Fall 2013
LIFE CENTER
EMBRACE A BETTER CHOICE!
She is My Miracle For Monica Tregila and her husband, Donald, the road to pregnancy was a winding path. After a year of trying on their own, the couple — who are residents of Bossier City, Louisiana — were referred to a local infertility clinic where they tried several pill combinations, progesterone shots, and intrauterine insemination (IUI). On their third IUI attempt, they became pregnant but soon after learned that Monica’s progesterone levels were too low and could not sustain the pregnancy. They were devastated when they miscarried.
In the midst of her despair, Monica remembered something her great aunt told her on her wedding day: “If there was ever anything I needed, I should look to the church.” After researching Catholic-approved infertility treatments online, Monica learned See Miracle.................................... Page 2
BOARD REFLECTIONS
BOARD REFLECTIONS
BLESSINGS BEYOND EXPECTATION When The John Paul II Life Center and Vitae Clinic each opened in October 2010 our vision was to have (1) a successful Ob/Gyn medical clinic caring for women of all faiths while strictly following the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, (2) a state of the art sonogram center and crisis pregnancy center for any woman considering abortion, and (3) education programs. In these three very fast years with the help of the wonderful and talented Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and generous contributors, we have had abundant and greater than anticipated blessings. The reason for this is See Blessings........................... Page 3
Issue 9
A THANK YOU FROM RILEY Winter 2013
Riley says her son Lucas is a beautiful example of Romans 8:28: “In all things, God works for the good of those who love him.” I became pregnant when I was 17. I was scared and unsure of my future. I contacted The John Paul II Life Center because I needed help defending my child’s life.
The biological father insisted that I have an abortion. I met with my consultant when I was eight weeks pregnant. She counseled me and gave me the information and support that I needed. I was able to have an ultrasound as well as hear my baby’s heart beat all free of charge! I was so in love! The staff and volunteers at The John Paul II Life Center were so encouraging and uplifting!
When I was six months along, I made my final decision in favor of adoption. I met the parents very soon after. I knew they were the ones the first time we met! They are Godly people that are so devoted to my son. God planned everything so
perfectly! I am so thankful for The JPII Life Center and pray that God continues to bless this ministry!
“Be steadfast, abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing your toil is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) ~ Riley, Crisis Pregnancy Client
The average cost of a sonogram for a woman in crisis is $400. KEY: Vitae Clinic Crisis Pregnancy Education
INSIDE: Working with the Sisters.............2 Joyful Voices Benefit Dinner........3 Win Trip to Canonization............4
NEW LOOK, PARTNERSHIP, OPPORTUNITIES!
MIRACLE Continued from................................ Page 1
We are thrilled to begin partnering with the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, to offer educational programs.
Debbie Juhlke, Lisa Fristch, and Catherine Davis of the National Black Pro-Life Coalition at our EMBRACE luncheon.
Have you noticed the new look of our newsletter? Designer Antonio Munoz designed it with icons to reinforce the three elements of our mission: (1) Vitae = medical image, (2) Crisis Pregnancies = baby feet, (3) Education = graduation cap. The new look can help you quickly find stories that you’re most interested in.
In addition to a new look, we are thrilled to announce a new arrangement with the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. Since education is a significant part of both our ministries, it only made sense to work together. We’ve begun plans for 2014 and we can’t wait to let you know what’s coming up! Another development is the Circle of Life that enables faithful, pro-life leaders to further a Culture of Life by supporting, in a special way, the mission of The JPII Life Center. Email Judy or Dick at rames50695@aol.com for more information. Most recently, our EMBRACE program kicked off with a luncheon for pastors to create pro-life support within African American communities. African Americans constitute about 13 percent of the population, yet have over 30 percent of the abortions. For information, contact Debbie at djuhlke@sbcglobal.net.
EVENTS CALENDAR
J a n ua r y 2 014
Dece m ber 2 013
5 14
Joyful Voices 7:00 pm at AT&T Conference Center. Join us for our annual dinner featuring Patrick Madrid, Collin Raye and Sheila Liaugminas. Sponsorships include a private reception Tickets available at www.jpiilifecenter.org.
Christmas Party To help our crisis pregnancy clients and their children celebrate the joy of Christmas, we’re holding a party for them complete with presents, goodies, and hopefully a visit from Santa! Info: knf6100@gmail.com
20 25
Pregnancy Consultant Training We’re planning our next three-day training for the week of Jan. 20. If you think you’re called to be a pregnancy consultant, contact us at info@ jpiilifecenter.org.
Rally for Life & Pro-Life Day Join thousands of Texans in celebrating life with the Diocese of Austin and Texas Alliance for Life. Mass is at 7:00 am at San Jose Parish. The Rally will follow on the steps of the State Capitol.
about the Creighton Model FertilityCare System and found an instructor three hours away who agreed to teach her over Skype. She tracked her cycles, but still didn’t conceive. The instructor referred her to a doctor in Dallas who put Monica on various pill and shot combinations. After another year with no success, she was referred to Dr. Kalamarides at The Vitae Clinic. At her first visit, Monica knew something was different about the Vitae staff. “It didn’t matter how much I complained, they took the time to listen.” By the time she left the office, her hope was renewed. “You can’t not have faith in Dr. K,” she says.
She made several trips to the Vitae Clinic over the next year as Dr. Kalamarides tried different pill and shot combinations. She eventually had surgery to correct polycystic ovary syndrome and a touch of endometriosis. The very next cycle, they conceived — news that was met with screams of joy by the Vitae staff. On Aug. 6, the couple welcomed Sophia Sosa, who is easy-going and “sleeps a lot like her father.”
As for how she’s enjoying motherhood? “There are almost no words,” says Monica. “Even when Sophia’s having her worst day, I am perfectly happy just because she’s here. All this time waiting … she is my miracle.”
FIRST DATA PROGRAM
If you work at a business that accepts credit cards, we have a program that saves processing fees, benefits us, earns you a tax-deduction and doesn’t cost you a thing. For Information:
512-257-8997 or alisa@fdismsc.com
JPII LIFE CENTER NEWS • info@jpiilifecenter.org • www.jpiilifecenter.org • 512-407-2900 Page 2
JOYFUL VOICES - TWO WEEKS LEFT!
Artist of the Year because of his heartfelt, joyful songs. And, Sheila Liaugminas, host of Relevant Radio’s “A Closer Look” will Emcee the evening. The evening will also include a powerful witness from one of our clients. We’ve been saving her story all year for the dinner because of her unbelievable courage and love.
Christmas is a time of joy, so we thought it fitting to incorporate that into our theme: “Joyful Voices!” The theme reflects three unique voices of truth, joy and faith. Patrick Madrid is the host of EWTN’s “Right Here, Right Now,” and has written 20 books selling more than 750,000 world-wide. Catholic convert, Collin Raye, has been nominated five times for Country Music
Guests will also have the opportunity to win “A Night on the Town” basket including a night’s stay at the AT&T Hotel, horse and carriage ride, Truluck gift card, Original Pancake House gift card, and more. And, you’ll learn about a chance to win two tickets to Rome for the canonization of Blessed JPII!
Our benefit dinner, set for Thurs., Dec. 5, will be held again at the AT&T Conference Center on the campus of University of Texas. Tickets are available at www.jpiilifecenter.org.
COLLIN RAYE Country Star, Catholic Convert
PATRICK MADRID Author, EWTN Radio
SHEILA LIAUGMINAS Relevant Radio Host
BOARD REFLECTIONS: BLESSINGS Continued from............................. Page 1
best captured in Ephesians 3:20: “Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.”
and others. We cannot remain silent because there are very well-financed forces at work seeking to transform the very basic freedom and liberty that Americans have known since the foundation of our republic.
We have a dedicated and completely committed executive director, Kim Speirs, who manages the Center. We also have a highly skilled physician, Dr. Jeremy Kalamarides, the medical director, who uses Natural Procreative Technology, a 30-year-old medical science, to aid in achieving pregnancy or the postponement of pregnancy all in keeping with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
So I have been thinking of what I can write to help expose busy people to what is happening to America while they are working and living their complicated daily lives. My conclusion is twofold.: (1) people must open their hearts and turn to God’s word – the Bible, the most reliable authority and a timeless, trustworthy source; (2) the internet makes available much of what is happening in America today. I encourage you to Google the following: (1) Saul Alinsky’s Rules For Radicals or the community organizers guide; (2) The Communist Manifesto; (3) War on religion and religious freedom; (4) Marriage – one man and one woman; and (5) The HHS contraceptive mandate. If you do this, it will be an “Aha!” moment to the realization of what and why certain things are happening.
As we continue our close working relationship with Bishop Joe Vásquez, we have also entered into a Collaboration Agreement with Seton Clinical Enterprise Corporation which is to serve as a model to bring the work of The John Paul II Life Center to other hospitals in the Ascension Health System of which Seton is a member hospital. The objective is to expand the knowledge and understanding of NaProTechnology across the United States and open similar centers. With the continued help of our supporters, the future growth and expansion of The John Paul II Life Center and Vitae Clinic looks very bright. Some of this growth may include bringing a second NaPro physician to join The Vitae Clinic, renovation of existing office space, consideration of developing a permanent home, and establishing a program on NaProTechnology at the new UT Austin Medical School. Medical students when faced with learning about contraception, sterilization and abortion are allowed by Federal Law to opt out. These students would be ideally suited for a course on NaProTechnology. There are, however, things going on today that require us to challenge each person to become informed and to become a voice to their family, friends
Those on the other side would like to frustrate the Pro-Life community so that we will give up. We must adopt the words of Harriet Beecher Stowe “Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” I challenge you to become an outspoken voice for protection of life, liberty and freedom in America. For inspiration and support read Jeremiah Chapter 1. God will lead you, give you strength and put the right words in your mouth. Pat and I are excited to attend the Canonization of Blessed John Paul II on April 27. We are looking forward to see who will be traveling with us to Rome as the winner of the raffle. May God bless you and thanks again for all your support. Tim Von Dohlen, Board President
JPII LIFE CENTER NEWS • info@jpiilifecenter.org • www.jpiilifecenter.org • 512-407-2900 Page 3
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND!
Doug and Jo-Dee Oldmixon (left) and Pat and Tim Von Dohlen (right) discuss The JPII Foundation in Rome with Richard Krzyzanowski, one of two Americans on the Foundation Board.
Fr. Kirby Garner (Santa Cruz), Fr. Larry Covington (St. Louis) and Fr. George Joseph (Sacred Heart) at our Third Annual Priests’ Appreciation Dinner co-sponsored by CookWalden Funeral Homes & Cemeteries.
What do mothers of adolescent girls, The JPII Foundation in Rome, and Central Texas priests have in common? All participated in educational programs at The JPII Life Center in the past few months. Our second Blossom event for mothers of adolescent daughters sold out within two weeks. Blossom helps mothers discuss puberty with their daughters in faith and love. We were thrilled to give a tour to Richard Krzyzanowski of The JPII Foundation, and State Rep. Vilma Luna. Finally, more than 30 priests attended our Priests’ Appreciation Dinner featuring Fr. David Konderla who spoke about “The Pastoral Art of Marriage, Family, and Fertility Care.”
WIN A TRIP TO ROME FOR THE JPII CANONIZATION! Win a trip to Rome to see the canonization of our beloved Pope John Paul II! The prize includes air fare, hotel accommodations, Steve Ray Tours, and more! The dates are April 24 - May 1. The value is $11,000! Entries are $100 each. For $500, six entries will be given. For $1,000, twelve entries will be given. The winning name will be selected on Friday, January 31, 2014. Details are available at www.jpiilifecenter.org. To purchase your entry, visit the website or mail your name, mailing address, email address, and check to The JPII Life Center at 1600 W. 38th Street, Suite 115, Austin TX 78731. Employees, board members and family members of The John Paul II Life Center (1600 W. 38th Street, Suite 115, Austin TX 78731) and Vitae Clinic are not eligible to participate.
JPII LIFE CENTER NEWS • info@jpiilifecenter.org • www.jpiilifecenter.org • 512-407-2900 Page 4
The John Paul II Life Center’s mission is to build a Culture of Life by: 1) operating a full service OB/GYN medical practice, The Vitae Clinic, 2) offering sonograms and services to mothers facing unexpected pregnancies, and 3) providing education about NFP, chaste living, and more.
Board of Directors: Tim & Pat Von Dohlen • Chris & Sheri Danze • Dr. & Mrs. Jeremy Kalamarides • Dr. & Mrs. John Carrano
BUILDING A CULTURE OF LIFE 512-407-2900 Info@jpiiifecenter.org 1600 W. 38th St., Suite 115 Austin, TX 78731