Winter/Spring 2022 · Vol. 30
Life Matters A Publication of the Catholic Pro-Life Community | Respect Life Ministry of the Diocese of Dallas
MEMORIALIZING 49 YEARS OF ROE
What’s inside … • • • • •
A Pivotal Year for LIFE! Do No Harm Conference Series In Her Words… Forgiven & Restored Youth Day Camp & Overnight Camp Bishop’s Pro-Life Dinner, April 30, 2022
www.prolifedallas.org www.prolifedallas.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mike Weller
Chairman of the Board Joshua Briones Father Jason Cargo Carmen Grant Daniel Hennessy Dr. Elizabeth Heyne Mary Ann Niles Tom Ruedi Bill Sladek
Dr. Mayra Thompson
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM Geralyn Kaminsky Executive Director
Annette Kearns
Director of Communications
Joe Marshall
Director of Operations
Ingrid Meyer Director of Ministries
Aurora Tinajero
Director of Multicultural Dept.
Patricia Vasquez
Director of Human Resources
MINISTRIES Convert-to-Life / Sidewalk Counseling
Director: Joanne Underwood Healing after Abortion
Director: Eileen Kuhlmann Project Gabriel
Interim Director: Ingrid Meyer Community Outreach
Director: Susan Platt Hispanic Pastoral Ministry
Director: Aurora Tinajero Education
Adult Ministry: Jacquelyn Smith Youth and Young Adult Ministry: Maddie Brown
On the Cover: A young boy
displays the wisdom of St. Teresa of Calcutta as he prepares to march in the 2022 North Texas March for Life on January 15.
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A Pivotal Year for LIFE! The new year is here, and we are filled with high hopes in anticipation of an historic early summer Supreme Court ruling that could overturn Roe vs. Wade, the law that made abortion legal in this country. In mid-January, the Catholic Pro-Life Community, along with our co-sponsors Texans for Life Coalition and the Fort Worth Diocese Respect Life Office, rallied thousands of North Texas pro-life supporters as we prayed and marched through the streets of Dallas in solidarity as a voice for the voiceless. Watch a video from the march by scanning the QR code to the left. Similar marches were held in cities throughout the country in conjunction with the National March for Life in Washington D.C. gathering people of all ages, faiths, and walks of life. Our combined outcry to protect life cannot and will not be ignored any longer. WE’RE NOT THERE YET This is what we’ve been working toward for 49 years, and overturning Roe would be a pivotal step. However, as Bishop Burns reminded us in his inspiring Roe Memorial Mass homily, even with the strides we’ve made in our fight for life and other social justice issues, we are not there yet. Should Roe be overturned and federal oversight removed, the states will each be able to set its own laws. According to the Guttmacher Institute, 21 states (including Texas) already have trigger laws or amendments in place that would essentially ban abortion once Roe is reversed. That’s a great start, but it’s not our end game. We want to not only make abortion illegal, but unthinkable by changing hearts. Prayer is essential. Many organized prayer gatherings, rosaries, and novenas are being offered for our Supreme Court justices including On Our Knees, a national prayer initiative (Dobbscase.com) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (usccb.org/pro-life-prayer). We ask you to join prayer warriors across our country who are covering our nation’s leaders and lawmakers in prayer that the Holy Spirit will be their guide in making decisions that provide protections for the dignity and sanctity of all life. Whatever happens this summer, the Catholic Pro-Life Community will be ready. We are developing strategies to address either outcome, and we will continue working to advance our mission until the sanctity of all life is protected from conception to natural death. On behalf of the staff and board of the Catholic Pro-Life Community, I want to thank each of you for your continuous support of our work and our mission through your prayers, volunteerism, participation in our events, and donations. We hope you will join us on April 30, for our 29th Annual Bishop’s Pro-Life Dinner as we celebrate our community, one that treasures life at all stages because all life is created in God’s image and likeness.
Geralyn Kaminsky Executive Director
CREATED TO LOVE. COMMITTED TO LIFE.
Project Joseph: AWhat Moving Moment can we say but Thank YOU! A Catholic Approach to Sexual Identity: What You Need to Know in Truth, Compassion, and Human Dignity This conference cannot be more timely! The biennial Do No Harm Conference Series never fails to provide expert and advanced information on today’s most compelling topics. This year is no different as we present a host of experts discussing sexual identity from a Catholic approach. The Do No Harm Conference is a joint project of the Catholic Pro-Life Community and the Catholic Medical Guild of Dallas. It is designed for physicians, attorneys, licensed professional counselors, clergy, social workers, teachers, parents, and anyone engaged in endeavors related to clinical and academic ethics and healthrelated humanities. Medical, legal, and theological experts will address sexual identity issues with an emphasis on the natural truths expressed by the body and how to address the person with compassion.
March 26, 2022 8:30 a.m. - 4:40 p.m. St. Rita Catholic Church - Sweeney Hall In-Person or Virtual Professional education credits are approved in multiple disciplines. For more information and registration information, visit prolifedallas.org/donoharm or click on the QR code below.
CONFERENCE SPEAKERS AND PRESENTATION TOPICS Michelle Cretella, MD
Paul Hruz, MD, PhD
Executive Director of the American College of Pediatricians
Academic Pediatric Endocrinologist & Tenured Physician Scientist at Washington University.
Transgender Belief: A Call to Heal Minds, Preserve Bodies, and Save Lives
Deficiencies in Scientific Evidence for Medical Management of Gender Dysphoria Theory vs. Facts
Jason Evert, MA Founder of The Chastity Project
Gender: Theory vs. Facts Mary Hasson, JD
Kate O’Beirne Fellow in Catholic Studies Director of Person and Identity Project, Ethics and Public Policy Center, Washington D.C.
The Cultural Impact of Gender Ideology, and Trends in Public Policy and Medicine
Mark Yarhouse, Psy.D., LCP The Dr. Arthur P. Rech & Mrs. Jean May Rech Professor of Psychology, Wheaton College School of Psychology, Counseling & Family Therapy.
Gender Dysphoria, Transgender Experiences and Emerging Gender Identities
Thank you to our Conference sponsors:
Thomas More Society, The Catholic Foundation, and Strake Foundation
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 The pain andisother real;non-cash contributions, contact CPLC Development so is the healing. Director Meg Finley Project Joseph©at 972-267-5433.
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WAS THIS OUR LAST
Pro-lifers nationwide are hopeful that the Supr Close to three thousand North Texas pro-lifers braved the cold temperatures and wind to march and memorialize 49 years of Roe vs. Wade for what might possibly be the last time. As our nation eagerly anticipates a ruling from our high court that hopefully overturns the federal law that legalized abortion, pro-lifers are hopeful this year is a turning point in our lengthy crusade to create a Culture of Life.
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T ROE MEMORIAL?
reme Court will overturn Roe before it turns 50! Our thanks to Bishop Burns, Bishop Kelly, Fr. Belmontes, the Knights of Columbus, participants in our Youth Rally, the Diocesan Office of Worship, Cathedral Staff and lay ministers, Edith Ramos and all rose processors, Dave and Lauren Moore, volunteers, and everyone who participated in this important event. We also thank our co-sponsors: the Fort Worth Diocese Respect Life Office and Texans for Life Coalition.
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In Her Words
Forgiven and Restored by God’s Grace
I was broken and scarred by the wounds that are created throughout life. However, I am forgiven and restored by God’s grace! After being a victim of sexual abuse by a family member, I spent all my life suffering the effects of sexual abuse that would lead me into making bad decisions in life. One of those decisions was to get an abortion, which led to more pain and suffering.
Please save the date and make plans to join us for the 29th Annual Bishop’s Pro-Life Dinner on April 30, 2022. This year’s event will have all the same fun features including a raffle, entertainment, live auction, and announcement of the Pro-Life Person of the Year. Watch for more details visitwww.prolifedallas.org/dinner
At this time, my relationship with God was almost non-existent making the feelings of unworthiness, unforgiveness, loneliness, and shame become huge obstacles that prevented me from seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. As time passed, things did not get easier, I become pregnant again and Berenice is pictured with daughter Layla after receiving her certificate of completion at the my thought was “It was what I had GEMS luncheon in November. done before.” With no support and not being prepared to raise and care for someone else this seemed like the best decision. The lies and feelings of guilt pushed me toward getting an abortion. On my way to the abortion clinic, more thoughts began to flood my mind, but this time they were different. The thought of trying to handle another regret in my life and the blessing of being able to carry another child after having an abortion created a greater battle within me. That is when I was approached by a CPLC sidewalk counselor. At first, I was taken by the fact that someone cared enough to help a stranger like me, but as we prayed, a sense of peace filled my heart. It was at that moment I made the decision to keep my child and trust that I was going to be okay. The sidewalk counselor directed me to Project Gabriel where I was supported by a wonderful
“It was at that moment I made the decision to keep my child and trust that I was going to be okay.” person, Gretchen Smith. She was the Angel who walked with me throughout the entire journey blessing me with the emotional support that I needed. Not only that, but she became like family to me and my daughter. Project Gabriel also provided financial support that was a blessing for me, especially during the pandemic. I became involved in Project Gabriel’s education program called GEMS, Gabriel Education and Ministry Support. GEMS helped me learn how to develop a relationship with the one who had not left my side the entire time. I understood that I am loved; therefore, I am forgiven. I am restored. My life has changed forever, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the blessings that I have received. Currently, I have a career in property management and working toward getting my real estate license with Layla, my daughter, by my side. By Project Gabriel mom and GEMS graduate Berenice C
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For more information on Project Gabriel, click on this QR code.
We Honor... GIVEN BY:
IN HONOR OF:
GIVEN BY:
IN HONOR OF:
Robert and Carol Baca
Prog. Resource Centers, Pro-Life counselors, moms, dads, babies Geralyn Kaminsky Brenda Mary Solis Bob Baillargeon St Gabriels Collin County Fr Ambrose Strong Patricia Druffner Leslie Enriquez and my family Unborn & Babies with Special Needs Aurora Tinajero All who work and help CPLC, Fr. Mauro A Mabanua, and Fr. Geronimo My wife Lori and the devotion she shows my children Unborn & Those women who cannot concieve
Drs. Roy and Elizabeth Heyne Dennis and Joyce Houlihan Gracy James Todd and Vivienne Kamp Jennifer Mays Scott and Cynthia McKenna Gary and Jeanne Miller José and Carmen Moreno
Dan Hennessy Geralyn Kaminsky My lost two permature children Mother Eileen Keller Those suffering from abortion trauma Fr. Michael Forge Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of the Rosary Angel Moreno
Mount Carmel Center Anna Polcari Laney and Mike Sherburne
Eva & Steve Godfredson Dan Polcari Kimberly and Adam Sherburne Hudson Sherburne Miguel, Cristina, and Adriana James & Betty Bellinghausen
Irene Baurys Daniel Christie Quinn and Barbie Cook Terry and Mary Dawes Rosemary DeBenedictis Kristen Devlin David and Shana Druffner Felis Enriquez Teresa and Philip Ferrara Matthew and Juanita Galindo Gabriel Godinez Harmony Family Health Roberto and Fabiola Hernández
Dr. Cristina Valdez Deacon Christopher and Danette Volkmer Mimi Wehner Doug and Peg Weisbruch
Support of brave texans fighting for the Right to Life Healing for Amber VanVickle
GIVEN BY:
IN MEMORY OF:
We Remember... GIVEN BY:
IN MEMORY OF:
Rose Arceneaux Robert and Carol Baca
Gus Washington, Jr Babies from miscarriage Joe Schiedler, Patrick & Anna Cuddigan John and Therese Bannerman Ethan Michael Frances Bevilacqua Joseph Bevilacqua Gordon and Sally Collie Lana Compton Quinn and Barbie Cook Camille Adams Mary Criswell Bob Criswell Denise Davis Winifred Hoegger, Richard McDougall Terry and Mary Dawes Margaret Baillargeon Robert and Katherine Elrich Irene Louise (Sandy) Drehsen Christine Escano Remy Escano Jim Fennell Zuzanna Fennell Veronica Fetzer Bill Fetzer Fidelity Charitable Sally Tobin Jose and Maria Figueroa Babies, miscarriage, Guadalupe, María, José Robert Folzenlogen Mrs. Annie Fuentes Edward and Patty Fulbright Hon. Thomas and Josephine Fuller Gabriel Godinez Marjorie Haba Mary Ann Harman Daniel and Bettina Hennessy
Diane Stanley George Fuentes Jeremy Fulbright Diane Stanley
P Mario Magbanua Mary Haba Mary Helen Harman Robert G Hennessy, John L Hennessy & Suzanne L Konzelmann Federico Hernández My loved ones who died, especially those 2 angels who my sacred mother Maria de Guadalupe holds in her arms Roberto & Fabiola Hernández A loved one Lisa Hoyer Unknown niece/nephew
Todd and Vivienne Kamp Patricia King John and Patricia Kishpaugh Roger and Rose Lorenz Judge Pat McDowell Tom and Terry McDowell Ed and Nancy Mello José and Carmen Moreno
Father James C King Bob & Mary Little Miriam Temchulla Dianne McDowell John Roznovsky, Patrick Power, Bill Travis Nancy Mello Lancaster Tim Salinas, Lupe Zarate, and Domingo Salinas Leo Murphy Dawn Ann Murphy Nathalie Mweze My unborn baby Lawrence Neuhoff Irene Louise Drehsen Lucy Pascarelli Anthony Pascarelli Robert and Rosemary Patrick Robert Stephen Patrick II Peter Philp Patricia S Philp Dorthy Pustejovsky Irene L Drehsen Thomas Ruggio Kimberly Ruggio Rita Schulte Robert Schulte Laney and Mike Sherburne Jackie Markwald, Noah Mincer, Sarah Solis Thomas and Lisa Shivers Lisa Lamb Shivers Lucky Sluder Lisa Wilson Norman and Mary Smith Mary M Smith Paul and Karin Szatkowski Joseph & Rita Szatkowski Frances Trojacek Cynthia Zapletal & Mary Frances Lewis Patricia Webster Norman Webster James and Theresa White Paul & Marie Schmitt Charles and Marge Wick Anthony, Nancy Picolla, Charles, and Ruth Wick Craig and Wynne Wideman Sandy Drehsen, loving mother, grandmother, and friend to so many Richard Winston Dr Mary C Winston Susanna Wu Edward Malko, Sr Ellen Zignego Smith Peter John Zignego
We Thank... GIVEN BY:
IN THANKS FOR:
Luis and Gladys González
Gifts of our children and grandchildren
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 our office at 972-267-LIFE (5433). Thank you.
Mark Your Calendars FEBRUARY
MAY
12
TBD
38th Annual Gravesite Memorial & Blessing Cemetery of the Innocents
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National Day of Prayer
Gabriel Angel Training (en español)
25-27 Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat (en español) 26
Sidewalk Counselor Training (in English) English: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. Spanish: 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
6, 7, 8 One Million Rosaries for the Unborn 8
MARCH
JUNE
18-20 Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat (in English)
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26
Do No Harm Conference In-Person and Virtual
Sidewalk Counselor Training (in English) English: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. Spanish: 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
13-17 Youth for Life Middle School Boot Camp Jr
APRIL 9 Gabriel Angel Training (in English) 15
Mother’s Day
19
Good Friday Stations of the Cross 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Southwestern abortion facility and Planned Parenthood in South Dallas
Father’s Day
24-26 Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat (en español) JULY 9
Summer Mass and Rosary
15-19 Overnight Boot Camp (High School) Bishop’s Pro-Life Dinner University of Dallas Renaissance Dallas - Addison For a complete calendar of CPLC activities and events, as well as updates to scheduled dates, please scan this QR code or visit prolifedallas.org/calendar
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SERVICE
EDUCATION
Convert to Life — Loving counsel in front of abortion facilities with prayer partners asking the Holy Spirit to intervene.
Multicultural — Cultural events and educational presentations.
Project Gabriel — Gabriel Angels and education program that transform moms and families.
Education — Be an instrument that spreads the truth through our Youth and Youth Adult Ministry or Adult Ministry.
Healing After Abortion — Includes Rachel’s Vineyard and Project Joseph helplines and retreats.
ENGAGEMENT Community Outreach — Helping reach a wider audience through prayer, parish coordination, and civic action. PUT PRO-LIFE IN YOUR LIFE!
To volunteer call 972-267-5433 or email Maddie at mbrown@prolifedallas.org
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