AURORA—The  annual gathering of the diocesan Life and Evangelization Office (LiFE) staff and Parish Respect Life Coordinators (PRLC) welcomed about 40 of the parishes’ mostly volunteer PRLCs who bring updates and coordinate pro-life efforts at their respective parishes. The event was held this year at Holy Angels Parish, here.

 

Father Michael Lavin, pastor, celebrated the Mass, gave a pro-life homily, and blessed all gathered at the breakfast that followed. Speakers at the event included Vincent Tessitore of Lindell & Tessitore P.C., Kathy Berkes, director of Project Rachel for the diocese, and Therese Stahl, director of the LiFE Office.

 

Tessitore is lead counsel in the legal case to shut down the Auburn Street chemical abortion facility in Rockford. He provided information about the state of several suits against pro-abortion legislation that are currently in the Illinois court system.

 

Berkes shared her personal story of God’s healing and gave ideas for how to help women and men who are grieving an abortion.

 

Stahl provided a diocesan update of the work being done in the diocese and coming events. She focused especially on the issue of legalization of assisted suicide.

 

The yearly gathering provides an opportunity for PRLCs to meet one another and the diocesan staff who together comprise a team effort to help Catholics in the pews throughout the diocese stay up-to-date on efforts to challenge abortion and support life.