Diocese of Austin • Summer 2011
Newsletter of the Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living 2 • From the Director Promoting Adoption Compassionately*
3 • Around the Diocese High Hopes for the Texas Sonogram Bill* 4 • Lessons from a Parish Pro-Life Committee* 5 • Angels Among Us*
6 • National News
Hemlock's Twisted Logic* NFP Week Events* 7 • Bishops Approve Statement on Physician- Assisted Suicide* 16 • Calendar of Events * Tambien en español
A Choice Redeemed by Cara Finn
A pregnant, 15-year-old girl arrived at the Home of the Holy Infancy in Austin. Months earlier, she and her boyfriend had eloped and married, but upon their return, her parents convinced them to have their marriage annulled. In a small town, miles away, a husband and wife were mourning the loss of their only child, a daughter, who had lived for only 10 days after her birth. The infant’s mother had almost died in childbirth, and her hopes and dreams were crushed.
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laude and Mary Lou had liked each other since he was in eighth grade and she in the ninth. They dated throughout high school and married the year after his graduation. Everyone in town thought they made such a sweet couple. Claude joined the Air Force, which took them several places, including Anchorage, Alaska, where they survived an earthquake. After serving his four years in the military, they were back in their hometown, ready to settle down and start a family. After the tragic death of their daughter, Claude and Mary Lou sought to adopt. The Home of the Holy Infancy was contacted and interviews and paperwork began. Back at the Home of the Holy Infancy, the 15-year-old girl gave birth to a baby, a little girl with light brown hair, and weighing a little more than 6 pounds. Mary Lou received a phone call saying, “We have a baby for you! She looks a lot like the both of you!” Mary Lou, in shock, told them she would have to call them back. She was home alone and immediately called Claude at work. “They have a baby for us! What should we do?” Claude said, “Well, call them back and tell them we’ll take her!” Minutes later Claude would arrive at home and together they made a frantic run Anytime I told someone else to the local store to stock up on bottles, diapers, etc. They had not made any preparations for the coming ‘I am adopted!’ I always said it of a baby. The newborn baby girl and her new parents were with pride. I was a loved and united. Two became three and together they were a happy child. I was well provided family — Dad, Mom and Cara. I am fortunate to say I am that baby girl. I always for in all things. remember knowing that I was adopted. It was not like I had to be sat down and given this “news” — I just always knew. Anytime I told someone else “I am adopted!” I always said it with pride. I was a loved and happy child. I was well provided for in all things. My parents were exceptional people who made me feel very special. I still know people who will come up to me and say, “Oh, I remember the day they brought you home! Everyone in town wanted to see the new baby!” So, not only did my parents give me love, and a home, and a wonderful life, but they gave me a community and a church family as well! I would grow up here, move away to attend college, and return to work with and among the people I knew growing up.
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