Ingrid Ruscheinski shows Coadjutor Bishop Louis Tylka some of the garments that go into the layettes prepared for families in need by the Christ Child Society of Central Illinois. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

Members of the Christ Child Society of Central Illinois were thanked for their ministry to newborns and families in need when Coadjutor Bishop Louis Tylka visited their Peoria workroom on Oct. 6.

“I want to offer a word of encouragement and gratitude for what you are doing,” he said after touring the space, located in the lower level of the Family Resources Center. “I know it certainly does make a difference in people’s lives and shows compassion to those who are in need.”

After seeing the many items that go into the layettes that are provided to hospitals and emergency pregnancy centers around the Diocese of Peoria, Bishop Tylka said “many, many children have already been touched.”

“But many children going forward will be touched by knowing a little bit of God’s love through you and all that you are preparing for them as they come into this world,” he said. “So keep it up. Keep it going.”

In addition to seeing what the Christ Child Society does and provides, Bishop Tylka brainstormed briefly with leaders to see how the organization could expand its services in the future.

At the end of his visit, he blessed all those who participate in the Christ Child Society ministry.

“We ask, Lord, that as we continue to give witness to the love that you have shown us that we may truly make a difference in our world,” Bishop Tylka prayed.