“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” – Matthew 19:14
On 16 October 2025, more than 20 people gathered at Mamre House & Farm in Orchard Hills to honour babies lost too soon, coming together in a spirit of remembrance, prayer, and shared compassion.
The second annual Pregnancy and Infant Loss Memorial Service, hosted by Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains in partnership with White Lady Funerals, coincided with International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day on 15 October. The serene rural homestead setting steeped in local history offered families and friends a quiet, reflective space to grieve, remember and honour the lives of little ones who have touched their hearts.
Catholic Care staff at the service included Executive Director Helen Emmerson, Chaplaincy Manager Bernard Ellis, Counselling Manager Suzanne Corcoran, Jacqui Russell, a social worker from Project Elizabeth – a Catholic Care program supporting women who have experienced grief and loss – alongside other team members, many of whom attended with personal connections to the occasion.
Bernard led the group in prayer, and two new families joined the service for the first time this year.
As part of the memorial, families had an opportunity to place plants and decorative stones in the Garden of Remembrance, which opened last year as a lasting symbol of love and memory.
A new plant planted in the Garden of Remembrance during the second Pregnancy and Infant Loss Memorial Service, hosted by Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains in partnership with White Lady Funerals, at Mamre House and Farm, Orchard Hills. Image: Supplied
Helen Emmerson, who previously shared her own journey through sadly experiencing multiple miscarriages, returned to Mamre House to see the red rose that she had planted last year was now in full bloom.
“This rose is my little ones with me,” Helen said. “It comforts me to see others doing the same, keeping the memories of their little ones alive.”
Attendees also tended the small gardens they had created, leaving angels, soft toys, and personal mementoes.
A red rose seen in the Garden of Remembrance during the second Pregnancy and Infant Loss Memorial Service, hosted by Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains in partnership with White Lady Funerals, at Mamre House and Farm, Orchard Hills. Image: Supplied
Catholic Care’s Community Engagement Coordinator Lisa Malcher highlighted the importance of the gathering.
“This service provides a space where families can share their grief and find comfort,” she said.
“Even in their sadness, there’s a sense of community, hope, and comfort in knowing they are not alone.”
After planting in the garden, families returned to the homestead to sit in a circle, share stories, and build connections over lunch. The service offered a gentle reminder that in their grief, families are supported and embraced by a caring community.
Catholic Care and White Lady Funerals thanked all who attended and reaffirmed their commitment to walking alongside families in their journey of loss and remembrance.
Catholic Care continues to provide clients with ongoing support and outreach, including referrals, programs, and services tailored to meet their needs – providing care when it’s needed most.
This initiative underpins the Church’s priorities of Mission and Community as outlined in the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, and its objective to be a Church walking together. Visit Synodality to learn more.
