Bishop Kevin Farrell

The Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas

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If there was ever a mustard seed story, it is the pro-life movement

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Phillip Scharper, the late Catholic publisher, once said that “only those who can see the invisible can do the impossible.”

On January 22, 1973 when the highest court in the land handed down the Roe vs Wade decision there were those Catholics whose Faith was all about seeing the invisible who set out to do the impossible.

From that time on the nascent pro-life movement began to grow exponentially into what is likely the greatest and longest-lasting grassroots movement in the history of the United States.

Most importantly it is not just a protest movement that tends to lose steam because it is essentially negative, but it has transformed itself into a positive outreach that does not simply wait for someone do “do something” about stopping abortions but has taken up the baton and run with it.

On March 26th once again the ballroom at the Hilton Anatole will be packed with those who labor on behalf of the unborn and their supporters. Last year there were nearly 2500. Maybe they can stretch to walls to make it 3000 in 2011.

What are these outreach programs of which I speak? Project Gabriel and the GEMS,
Rachel Retreats, Abortion After-care, lobbying in Austin and Washington, Speakers Bureau and outreach to the Hispanic community.

In addition diocesan agencies like Catholic Charities provide alternatives to abortion through its adoption program and Children and Adoption Services and Community Outreach (CASCO) provides help and creates hope for families and individuals through three main programs: Maternity and Adoption, the Mary R. Saner Child Development Center, our Together We Learn program and St. Joseph Residence. We are respecting and protecting life from conception to natural death.

The diocese cooperates with community programs like Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) a nonprofit organization of volunteers who are appointed by judges to make recommendations that help judges decide where abused and neglected children can live safely and permanently.

Our Safe Environment Office works closely with parishes and non-parish based organizations and with community and government agencies to insure the safety and security of our children and vulnerable-adults.

We’re not there yet. Roe vs. Wade is still on the books, but we are doing a lot more than just protesting and wringing our hands.

The mustard seed has become a tree.

Support the work of Catholic Charities…and have a great evening

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“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” James 1:27

Of all the works of the Church, it is the work of Catholic Charities that best continues the ministry of Jesus who came to serve not be served.(Matt 20:28). Unfortunately many of the works of Catholic Charities are not well known because they are done quietly and without fanfare.

Their work began one year after Diocese of Dallas was erected when a Catholic orphanage was opened on Page Street in Oak Cliff in 1891. That has grown into today’s Children and Adoption Services and Community Outreach that creates hope for families and individuals through adoption placement, and counseling for expectant mothers and families.

Help with food, clothing and other necessities is provided to families and individuals in need. The Elderly and Family Services Program at Catholic Charities provides seniors with hot meals, activities, health screenings and other assistance to support their personal independence and physical and emotional well-being.

More than any other entity in the country Catholic Charities of Dallas works with the United States government to shelter refugees who fled their homeland in fear of persecution and death. The Immigration and Legal Services Department was established in 1975 in response to the growing number of immigrants moving into North Texas. The Refugee Resettlement Program provides a variety of services to assist refugees in cultural orientation, learning English, finding a job and training in work skills.

These and a number of other services of Catholic Charities are beneficiaries of the 19th Annual Bishop’s Gala to be held January 22 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas. Comedian Bill Cosby will be the featured entertainer.

Please come and share a wonderful evening of laughter and hope at Reaching for the Stars with Comedian and Actor Bill Cosby. You will be the real star for helping support the work of Catholic Charities of Dallas. If you cannot make the Gala, please consider making a donation to Catholic Charities online at their website at www.catholiccharitiesdallas.org.

“It is the love of Christ that motivates us” 2 Cor 5:14