Last weekend, I witnessed several examples of the strength of the pro-life heartbeat in Nebraska. On Saturday, I was privileged to attend and serve as emcee for a pro-life prayer breakfast in Wayne. The event was organized by pro-life leaders in and around Wayne.
The chief organizer of this event was Bonnie Hoffman, the long-time pro-life coordinator for St. Mary Church in Wayne. This kind of leadership is the reason why my office recognized Mrs. Hoffman with the 2013 Gospel of Life award for the Archdiocese of Omaha.
This pro-life prayer breakfast drew an impressive crowd of more than 100 participants from several communities surrounding Wayne. I’m not at all surprised by this turnout, given the consistent and exemplary level of pro-life activity being sponsored by Catholic parish pro-life coordinators throughout northeast Nebraska.
The program featured a powerful short video on fetal development, local musicians and an inspiring presentation by keynote speaker Martha Hawthorne, host of “Praying with Mommy” on Sioux City’s Catholic radio station. Ms. Hawthorne shared her own pro-life testimony “as a single young mother and (her) story of prayer, forgiveness and mercy.”
Another example of pro-life dynamism on display at the breakfast was a gorgeous pro-life calendar, entitled “Celebration of Life 2014,” produced by the pro-life leaders in Wayne. A similar calendar was produced by parish pro-life coordinators in Hartington, a neighboring community to the north. These calendars feature very touching photos of local citizens, from babies to teens to seniors—all intended as a “Celebration of Life” and to raise funds for local pro-life activities.
The same day Wayne’s pro-life breakfast was held, the pro-life leaders in Fremont held a similar prayer breakfast, also attracting more than 100 participants. Fremont pro-life leaders have sponsored this annual pro-life breakfast for many years helping to keep the pro-life heartbeat going in Fremont.
Over last weekend, I also received a couple of reports from pro-life leaders in other parts of Nebraska. Among my e-mails was a message from Marian Czapla, a long-time pro-life coordinator from St. Rose of Lima Parish in Genoa. Mrs. Czapla gave me this report:
“Just finished our Magi collection—very pleased with the response considering we have had so many benefits in the past few months. We have $300, 14 dozen disposal diapers, 26 body suits, 14 outfits, five blankets, 21 sleepers and 16 misc. items. Plan to deliver to Birthright of Columbus tomorrow.” Epiphany and Advent baby showers are promoted among all parishes by my office.
And finally, I received a very moving e-mail from Janice Reinke, the volunteer director of Hope Pregnancy Center in Superior, in which she shares the extraordinary work being done by a group of caring volunteers. Here are some excerpts:
“We have faithful, willing volunteers that care deeply for each and every one of our parents. We teach mom, dads, and couples through our ‘Earn While You Learn’ curriculum. Those that are willing to attend their appointments and complete their lessons, are also thrilled to earn incentives as simple as toilet paper, diapers, laundry soap, or as great as cribs, safety gates, potty chairs or a washer. In our low-income communities, every little bit helps reduce their financial stress.
“We purchased our building in March of 2013, but celebrated our 15th anniversary in November. We have four female mentors and quite a few volunteers that do everything from sorting and organizing incentives, writing thank-yous, housekeeping tasks, bookkeeping, copying or writing lessons, writing grants or designing a newsletter, serving as board members, or speaking to groups.
“In 2013 we saw 30 women and seven men, parents to nearly 50 children. They attended 552 (90-minute) appointments, doing over 600 lessons and earning 2,421 ‘baby bucks’ (which would equal about $7,500 of product)…[some of which] were redeemed for 5,413 disposable diapers.”
In the 41 years since Roe v. Wade the pro-life movement has experienced many ups and downs, including attempts by some to write its obituary. The tireless work of pro-life champions like those mentioned herein, is compelling evidence that the heart of the pro-life movement is beating strong.
