Life Matters
Winter 2021 · Vol. 29 Issue 1
A publication of
Catholic Pro-Life Community | Respect Life Ministry of the Diocese of Dallas
What’s inside … • • • • •
Adapt, Adjust, and Act Calling all Disciples for Life Meet our Bishop’s Dinner Chairs Teach4Life Virtual Conference In Her Words: A Unique Story
www.prolifedallas.org www.prolifedallas.org
CPLC Board of Directors Mike Weller Chairman of the Board
Adapt, Adjust, and Act
Jennifer Baugh Joshua Briones Father Jason Cargo
CPLC Pro-Life community responds during uncertain times.
Carmen Grant Daniel Hennessy Deacon Gregg Kahrs
Dear Friends of Life,
Dr. Elizabeth Heyne
During these past months of uncertainty and hardship, CPLC has been truly blessed. Because of your generosity and support, dear friends, our ministries have been able to adapt, adjust, and act.
Mary Ann Niles Tom Ruedi Bill Sladek Dr. Mayra Thompson
CPLC Administrative Team Mike Weller Interim Executive Director Meg Finley Director of Development Annette Kearns Director of Communications
Joe Marshall Director of Operations Aurora Tinajero Director of Multicultural Dept. Patricia Vasquez Director of Human Resources
CPLC Ministries Convert-to-Life / Sidewalk Counseling Director: Joanne Underwood
Healing after Abortion Director: Eileen Kuhlmann
Project Gabriel Director: Ingrid Meyer
Education Speakers Bureau: Crystal Koll Youth For Life: Jacquelyn Smith
Community Outreach Director: Susan Platt
Hispanic Pastoral Ministry Director: Aurora Tinajero
Ministries Respond Our sidewalk counselors continue to be a visible presence on the front lines and are using state-of-the-art geofencing and texting technologies to reach moms inside the abortion facilities. Project Gabriel sought out and provided additional resources to help moms through illnesses, job losses, and the threat of evictions. Gabriel Education Ministry & Support (GEMS) classes adapted to online meetings enabling mothers to continue their training, and four of these moms to receive scholarships to further their education. Working amid safety and health protocols, material assistance was made available through dropoff donations and porch pickups. And our Gabriel Angels found creative ways to maintain contact to reassure moms that they were not alone. With the shutdown of in-person schooling and closures of our churches, presentations came to an immediate halt. To adapt, our Education and Hispanic Pastoral ministries have recorded presentations available through YouTube, and speakers are now available virtually to ensure that the good news of the Gospel of Life continues to spread. The isolation and hardships of these past months have created tremendous challenges for many of us, and most especially for those suffering in the aftermath of an abortion. But, thankfully, our Healing after Abortion ministry continued to connect with those needing guidance and the merciful hand of Christ, expanding their reach across the country and internationally in Argentina, Columbia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Uruguay, and Ecuador. CPLC’s commitment to life is second only to that of the generous and loyal community that supports it. We would not be able to do this without you. You are the reason that, even in a pandemic, the “most important work on earth” continues!
Roe Memorial Although this year’s March for Life and Rally were cancelled, we memorialized the day through prayer. We are grateful to Principal Celebrant and Homilist of the 48th Roe Memorial Mass, Bishop Edward Burns. Thank you to everyone who prayed, participated in the Rose Procession, donated diapers, attended the Mass, watched online or listened on GRN radio. Finally, we know you’re accustomed to seeing Becky Visosky’s picture and byline in this section. However, Becky resigned from CPLC in December to focus on time with her family. We will greatly miss her On the Cover: 7-year-old Andrew places roses at the Cathedral altar to memorialize babies passionate pro-life leadership, but wish Becky lost in the 48 years since Roe v Wade was many blessings in this time of transition. Blessings to you and your family!
passed, making abortion legal in the United States.
CREATED TO LOVE. COMMITTED TO LIFE.
Calling All Disciples for Life Inaugural Pro-Life Activism Conference Set for May 22, 2021
In May, CPLC will present its inaugural Disciples for Life Conference. This is the first pro-life conference of its kind and will provide complete and comprehensive immersion into what it means to be a Disciple for Life. It will focus on ways to develop spiritually, grow in knowledge, and discern how to be involved as we Pray, Learn, and Serve the Gospel of Life.
Disciples for Life Conference Saturday, May 22, 2021 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church Faith Formation Building 3100 W. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano
WOW! What can we say but Thank YOU! In a Fall still deep in the throes of COVID-19, trying to set fundraising goals was difficult at best. So much need, so much hardship and isolation, so many charitable organizations closing their doors. Yet YOU had CPLC’s back! Our first fall fundraiser, North Texas Giving Day, resulted in an amazing 50 percent increase in giving compared to last year. Then, not be outdone, the CPLC Annual Pro-Life Golf Classic brought out a record number of registered golfers and was a tee-riffic success!
Health protocols in effect at the time will be adhered to.
Sessions will include information on: •
Power of Prayer – prayer grounds us and make us spiritually effective in pro-life work. Persevering in prayer is persevering in life. In this presentation, you’ll learn how to listen to the voice of God.
•
Exploring John Paul II’s Gospel of Life to find a pathway to service, including presentations on various ministries with volunteer opportunities. How do we recharge so we don’t get burned out? Making the words “This is God’s Battle” more than an empty phrase.
•
Practical pointers on how to communicate effectively with family and friends, participate in the public square, and protect and prepare our young people to become cultural leaders.
•
And finally, how do you put your call into action?
Our panel discussion and testimonials will take you behind the scenes of counseling at the abortion facilities, helping transform moms and their families from crisis to a Christ-centered life, and providing a path to healing for those traumatized by the heartbreak of abortion. Who should come to the conference? If you’ve ever said to yourself “I’m pro-life, but I don’t know how to get involved,” this conference is for you. We want everyone to come, and encourage their friends and family. Is there someone in your parish who might truly benefit from this conference? Someone who, armed with more knowledge, might be able to more clearly hear their call? Would you invite that person? Those people? Join us for one day and become a disciple for a lifetime. Registration is $20 per person or $80 for five people. Online registration will open soon at www.prolifedallas.org/serve.
November is the Christ Child Market & Luncheon, one of our most popular events benefiting not only CPLC’s Project Gabriel, but Mater Filius Dallas and Bella House. You stood with us as we overhauled the event into a virtual market and presentation. You logged on to shop during the two-week market, bought raffle tickets, bid on silent auction items, and tuned in to our presentation to hear our GEMS moms’ powerful testimonies. Our promise to you for your generosity is to be the best stewards of your gifts by continuing to proclaim the Gospel of Life, assist moms, save babies, and heal the hurting.
Create a Legacy of Life Consider adding the CPLC to your will to build and sustain a Culture of Life in the future. For information on bequests and other non-cash contributions, contact CPLC Development Director Meg Finley at 972-267-5433.
In Her Words
This mom’s story is unique, but it’s made her who she is today
My name is Lynette Harding, I am 33, and a single mom with a unique story. My first son, Xzavier, was born when I was 21. When Xzavier turned 8, I found out I was pregnant again. After an exhausting and complicated delivery, my son, Ryder, was born. But during labor my blood pressure dropped and Ryder became distressed. He fought for his life and after two months in the NICU, he passed away. I was devastated, and grief took a toll on my husband and me. Six months later, I found myself unexpectantly pregnant and absolutely terrified. By the time my daughter, HartlyMae, was born I had left my husband Project Gabriel Mom Lynette and her daughter HartlyMae and filed for divorce. I made the choice to move in with at a GEMS meeting and Christmas party prior to COVID. my mother. Shortly afterward we found out she had kidney failure and she would be starting dialysis. I started working at a bridal boutique. Still lost and feeling like I had few options, I wanted to make a plan for myself and my kids, only I wasn’t sure what that plan was yet. Then I met a bride named Katy who worked for the CPLC. Little did I know that day we would be helping each other – me helping her to find the perfect bridal dress and she telling me about Project Gabriel & GEMS. After several attempts from Project Gabriel to contact me, I finally answered and talked to Sahira. She was so sweet and soft spoken. I explained my story to her. She gave me the date of the next GEMS class and ended our conversation with a prayer. My first class was about Nutrition. Another class I really enjoyed was about natural birth control. I never knew the harm birth control can do to a woman’s body. Twelve years later, I learned the correct information through the GEMS education program. Those are life lessons that are important to a woman. Now halfway through the program, I started therapy with Mrs. Bernice Simmons, a licensed counselor who works with Project Gabriel. For the first time in my life I had someone who could handle hearing everything I had to say—all that I felt, and anything I had experienced. She helped me work through my grief so “For the first time in I could function again.
my life, I have finished something that I have started.”
Using all that GEMS had helped me with, and with my mom’s support, I felt ready to take the next step and move into my very own apartment, to be an adult and to raise my kids independently. I was figuring out that I needed me to be the best version of myself for my kids. GEMS assigns every mom a Gabriel Angel, and my Angel’s name is Karina. She continues to check on me weekly. I’d like to think of Karina as my big sister and very good friend. My mom, not ready for the transition, tried to convince me to stay. I will admit she almost got her way except Carolina, Susan, Ingrid, Maria, Jessie Anne, and Karina stood by my side and gave me the confidence to take the step. My mom passed away last summer from COVID-19. It was hard, yet I’ve learned that grief is not a fatal condition and that life continues, only now I carry two holes in my heart. GEMS has brought me moments of pure joy and education. I’ve developed deep and meaningful friendships since joining GEMS. This has left a lasting impact on me and will shape the way I continue to make decisions as I move forward in my life. For the first time in my life, I have finished something that I have started. By Gabriel Mom Lynette Harding
For more about our Project Gabriel Ministry, visit prolifedallas.org/projectgabriel
Teach4Life Conference Made for Freedom: Forming Our Youth to Avoid the Culture Trap
The need for freedom is imprinted on our human nature. It runs deeper than simply being able to do what we want, it directs us toward choosing the truth. When we freely choose the truth, it perfects our exercise of freedom and our ability to choose life as God offers. Society would have our youth believe that truth is whatever a person wants it to be. As a result, teens and young adults are being ensnared in a cultural web that turns them away from God’s truth and promotes personal freedom above all else. On April 9-10, the CPLC Speakers Bureau will host a virtual presentation of its biennial Teach4Life Conference. This year’s theme is Made for Freedom: Forming Our Youth to Avoid the Culture Trap. National and local speakers will be presenting on the hard issues facing our youth today such as Transgenderism and Homosexuality, the Failed Promise of Abortion and Pro-life Apologetics, Dating & Relationships, and the Power of Human Dignity in Our Schools. “We will address the hard issues that our youth are facing in today’s culture and offer faith-filled truth to help them live and thrive in authentic freedom,” said Speakers Bureau Director, Crystal Koll. What is Teach4Life? This conference is a gathering for educators — teachers, youth ministers, parish catechetical leaders, clergy, counselors, parents, and anyone working with teens and young adults — that provides counter-cultural information based on the Word of God and the teachings of the Catholic Church to empower youth to become Ambassadors for Life. This year’s conference will include recognized speakers, Q&A, networking breakouts, prayer, and giveaways! For questions contact Crystal Koll at ckoll@prolifedallas.org. To learn more about Teach4Life, visit www.prolifedallas.org/teach. We look forward to seeing you!
Representing Many of You JoAnn and Michael G. Murray to chair 28th Annual Bishop’s Pro-Life Dinner
JoAnn and Michael G. Murray attended their first Bishop’s Pro-Life Dinner 20 years ago at the invitation of the Knights of Columbus. This year, they will serve as Honorary Chairs of the 28th Annual Bishop’s Pro-Life Dinner. “We had always been committed to pro-life, but had not yet participated in any activities,” said JoAnn. “That night at the dinner I signed a card volunteering to pray at an abortion facility. I prayed on Tuesdays and Michael prayed on Thursdays.” As JoAnn says, “in pro-life, one things leads to another.” And so it did. Michael went on to volunteer with the Speakers Bureau for 10 years, and became KC pro-life liaison with his council. JoAnn was asked to temporarily fill in as pro-life coordinator at her parish, which lasted 15 years. In 2005 JoAnn helped found and still leads the annual Christ Child Gift Market and Luncheon benefiting CPLC’s Project Gabriel and other pro-life partners. JoAnn and Michael were educated in Catholic schools and both graduated from the University of Dallas. They have five children and 14 grandchildren, all of whom attended Catholic schools. “We are here because we represent so many of you who always faithfully came to help and pray,” said JoAnn. “We are honored to chair this year’s Dinner and hope to see you all on March 20.”
Roe Memorial Withstands COVID Meaning of the day is acknowledged through prayer
There may not have been 10,000 people marching through the streets of Dallas, but no doubt this year’s bilingual Roe Memorial events were as powerful as ever! With health precautions in place and a moratorium on city permits, a sizeable crowd began the day praying in front of Southwestern and Planned Parenthood abortion facilities. Even without a march and rally, the Rose Procession and Memorial Mass brought out an almost full cathedral while hundreds more watched and listened via livestream and GRN radio broadcast in English and Spanish. The somber meaning of this annual event is so deeply rooted in our community that even a pandemic can’t diminish the call of the faithful to mark the day. Our thanks to Bishop Burns, Bishop Kelly, Fr. Bierschenk, Fr. Strong, O.Cist, the Knights of Columbus, the Diocesan Office of Worship, Cathedral Staff and lay ministers, Edith Ramos and all rose processors, Dave and Lauren Moore, Guadalupe Radio Network, volunteers, and everyone who participated in this important event.
Bishop Burns presides over Roe Memorial Mass
Aurora Tinajero welcomes all
Bishop Burns gives the homily Lauren and Dave Moore provided music
The Knights of Columbus provided health check-in Mass participants Rose Procession
We Honor... IN HONOR OF:
GIVEN BY:
IN HONOR OF:
GIVEN BY:
Bob Baillargeon
Terry and Mary Dawes
Graciela Vela Cuellar
Gonzalo and Ellyn Amador
Jeff Nelson
Marguerite Nelson
All Unborn Babies
Valerie Aldrete
Catherine Garduno
Dolores Garduno
Jim Otto
Laney and Mike Sherburne
Birthday of the Blessed Mother Born & Unborn with Special Needs Mary Burkhardt
Jose and Carmen Moreno
Maxine and Ralph Harkenrider Kendall Harrel
Anthony and Monica Radoszewski Rose Arceneaux
Father Frank Pavone
Jose and Carmen Moreno
Pope Francis
Gabriel Godinez
Doug and Peg Weisbruch
Pro-Life Mothers, Fathers and their Babies
Robert and Carol Baca
Alison Theresa Holleman
Mrs. Barbara Brummitt
Quinn and Barbie Cook
Kris and RW Holleman
Doug and Peg Weisbruch
The Sacred Heart of Jesus
Jose and Carmen Moreno
Betty Koch
Susan Power
Father Andrew Semler
Jose and Carmen Moreno
Jose and Carmen Moreno
Kimberly and Adam Sherburne For my Unborn Son, Jose Maria Aurora Tinajero
Laney and Mike Sherburne
Julie & Jay Tinert
Lisa Seawright
My Unborn Baby
Maria Garcia
Our Unborn Family Member Intentions for Wayne and Vicki Doug and Peg Weisbruch
Pedro Angulo
My 5 Living Children
Teresa and Philip Ferrara John and Donna Burkhardt
Cheryl Spooner
Tom Clark
Robert Repka
St. Maximilian Kolbe
Mrs. Barbie Cook
Quinn and Barbie Cook
Culture of Life
Robert and Carol Baca
Dr. Cristina Valdez
Sharon McDougall
Denise Davis
Brian & Shelley McPheeters Maggie Medina
Rev. Msgr. John Bell, MDiv
Connie Meyer
Doug and Peg Weisbruch
Moms, Dads, and Babies
Robert and Carol Baca
My Mother
Todd and Vivienne Kamp
Mothers Who Gave Life
Frances Trojacek
Cristina, Adriana & Miguel
We Thank... IN THANKS FOR:
GIVEN BY:
Our Three Angels
Jorge Lara
Baby Peyton Idicula
Cheryl Thomas
Laney and Mike Sherburne
We Remember... IN MEMORY OF:
GIVEN BY:
Nola Arceneaux
Rose Arceneaux
Frank and O'Rilia M. Auddigan Four Babies Lost to Abortion M's baby
Robert and Carol Baca
IN HONOR OF:
GIVEN BY:
Adriana Altamirano Dolores Garduno
Joseph Hill Brian and Meg Hastings
IN MEMORY OF: GIVEN BY:
IN MEMORY OF:
GIVEN BY:
Jennie Belle
David and Elizabeth Ayres
Terry McDonald
Robert and Mary Criswell
Jose Jimenez
Thrive Women's Clinic
Jose Jimenez
David and Megan Martinez
Dianne McDowell Mary Ann Little McGregor
Judge Pat McDowell John and Patricia Kishpaugh
James King
Patricia King
Kevin and Judith Rohr
Mrs. Betty Koch
Patrick Erwin
Margaret Baillargeon
Terry and Mary Dawes
Joseph Bevilacqua
Frances Bevilacqua
Leona Lehman Leona Lehman
Sr. Mary Brian Bole, SSND
Anthony and Monica Radoszewski
Leona Lehman
Kenneth Asleson Bert and Harriet Chamberlain Phillip and Kathleen Doepfner Hon. Thomas and Josephine Fuller
Cheryl Spooner
Mrs. Barbara Brummitt
Quinn and Barbie Cook
Our Son Carlos
Juan and Carmen Amador
The Catholic Church and Pope Francis Lost Children
Gabriel Godinez
Mrs. Diane Cook
Leona Lehman Leona Lehman
Yvonne Grothues
Dave Schauf
Leona Lehman
Paula Heckler
Quinn and Barbie Cook
Leona Lehman
Jerry and Carole Klement
Jim Courtney
Laney and Mike Sherburne
Leona Lehman
Fr. Joseph Lehman
Dad, Mom & Baby
Robert and Carol Baca
Leona Lehman
Amy and Thomas Luttrell
Mrs. Frances DeSouza
David and Shana Druffner
Leona Lehman
Tom and Terry McDowell
Theodore Donahue
Leona Lehman
Mary Jo Montagno
Leona Lehman
William and Diana Morin
Priscilla Duffy
Dr. Stephen and Carolyn Donahue Rose Arceneaux
Leona Lehman
Kelly Parma
My Father and Mother
Todd and Vivienne Kamp
Leona Lehman
Mark Scott
Zuzanna Fennell
Jim Fennell
Leona Lehman
Bill Fetzer
Veronica Fetzer
Leona Lehman
Jeremy Fulbright
Edward and Patty Fulbright
Patrick G. Gentry
Mary Gentry
Marv and Leona Lehman
Mary Frances Haba
Marjorie Haba
Les, George and Charlotte
Joe and Freddie Clark
Winifred Haegger
Denise Davis
Culture of Life Heroes
Robert and Carol Baca
Mark Harman
Tom and Terry McDowell
Ernest T. Lopez
Mary Helen Harman
Mary Ann Harman
Kimmie K Herman
Ann Herman
Mae Holleman Jeff
Doug and Peg Weisbruch Marguerite Nelson
Michael McGuinness Jr. Rita Meister Deacon Brian Mitchell Gloria Morris My Mother Minority mothers and babies Dawn Ann Murphy Jeff Nelson Rory S. Nunley and Spenser J. Nunley Pam
John Kopicki Douglas and Heather Dreher Mrs. Sharon Mitchell George & Barbara Woodroof Dr. Cristina Valdez Mateo Perez Leo Murphy Marguerite Nelson Tracy Nunley Robert and Carol Baca
Susan Parks Robert Steven Patrick II
Rose Arceneaux Robert & Rosemary Patrick
Varvel & Schott families
Anthony and Nancy Picolla Marty Posey Caroline & Ben Radoszewski Leah Mae Shea
Charles and Marge Wick Robert and Mary Criswell Anthony and Monica Radoszewski Raymond & Virginia Fraser
Doug and Peg Weisbruch
Leah Shea
Dennis and Joyce Houlihan
Bill Travis
Leah Shea Hilary Reiff Norma & Brusle Sherburne Laney and Mike Sherburne Ann Shimek
Laney and Mike Sherburne
Isidra J. Lopez
Arden Smith Paul Billy Trinh
Jeffrey and Renee Smith Teresa Bui
Loren & Michael
Daniel Christie
Charles and Ruth Wick
Charles and Marge Wick
Anna & John Luby
Doug and Peg Weisbruch
Dr. Mary Winston
Richard Winston
Jorge Lopez Magaña
Esmeralda Lopez
Jackie Markwald
Laney and Mike Sherburne
Ruth Yale Rafael Zapiain, Sr.
Richard and Dana Noon Rafael Zapiain
Gifts may be made in honor or memory of, or in thanksgiving for a special person or intention, and remembered at daily Mass for CPLC’s intentions. Recipients of your generosity will be notified at your request. Names are listed as of printing. In case of an error, please notify Meg Finley, Director of Development, mfinley@prolifedallas.org or 972-267-LIFE (5433). Thank you.
Join Bishop Burns as the Bishop’s Pro-Life Dinner returns on March 20, at the Renaissance Dallas-Addison Hotel. Due to COVID-19 social distancing protocols and limited seating, the Dinner is expected to sell out fast! We are working tirelessly to ensure all state and local health guidelines are followed and all precautions are taken to ensure everyone's health and enjoyable experience. Grammy award-winning performer Francesca Battistelli headlines this year’s evening. She will join us in-person performing her well-loved songs, intermingled with her personal testimony and witness to the pro-life mission. Special guest is film producer and pro-life activist, Jason Jones. Jason produced the award-winning movie Bella, which starred a previous Dinner keynote Eduardo Verásteguí. Jason is a unique and dynamic spokesperson for life and will share his inspiring words on life.
Plus, all the favorites are back: Live Auction, Raffle, and Jewelry/Wine pulls. Reserve your spot today at prolifedallas.org/dinner.
Mark Your Calendars
14675 Midway Rd, Suite 121 Dallas, TX 75001 972-267-LIFE (5433) cplc@prolifedallas.org Mailing Address: P.O. Box 803541 Dallas, TX 75380
Visit us: prolifedallas.org Follow us @prolifedallas