In the heart of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, God is writing a beautiful story of hope, faith, and love through the ministry of Mater Filius Queen City. Rooted in the timeless truth that every life is precious, this apostolate provides a safe and nurturing home for brave pregnant women who choose life. Through free room and board, transportation, spiritual development, and practical educational programs, Mater Filius Queen City is a living witness to the Gospel of Life. Every day, miracles unfold here as women encounter Christ’s love and discover the strength to embrace motherhood with dignity and courage.

Above all, we give praise to Almighty God, who is faithful and good in all things. It is by His hand and through His providence that Mater Filius exists. What began as a dream has become a thriving ministry that is transforming lives—not only the lives of mothers and their children, but also of volunteers, benefactors, and all who encounter this mission of love. Truly, “the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases” (Lam 3:22), and Mater Filius Queen City is a radiant testimony to His faithfulness.

All of this is only possible with the selfless generosity of so many! We extend heartfelt gratitude to our prayer warriors, whose intercessions are our foundation. Every Rosary prayed, every Mass offered, every whispered plea for protection and grace uplifts this ministry and the women we serve. To our benefactors—your sacrifices sustain us. Through your financial gifts and material support, mothers in crisis receive the stability they desperately need. And to our volunteers—your love makes Christ visible. You pour out your time, talent, and energy to walk alongside women at a most vulnerable moment, and you reflect the very heart of the Gospel.

It is especially inspiring to note that Mater Filius Queen City is over 96% volunteer run. This fact alone highlights the profound truth that God’s people are answering the call to love their neighbor in real, tangible ways. From driving a mom to her prenatal appointment to preparing a meal or rocking a baby to sleep—every act of service is a brushstroke in the masterpiece of love that God is painting here.

As the ministry continues to grow, so too do the opportunities to serve. We joyfully invite more hearts and hands to join us. Our most immediate needs include volunteers for transportation, educational instruction, meal planning and preparation with moms, and childcare. Each role provides not just practical support, but also the gift of accompaniment—walking with our mothers and helping them build confidence, skills, and hope for the future. As a volunteer said, “Volunteering at Mater Filius brings me such a sense of fulfillment. It can be difficult at first. But I have come to know the mothers and other volunteers, and I know I am in the right place.” And another said, “The mothers appreciate the simplest things, like baking cookies together. It is hard to imagine that they have not had the chance to experience these simple things in their lives.”

The work of Mater Filius Queen City is not merely a program—it is an apostolate, a living expression of the Gospel in action. It is the Church being the Church: welcoming, protecting, nurturing, and celebrating life at every stage. In a culture that often fails to see motherhood’s beauty, Mater Filius stands as a beacon of hope, affirming that no woman should have to face pregnancy alone, and no woman or child should be considered anything less than a blessing.

This is a call to love our neighbor in the most radical and Christlike way: by walking with them in their hour of need. Jesus reminds us in the Gospel of Matthew, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did for me” (Mt 25:40). In serving women and children in need, we are serving Christ Himself. And in receiving them, we are receiving an abundance of joy, grace, and blessing that only God can give.

Mater Filius Queen City is more than an organization—it is a family. It is a place where hope is rekindled, where mothers are empowered, where children are cherished, and where the light of Christ shines brightly for all to see. One of our mothers recently remarked, “I was actually in tears because I can’t believe I’m where I’m at in my life because of Mater Filius!” With grateful hearts, we continue forward, confident that God will provide through His people. Together, let us celebrate life, honor motherhood, and proclaim to the world: God is good, all the time—and all the time, God is good!

Mikki and Kirk Doerger are the executive directors of Mater Filius Queen City, Inc.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

MFQC.org | [email protected] | (513) 351-3368

This article appeared in the October 2025 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here.