CCW - making a difference when it comes to the sacredness of life

by Tammy Houle, chairperson

DCCW Reverence Life

Luke 12:48 states, "To whom much has been given, much is required." We have been given so much. God has given us sacred revelation so that we might know truth. As Catholic Christians we have been blessed with the fullness of truth.

The Council of Catholic Women in the Diocese of New Ulm have stepped up to guard and apply the truth we have been given regarding the sacredness of human life. And this has been done in a multitude of ways - from hosting a baby shower where the gifts collected are given to needy new-born babies; to praying the Rosary for expectant mothers and abortion clinic personnel; to visiting legislators about pro-life legislation; to having a parish bulletin board with pictures of all the new babies baptized for the year; to raising money in various ways to support crisis pregnancy centers or other peripheral organizations.

As the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Reverence Life chairperson, I would like to propose the idea that a collection be made in our parishes that would be specifically set aside for expectant women and young girls who are in need of assistance. This special fund could be called the Parish Expectant Mother Fund (EMF). This EMF program could be administered by each parish's Reverence Life parish coordinators who could be available to meet spiritual and emotional needs of the women and young girls.

As members of the Council of Catholic Women we also need to continue to work toward ending the devastation of abortion in Minnesota. I know of one group of women from the New Ulm diocese who are going to their state senator to contend for the bill that could distinctly shut down abortion in Minnesota. HF 1740 was introduced during the last legislative session in St. Paul by Rep. Marty Seifert and would directly challenge the holding of Roe v. Wade here in our state. This bill needs a state senate author to get a committee hearing and hopefully by God's grace we will see that happen in the coming 2006 Minnesota legislative session. This bill is what every admirable pro-lifer, who goes to St. Paul on January 22 for the capital rally, should do - approach their senator and representatives about co-authoring or signing on to the bill.

The courageous and dedicated women in the parishes throughout the Diocese of New Ulm are making great strides in their efforts to win the hearts of mothers to their pre-born infants and save babies from demise. I applaud all they are doing and all the new, innovative approaches that can only serve to make them more effective in the weeks and months ahead as they serve God in this vital ministry.