Offering Hope, Help and Healing On Issues Related To Relationships, Sexuality, and Childbearing
About Us
Following the example of Mary and Elizabeth, we visit and share the sacredness of life while offering practical support.
Our Story
Mary’s “yes” to God did not come without fear or uncertainty. At the time of the Annunciation, she was a young, unwed woman—living in a culture where such a circumstance could mean death by stoning. Confused by the angel’s message and unsure how she could be pregnant, Mary was told by the Angel Gabriel: “Your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age… for nothing is impossible with God.”
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Mary knew that Elizabeth, once thought barren, had been miraculously preserved—and that Zechariah had safeguarded her life. This powerful witness gave Mary the courage to trust that
her own life, too, would be protected. Elizabeth’s unexpected pregnancy became a sign of hope, a reassurance that Mary was not alone in her calling, and expecting babies together provided
help to each other. The support of someone who truly understood brought healing to Mary’s heart and helped her embrace her unique mission.
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Just as Mary needed someone to walk with her, so do we all.
Elizabeth Ministry offers that same companionship—helping others say “yes” to God’s plan through seasons of life, loss, and love. We provide hope, healing, and help in the most tender
moments of the human experience.
A Ministry Inspired by the Visitation
The Visitation of Mary and Elizabeth (Luke 1:39–56) is one of the most powerful examples of spiritual friendship and faith-sharing in all of Scripture. In their sacred exchange, we see the sanctity of life celebrated, the power of the Holy Spirit revealed, and the beauty of maternal mentoring brought to light.
For generations, women have drawn strength from this moment, supporting one another in bringing new life into the world. Elizabeth Ministry continues this sacred tradition. We walk alongside women and families, offering practical support and spiritual encouragement modeled after the bond between Mary and Elizabeth.
Witnessing to the Role of Fathers
The biblical story also highlights the righteous courage of Joseph and Zechariah—men who defied cultural norms to protect their families, honor their marriages, and obey God. Elizabeth Ministry upholds their witness by affirming the essential role of fathers and by boldly proclaiming God’s plan for sexuality, childbearing, and family life.
In a world that often confuses and distorts these values, we stand counter-cultural—defending
what is true, good, and holy.
Turning Prayer into Action
The Canticle of Zechariah (Benedictus) and the Canticle of Mary (Magnificat)—prayers central to the Church’s morning and evening liturgy—are born from the lived experiences of these four faithful individuals. Through Elizabeth Ministry, we seek to turn these prayers into action: in our homes, our parishes, and the wider world.
Why Is Elizabeth Ministry Needed?
In generations past, families found strength and support through close-knit structures of extended
family, church communities, neighborhoods, and local connections. But today, these foundational
structures are rapidly changing.
Many neighborhoods are fragmented, leaving individuals and families isolated. Parishes often serve members spread across large geographic areas, making it harder to foster a sense of belonging. Our increasingly mobile society means extended families are separated by great distances, and the recent pandemic only deepened this divide.
Despite these changes, the need for community, guidance, and faith-sharing remains just as vital. The wisdom once passed down through shared stories—of joy, struggle, and loss—is not always accessible in today’s world. Elizabeth Ministry International exists to fill that gap with meaningful, faith-filled support for those walking through life’s most tender seasons.
A Response to Cultural Confusion
We live in a time of profound cultural confusion. Advancements in science and medicine have transformed fertility, family planning, and pregnancy—but not always in ways aligned with God’s design. Assisted reproductive technologies, while offering hope to some, raise moral and ethical concerns.
At the same time, we face the widespread effects of a sexually permissive culture:
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Casual attitudes toward intimacy and commitment
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Contraception and sterilization
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Legalized abortion
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High rates of divorce
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Easy access to online pornography
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Gender confusion
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Redefinition of marriage and family
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These shifts have contributed to a spiritual, emotional, and cultural crisis that threatens the very fabric of family life.
Elizabeth Ministry provides a countercultural response rooted in mercy, truth, and the timeless teachings of the Church. We offer recognition of the challenges, hope for healing, and practical tools to resist harmful influences that distort God’s plan for love, relationships, and childbearing.
Our Approach
Elizabeth Ministry International is committed to faithfully serving others according to the tenets and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church. While we serve all who are in need, everything we do is rooted in our Catholic identity—honoring life, marriage, and family as sacred gifts from God.
A Mission of Hope, Healing, and Holiness
Elizabeth Ministry International is dedicated to defending dignity, protecting purity, healing hearts, mending minds, and guiding souls toward truth and holiness.
We proclaim the mercy of Jesus Christ without compromise, trusting in the power of grace to
transform lives. Our mission is to help individuals and families live a vocation of love in the
everyday realities of life, offering Catholic clarity in a confused world.
Every effort of Elizabeth Ministry is designed to:
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Honor life
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Cherish children
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Encourage families
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Uplift the sanctity of marriage
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Build vibrant, faith-filled communities
Our ministry provides support through:
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Lived experience and peer mentoring
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Prayer and spiritual encouragement
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Sacramental blessings and scriptural reflection
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Consultations, referrals, and compassionate care
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Scientific and theological insights
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Trainings, retreats, and educational programs
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Printed and digital resources to equip families and parishes
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These offerings are made available through our central office, trusted affiliates, and a global network of local Elizabeth Ministry Chapters.
Elizabeth Ministry Chapters
are parish-based ministries that walk with women and families through the joys, challenges, and sorrows of the childbearing years and beyond. Each chapter is built on a simple yet powerful model: those who have “been there” offer support to those currently going through similar life experiences.
For example, a woman who has experienced motherhood may mentor a woman pregnant for the
first time—offering prayer, encouragement, and practical support on behalf of her parish. More than 800 chapters across the world carry out this vital outreach, creating spiritual sisterhoods of support within their communities.
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Direct Support
Our national office provides individualized care through phone calls, emails, personal consults, and healing retreats. Volunteer Ambassadors and Chapter Leaders help local parishes spread awareness of Elizabeth Ministry programs and connect families to much-needed resources.
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Affiliate Organizations
Elizabeth Ministry International partners with like-minded organizations—including pregnancy help centers, hospitals, and counseling services—to extend our reach and strengthen our mission. These affiliates share our commitment to honoring life and providing compassionate, faith-filled care.
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Leadership & Integrity
The Elizabeth Ministry International Leadership Team guides the overall mission, ensuring consistency, accountability, and faithfulness to Church teachings. It establishes policies and procedures while providing direction and leadership to the entire membership association. To preserve the integrity of Elizabeth Ministry, each individual, local parish chapter, and affiliate organization serves under the Authority of their pastor and Bishop.
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International Chapter Headquarters
Mukwonago, Wisconsin
Elizabeth Ministry International’s Chapter Headquarters in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, is the heart of our global apostolate. Since our founding in 1991, this headquarters has served as the central hub for training, support, and coordination of all Elizabeth Ministry programs and initiatives worldwide.
From here, we equip and guide over 800 registered parish and organizational chapters across the globe, empowering them to offer mentoring, family support, and prayer rooted in the sacred tradition of the Visitation.
Gifts and Resources
Our online store and Gift Shop offer meaningful spiritual and healing resources for individuals, couples, siblings, grandparents, churches, hospitals, and bereavement professionals. These items
are designed to bring comfort, encouragement, and faith-filled support to families during life’s
most tender seasons.
Participating Partners
Individuals, parishes, and organizations who engage with any of Elizabeth Ministry’s programs, services, or resources are invited to become Participating Partners. Together, we form a vibrant and faithful community answering the call to uphold life, family, and faith.
Visit Our Retreat & Resource Center
We warmly invite you to explore our retreat center, Zechariah House, located in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, near the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, the only Marian apparition site in North America. It is a sacred space for rest, renewal, and spiritual encounter. There, we provide healing and faith-building retreats, pilgrimages, and overnight accommodations and more.
Programs, Consultations & Events
Elizabeth Ministry International offers both in-person and online opportunities for enrichment, spiritual growth, and healing. Through mentoring, consultations, retreats, conferences, workshops, and educational events, we address the critical issues related to relationships, sexuality, and childbearing in light of Catholic teaching.
Our trained speakers and presenters are available for:
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Parish and diocesan workshops
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Keynote presentations
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Volunteer and ministry trainings
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Retreat leadership and program development
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Programs can be hosted at our Zechariah House Retreat Center or brought directly to your parish, school, or organization.
A Message From Our Founders
We began this ministry in 1991 to address the needs of families facing the joys, challenges, and sorrows of the childbearing years. Since then we have offered direct service to individuals, couples, and families, as well as registering over 700 Elizabeth Ministry Chapters in churches and organizations on six continents! If you are visiting this website to learn about Elizabeth Ministry, we hope you will discover ways to enrich your spirit, reach out to others, and build community.
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Over the years, under the direction of Bishop David Ricken, we expanded our mission to include the areas of sexuality and relationships that are so closely connected to childbearing. Some parish chapters have chosen to include these unique services, programs, and opportunities. Others choose to refer people to Elizabeth Ministry International Headquarters for assistance in these areas. We invite you to explore all that is available, as we seek to encourage, educate, and equip individuals, families, and faith communities with the tools needed to address the tender times in life.
As you explore our website, you will find that we have something to offer everyone, as all our lives are touched by these aspects of life. Elizabeth Ministry is Roman Catholic in origin and outlook, and ecumenical in outreach, so we welcome people of all faith traditions.
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If you are already an active member of Elizabeth Ministry, thank you for all that you do to affirm, support, encourage, and assist women, men and their families. If you came to us for help, know that we will do everything possible to assist you.
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As we journey together, Elizabeth Ministry offers friendship, mentoring, books, gifts, tools, educational and inspirational resources to remind us of our deep inner connections and true reverence for life. Whether you are seeking a quiet place to pray, a special gift, someone to visit with or want to engage in one or our programs, Elizabeth Ministry International and its staff can help you. We look forward to connecting more with you soon!
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Blessings,
Jeannie and Bruce
Jeannie Hannemann, M.A. and Bruce Hannemann, M.A.
Founders of Elizabeth Ministry International
Greetings!
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Thank you for visiting the Elizabeth Ministry International website! Know that we welcome you into the ever-widening circle of people committed to offering hope, help, and healing on the intimate issues of life, loss, and love.
Rev. Kurt Gessner, OFM Cap, was a Co-Founder of Elizabeth Ministry. He was a gifted preacher, passionate educator, and faithful servant of God. He passed away in 2000, but his wisdom and spirituality live on as Elizabeth Ministry carries on his favorite quote:
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"Be what you see, the Body of Christ!
Receive what you are, the Body of Christ!"
St. Augustine
