, and volunteer commitments from churches and individuals who value the sanctity of human life.

The center does not receive any government funding and therefore relies on the local community to sustain the ministry work.

"The Guild is a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the ministries and activities in the church," says a spokesman. "The Guild provides opportunities for spiritual enrichment, social and service project activities.

"Luncheons are held once a month with different program activities that provide a discussion for social, spiritual and service interaction and involvement with the community."

Monsignor Jeffrey A. Ingham, pastor of St. Anthony's, is the spiritual director of the Guild.

The next Guild luncheon will be held Monday, Feb. 11, at 1 p.m., in the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church gathering hall. The speaker will be Dr. Robert Deucher, who will discuss Alzheimer's disease, heart attacks and strokes.