Greetings and blessings! I have been pleasantly welcomed to the CPLC and the whole pro-life community with open arms. Everyone with whom I have spoken seems to have the passion and respect for life that Our Lord has placed in our hearts.
As all of you no doubt know, our spectacular Render Unto Caesar Civic Action Conference is right around the corner on September 8. The day promises to be both inspiring and informative as we enter an incredibly important election cycle. And you won't want to miss the amazing testimony of a young woman who survived an abortion, right here in Dallas – Angela Balderaz.
In recognition of all you do for Life, we are offering a special rate for Parish Pro-Life Coordinators of $10. If you are planning to attend, please email , and you may pay the reduced cost at the door. (If you already registered for the full price ($15), and would like a refund for the difference, please let us know.) More information is available at prolifedallas.org/conference.
Two more very important events are coming up in September. One focuses on prayer and the other on funds, both of which are very important to our cause.
First is the annual 40 Days for Life campaign that will run from September 26 - November 4. If you have not already, please contact Vigil Coordinator Susan Platt at or 214-392-7545 to let her know which vigil day(s) your parish is adopting. And be sure to mark your calendars for the Kick Off Rally on September 25 at Harry Moss Park, featuring Frank Gray of Forgotten Fathers and Fr. James Yamauchi of the Diocese of Dallas. More information about the campaign is available at prolifedallas.org/40days.
The second are the variousHikes for Life throughout our communities, beginning with the first hikes on September 29 in Plano, Irving, Richardson and Waxahachie. Each hike raises funds for area pregnancy resource centers and awareness of the dignity of all human life from conception to natural death. For more information including Hike locations and start times and registration, visit hikeforlifetexas.org or contact Tom Clark, 214-282-6297 or .
Please plan to participate in both events and promote them heavily in your parishes, as they will undoubtedly save many lives.
Also in September, our own Karen Garnett will be featured on Catholic Answers Live! On September 12 during the drive-time hour of 5-6 p.m., she will be interviewed by Patrick Coffin about the CPLC Convert-to-Life / Sidewalk Counseling Ministry from the time of its launching in 1997. Please keep Karen in your prayers and be sure to tune in to GRN 910 AM!
In addition to the events above, please mark your calendars for:
**In prepration for Respect Life Month in October, you should be receiving your Respect Life program packet (published by the USCCB) soon. Once you receive it, please make an appointment with your pastor (preferably before October) to review its contents and discuss how your parish can best promote and participate in this important month! (And be sure to check out all our Respect Life Month events on the calendar.)**
Finally, as I am new to Parish Coordination as are some of you, I thought it might be beneficial for us all to review what a Parish Pro-Life Coordinator does. The Parish Pro-Life Coordinator's duties include the following (all subject to approval of your Pastor)
Proclaiming the mission of the CPLC to other ministries and groups within the church
Representing the parish at Quarterly Parish Pro-Life Coordinators Meetings
Setting up ministry trainings, talks, and conferences on life issues, as needed
Submitting CPLC-provided announcements and pro-life petitions for publication in parish bulletin
Displaying pro-life literature, posters, etc., and
Acting as a general pro-life resource for the clergy and staff
If you have any questions about these items or any of the upcoming events, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Thanks for all you do for Life and God bless,
David
David Carr Director of Parish Coordination 469-230-9664
