Father Joseph Sia, second from left, welcomes Biking for Babies missionaries July 17 outside the St. Patrick rectory in Ottumwa.
By Lindsay Steele
The Catholic Messenger
Each summer, young adult Biking for Babies missionary teams participate in a cross-country bicycle expedition to prayerfully build a culture of life and raise money for pro-life pregnancy centers. For the second year, St. Joseph Parish in Ottumwa hosted a group of bicyclists and support team members during the National Ride.
From July 14-19, 83 missionaries traveled in teams along one of nine 600-mile routes. The group that passed through Ottumwa traveled from Rochester, Minnesota to St. Louis, Missouri.
In preparation for the ride, Biking for Babies staff asked faith communities along each route about their interest in hosting a meal and presentation. Staff members first reached out to the Ottumwa Catholic community last year. “After ascertaining the requirements, I agreed and we got the preparations ready on our end to host them,” said Father Joseph Sia, the parish’s pastor. St. Mary of the Visitation Parish and St. Patrick Parish in Ottumwa merged to form St. Joseph Parish this year.
Riders and support team members for 2025 arrived at the St. Patrick church rectory midday July 17. Later, missionaries joined parishioners in the St. Mary of the Visitation church hall for a potluck-style dinner and spoke about the Biking for Babies mission. “Two of (the missionaries) shared their reasons for joining the bike ride this year,” Father Sia said. “They shared their witness testimonies about how their lives have been changed by participating in this work of advocacy for the unborn and for pregnant women.” Parishioner Kasey Wainwright translated the presentation for Spanish-speakers in attendance. After dinner, missionaries and parishioners gathered in the church for eucharistic adoration.
The riders stayed at St. Patrick church rectory overnight and took off for Quincy, Illinois the next morning. “We provided muffins, cereal, granola bars and fruit for breakfast,” said Pam Martin, parish secretary. “They left very early, at 5 a.m., to beat the heat.”
Father Sia said he is grateful to parishioners for preparing food, providing hospitality and listening to the presentation. “I hope they were inspired by the stories and examples of the young men and women bikers.”
Become a missionary
Prospective missionaries ages 18-39 apply to become riders or support crewmembers. Successful applicants complete an interview and discernment process to determine if they are a good fit for the program. Then they participate in several weeks of formation focused on Christian discipleship, physical sacrifice and partnership with pregnancy centers.
Biking for Babies will begin accepting applications for 2026 in November. Go to www.bikingforbabies.com for more information.
