“Faith is a verb more than a noun,” Bishop Dennis Sullivan told a group of 80 respect life leaders Oct. 5, encouraging them to keep up their work in defense of human life.
Bishop Sullivan’s address kicked off the gathering at St. Charles Borromeo in Sicklerville, which drew leaders from over 50 parishes and schools throughout the diocese. The day’s theme was “Learn, Connect, Energize,” designed to help invigorate respect life ministry throughout the diocese.
As the relatively new director of Life & Justice Ministries here in the Diocese of Camden, I didn’t know quite what to expect while planning the meeting with a team of six great volunteers. Would anybody come to a whole-day gathering? What would the energy be like? I knew about the respect life ministries at some parishes, but what about others?
What happened on Saturday surpassed all of my expectations for three main reasons.
Inspiring Speakers
Bishop Sullivan’s charge set a great tone for the day. He asserted that care for those who are vulnerable, especially the unborn and those who are very near the end of life, is at the heart of our faith as Catholics. It was inspiring to hear such clear support from the leader of the diocese.
Right after Bishop’s talk, we heard from Patrick Brannigan, director of the New Jersey Catholic Conference. He updated us on the state of an assisted suicide bill in the N.J. Legislature. What made his points really hit home was a story he told about his granddaughter, who was born with a disability after doctors had suggested terminating the pregnancy. The joy and strength of his granddaughter, now a teenager, moved him to tears at the podium. Pat’s work to uphold the dignity of every person is deeply felt, vocational, and inspired by his steadfast faith.
Then, at Mass, we heard a stirring, challenging homily from Father Kevin Mohan. He urged us to follow the example of St. Joseph, whose perseverance and humility are great models.
Passion & Compassion
While we shared ministry ideas in the afternoon, one leader said that a key to effective respect life ministry is “passion and compassion.” You need both. And both were evident throughout the room all day. A number of the leaders would be spending Sunday, the very next day, at Life Chain prayer vigils all over the diocese. One mentioned that at a 40 Days for Life vigil in Cherry Hill last week, a woman who had just had an abortion came outside, crying. One of the pray-ers asked her if she needed a hug. They shared an emotional embrace.
As a diocesan leader, to see the deeply rooted commitment of so many gave me so much hope. There’s lots of work to do, but the church of South Jersey is blessed with so many people willing to do their part.
Connections, Connections, Connections
In the afternoon, the leaders broke up into regional groups and discussed ways they could collaborate in the future. Crossing parish boundaries and bringing resources together is a great way to make a wider impact.
“Our group from Deanery 9 is a good bunch with some great ideas,” Nancy VanVelson told me, coordinator of respect life ministries at St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Egg Harbor Township. “We are going to meet again in November to start making future plans.”
Nancy is encouraged the day will kick-start some new initiatives. “I’ve been doing the Life Chain for a few years but felt we needed to do more,” she told me. “I came away from the meeting feeling that the time has arrived.
Interested in learning how you can get involved in Life & Justice Ministries at your parish or school? Email Mike at michael.laskey@camdendiocese.org
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