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IN THIS ISSUE: Voltée para Español 2 From the Director Celebrating and Preparing 4 Around the Diocese Parish Pro-Life Committee Updates 8 Special God's Gift 9 National News Encyclical of Beatified Pope Inspired Physician's Revolutionary Work 10 Calendar of Events Scheduled Executions Newsletter of the Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living Diocese of Austin WINTER 2015 Pope Urges Doctors to Witness to Sanctity of Life by Vatican Radio Pope Francis met with the Association of Italian Catholic Doctors on Nov. 15. He urged them to resist “false compassion” and “witness by word and by example that human life is always sacred, valuable, and inviolable.” Here are the pope’s remarks: T here is no doubt that, in our time, due to scientific and technical advancements, the possibilities for physical healing have significantly increased; and yet, in some respects it seems the ability to “take care” of the person has decreased, especially when he is sick, frail and helpless. In fact, the achievements of science and of medicine can contribute to the improvement of human life to the extent that they are not distanced from the ethical root of these disciplines. For this reason, you Catholic doctors are committed to live your profession as a human and spiritual mission, as a real lay apostolate. Attention to human life, especially that in greatest difficulty, that is, to the sick, the elderly, children, deeply involves the mission of the Church. e Church also feels called to participate in the debate that relates to human life, presenting its proposal based on the Gospel. In many places, the quality of life is related primarily to economic means, to “well-being,” to the beauty and enjoyment of the physical, forgetting other more profound dimensions of existence — interpersonal, spiritual and religious. In fact, in the light of faith and right reason, human life is always sacred and always “of quality.” ere is no human life that is more sacred than another — every human life is sacred — just as there is no human life qualitatively more significant than another, only by virtue of resources, rights, great social and economic opportunities. is is what you, Catholic doctors, try to say, first of all with your professionalism. Your work wants to witness by word and by example that human life is always sacred, valuable and inviolable. And as such, it must be loved, defended and cared for. Your professionalism, enriched with the spirit of faith, is one more reason to work with those — even from different religious perspectives or thought — who recognize the dignity of the human person as a criterion for their activities. In fact, if the Hippocratic Oath commits you to always be servants of life, the Gospel pushes you further: to love it no matter what, especially when it is in need of special care and attention. is is what the members of your association have done over 70 years of fine work. I In fact, in the light of faith and right reason, human life is always sacred and always 'of quality.' There is no human life that is more sacred than another — every human life is sacred — just as there is no human life qualitatively more significant than another, only by virtue of resources, rights, great social and economic opportunities. continued on page 8 . . .

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In thIs Issue:

Voltée para español

2 • From the Director Celebrating and Preparing

4 • Around the DioceseParish Pro-Life Committee Updates

8 • SpecialGod's Gift

9 • National NewsEncyclical of Beatified Pope Inspired Physician's Revolutionary Work

10 • Calendar of EventsScheduled Executions

newsletter of the Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living • Diocese of Austin

WInter 2015

Pope Urges Doctors to Witness to Sanctity of Life

by Vatican Radio

Pope Francis met with the Association of Italian Catholic Doctors on Nov. 15. He urged them to resist “false compassion” and “witness by word and by example that human life is always sacred, valuable, and inviolable.”

Here are the pope’s remarks:

There is no doubt that, in our time, due to scientific and technical advancements, the possibilities for physical healing have significantly increased; and yet, in some respects it seems the ability to “take care” of the person has decreased,

especially when he is sick, frail and helpless. In fact, the achievements of science and of medicine can contribute to the improvement of human life to the extent that they are not distanced from the ethical root of these disciplines. For this reason, you Catholic doctors are committed to live your profession as a human and spiritual mission, as a real lay apostolate.

Attention to human life, especially that in greatest difficulty, that is, to the sick, the elderly, children, deeply involves the mission of the Church. The Church also feels called to participate in the debate that relates to human life, presenting its proposal based on the Gospel. In many places, the quality of life is related primarily to economic means, to “well-being,” to the beauty and enjoyment of the physical, forgetting other more profound dimensions of existence — interpersonal, spiritual and religious. In fact, in the light of faith and right reason, human life is always sacred and always “of quality.” There is no human life that is more sacred than another — every human life is sacred — just as there is no human life qualitatively more significant than another, only by virtue of resources, rights, great social and economic opportunities.

This is what you, Catholic doctors, try to say, first of all with your professionalism. Your work wants to witness by word and by example that human life is always sacred, valuable and inviolable. And as such, it must be loved, defended and cared for. Your professionalism, enriched with the spirit of faith, is one more reason to work with those — even from different religious perspectives or thought — who recognize the dignity of the human person as a criterion for their activities. In fact, if the Hippocratic Oath commits you to always be servants of life, the Gospel pushes you further: to love it no matter what, especially when it is in need of special care and attention. This is what the members of your association have done over 70 years of fine work. I

“ In fact, in the light of faith

and right reason, human life is

always sacred and always 'of

quality.' There is no human life

that is more sacred than another

— every human life is sacred

— just as there is no human life

qualitatively more significant

than another, only by virtue of

resources, rights, great social and

economic opportunities.”

continued on page 8 . . .

2 LIFe TImes • Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living

From the Director

As we prepare for our first Culture of Life Celebratory Dinner on Feb. 12, it is easy to become excited because

we truly have so much to celebrate. We have had many successes and

sacrificed a great deal of time and energy that has born so much fruit. We are so grateful for all of this, especially for God’s grace and mercy. And this is especially encouraging as we begin the 84 th Texas legislative session.

The legislative session can be rough. We work hard to pass legislation to protect the vulnerable and then work just as hard to defend good laws and defeat bad legislation. Though it’s exhausting, we can take courage in the tangible results of our voices being heard. Thanks to your advocacy, outreach and prayers there are only two abortion facilities still open in central Texas (down from seven).

The 83rd legislative session and the special sessions that followed were historic. Never before have we seen such a presence at the Texas Capitol. And we all saw what a difference it made, both on our legislators and in educating the public. But this doesn’t need to be and shouldn’t be a one-

time occurrence. We have the opportunity to make such an impact again this session.

In 2013 we worked to pass legislation (then SB 303) that would offer greater protections of the rights of individuals at the end of life and their families while also preserving medical provider conscience rights. This is a delicate but necessary balance. Despite our efforts, especially by the Bishops of Texas, this legislation did not pass. This has a direct effect on the vulnerable patients of the next two years in Texas. The work we do at the Capitol has a real effect on real lives. This should compel us to speak up and give stronger support to this end of life legislation this year.

We will have this opportunity throughout the legislative session, but especially on March 24, the Catholic Faith in Action Advocacy Day. On that day we will be able to join the bishops at the Capitol to uphold the sanctity of life, help the poor and vulnerable, and promote the common good.

Based on these principles, the bishops of Texas have built a legislative agenda. Included in that agenda is reforming statutes around end of life care, ending public

funding of abortion facilities, restricting judicial bypass in parental consent abortion law as well as supporting school choice and supporting regulatory standards to curb usurious lending practices.

You can let your representatives know that you support the bishop’s legislative agenda by making phone calls and sending letters throughout the session. You can also participate in the Catholic Faith in Action Advocacy Day. By being at the Capitol (in blue!) we are showing our legislators that Catholic voters are behind this agenda.

To learn more about Catholic Faith in Action Advocacy Day and to get involved, visit www.txcatholic.org. Be sure to sign up for action alerts through the Texas Catholic Network!

Marie Cehovin is the director of the Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living in the Diocese of Austin.

Celebrating and Preparingby Marie Cehovin

“No one can demand that religion should be relegated to the inner sanctum of personal life, without influence on societal and national life, without concern for the soundness of civil institutions, without a right

to offer an opinion on events affecting society. Who would claim to lock up in a church and silence the message of saint Francis of Assisi or Blessed Teresa of Calcutta? They themselves would have found this unacceptable.”

— Pope Francis (Evangelii Gaudium, no. 183)

2015 Texas CaTholiC FaiTh in aCTion advoCaCy dayTexas CaTholiC ConFerenCe

www.TxCaTholiC.org Tuesday, MarCh 24, 2015

Catholics from across Texas will unite to promote the Church's values of L i f e , J u s t i c e , c h a r i t y, and r e L i g i o u s f r e e d o m to members of the 84rd Texas Legislature.

raLLy• 11:30 a.m. on the south steps of the Texas State CapitolBBQ Lunch • will be served on the great lawn of the Capitol grounds

Winter 2015 3

Around the Diocese

4 LIFe TImes • Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living

Around the Diocese

Cristo Rey Parish has had a Pro-Life Ministry since 2013, led by Father John Calgaro. There are 8–10 members who meet Saturdays at the Prayer Vigils in South Austin.

What we do:organize prayer vigils •collect donations for Gabriel Project (St. Austin Parish and •Catholic Charities)participate in Texas Catholic Pro-Life Day•distribute baby cards on Respect Life Sunday•distribute and collect Baby Banks •

We would like to get a Gabriel Project established and need volunteers to be trained as Gabriel Angels to do it.

St. Margaret Mary in Cedar Park has had a Pro-Life Committee since 2011, with Yvonne Saldaña and Kathleen Diamond as co-chairpersons. There are 10–12 core members who meet twice per year for general calendar items. We communicate fre-quently through e-mails.

What we do:promote Spiritual Adoption •Novena Mar. 25–Dec. 25organize Spiritual Adoption •Baby Showerrecite rosary prayer for •pending executionsmaintain Garden of •the Innocentshost an annual Garden •Prayer Service for children who have diedhost an annual prayer service for families who have had •children diedistribute and collect Baby Banks•participate in the Prayer Shawl and rosary-making ministries•create and promote D.O.V.E. (Disciples Overcoming Violent •Environments) — a resource program to educate on domestic violence and creating domestic peace within the family and community

st. Margaret Mary in Cedar Park (Austin North Deanery)

Parish Pro-Life Committee Updates

(Top) A volunteer prepares prayer shawls for distribution. (Bottom) Generous donations from the Spiritual Adoption Baby Shower. | photos by Kathleen Yucikas

Garden of the Innocents Dedication | photos by Kathleen Yucikas

Submit your parish pro-life committee

updates!Email our education coordinator,

Claudia Meserole, at [email protected]

Pro-Life Committee Members of Cristo Rey, led by Father John Calgaro, include Clementia Moran, Maria Alicia Ramirez, Lily Reyes, David Reyes, Sanjuana Robledee, Lucia Robles, Maria de la Luz Hernandez. | photos by Life Times Staff

Cristo rey Parish (Austin Central Deanery)

Winter 2015 5

Around the Diocese

St. William Parish in Round Rock has had a Pro-Life Committee since the summer of 1987. Ann Bierschenk came to the first information meeting that was held. She was a member, then the coordinator for several years. She continued as the coordinator while she directed the diocesan office from 1991–2008. Two years ago, she was asked by Father Dean Wilhelm to coordinate the parish pro-life efforts at St. William. The committee meets monthly (with the exception of December and July).

What we do:promote Respect Life Sunday and Respect Life Month in October •

coordinating Baby Bank Campaign -organizing Blessing of Roses -setting up an information table -focusing on a topic of timely concern -

collect items for our parish Gabriel Project through the Tree of •Hope project during Advent promote and attend the • Roe v. Wade anniversary activities organized by the diocesan Pro-Life Office in Januaryerect a Cemetery of the Holy Innocents in memory of the millions •of helpless and innocent unborn lives lost to the tragedy of abortion organize the blessing of mothers and distribution of carnations •in Mayorganize the blessing of fathers in June•organize various activities to promote the Fortnight for Freedom •in June and Julyorganize blessing of expectant mothers in July and December •publish a weekly Pro-Life column in our parish bulletin and •messages distributed by USCCB Pro-Life Secretariat Reprint educational pieces published in the annual Respect Life •Program Manual throughout the yearsupport and attend the major fundraisers of the Diocesan Pro- •Life ministries

participate in the Masses •for Life make prayer shawls for •those who suffer participate in 40 Days for •Life Campaign

The parish Gabriel Project is coordinated by Kathy Lietzke and it continues to get many calls for help in a crisis pregnancy. We collaborate with other parish Gabriel Projects to assist the women in need. The Gabriel Project also has a shed full of items to assist mothers and babies in their material needs. Pam Rabaey oversees the items and has been an angel since the Gabriel Project started in 1993.

St. Mary of the Visitation in Lockhart has had pro-life activities for over 20 years. Terry Henderson has been the heart of the Pro-Life Committee in Lockhart for many years. There are 7–8 active participants whose family members get involved when there is an event. For 2015, we are meeting on the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m.

What we do:organize activities to support our •parish youth group as well as other life-affirming activities host Angel Giving Tree at Advent •donate financial support to •promote chastity instruction to local youth (THRiVE!)organize a canned food drive for •Society of St. Vincent de Paul distribute blessed roses on Respect •Life Sundayattend monthly prayer vigils in •front of Planned Parenthood attend Ladies for Life Luncheon put •on by Coalition for Life in Austin participate in Texas Catholic Pro-•Life Dayorganize activities to support the •Gabriel Project

We began a Gabriel Project in 2010. Most of the Respect Life Committee members are trained Gabriel Angels. We have very few requests for help directly (only 1 or 2 each year) but continue to collect and share donated items with neighboring or newly starting Gabriel Projects as well as having made donations in the past to Catholic Charities of Central Texas.

Members of the St. William Parish Pro-Life Committee: (Front row) Rosario Juarez, Cheryl Brunt, Ann Bierschenk, Fr. Dean Wilhelm, Janie Sanchez, Marianne Prybyla; (Back row) Glenn Brunt, Evandro Menezes, Msgr. Louis Pavlicek, Annette Sprawls, Cindy Talley, John Talley; (Not pictured) Carol Ruppert, Lynn Williams, Pam Rabaey, Kathy Lietzki, Margaret Bohls, Margaret Pevoto, Curtis Locklear, Claire Honeycutt, Mike Whelpley, Elaine Rodriguez. | photo courtesy of Ann Bierschenk

July Fortnight4Freedom Flag Cere-mony. | photo by Ann Bierschenk

Angel Giving Tree dona-tions. | photo by Mary Helen Russell

st. William Parish in round rock (Georgetown/Round Rock Deanery)

st. Mary of the Visitation in Lockhart (Bastrop/Lockhart Deanery)

continued on page 6 . . .

6 LIFe TImes • Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living

Around the Diocese

St. Anthony Marie de Claret in Kyle has had a Pro-Life Committee since October 2012, when Father Juan Carlos asked James Esquivel to start it. Along with his wife, Corina, and David and Yvette Cortez, the group has grown with six more volunteers. We have a monthly meeting.

What we do:participate in Texas Pro-Life Day vigil, rosary, Mass and march•pray the “40 Days for Life” at the Ben White Planned Parenthood •twice a yearsponsor a Pro-Life Family Night at St. Anthony Parish•create Pro-Life Fiesta games for the annual Fiesta•assist St. Ferdinand Parish, Blanco, Summer Pro-Life Youth Day•organize the Annual Diaper Drive and Baby Bank Drive in October•participate in annual recruitment at our church Ministry Fair•assist Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving boxes and issue •to Gabriel Project familiesassist Society of St. Vincent de Paul Christmas breakfast •issue gifts to Gabriel Project families•organize Christmas Caroling to local Nursing home, donating •socks, slippers and blanketspray Monthly Pro-Life rosary and special bouquet mass every 4th •Tuesday of the month

Gabriel Project was started in 2002 by Henri Daywood. In May 2013, Yvette Cortez and Corina Esquivel joined Gabriel Project as coordinators. As of today, we have 14 volunteers for Gabriel Project.

St. Theresa in Austin has had a Pro-Life Committee for, at least, 25 years. Karen Ebert, Jody French and Misty Cey each served as chairpersons throughout that time. Celie Hardin has been involved for 10 years and is currently the chairperson. We have a mailing list with 50 names and six to eight people attend meetings. We meet once a month on the third Tuesday of the month right after the 7 p.m. Mass.

What we do:host coffee & donuts to share the Pro-Life message, including •these topics:

Adoption as a Great Option -Relevant Radio is Pro-Life -The Death Penalty -Fertility Awareness and Natural Family Planning -Embryonic Stem Cell Research -40 Days for Life -End-of-Life Issues -Harmful Effects of Pornography -Freedom of Religion & the HHS Mandate -Pure Fashion Modesty Program -Voting and Responsible Citizenship -

participate in and support:•The Texas Alliance for -Life’s MarchTAL Rally for Life -Heroic Media (formerly -Majella Society)Project Rachel -The Gabriel Project -Baby Banks Campaign -Defense of Marriage Act/ -Voter RegistrationAustin Prayer Vigils for Life -

offer a Holy Hour for Life in •the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel from 8–9 p.m.distribute roses on •Mother’s Day host Stations of the Cross•distribute white ribbons to •promote Respect for Life

st. Anthony Marie de Claret in Kyle (San Marcos Deanery)

(Top) Pro-Life Rally in Austin. | (Bottom left) Gabriel Project “Baby Boutique.” (Bottom right) Gabriel Project Angels welcome a Gabriel Mom and her baby: (Top row) Rosie Gallo, Corina Esquivel, Sylvia Govea, Barbara Webster and Mary Helen Russell, Shylene Garza; (Bottom row) Yvette Cortez, Maricela Ruiz, Amber Smith and Charlotte, Jackie Alvarez | photos by Barbara Webster and Life Times Staff

Pure Fashion representatives present a display of the Modesty program. (Middle) Holy Hour for Life takes place in the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. (Bottom) Coffee and donuts are hosted by committee members and volunteers monthly. | photos by Celie Harden

st. Theresa in Austin (Austin North Deanery)

Parish Pro-Life Committee Updatescontinued from page 5

Winter 2015 7

Around the Diocese

8 LIFe TImes • Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living

urge you to continue with humility and trust on this road, striving to pursue your statutory goals of implementing the teaching of the Magisterium of the Church in the field of medical ethics.

The dominant thinking sometimes suggests a “false compassion,” that which believes that it is: helpful to women to promote abortion; an act of dignity to obtain euthanasia; a scientific breakthrough to “produce” a child and to consider it to be a right rather than a gift to welcome; or to use human lives as guinea pigs presumably to save others. Instead, the compassion of the Gospel is that which accompanies in times of need, that is, the compassion of the Good Samaritan, who “sees,” “has compassion,” approaches and provides concrete help (cf. Lk 10:33). Your mission as doctors puts you in daily contact with many forms of suffering. I encourage you to take them on as “Good Samaritans,” caring in a special way for the elderly, the infirm and the disabled. Fidelity to the Gospel of life and respect for life as a gift from God sometimes require choices that are courageous and go against the current, which in particular circumstances, may become points of conscientious objection. And this fidelity entails many social consequences. We are living in a time of experimentation with life. But a bad experiment. Making children rather than accepting them as a gift, as I said. Playing with life. Be careful, because this is a sin against the Creator: against God the Creator, who created things this way. When so

many times in my life as a priest I have heard objections: “But tell me, why the Church is opposed to abortion, for example? Is it a religious problem?” No, no. It is not a religious problem. “Is it a philosophical problem?” No, it is not a philosophical problem. It’s a scientific problem, because there is a human life there, and it is not lawful to take out a human life to solve a problem. “But no, modern thought…” But, listen, in ancient thought and modern thought, the word “kill” means the same thing. The same evaluation applies to euthanasia: we all know that with so many old people, in this culture of waste, there is this hidden euthanasia. But there is also the other. And this is to say to God, “No, I will accomplish the end of life, as I will.” A sin against God the Creator! Think hard about this.

I hope the 70 years of your association will stimulate a further process of growth and maturation. May you work constructively with all the people and institutions who share your love of life and seek to serve it in its dignity, sanctity and inviolability. St. Camillus de Lellis, in suggesting the most effective method in caring for the sick, would simply say: “Put more heart into those hands.” Put more heart in these hands! This is also my hope. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, salus infirmorum, support the intentions with which you intend to continue your action. I ask you to please pray for me and I give you my heartfelt blessing.

Find the original article and radio interview at http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/11/15/pope_urges_doctors_to_witness_to_sanctity_of_life/1111251.

Pope Urges Doctors to Witnesscontinued from page 1

God’s Giftby Kaytee Jones

The Gift of God’s CreationThe love I felt had absolutely no explanation

It was so incredibly amazingWhen you were born the angels were praisingYou are a beautiful immaculate bundle of joyI fell in love when they told me you were a boy

my stomach filled with butterfliesmy life changed when you opened your eyes

I had no clue what I was in forAfter two weeks my knees hit the floor

Giving up wasn’t an optionI wouldn’t and couldn’t think of adoption

The love I had for you was outrightI wasn’t going to give up without a fight

I live for you nowAnd anyone could ask me how

It is true loveI will always put you above

Photo by photobac / 123RF Stock Photo

National News

Winter 2015 9

On Oct. 19, Pope Paul VI was beatified in a ceremony presided over by Pope Francis, the

penultimate step before canonization as a saint. The event was held at the Vatican, and, among the many dignitaries in attendance for the ceremony were Dr. Thomas Hilgers and his wife Sue, founders of the Pope Paul Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction based in Omaha, Neb.

The origins of the Pope Paul VI Institute trace back to 1968, and the issuance of Pope Paul VI’s encyclical letter, Humanae Vitae. The highly controversial letter reaffirmed the Church’s teaching on the issues of marriage, family life and birth control. Additionally, the letter included a specific appeal to doctors and health care professionals to seek solutions that “are in accord with faith and right reason.”

The Pope’s unapologetic defense of the Church’s position on the issues resonated with the young Hilgers who, at the time, was a senior medical student at the University of Minnesota.

“It was like he was talking to me,” Hilgers says, recounting his experience with the letter. “It changed my life.”

Soon thereafter, Hilgers began conducting groundbreaking research that led to the development of the Creighton Model FertilityCare System and NaProTechnology, two groundbreaking technologies in reproductive healthcare. These technologies currently serve as the cornerstones of the institute’s outreach efforts, which serve thousands of women and families on six continents.

The growth of the institute since its founding in 1985 has been remarkable. Today, the institute has a medical clinic in Omaha that offers obstetrics, gynecology, reproductive medicine and surgery for individuals needing regular or high-risk care, as well as a hormone laboratory.

The institute also coordinates a variety of educational programs targeting doctors and other medical professionals, clergy, as well as lay men and women from all over the world. Its recent educational program, for instance, which was held this past April, attracted 116 students from 20 different countries and 32 states. Last year, the institute held a two part education program in Mexico City. A few years ago, a similar program was held in Poland.

The October beatification was an exclamation point on a year that has been one of the most special in the institute’s short but remarkable existence, as earlier this year, one of the institute’s strongest supporters, Pope John Paul II, was canonized a saint.

“I never imagined back in 1968 that I would be someday be a part of this great man’s legacy,” says Hilgers of Pope Paul VI. “He was such a staunch defender of the faith, and the courage he demonstrated in Humanae Vitae continues to serve as a source of inspiration to both the Institute and to me personally.”

Source: Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction, 6901 Mercy Rd., Omaha, NE 68106-2604 www.popepaulvi.com.

Thomas W. Hilgers, MD, director of the Pope Paul VI Institute, is an obstetri-cian-gynecologist who specializes in reproductive medicine and surgery.

Dr. Hilgers is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Board of Laser Surgery (in gynecologic laser surgery). An expert in microsurgery and reconstructive pelvic surgery, he is a member of the prestigious Society of Reproductive Surgeons. In addition, he is a Clinical Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Creighton University School of Medicine and has been named, by Pope John Paul II, to membership in the Pontifical Academy for Life.

He is joined in practice by Drs. Catherine Keefe and Kristina Pakiz.

Encyclical of Beatified Pope Inspired Physician's Revolutionary Work in Reproductive Health

source: Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction

About Dr. Thomas W. Hilgers

source: Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction

Dr. Thomas W. Hilgers, MD, and his wife, Sue

7-day virtual Marriage retreatLooking for Valentine's Day ideas? We've got you covered!

National Marriage Week 2015 February 7–14

National News

www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/national-marriage-week-2015.cfm

Highlights

40 Days for LifeThe Central Texas Coalition for Life holds prayer vigils year-round outside local abortion facilities. The most concen-trated efforts are during the 40 Days for Life campaigns!

This spring’s campaign is Feb. 18—March 29. Stay tuned for more info and to sign up.

More information www.centraltexascoalition.

com/get-involved/ upcoming-events

Scheduled ExecutionsWe are called to show com-passion and mercy to all, including those who are incarcerated. While expressing the deepest sympathies and prayers to the families of the victims for their loss and suffering, the Catholic Church continues to oppose the use of capital punishment. The death penalty diminishes humanity and the dignity of life.

The Texas Catholic Conference appeals to the legislature and the Governor to stop the use of the death penalty in Texas. Until that time, we continue to request stays of execution and offer prayers for each execution conducted in Texas.

www.txcatholicmercyproject.org

March 5 Rodney ReedMarch 11 Manuel VasquezMarch 18 Randall MaysApril 9 Kent SprouseApril 15 Manuel GarzaApril 23 Richard VasquezApril 28 Robert PruettMay 12 Derrick Charles

For the locations of vigils across Texas on the days

of executions, go to:http://tcadp.org/get-involved/

stop-executions/#

hIghLIghts

10 LIFe TImes • Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living

Events

CALenDAr Of eVents

Thursday, february 12 Culture of Life Celebratory Dinner st. Helen Parish, Georgetown, 6 p.m.

tuesday, february 17 Office Closed for staff Lenten Day of Prayer

Wednesday, february 18 Ash Wednesday

saturday, August 16 Austin Prayer Vigil st. Ignatius martyr Parish, Austin, 7:30 a.m.

february 18–March 22 40 Days for Life throughout the Diocese of Austin

saturday, february 21 Abortion facility Prayer Vigil san José Parish, Austin

friday, february 27 thriVe! Adult seminar sacred Heart Parish, Waco, 6:30 p.m.

tuesday, March 3 Ordination of Bishop-elect Daniel e. garcia st. William Parish, Round Rock, 2 p.m.

friday, March 6 thriVe! teen rally & Adult seminar st. Joseph school, Bryan, 7 p.m.

sunday, March 8 thriVe! teen rally & Adult seminar san José Parish, Austin, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 19 thriVe! teen rally Reicher High school, Waco, 6:30 p.m.

March 27–29 Project rachel retreat

April 2–4 Diocesan Offices Closed for easter (Thursday is a half day)

friday, April 3 good friday Prayer Vigil Austin

sunday, April 5 feast of the resurrection of our Lord

Monday, April 6 Diocesan Offices Closed for easter Monday

saturday, May 16 Austin Prayer Vigil TBD

Monday, June 8 Catechesis on human Love (ChL) classes start

saturday, June 20 Austin Prayer Vigil TBD

June 22–July 3 fortnight for freedom

July 19–25 nfP Awareness Week Prayer service TBD

For more information, contact the Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living at (512) 949-2486.

Office of Pro-Life Activitiesand Chaste LivingDiocese of AustinP.O. Box 13327

Austin, Texas 78711(512) 949-2486

hOW tO suBsCrIBe

If you would like to receive a copy of the newsletter, call us or go to

CentraltexasProLife.org

is the quarterly publication of the Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living in the Diocese of Austin.

Most rev. Joe s. VásquezBishop of Austin

Most rev. Daniel e. garciaAuxiliary Bishop-elect of Austin

rev. Alberto BorruelPriest Moderator

Marie Cehovin Claudia Meserole Director Editor

Valerie Pokorny Layout & Design