Greetings to each of you! First let me say, "Thank you!" to you and your devoted parish families who participated in the 2017 Roe Memorial Events. You can see pictures of the events here. And if you haven't already, we'd really like your input about the events in the survey here.
As we move forward, our next big event is the 24th Annual Bishop's Pro-Life Dinner on
April 1 at the
Omni Hotel Dallas. We are very excited to
welcome Bishop Edward Burns at his first ever Pro-Life Dinner, along with national speaker, author and radio host Eric Metaxas. Please help us spread the word about this special evening with the promotional items linked below. You can reserve your parish's table today at www.prolifedallas.org/dinner.
**Following the Parish Pro-Life Coordinators Meeting will be lunch and then an Legislative Advocacy Training (open to the public) at 12:30 at St. Michael presented by Michael Barba of the TX Catholic Conference of Bishops. This training, in anticipation of Catholic Faith in Action Advocacy Day on April 4, will present the Texas Bishops' priorities for the 2017 legislative session, as well as how to best advocate on behalf of your faith. We strongly encourage all parish coordinators to participate in the training, so you can in turn share this important opportunity with your parishioners (who are also welcome at the training!) Please click here to sign up for lunch and advocacy training.
Please also mark your calendars for the following upcoming events:
Also this month, on February 22, we celebrate the Day of the Chair of St. Peter. This feast commemorates Christ's choosing Peter to sit in his place as the servant-authority of the whole Church.
After the Resurrection, Peter entered the tomb, and saw the wrappings on the ground, the headpiece rolled up in a place by itself. "They did not yet understand the scripture that he had to rise from the dead" (John 20:9). They went home. There the slowly exploding, impossible idea became reality. Jesus appeared to them as they waited fearfully behind locked doors. "Peace be with you," he said (John 20:21b), and they rejoiced!
The Pentecost event completed Peter's experience of the risen Christ.Only then can Peter fulfill the task Jesus had given him: "Once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:32). He at once becomes the spokesman for the Twelve about their experience of the Holy Spirit -- before the civil authorities who wished to quash their preaching, before the council of Jerusalem. He is the first to preach the Good News to the Gentiles.
Peter's life clearly shows us that even saints have difficult moments in their lives. We should keep this in mind whenever we feel that we are dealt setbacks. Let us always continue with the help of the Holy Spirit to persevere in our mission.
May God strengthen our commitment to the pro-life cause and our love for one another. And may He continue to bless you and your family. Thank you for all you do for Life.
