austin diocese parish pro-life committee manual (prolife handbook/propaganda, tx)

7/31/2019 Austin Diocese Parish Pro-Life Committee Manual (prolife handbook/propaganda, TX)

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Parish Pro-Life Committee Manual

Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living Diocese of Austin

The Catholic Church of Central TexasRevised August 15, 2009


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This Manual and all of our efforts

promoting greater respect for human life

are under the patronage of

Our Lady of Guadalupe,

Patroness of the Americas and

Protectress of the Unborn

Holy Mother of God,

Pray for Us!


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Table of Contents1. Letter to Parish Pro-Life Committees

2. Getting Organizeda. Committee Organizational Chartb. Committee Job Descriptionsc. Your Relationship with the Pastor and the Parishd. Calendare. Diocesan Organizationf. Diocese of Austin: Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste

Living g. Deaneries of the Diocese of Austinh. Diocesan Council for Parish Pro-Life Committeesi. Resources for Parish Pro-Life Committee Chairsj. Appreciation Dinner for Parish Pro-Life Volunteers

3. Information and Educationa. Council Organizationb. Resources and Ideas for Parish Information and Education

Coordinatorsc. Activities and Ideas

i. For Whom Do the Bells Tollii. Pro-Life Resource Table for Parish Ministry Fairiii. Pro-Life Speakers Bureauiv. White Ribbon for Life Campaign

4. Pastoral Outreacha. Gabriel Projecti. Council Organizationii. Description

b. Project Racheli. Council Organizationii. Description

c. Gabriel Project Life Centersd. Pro-Life Help Linee. Sidewalk Ministry

i. Council Organizationii. Teams

f. Resources and Ideas for Parish Pastoral Outreach Coordina-tors (Gabriel Project, Project Rachel and Sidewalk Ministry)

5. Public Policy a. Council Organizationb. Resources and Ideas for Parish Public Policy Coordinatorsc. National Committee for a Human Life Amendment

5

78-910111213

14-17181919

2122

23242526

2728

29303131

3233-3637

394041


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d. Texas Catholic Conferencee. Texas Catholic Conference Life and Family Life Advocacy

Day f. Voter Registration Sunday

6. Prayer and Worshipa. Prayer and Worship Ideasb. Blessing for Fathersc. Blessing for Mothersd. Blessing of a Monument to the Unborne. Blessing of Infants, Babies and Childrenf. Blessing of Pregnancy and Expectant Mothersg. Blessing of Rosesh. Cemetery of the Innocentsi. Day of Penance and Prayer January 22j. Garden of the Innocentsk. Holy Hour for Life Prayers Before the Blessed Sacrament

for the Gospel of Lifel. Litany for Lifem. Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary n. Living Rosary o. Mass for Families and their Unborn Childrenp. National Night of Prayer for Lifeq. Nine Days for Life A Novena to Our Lady of Sorrowsr. Old Testament Litany for Lifes. Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the

Unbornt. A Prayer for Life for Pro-Life Volunteersu. Prayers on the Death of a Child

v. Prayer Shawl Ministry w. Remembering Those in Prison and on Death Row with

Black Ribbonsx. Rite for Miscarriagesy. Rosary for Mercy z. Spiritual Adoption Programaa. Spiritual Bouquet of Monthly Masses for Life

7. Fund and Donation Raising a. Baby Bank Campaign

b. Baby Showerc. Blessing Blanketsd. Christmas Card and Religious Ornament Salee. Corporal Works of Mercy f. Cross of Simong. Gabriels Cribh. Tree of Hope

4243

44-45

4748-5051-5354-56575758596061-6263-66

6768-697071-737475-777879

8081-828384

85-868788-9293

95-96

979899100-102103104105


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August 15, 2009

Dear Parish Pro-Life Committee,

Almost all that we work to accomplish as the Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living is actually car-

ried out by volunteers, passionate about ensuring that the sanctity of human life is acknowledged and protected by all. We know very well just how valuable you are, and I want to thank you for your priceless service to the building of aCulture of Life. Anything that we give you or ask you to attend is for the sake of communication and collaboration,

without which we cannot be effective.

Certainly, the family is where the Culture of Life begins, for life is the fruit of a marriage and family. It is easy to see, however, that the parish is where families come together and impact each other, and for that reason where aCulture of Life grows. The parish has a unique capacity to reach out to and change surrounding communities. In 1993,the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops published, Communities of Salt and Light: Reflections on the SocialMission of the Parish (CSL), which sought to recognize the great work being done by parishes to carry out the socialmission of the Church and to encourage other parishes to do the same in their own communities. Sixteen years later,there are many more parishes doing this work, but the challenge still remains.

There is of course value in diocesan, national and global efforts in building a Culture of Life there isstrength in our unity. However, the parish is where the Church lives They are where the gospel is proclaimed andcelebrated, where believers are formed and sent to renew the earththey are the heart of the Church. Parishes are theplace where Gods people meet Jesus in word and sacrament (CSL 2). The parish is where the people are, coming together for one very simple, common purpose to meet Jesus Christ. Some know him better than others, some may not even be aware that it is him that they are searching for, but they are there, in the parish. They may not have everheard of the Parish Pro-Life Committee, seen the latest statement from the USCCB or read Pope Benedict XVIs mostrecent encyclical. But they are there, sitting next to you in the pew or passing by you on your way to the parking lot.

Not only does the parish provide an opportunity to evangelize those in the pews, but it serves as a beacon of light in your community. The parish has long been a safe place, a place of hope, renewal and comfort. In the words of the United States Bishops, In these challenging days, we believe that the Catholic community needs to be more thanever a source of clear moral vision and effective action. We are called to be the salt of the earth and light of the

world in the words of the Scriptures (cf. Mt 5:13-16). This task belongs to every believer and every parish. It cannotbe assigned to a few or simply delegated to diocesan or national structures. The pursuit of justice and peace in an es-sential part of what makes a parish Catholic. In urban neighborhoods, in suburban communities, and in rural areas,parishes serve as anchors of hope and communities of caring, help families meet their own needs and reach out to oth-ers, and serve as centers of community life and networks of assistance (CSL 2).

It is lay people, most often volunteers, by living out the mission of Christ in their own life and filled with hispassion and love, who bring the social mission of the Church to life. You have recognized that your faith cannot stay in a box but must be lived. It is lay women and men, placing their gifts at the service of others (cf. 1 Pt 4:10), who

will be Gods primary instruments in renewing the earth by their leadership and faithfulness in the community (CSL5).

We are dedicated as an Office to serving the needs of the parish in building a Culture of Life. We hope toprovide you with a model of communication and collaboration that will allow the work you do to be that much moreeffective in building a Culture of Life. Please do not hesitate to let us know how we can better serve you, who are in

the heart of the Church.

In Christ for Life,

Marie Seale, MPMDirector


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P a r i s h P r o- L i f e C o m m i t t e e

M o d e l o f C o m m u n i c a t i o n a n d C o l l a b o r a t i o n

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Parish Pro-Life Committee Job Descriptions Each parish is invited to structure a Pro-Life Committee and appoint a Pro-Life Committee Chairto initiate and organize Pro-Life activities within the parish.

Depending on the size and needs of the parish, each Life Committees leadership will look a littledifferent. The provided model of a Parish Pro-Life Committee is simply thata model. What thecommittee looks like at your parish depends on the particular needs and available resources at yourparish, and is ultimately at the discretion of the Pastor. The model provided is intended to allow the best communication possible between apostolate coordinators, the Pastor and the Diocese as

well as an even distribution of responsibility within the Committee.

Committee Chair Serves both the parish and the diocese in a voluntary manner Works in cooperation with the pastor and a Parish Pro-Life Committee to build a Culture of

Life in the parish and community Implements, with the Committee, specific projects or requests sent from the diocesan level

with the permission of the pastor. Principal liaison with the Pastor for parish pro-life apostolate coordinators and the Diocese of

Austin Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living The activities and projects undertaken by a Parish Pro-Life Committee is not decided

by the Committee Chair, but by the entire Committee with the final decision being made by the Pastor. The intention of having the Committee Chair be the principal liai-son with the Pastor is to have simple, stream lined communication so that Pastor willbe able to see all that the Committee has to offer and make the best decision for theParish.

Committee Chairs are highly encouraged to delegate to other members of the Committee, butif apostolate coordinators (as listed below) are not available in the parish, than many of the du-ties may be accomplished by the Committee Chair. Many will require further training by theOffice of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living

Information & Education Coordinator Primarily responsible for encouraging education of the parish and community on life issues May work to distribute literature, organize activities or organize approved speakers to come to

their parish Works with other Information and Education Coordinators, primarily through Regional Coor-

dinators who work directly with the Diocese

Gabriel Project Coordinator Primarily responsible for the organization of the Gabriel Project apostolate within the parish Receive referrals from the Pro-Life Help Line and delegate those mothers to parish Gabriel

Angels Works with other Gabriel Project Coordinators, primarily through Regional Coordinators who

are a part of the Diocesan Gabriel Project Council Must be a trained Gabriel Angel to be a Gabriel Project Coordinator


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Project Rachel Coordinator Seeks to educate the parish on the need and opportunities for post-abortive healing Promotes Project Rachel retreats and trainings for priests, counselors and spiritual directors in

post-abortive healing With approval may form a Project Rachel Support Group

Works with other Project Rachel Coordinators, primarily through the Diocesan Project RachelCouncil

Sidewalk Ministry Coordinator Encourages prayerful and peaceful outreach at the abortion facilities Advertises prayer vigils or Sidewalk Angel trainings Seeks to educate the parish on their responsibility to pray for the abortion facility that has the

greatest impact on their community Works with other Sidewalk Ministry Coordinators, primarily through Team Coordinators who

are a part of the Diocesan Sidewalk Ministry Council

Public Policy Coordinator Primarily responsible for encouraging parishioners to take action in areas of public policy Organizes post card campaigns and parish participation in the Texas Catholic Conference Life

and Family Life Advocacy Day Signs up parishioners for e-mail Action Alerts and other advocacy opportunities Networks with other Public Policy Coordinators, primarily through Regional Coordinators who

work directly with the Diocese

Prayer & Worship Coordinator Organizes and implements opportunities for the parishioners to pray on behalf of a Culture of

Life, both at home and as a community Encourages participation of the parish in Diocesan or regional prayer events

Fundraising Coordinator Works to raise funds to support of the work of the Parish Pro-Life Committee. If supported by the pastor, this includes working with the Diocese during the Baby Bank cam-

paign Promotes the annual Diocesan Pro-Life Benefit Gala at the parish

Depending on the needs of your parish, the above positions may be necessary, and you may see aneed for other positions, such as a secretary or treasurer. Work closely with your Pastor to see theneeds of the parish and be aware of the gifts available among the parishioners. By doing so, you

will be able to see what positions are needed on your Parish Committee.

The Committee members are not the only people involved with building a Culture of Life. You will want to keep a list of parishioners who are interested in being involved with parish or Diocesanpro-life efforts. Please keep the Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living updated with yourlist so that they can do their part in keeping interested parishioners informed.


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Your Relationship with the Pastorand the Community

When your goal is to engage a community, relationships are vital to your effectiveness. More im-portantly, we cannot expect to build a Culture of Life if we do not first uphold the dignity of every person we encounter and treat them with the same respect and reverence as those lives in danger inour society. Please keep the following in mind as you work to build a Culture of Life in your parishand your community:

1. Your spiritual life is an important part of your effectiveness. If you are a person of prayer, aperson that is faith-filled, the Spirit will work through you to build up the kingdom. Let prayerbe the foundation and source of your ongoing strength and hope. Be open to the Holy Spiritboth through personal prayer and through the voice of those you work with.

2. Your involvement in various aspects of parish life is important. Your participation in liturgicalministries will give you visibility. Your involvement in parish meetings, religious education,parish festivals, etc. will give you credibility as a concerned, committed, responsible, leader inthe parish community. If you help others, they in turn will help you to work on your projectsand activities.

3. Be a team person. Delegate. To accomplish your goals and activities you will need the coop-eration of many other people. Involve others in your planning and implementation. You canmake a greater difference if you work as a team person, and you will also make an impact onthe hearts of those you work with.

4. How does the pastor perceive you? Are you perceived as the type of person mentionedabove? Are you well organized? Do you have a track record of "having followed through"?

Are the planned activities going to be more work for the pastor? Or are you and others assum-ing the responsibility of implementing the plans in cooperation with the pastor? Are you a pa-rishioner who gives of his/her time, talent and treasure?

5. Being committed includes an ongoing commitment to read and be informed of life is-sues as well as Catholic Church teachings and current events of importance. It is imperative tostay informed of the latest news on life issues and where the Church stands and to educate theparish on these issues.

6. Work with existing groups, committees and ministries within the parish. If planning aliturgy, work with the liturgy committee if your parish has one. Advance planning is crucial.Surprises generally do not work when it comes to liturgical events. Many members of the par-ish, such as the Knights of Columbus, the youth or those preparing for Confirmation, are eagerto participate in pro-life activities when the opportunity is provided. Utilize these groups tocommunicate with the entire parish.

7. Funding of Activities. If the parish has an annual budget, request a reasonable amount tocover cost of planned activities. Fund raising activities that do not conflict with parish activi-ties also give parishioners the opportunity to support pro-life efforts. Parish organizations suchas the Knights of Columbus are often willing to help contribute toward expenses.


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CalendarHolydays, Feast Days and Special Observances

July

July 4 - Independence Day Prayer for those denied a right to life

AugustSummer Volunteer Workshop

SeptemberLabor Day

Blessing the fruits of our labors

OctoberRespect Life Sunday and Respect Life Month

Blessing of Roses (page 58)Oct. 7 - Feast of the Holy Rosary

Importance of Prayer

NovemberNov. 1 - All Saints

Living a life of prayer & in service to others Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving for life

December Advent

Tree of Hope (page 105) Christmas Card and Religious Ornament

Sale (page 99) Winter Volunteer WorkshopFeast of the Visitation

Blessing of Pregnancy (page 57)Dec. 8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception

National Night of Prayer for Life (page 74)Dec. 12 - Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Prayer for the UnbornDec. 25 - Christmas

The gift of a child

Feast of the Holy Innocents Rite for Miscarriages (page 85-86)

Feast of the Holy Family Blessing of families

January

Jan. 1 - Solemnity of Mary Blessing of Mothers (page 51-53)

Feast of the Presentation Blessing of Infants (page 57)

Feast of the Epiphany Baby Shower (page 97)

Jan. 22 - Roe v. Wade Anniversary Annual Pro-Life Mass, Rally & Party Day of Penance and Prayer (page 60) Cemetery of the Innocents (page 59) White Ribbon Campaign (page 26)

FebruaryFeb. 14 - Valentine's Day

Message of chastity and loveLent

Cross of Simon (page 103) Corporal Works of Mercy (page 100-102)

March and AprilLife and Family Life Advocacy Day (odd years)

(page 43)March 25 - Feast of the Annunciation

Blessing of Pregnancy (page 57) Benefit Gala (Saturday closest to Feast)

Good Friday Black Ribbon Campaign (page 84)

Easter Sunday Life theme

MayMother's Day

Blessing of Mothers (page 51-53)

JuneFather's Day

Blessing of Fathers (page 48-50) Blessing of families


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D i o c e s a n O r g a n i z a t i o n

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Diocese of AustinOffice of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living

I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly. John 10:10Mission Statement

The Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living works to bring about a conversion of heart andmind that all might recognize the dignity of human life and embrace the abundant life to which weare all called. We hold to the Church's firm conviction of the dignity of each and every human life,created in the image and likeness of God. Each of us is invited to be filled with the love that satis-fies--that of the Holy Trinity--and in turn has a responsibility to nurture, protect and sustain the lifeGod has created, from conception to natural death.

The Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living seeks to implement the United States BishopsPastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities A Campaign in Support of Life. This statement can be found athttp://www.usccb.org/prolife/pastoralplan.shtml or may be requested from the Office of Pro-Life

Activities and Chaste Living at (512) 949-2486.

The Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living receives information and resources from theUnited States Conference of Catholic Bishops Pro-Life Secretariat and the National Committee fora Human Life Amendments. The Office is an extension of the ministry of the Bishop of Austin,and therefore all endeavors of the Office are ultimately at the discretion of the Bishop, just as allthe endeavors of a Parish Pro-Life Committee are ultimately at the discretion of the Pastor.

The Director of the Office is responsible for directing the staff and volunteers of the Office of Pro-Life Activities in a manner that is true to the vision of the Bishop of Austin and the heart of the Church. Many of the activities or apostolates of the Office are coordinated and organized by councils or committees. The structure and objectives of these groups are outlined in the pages of this manual to help you to see how Parish Committee members play a role in these groups, as wellas how these groups communicate with the staff of the Diocesan Office. As the apostolates of theOffice of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living grow and evolve, the councils will grow and evolveas well.


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Deaneries of the Diocese of AustinMany of the apostolates of the Office of Pro-Life Activities have councils or committees of volun-teers that coordinate the apostolate and facilitate communication between Diocesan staff and the

volunteers all across our 25 county, 127 parish Diocese. Many of these councils have Regional co-ordinators, which are groupings of deaneries. Ideally, we would like all of our apostolates to grow so large that we need a coordinator of each Deanery.

Listed here are the Deaneries and their respective Parishes.

Austin Central Deanery Austin, St. Mary Cathedral Austin, Cristo Rey Austin, Holy Cross Austin, Our Lady of Guadalupe Austin, St. Austin Austin, St. Edwards Campus Ministry Austin, St. Ignatius, Martyr Austin, St. Julia Austin, San Jos Austin, University Catholic Center

Austin North Austin, Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Austin, Sacred Heart Austin, St. Albert the Great Austin, St. Louis Austin, St. Theresa Austin, St. Thomas More Austin, St. Vincent de PaulCedar Park, St. Margaret Mary Lago Vista, St. Mary, Our Lady of the Lake

Austin South Deanery Austin, Dolores Austin, St. Andrew Kim Austin, St. Catherine of Siena Austin, St. John Neumann

Austin, St. Paul Austin, St. Peter the Apostle Austin, San Francisco Javier Austin, Santa BarbaraLakeway, EmmausStony Point, San Juan Diego


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San Marcos DeaneryBlanco, St. FerdinandBuda, Santa CruzDripping Springs, St. Martin de Porres

Johnson City, Good Shepherd

Kyle, St. Anthony Marie de ClaretSan Marcos, H.L. Grant Catholic Student CenterSan Marcos, St. John the Evangelist

Wimberley, St. Mary

Waco DeaneryChina Spring, St. PhilipElk, St. JosephGatesville, Our Lady of LourdesHamilton, St. ThomasLott, Sacred HeartMarlin, St. JosephMcGregor, St. EugeneMexia, St. Mary Moody, Our Lady of San Juan

Tours, St. Martin Waco, Sacred Heart Waco, St. Francis on the Brazos Waco (Hewitt), St. Jerome Waco, St. John the Baptist Waco (Bellmead), St. Joseph Waco, St. Louis Waco, St. Mary of the Assumption Waco, St. Peter Catholic Student Center West, St. Mary, Church of the Assumption

Killeen/Temple DeaneryBelton, Christ the King Burlington, St. MichaelCameron. St. MonicaCopperas Cove, Holy Family Cyclone, St. JosephHarker Heights, St. Paul Chong Hasang Killeen, St. Joseph

Marak, Sts. Cyril and MethodiusRogers, St. Matthew Rosebud, St. AnnSalado, St. Stephen

Temple, Our Lady of Guadalupe Temple, St. Luke Temple, St. Mary Westphalia, Church of the Visitation


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Georgetown/Round Rock Deanery Andice, Santa RosaCorn Hill, Holy Trinity Georgetown, St. HelenGranger, Sts. Cyril and Methodius

Hutto, St. Patrick Manor, St. JosephPflugerville, St. ElizabethRound Rock, St. John Vianney Round Rock, St. William

Taylor, Our Lady of Guadalupe Taylor, St. Mary of the Assumption

Bastrop/Lockhart DeaneryBastrop, AscensionElgin, Sacred HeartLockhart, St. Mary of the VisitationLuling, St. JohnMartindale, Immaculate Heart of Mary Rockne, Sacred HeartSmithville, St. PaulString Prairie, St. Mary of the AssumptionUhland, St. Michael

Bryan/College Station DeaneryBremond, St. Mary Bryan, St. Anthony Bryan, St. JosephBryan, San SalvadorBryan, Santa TeresaCaldwell, St. Mary Calvert, St. Mary College Station, St. Mary College Station, St. Thomas AquinasFranklin, St. Francis of AssisiFrenstat, Holy Rosary Hearne, St. Mary


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Brenham/La Grange DeaneryBrenham, St. Mary, Immaculate ConceptionChappell Hill, St. StanislausDime Box, St. JosephEllinger/Hostyn Hill, St. Mary

Fayetteville, St. JohnGiddings, St. MargaretLa Grange, Sacred HeartLexington, Holy Family Old-Washington-on-the-Brazos, Blessed Virgin Mary Pin Oak, St. Mary Rockdale, St. JosephSomerville, St. Ann

Lampasas/Marble Falls DeaneryBertram, Holy CrossBurnet, Our Mother of SorrowsGoldthwaite, St. PeterHorseshoe Bay, St. Paul the ApostleKingsland, St. Charles BorromeoLampasas, St. Mary of the Immaculate ConceptionLlano, Holy Trinity Lometa, Good ShepherdMarble Falls, St. John the EvangelistMason, St. JosephSan Saba, St. Mary Sunrise Beach, Our Lady of the Lake


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p r o- l i f e a c t i v i t i e s w h e n n e c e s s a r y a n d a p p r o p r i -

a t e , a n d e n c o u r a g e a n d a s s i s t P r o- L i f e C o m m i t t e e s i n

p r o- l i f e

a c t i v i t i e s .


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Resources for Parish Pro-Life Committee Chairs From Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living

Parish Pro-Life Committee Manual

Monthly Mailing to Committee Chairs Word of Life Series Intercessory Prayers Word of Life Series Bulletin Announcements

Life Times Newsletter Receive quarterly through the Diocese of Austin E-pistle Sign up at www.austindiocese.org

Pro-Life Dispatch Receive through the Diocese of Austin E-pistle Sign up at www.austindiocese.org

Appreciation DinnerFor Parish Pro-Life Volunteers

A yearly appreciation dinner or party for those who volunteer for the parish Pro-Life Committee isa great way to boost morale and strengthen bonds among volunteers.

Consider the following in planning your appreciation event:

Who: Who will be invited? May the entire family come? Dont forget to consult yourpastor's schedule first so that he can be there.

What: What kind of a gathering will it be? A dinner, a picnic, a bar-b-q, a party, a brunch? Will it be structured or casual?

Where: Where will the event be held? Can you use parish facilities, the Rectory, or some-one's home?

When: Choose a time most convenient for all so that there will be 100% participation

Other ideas for consideration: Is there someone who deserves recognition?

Will there be a small gift for each guest? (little feet pins, a rose) Have a set time to begin and end Delegate the work Will there be decorations? Make it very clear that this is not going to include a meeting. Consult with the pastor to see if he's willing to help finance the meal.


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D i o c e s a n L i f e I n f o r m a t i o n &

E d u c a t i o n C o u n c i l

Di r e c t or ,

Of f i c e

of

P r o-L i f e



C o un ci l

Ch ai r

N or t h

R e gi on

C o or d i n a t or

C en t r al

R e gi on

C o or d i n a t or

S o u t h

R e gi on

C o or d i n a t or

W e s t

R e gi on

C o or d i n a t or

E a s t R e gi on

C o or d i n a t or

N or t h

R e gi on

P ar i sh

I nf or m a t i on

&E

d u c a t i on

C o or d i n a t or s

C en t r al

R e gi on

P ar i sh

I nf or m a t i on

&E

d u c a t i on


S o u t h

R e gi on

P ar i sh

I nf or m a t i on

&E

d u c a t i on


W e s t

R e gi on

P ar i sh

I nf or m a t i on

&E

d u c a t i on


E a s t

R e gi on

P ar i sh

I nf or m a t i on

&E

d u c a t i on


T h i s c o u n c i l s u p p o r t s P a r i s h I

nf o r m a t i o n & E d u c a-

t i o n C o o r d i n a t o r s i n e d u c a t i n g t h e

p a r i s h a n d

g e n e r a l

p u b l i c o n L i f eI s s u e s .

R e g i o n C o o r d i n a t o r s c o m m u n i c a t e w i t h P a r i s h I nf o r -

m a t i o n & E d u c a t i o n C o o r d i n a t o r s a n d m a y o r g a n i z e

r e g i o n a l o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r

e d u c a t i o n .

C o u n c i l R e g i o n s :

N o r t h R e g i o n

W a c o D e a n e r y

K i l l e e n / T e m

p l e D e a n e r y

C e n t r a l R e

g i o n

G e o r g e t o w n / R o u n d R o c k D e a n e r y

A u s t i n N o r t h D e a n e r y

A u s t i n C e n t r a l D e a n e r y

S o u t h R e g i o n

A u s t i n S o u t h D e a n e r y

S a n M a r c o s D e a n e r y

E a s t R e g i o n

B a s t r o p / L o c k h a r t D e a n e r y

B r e n h a m / L a G r a n g e D e a n e r y

B r y a n / C o l l e g e S t a t i o n D e a n e r y

W e s t R e g i o n

L a m

p a s a s / M a r b l e F a l l s D e a n e r y


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Resources for Parish Information andEducation Coordinators

From Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living Educational Books and Brochures Life Times Newsletter

Receive quarterly through the Diocese of Austin E-pistle Sign up at www.austindiocese.org


From the USCCB Pro-Life Secretariat (www.usccb.org/prolife) Annual Respect Life Program Manual Life Issues (Sent through Monthly Mailing to Committee Chairs) Articles and Resources on life issues available at the website

From National Catholic Bioethics Center (www.ncbcenter.org) Ethics & Medics (Sent through Monthly Mailing to Committee Chairs)

Educational Ideas Put a pro-life poster in every Religious Education classroom

Suggested poster is The Child Before Birth Poster, which is an image of unborn childat 18 weeks' gestation with scriptural quote from Psalm 139: 13-14 (item #8904)

You can order for $3.25 from the USCCB Pro-Life Secretariat by calling (866) 582-0943

Start a Pro-Life Video Library for your Religious Education program Write a memo to the teachers and catechists with descriptions of the videos Be sure to work with the principle, Director of Religious Education and youth minister

Encourage your Director of Religious Education to incorporate curriculum on chaste living into current curriculum Contact the Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living to learn about resources

available and assistance offered to DREs, teachers and youth ministers. Stock the brochure and pamphlet rack at your parish with pro-life educational materials

available from the USCCB Pro-Life Secretariat Educational resource materials may be borrowed from the Office of Pro-Life Activities and

Chaste Living. Contact the Office at (512) 949-2486. Have a sign-up for the Diocese of Austin E-pistle by setting up a table after Mass

Those receiving the E-pistle will receive both the Life Times Newsletter and the Pro-LifeDispatch

E-pistle is only available via e-mail If a parishioner does not have e-mail, they may receive the Life Times Newsletter in the

mail by contacting the Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living


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For Whom Do The Bells TollMany people are familiar with the phrase For Whom do the Bells Toll, and the answer, It tollsfor thee. In the case of this campaign, the bells do toll for thee and for every person who is exe-

cuted in this country.For Whom do the Bells Toll is a national initiative to have religious organizations throughout thecountry toll their bells whenever there is an execution.

The tolling bells will be a reminder to all who hear them that all of us are diminished by continuing acts of state-sponsored murder. The churches, monasteries, abbeys, temples and synagogues thatjoin in this effort, will go a long way toward ending the death penalty.

What You Can Do

Educate yourself and your parish on the death penalty

On the day of an execution, you can toll your churches bells at 6:00 p.m. for 2 minutes

You can hang a black drape that is as visible as possible at a place in or out of your church wherethe most people would gather or pass. You can also buy a banner that comes in several sizes found at http://bells.curenational.org/ It says For Whom Do the Bells Toll

You can organize a group to pray the Rosary for Mercy (page 87) on the day of a scheduled execu-tion for the person scheduled to be executed, the victim(s) of the crime, the families of both andfor an end to capital punishment in America.

Post the Pending Executions that are mailed monthly in your parish bulletin and encourage othersto pray for those on death row, their victims and the families involved.

Write your legislators now to express your beliefs regarding the death penalty


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Pro-Life Resource Table forthe Parish Ministry Fair

The purpose of a ministry fair is to encourage stewardship and to encourage parishioners to getinvolved in the many different ministries of the parish. The Pro-Life Resource Table is available toyou for use at your Parish Ministry Fair. The Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living hasstandard materials that we will give you in boxes for your Parish Ministry Fair or we can customizethe resources you would like to have at your table.

Think marketing when you are preparing your table - try to stand out from the other ministries.

Here are some suggestions:

Having visual items that draw attention are always good crowd gathers A colored table cloth You could have a theme cake made for you to cut up for everyone to eat and you could have

the same cake duplicated for a door prize at the end of the fair Candy on your table Raffle off something that was hand made or a nice Pro-Life item Have some educational materials available on the table for parishioners to take, but have more

available under the table. Try to display materials that cover a variety of life issues. This willhelp you to attract a variety of people with different gifts and passions

Show pictures taken during the year of the events that your Pro-Life Committee has initiated,helped with or sponsored. Have a tri fold board so that you can display some of your events

Have a brochure that describes the Pro-life Committee, what you all do at your particularchurch and who to contact for more information

The Office of Pro-Life Activities has many items, documents, tri-folds and information that youhave access to just by calling or emailing the Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living at(512) 949-2486.


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Pro-Life Speakers BureauHosting a speaker at your parish on a Pro-Life topic is a great way to educate on life issues. ThePro-Life Speakers Bureau works to provide a variety of speakers and topics that may be of interest

for both adult and youth audiences. Proper planning and promotion are essential for having a largenumber of people present for the presentation.

Preparations 1. Talk to your pastor about your ideas and plans, and seek his assistance and input. (If the talk is

for youth, work with your parish DRE or Youth Minister.)2. Select some possible dates, a time and a location that both you and your pastor feel would be

most convenient for parishioners. Also, select a topic that you would like to have presentedand consider a stipend for the speaker.

3. Contact the Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living at (512) 949-2486 to make arrange-ments for a speaker and topic.

4. Plan a strategy for getting the word out about the presentation, e.g. bulletin announcements forseveral weeks in advance, a bulletin insert, a pulpit announcement, a personal invitation by thepastor to the congregation at the end of Mass, sponsorship by other parish organizations, bulle-tin announcements in neighboring parish bulletins, posters announcements, personal invita-tions to parishioners on a one-to-one basis, ect.

5. Plan to have refreshments before or after the presentation, and include this as a part of yourannouncement. This is a good way to involve others.

At the Time of the Presentation 1. Set up a table at the entry for sign in, name tags and handouts.2. Welcome all those present and, if possible, have your pastor open the presentation with a short

prayer and introduction of the speaker and topic.3. At the end, thank all for attending and close with a short prayer and refreshments.


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White Ribbon for Life CampaignPURPOSE: The White Ribbon for Life Campaign is for the purpose of promoting respect forhuman life and to oppose abortion on demand. As with yellow ribbons for hostages or pink ones

for breast cancer, the idea is to display large loops of WHITE ribbon anywhere and everywhere. They can be displayed or tied on trees, bushes, cars, doorknobs, mailboxes, etc. during the monthof January. Small white ribbon loops can be worn on our persons (lapels, sweaters, dresses, etc.)

The white ribbons can be displayed or worn throughout the month of January and especially around the time closest to the January 22 nd anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court deci-sion legalizing abortion. In this way we can draw attention and raise awareness to the sacredness of human life at all stages of existence, especially the most helpless and innocent - the unborn.

TO ORGANIZE THIS CAMPAIGN: Seek the permission of your pastor. Under the direction of your pastor, select a particular weekend in January to promote the White

Ribbon for Life Campaign. Small white ribbon loops can be made using white ribbon and small safety pins. Seek the help

of the parish respect life committee, other volunteers and youth to help make the small rib-bons. Plan a time convenient for most to get together and do this. You will need white rib-bon, scissors and small safety pins. Make a few sample ones ahead of time so that those help-ing will know how long to cut the ribbon and where to place the pin. This will help insurequality control.

Obtain volunteers and small children to help hand out the ribbons at the end of all the week-end Masses. Make sure your volunteers are wearing a white ribbon on themselves. The rib-bons can be placed in baskets for the volunteers to hold while handing out the ribbons.

An announcement can be placed in the bulletin in advance along with an announcement fromthe pulpit that particular weekend.

White Ribbon for Life Campaign This weekend our parish will be participating in the white Ribbon for Life Campaign. The purposeof this campaign is to promote respect for human life and to oppose abortion on demand. Pleasepick up a white ribbon at the end of Mass and wear it through out the month of January. You may also display large white ribbons on your car, trees, house, mailbox, doorknobs, etc.

PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT - This weekend our parish is having a White Ribbon for LifeCampaign to promote respect for human life and to oppose abortion on demand. Please pick up a

white ribbon at the end of Mass and wear it to raise awareness to for the cause of life.


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D i o c e s a n G a b r i e l P r o j e c t C o u n c i l

P a s t or al O u t r e a ch

C o or d i n a t or ,

Of f i c e

of

P r o-L i f e



R e gi on al


S e cr e t ar y

An g el

Tr ai n er

E v en t

C o or d i n a t or

R e gi on al

R e s o ur c e

C o or d i n a t or

P ar i sh

G a b r i el

An g el s

R e gi on al

S e cr e t ar y

P ar i sh

L i ai s on

P ar i sh

G a b r i el

P r o j e c t


C o un ci l

Ch ai r

T h i s c o u n c i l s u p p o r t s P a r i s h G a b r i e l P r o j e c t s .




C e n t r a l R e g i o n


p l e D e a n e r y







E a s t R e g i o n




W e s t R e g i o n

L a m p a s a s / M a r b l e F a l l s D e a n e r y


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Gabriel ProjectGabriel Project... is a Good Samaritan approach to helping women in crisis pregnancies is a church community responding in a loving, unconditional and nonjudgmental manner to pregnant woman provides love, care and the spiritual, material and emotional support mothers need is educational, evangelical and pastoral.

Pastoral - the church responds by supplying needs that range from material to spiritual Educational - the value and dignity of life, especially that of the unborn, is affirmed to the community by

the actions and witness of the church Evangelical - the love, care and concern that a person is shown by the faith community will bring them

to Christ

Gabriel Project Goals To live the charism of the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth by going out in haste to greet any pregnant woman in

need by bringing Jesus to her and by helping her in any way we can. To enable the pastor and parish to represent to the mother and child the espousal role of fatherhood and God To seek Gods perfect model for motherhood To witness to the community a respect and reverence for life, and an unconditional love To win all hearts to Jesus Christ and to make Him known and loved by everyone

This is how it works 1. A parish decides it wants to participate in Gabriel Project

a. Must have someone willing to coordinateb. The pastor has approvedc. A team of volunteers is ready to help the coordinatord. An endorsement of Pastoral and Finance Councils has been madee. A Sunday is selected to introduce Gabriel Project to the parish

2. The parish contacts the Diocesan Pastoral Outreach Coordinator or the Gabriel Project Council who willa. Order a sign paid for by the parishb. Supply the brochuresc. Supply the volunteer cardsd. Supply the mother and baby bookse. Supply a variety of formsf. Set up training for those interested in being 'angelsg. Supply the Angel Book and other resources to angels

3. The pastor decides what Sunday this will be initiated at his parish4. Those who will be leaders in the Gabriel Project will be appointed to their specific area of concentration5. The pastor decides how he would like to introduce this to parishioners and invite them to help in some manner,

including prayer support6. The sign is blessed and placed in a location of high visibility

Points to Remember Women in crisis need emotional and spiritual support, affirmation and someone to listen without judgment Gabriel project is not meant to be a financial burden on the parish There are many resources within communities that can be used and referred to in order to help women in need Although the materials used within the diocese to implement the Gabriel Project are uniform, the Gabriel Project

in each parish will have a unique personality

If you and your parish are interested in the Gabriel Project and would like more information, please call the Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living at (512) 949-2488.


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D i o c e s a n P r o j e c t R a c h e l C o u n c i l



Of f i c e

of

P r o-L i f eA

c t i vi t i e s

an d Ch a s t eL i vi n g

C o un ci l

Ch ai r

En gl i sh

R e t r e a t

C o or d i n a t or

S p ani sh

R e t r e a t

C o or d i n a t or

En gl i sh

R e t r e a t

T e am

S p ani sh

R e t r e a t

T e am

R a ch el

An g el s

S u p p or t

Gr o u p

T e am

P ar i sh

P r o j e c t R

a ch el


R a ch el

An g el

C o or d i n a t or ( s )

G a t h er i n g


O u t r e a ch


T h i s c o u n c i l c o o r d i n a t e s a n d s u p

p o r t s P r o j e c t R a c h e l ,

i n c l u d i n g P r o j e c t R a c h e l r e t r e a t s , s u p p o r t g r o u p s a n d

P a r i s h P r o j e c t R a c h e l C o o r d i n a t o r s .


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Project Rachel

What Is Project Rachel? Project Rachel is a ministry to help women and men who suffer emotionally or spiritually, because of anabortion. By working through their pain, those involved come to recognize and experience God's healing grace, and are made whole again. Project Rachel offers an opportunity through loving, caring, and under-standing counseling to move toward reconciliation -- with their unborn child, their family, the Church, andGod. Project Rachel is available to anyone suffering because of an abortion experience. This includes

women who have had an abortion, the father of the aborted child, grandparents, other family members andfriends. Some common feelings which signal a need for counseling include: grief, guilt, sadness, and angersurrounding the abortion. Many women also experience eating or sleeping problems, difficulty concentrat-ing, nightmares, relationship problems, bouts of crying, nagging feelings of self blame and self destructive

behavior. These feelings may be denied and suppressed, only to surface one, five, or even ten years after theabortion.

What Can You Expect? Three options are available through Project Rachel. When calling the Project Rachel phone number one willreach a phone angel who can help with each individuals needs.

1. The first option is to meet with a priest who has been trained, has a special interest in this min-istry and helping those who are suffering from abortion. These meetings will include sharing,counseling, prayer and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

2. The second option Project Rachel offers is Project Rachel Retreats. These are held on a week-end at a location known only to the participants and retreat team. A priest and a retreat teamhelp a handful of participants work through their abortion experience.

3. The third option Project Rachel has is the Gatherings support group designed to join to-gether individuals with common experiences and emotions surrounding the abortion, while working through feelings such as grief, anger and unworthiness. This group offers each othersupport, encouragement and understanding. This confidential group is lead by a deacon andcounselor and meets monthly.

A Loving Church Project Rachel emphasizes the Catholic Church's teaching regarding the sacredness of all human life whilestressing the endless mercy of God. Project Rachel proclaims the eternal Truth that there is nothing greaterthan the Lord's capacity to forgive.If someone has been touched by the trauma of abortion, we want them to know that our Church under-stands and cares about them. We want them to know that we are willing to help with the healing process.

The First Step Anyone looking for help with their healing after abortion can call the Pro-Life helpline (page 31) and thephone angel will listen to their story and refer them to the best resource.

Each parish should have Project Rachel information available to parishioners. Project Rachel brochures andposters are available for promoting this ministry in your parish. If you have a special interest in this ministry and would like to get involved, please call the Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living at (512) 949-2486.

In Ramah is heard the sound of moaning, of bitter weeping! Rachel mourns her children, she refuses to be consoled because her chilno more. Thus says the Lord: Cease your cries of mourning, wipe the tears from your eyes. The sorrow you have shown shall have it

ward...There is hope for your future..- Jeremiah 31:15-17


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The Gabriel Project Life Centers The Austin Gabriel Project Life Center:

Location: 1817 East 6th Street. In the Catholic Charities Building in East Austin Phone: (512) 236-0144 Email: [email protected]

The Good Samaritan Gabriel Project Life Center: Location: 1314 East 29th Street in Bryan. Phone: (979) 822-9340 Email: [email protected]

What they offer The Gabriel Project Life Centers work to provide compassionate, practical, life-

affirming alternatives to abortion. The Gabriel Project Life Center provides free, confidential and non-judgmental assis-tance to men and women in crisis pregnancies. The Gabriel Project Life Center pro-

vides assistance through out the pregnancy and for the first 12 months following thebirth of the baby.

Depending on what each client needs, the Gabriel Project Life Centers offer free preg-nancy tests, pregnancy options mentoring, parenting classes, pregnancy classes, child-birth classes, Natural Family Planning Instruction, baby furniture, diapers, wipes andbaby clothes, maternity clothes, emotional support. spiritual support. educational infor-mation, and referrals to other agencies and Parish Gabriel Projects.

Pro-Life Help Line(877)WE-CARE-2

Austin: (512) 238-1246 The Pro-Life Help Line is available for men and women needing assistance with a pregnancy (Gabriel Project) or needing support and healing after an abortion (Project Rachel).

How they help Help Line Angels are trained to listen to callers without judgment and offer the best

help available. Anyone who is pregnant and needing assistance is given to the closest Gabriel Project . Anyone needing a pregnancy test or more specific and specialized help are referred to a

Gabriel Project Life Center. Anyone calling for help after an abortion is referred to a Project Rachel Angel, a

Project Rachel Retreat, a Priest, or the Gatherings support group.

Volunteers are trained and answer all calls in their home through remote call forwarding. For moreinformation about the Pro-Life Help Line or to become a Pro-Life Help Line volunteer call theOffice of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living at (512) 949-2488.


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D i o c e s a n S i d e w a l k M i n i s t r y C o u n c i l



Of f i c e

of

P r o-L i f e



C o un ci l

Ch ai r

T e amI

C o or d i n a t or

T e amI I

C o or d i n a t or

T e amI I I

C o or d i n a t or

T e amI V

C o or d i n a t or

T e am VI

C o or d i n a t or

T e amI

P ar i sh

S i d e w al k

Mi ni s t r y


T e amI I

P ar i sh

S i d e w al k

Mi ni s t r y


T e amI I I

P ar i sh

S i d e w al k

M

i ni s t r y


T e amI V

P ar i sh

S i d e w al k

Mi ni s t r y


T e am VI

P ar i sh

S i d e w al k

Mi ni s t r y


T h i s c o u n c i l i s t h e o n l y o n e n o t o r g a n i z e d b y D e a n e r y .

I n s t e a d , p a r i s h e s a r e

p l a c e d o n t e a m s b a s e d o n t h e i r

p r ox i m i t y t o a n a b o r t i o nf a c i l i t y .

T h e r e a r e 7 a b o r t i o n

f a c i l i t i e s i n t h e D i o c e s e of A u s t i n , s o t h e r e a r e 7

T e a m s o n t h i s c o u n c i l . T h e t e a m s a r e l i s t e d o n t h e

f o l l o w i n g

p a g e s .

T e a m C o o r d i n a t o r s a r e t o b ef a m

i l i a r w i t h t h e a b o r -

t i o nf a c i l i t y , i n c l u d i n g

h o u r s a n d

p r o p e r t y l i n e s . T h e y

m a y c h o o s e t o o r g a n i z e T e a m P r a y e r V i g i l s .

T e am V

C o or d i n a t or

T e am V

P ar i sh

S i d e w al k

Mi ni s t r y


T e am VI I

C o or d i n a t or

T e am VI I

P ar i sh

T e am VI I



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Sidewalk Ministry TeamsCity Parish Abortion Facility Team

Andice Santa Rosa International Healthcare Solutions VII

Austin Cristo Rey Austin Women's Health V Austin Dolores Parish Austin Women's Health V Austin Holy Cross Austin Women's Health V Austin Holy Viatnamese Martyrs Whole Woman's Health Austin IV Austin Our Lady of Guadalupe Austin Women's Health V Austin Our Lady's Maronite Whole Woman's Health Austin IV Austin Sacred Heart Whole Woman's Health Austin IV Austin San Francisco Javier Planned Parenthood Austin VI Austin San Jose Austin Women's Health V Austin San Juan Diego - Stoney Point Planned Parenthood Austin VI

Austin Santa Barbara Whole Woman's Health Austin IV Austin St. Albert the Great Whole Woman's Health Austin IV Austin St. Andrew Kim Planned Parenthood Austin VI Austin St. Austin Austin Women's Health V Austin St. Catherine of Siena Planned Parenthood Austin VI Austin St. Edward Campus Ministry Austin Women's Health V Austin St. Ignatius Austin Women's Health V Austin St. John Neumann Planned Parenthood Austin VI Austin St. Julia Austin Women's Health V Austin St. Louis Whole Woman's Health Austin IV Austin St. Mary Cathedral Austin Women's Health V Austin St. Paul Planned Parenthood Austin VI Austin St. Peter the Apostle Austin Women's Health V Austin St. Theresa Whole Woman's Health Austin IV Austin St. Thomas More International Healthcare Solutions VII Austin St. Vincent de Paul International Healthcare Solutions VII Austin UT Catholic Center Austin Women's Health V Bastrop Ascension Parish Planned Parenthood Austin VIBastrop Sacred Heart - Rockne Planned Parenthood Austin VI

Bastrop St. Mary of the Assumption -String Prairie Planned Parenthood Austin VI

Belton Christ the King Killeen Women's Health IIBertram Holy Cross International Healthcare Solutions VIIBlanco St. Ferdinand Planned Parenthood Austin VIBremond St. Mary Planned Parenthood Waco IBrenham St. Mary Planned Parenthood Bryan IIIBryan San Salvador Planned Parenthood Bryan IIIBryan Santa Teresa Planned Parenthood Bryan III


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City Parish Abortion Facility TeamBryan St. Anthony Planned Parenthood Bryan IIIBryan St. Joseph Planned Parenthood Bryan IIIBuda Santa Cruz Planned Parenthood Austin VIBurlington St. Ann - Rosebud Planned Parenthood Waco IBurlington St. Joseph - Cyclone Planned Parenthood Waco IBurlington St. Michael Planned Parenthood Waco I

Burlington Sts. Cyril and Methodius -Marak Killeen Women's Health II

Burnet Our Mother of Sorrows International Healthcare Solutions VIICaldwell Holy Rosary Planned Parenthood Bryan IIICaldwell St. Mary Planned Parenthood Bryan IIICameron St. Monica Planned Parenthood Waco ICedar Park St. Margaret Mary International Healthcare Solutions VII

Chappell Hill St. Stanislaus Planned Parenthood Bryan IIIChina Spring St. Philip Planned Parenthood Waco ICollege Station St. Mary Catholic Center Planned Parenthood Bryan IIICollege Station St. Thomas Aquinas Planned Parenthood Bryan IIICopperas Cove Holy Family Killeen Women's Health IIDime Box St. Joseph Planned Parenthood Bryan IIIDripping Springs St. Martin de Porres Planned Parenthood Austin VIElgin Sacred Heart Whole Woman's Health Austin IV Fayettville St. John the Baptist Planned Parenthood Bryan IIIFayettville St. Mary - Ellinger/Hostyn Hill Planned Parenthood Austin VI

Fort Hood St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - 58thSt "Red Team" Chapel Killeen Women's Health II

Franklin St. Francis of Asssi Planned Parenthood Bryan IIIGatesville Our Lady of Lourdes Planned Parenthood Waco IGeorgetown St. Helen International Healthcare Solutions VIIGiddings St. Margaret Whole Woman's Health Austin IV Giddings St. Mary - Pin Oak Austin Women's Health V Goldwaithe St. Peter Killeen Women's Health IIGranger Sts. Cyril and Methodius International Healthcare Solutions VIIHamilton St. Thomas Planned Parenthood Waco IHarker Heights St. Paul Chong Hasang Killeen Women's Health IIHearne St. Mary Planned Parenthood Bryan IIIHorseshoe Bay Our Lady of the Lake Planned Parenthood Austin VIHorseshoe Bay St. Paul the Apostle Planned Parenthood Austin VIHutto St. Patrick International Healthcare Solutions VII

Jarrell Holy Trinity International Healthcare Solutions VII Johnson City Good Shepherd Planned Parenthood Austin VIKilleen St. Joseph Killeen Women's Health II


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City Parish Abortion Facility TeamKingsland St. Charles Borromeo Planned Parenthood Austin VIKyle St. Anthony Marie de Claret Planned Parenthood Austin VILa Grange Sacred Heart Planned Parenthood Austin VILago Vista St. Mary, Our Lady of the Lake International Healthcare Solutions VIILakeway Emmaus International Healthcare Solutions VIILampasas Good Shepherd - Lometa Killeen Women's Health IILampasas St. Mary Killeen Women's Health IILexington Holy Family Whole Woman's Health Austin IV Llano Holy Trinity International Healthcare Solutions VIILlano St. Joseph - Mason International Healthcare Solutions VIILockhart St. Mary Planned Parenthood Austin VILott Church of the Visitation Planned Parenthood Waco ILuling St. John Planned Parenthood Austin VI

Manor St. Joseph Whole Woman's Health Austin IV Marble Falls St. John International Healthcare Solutions VIIMarlin Sacred Heart - Lott Planned Parenthood Waco IMarlin St. Joseph Planned Parenthood Waco IMartindale Immaculate Heart of Mary Planned Parenthood Austin VIMcGregor St. Eugene Planned Parenthood Waco IMexia St. Mary Planned Parenthood Waco IMoody Our Lady of San Juan - Moody Killeen Women's Health IIPflugerville St. Elizabeth Whole Woman's Health Austin IV Rockdale St. Joseph Planned Parenthood Bryan III

Rogers St. Matthew Killeen Women's Health IIRound Rock St. John Vianney International Healthcare Solutions VIIRound Rock St. William International Healthcare Solutions VIISalado St. Stephen Killeen Women's Health II

San Marcos H.L. Grant Catholic StudentCenter & St. Jude Chapel Planned Parenthood Austin VI

San Marcos St. John the Evangelist Planned Parenthood Austin VISan Saba St. Mary Killeen Women's Health IISmithville St. Paul Planned Parenthood Austin VISomerville St. Ann Planned Parenthood Bryan III

Taylor Our Lady of Guadalupe International Healthcare Solutions VII Taylor St. Mary of the Assumption International Healthcare Solutions VII Temple Our Lady of Guadalupe Killeen Women's Health II Temple St. Luke Killeen Women's Health II Temple St. Mary Killeen Women's Health IIUhland St. Michael Planned Parenthood Austin VI

Waco Sacred Heart Planned Parenthood Waco I Waco St. Francis on the Brazos Planned Parenthood Waco I


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City Parish Abortion Facility Team Waco St. Jerome Planned Parenthood Waco I Waco St. John the Baptist Planned Parenthood Waco I Waco St. Joseph Planned Parenthood Waco I Waco St. Louis Planned Parenthood Waco I

Waco St. Mary, Church of the As-sumption Planned Parenthood Waco I

Waco St. Peter Catholic Student Cen-ter Planned Parenthood Waco I

Washington Blessed Virgin Mary Planned Parenthood Bryan III West St. Joseph - Elk Planned Parenthood Waco I West St. Martin - Tours Planned Parenthood Waco I

West St. Mary, Church of the As-sumption Planned Parenthood Waco I

Wimberley St. Mary Planned Parenthood Austin VI


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Resources for ParishPastoral Outreach Coordinators

(Gabriel Project, Project Rachel and Sidewalk Ministry)

From Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living Life Times Newsletter

Receive quarterly through the Diocese of Austin E-pistle Sign up at www.austindiocese.org


Gabriel Project brochures, posters and cards Project Rachel brochures, posters and cards Literature to be distributed outside abortion facilities

Pastoral Outreach Ideas Publish the Pro-Life Help Line number for women and men to reach Gabriel Project or

Project Rachel in the bulletin every Sunday: (877) WE-CARE-2 Rachels Reflections for the bulletin are available in the Monthly Mailer to Committee

Chairs Place Gabriel Project and Project Rachel posters and brochures in different locations

around your parish These items are available free from the Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living

With permission of the person you are serving, submit their life-changing stories to be pub-

lished in the Life Times Newsletter to the Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living


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D i o c e s a n L i f e P u b l i c P

o l i c y C o u n c i l

Di r e c t or ,

Of f i c e

of

P r o-L i f e



C o un ci l

Ch ai r

R e gi on


Tr ai ni n g

C o or d i n a t or

C omm

uni -

c a t i on s

M an a g er

R e s o ur c e /

D a t a

M an g er

C omm

uni t y

C on t a c t

C o or d i n a t or

P ar i sh

P u b l i cP

ol i c y


E c um eni c al /

C omm

uni t y

Or g ani z a t i on s

T h i s c o u n c i l s u p p o r t s P a r i s h P u b l i c P o l i c y C o o r d i n a-

t o r s e n c o u r a g i n g

p a r i s h i o n e r s t o t a k e a n a c t i v e r o l e i n

a d v o c a t i n g o n b e h a l f of t h e d i g n i t y of h u m a n l i f e .

R e g i o n C o o r d i n a t o r s c o m m u n i c a t e w i t h P a r i s h P u b l i c

P o l i c y C o o r d i n a t o r s , o r g a n i z e

p a r i s h e s f o r t h e

L i f e a n d

F a m i l y L i f eA

d v o c a c y D a y a n d o r g a n i z e t r a i n i n g s i n

a d v o c a c y .





p l e D e a n e r y

C e n t r a l R e

g i o n







E a s t R e g i o n




W e s t R e g i o n

L a m p a s a s / M a r b l e F a l l s D e a n e r y


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Resources for Parish Public Policy Coordinators From the Life Public Policy Council of the Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living

Training in how to recruit volunteers and organize your parish efforts

Updates on pro-life news and Diocesan legislative advocacy (www.myprolife.org) E-mail Action Alerts (Sign up by e-mailing [email protected]) Networking connections with other parish public policy apostolates in the Austin Dio-

cese (www.myprolife.org) From National Committee for a Human Life Amendment

Key Votes on Abortion (www.nchla.org) E-mail Action Alerts (www.nchla.org)

From the USCCB Political Activity Guidelines for Catholic Organizations (www.usccb.org/ogc/

guidelines.shtml) Faithful Citizenship (www.faithfulcitizenship.org)

From the Texas Catholic Conference Guidelines for Pastors and Parishes on Advocacy and Political Participation

(www.txcatholic.org/documents/guidelines_for_pastor.pdf) Information on Public Policy Issues (www.tx.catholic.org) E-mail Action Alerts (www.txcatholic.org)

Public Policy Ideas Participate in national post card campaigns to make the voice of Catholics across the coun-

try heard in Washington. Have a sign up for parishioners to receive Action Alerts via e-mail from the Office of Pro-

Life Activities and Chaste Living Build a mechanism in your parish to support letter-writing, telephone calls and other com-munication with your elected officials for pro-life advocacy (e-mail [email protected] for support)

Work with your parish youth programs to involve parishioners of all ages and their familiesin the Life and Family Life Day at the Capitol or the annual Texas Rally for Life in Austin.

Share news of your successful parish legislative advocacy activities with others in our Di-ocesan Public Policy network at www.myprolife.org


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National Committee for aHuman Life Amendment

www.nchla.org In the great civil rights struggle to secure the right to life for all, Archbishop John Roach, testifying on behalf of the Catholic Bishops, expressed the guiding vision:

"We are committed to full legal recognition of the right to life of the unborn child, and will not rest in our efforsociety respects the inherent worth and dignity of every member of the human race."

November 5, 1981 Statement before theSenate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution

The National Committee for a Human Life Amendment is dedicated to pursuing this vision. Theorganization's objectives include educating citizens, developing pro-life legislative networks, andoffering programs in support of pro-life legislation. Among its various activities, NCHLA produceseducational and program resources, communicates with leaders about legislative priorities, and pre-sents legislative seminars throughout the year. In a special way, NCHLA assists dioceses, stateCatholic conferences, and Catholic lay groups. The Committee also works closely with the Secre-tariat for Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Mission Statement The National Committee for a Human Life Amendment was founded in 1974, at the urging of the U.S.Catholic bishops. NCHLA's mission is to educate citizens on the need for a Human Life Amendment to theU.S. Constitution that would protect the lives of unborn children; point out the ethical dilemmas that exist

without such an amendment; and provide a forum through which interested citizens can express their viewson these matters, both in regard to abortion-related legislation pending before Congress and in regard to thepursuit of a Human Life Amendment through all lawful means.

Passage of a Human Life Amendment that will protect the lives of unborn children to the maximum degreepossible is NCHLA's overarching goal.

NCHLA's founding was in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade opinion in which theCourt created a fundamental constitutional right to abortion. The Court ruled that the right to privacy "encompasses a woman's decision whether or not to terminate her pregnancy" and was protected from stateintervention by the 14th Amendment. In his dissent, Justice Byron White described the Court's action as "anact of raw judicial power." As noted legal scholar Professor John Hart Ely stated:

"It [Roe] is bad because it is bad constitutional law or rather because it is not constitutional law and gives almost no senseobligation to try to be."

The Court's newly created abortion right overrode the abortion laws crafted by the 50 state legislatures. Un-der a legislative scheme fashioned by the Court, abortion, for all practical purposes, was allowed for any rea-son throughout the nine months of pregnancy. The ultimate power of constitutional law was used to tearapart the familial relationships that are essential to the common good of society. The right to life, as thefoundation of all other rights, was no longer secure for any person, especially for the powerless, weak, anddefenseless.


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Texas Catholic Conference www.txcatholic.org

Our History

The Texas Catholic Conference is the statewide association of the Roman Catholic dioceses in Texas. The Conference was established as the fifth State Catholic Conference in 1963 during theSecond Vatican Council in Rome. The Conference relates to all of the programs and institutionsoperated under the jurisdiction of the Church of Texas. An annual General Assembly of the Con-ference brings together representatives of many of the apostolates and institutions of the Church of

Texas.

The Board of Directors of the TCC is made up of regular and consultative members. The regularmembers are the Diocesan Bishops of the Roman Catholic dioceses of Texas - the Bishops of

Texas who are responsible for the administration of the dioceses. The consultative members are allthe other Bishops residing in Texas as well as representatives of the laity, clergy, and religious.

"While gathered in Rome in 1963 during the Second Vatican Council those of the Bishops of the Roman CathoChurch having ordinary jurisdiction in the State of Texas, at the time referred to as the Ordinaries, who were thattendance at the Council, by joint act initiated and established the Texas Catholic Conference."

--Constitution of the Texas Catholic Conference

Our Mission

The primary purpose of the Conference is to encourage and foster cooperation and communica-

tion among the dioceses and the ministries of the Catholic Church of Texas. A major function of the Conference is to be the public policy arm of the Conference's Board of Directors, the bishops of Texas, before the Texas legislature, the Texas delegation in Congress, andstate agencies. The public policy issues addressed by the Conference include institutional concernsof the Catholic Church as well as issues related to Catholic social teachings.


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Texas Catholic ConferenceLife and Family Life Advocacy Day

Legislative Advocacy Days are an opportunity for Catholics around the state to participate in thepolitical process by voicing the concerns of the Texas Bishops. The Texas Catholic Conferenceholds advocacy days during the Texas legislative session, which takes place every odd numberedyear.

There are two advocacy days each Spring during the legislative session: the Charity and Justice Day,and the Life and Family Life Day. Participants are invited to visit the State Capitol and meet withlegislative staff to discuss the Bishops Legislative Concerns regarding issues that affect the life anddignity of the people of Texas.

The Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living organizes Catholics of the Diocese of Austinin participation in the Life and Family Life Advocacy Day. There are many ways to participate,including visiting a legislator with a team, making a phone call, writing a letter and praying for thesuccess of the day. The Office provides training and materials. For more information on partici-pating, contact the Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living at (512) 949-2486 [email protected]


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Voter Registration SundayIn order to be successful in carrying out our mission of renewing the face of the earth, we must beequipped to carry out the most basic act that a citizen can perform voting. Polling has shown that

fewer than 50% of self-identified Christians are registered to vote, and only half of those who areregistered actually vote on Election Day. If we are to continue to thrive as a political force in thiscountry, and if we expect our issues to be addressed in the public arena, then we must be capableto turning out in force when the polls are open. Obviously this is impossible if Christians are notregistered to vote.

Each State has its own laws about who may register and vote. All States require that you be aUnited States citizen by birth or naturalization to register to vote in federal and State elections.Federal law makes it illegal to falsely claim U.S. citizenship to register to vote in any federal, State,or local election. Moreover, you cannot be registered to vote in more than one place at a time.

To register to vote in Texas you must be at least 17 years and 10 months of age on the date youapply. The application must be received in the Voter Registrar's office or postmarked 30 days be-fore an election in order for you to be eligible to vote in that election. For more details on VoterRegistration in Texas go to: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/pamphlets/largepamp.shtml.

This includes information on how voter registration information can be updated if a person hasmoved within the same county in Texas. If a person has moved to another county in Texas he orshe must complete a new registration form.

Voter Registration Sunday is a non-partisan voter registration effort conducted in churches allacross our country. To make it a success, it is vital that your church participates and ensures that allits members are registered to vote.

In anticipation of conducting a Voter Registration drive in your church, or in other churches, youshould first gain the pastors approval. If your parish has a Faithful Citizenship Committee orother legislative advocacy organization, a collaborative effort with these groups should be pursued.

After youve done that, follow the steps as listed below.

Promotion Place an announcement in your church bulletin several Sundays in advance. If your church has

an announcement board or video screen, use this method as well. Whatever needs to be donefor your church to be aware of Voter Registration Sunday should be done.

Have the pastor make an announcement from the pulpit that Sunday as well. If a layperson orother staff member makes the announcement, it wont have as much influence. The pastor

should mention this during the Mass and give directions as to where the registration table islocated.


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Necessary Materials Registration forms can be obtained from your local voter registration office. You can also

check your phone book under voter registration or call your county courthouse for additionalinformation in your state.

In Texas, only a deputized person is allowed to register voters. You may call your county

courthouse to learn more about being deputized and to obtain voter registration materials. Make sure to get enough copies of the voter registration forms for your church. A good num-ber would be enough for half of your churchs membership.

Set Up The Table When setting up your registration table, make sure to place it in an area with heavy traffic. You

may want to use multiple locations if there are several exits. If you have posters, hang them be-hind your table so that people will know why you are there. Spread the registration forms onyour table.

Work The Table When working the table, do not sit down. Rather, stand in front of it. Engage people in conver-

sation as they pass, asking them if they are registered to vote. You must be pro-active or noth-ing will happen.

When a person takes a form, have them fill it out immediately at your ta

austin diocese parish pro-life committee manual (prolife handbook/propaganda, tx)

Documents