When my seventh-grade teacher and school principal, Mrs. Clark, recruited me for the pro-life movement, I had no idea that calling would take me to the corridors of power, from state capitols to the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. With my life touched by “The Master’s Hand,” I have had the opportunity to witness a pro-life bill I had lobbied for signed into law … see strongly-committed pro-life individuals sworn into office … and share smiles and an outpouring of joy with people saved from abortion. Living out the Gospel of Life has brought a sense of peace and purpose to my life that I had hardly dreamed possible. I have found that the cause of promoting life is a noble endeavor which leaves a legacy of love behind. Spiritual Action Plan In order to be effective ambassadors for the cause of life, we must remain ever close to our Creator. We cannot hope to help with the business of saving lives unless our own lives are models of Christian witness. Consequently, it can be helpful to have at the ready a “spiritual action plan” that will power our works of mercy. This blueprint for holiness will enable us to become, with God’s grace, the wounded healers our culture desperately needs. An effective spiritual action plan could include: a Morning Offering prayer, daily Rosary, daily Mass or Spiritual Communion, regular Confession, a weekly Holy Hour, and group prayer and study with other pro-life advocates. It is critical for us to connect with other people on our journey of faith. With your spiritual action plan in place, it is time for you to discover your own path to living out the Gospel of Life. But how do you find your way? My experience as a pro-life advocate in Pennsylvania has given me insight into how ordinary citizens can achieve life-saving results: Step One: Self-Evaluation. The journey may begin with an evaluation of your skills and talents. Whether your skill set involves writing letters to the editor, crafting fundraising appeals, or knitting caps for newborn babies, your contribution is vital to the success of pro-life advocacy. No matter what your particular gift, the pro-life movement can use you! Step Two: Form a Connection. It is vital that you form a connection with a group such as a state affiliate of National Right to Life (find yours at nrlc.org/about/stateaffiliates). The group can provide you with legislative alerts which will let you know when critical bills are coming up for a vote. The alerts will enable you to contact your state lawmakers so that you can urge them to pursue pro-life policies and to oppose measures which threaten innocent human life. Step Three: Volunteer! The best way to serve as an Ambassador for Life is to volunteer. Perhaps you can help out with activities such as marches and rallies. With the overturn of Roe v. Wade, grassroots action at the state and local level has become all the more important. If you are a specialist in a particular field, such as the law, health care, or even accounting, you can also make a world of difference by volunteering your services to a worthy pro-life organization. In addition, community-based pregnancy care centers are always looking for people who can donate their time. Whether you engage in counseling or sorting baby clothes, designing newsletters or distributing diapers, you will be contributing mightily to helping to save precious lives. Step Four: Educate Yourself. I have to say that, working in the pro-life movement, I learn something new every day. Whether it involves the latest medical breakthrough in saving premature babies or pilot programs to help pregnant women and their families succeed, new information comes my way on a regular basis. Connect with trusted online sources such as National Right to Life News Today (nrlc.org/news), CatholicNewsAgency.com, National Catholic Register (ncregister.com), and CatholicMom.com. It is important to realize that you cannot hope to educate your family, your friends, and public officials unless you have first educated yourself. The better informed you are, the more powerful will be your witness to the beauty and sanctity of life! The fall of Roe v. Wade has launched a new era in the prolife movement — one that relies more heavily on community engagement and involvement. With the aid of motivation, enthusiasm, and dedication, we can go forth and bring about the change that will save lives, transform hearts, and revitalize our world. Miracles can and will happen, if only we cooperate with God’s loving plan for humanity. To order Mercy’s Power: Inspiration to Serve the Gospel of Life by Maria V. Gallagher, visit ShopMercy.org/b58 (Product Code: B58-MPOW). Marian Helper • Summer 2023 • Marian.org 23 “The fall of Roe v. Wade has launched a new era in the pro-life movement — one that relies more heavily on community engagement and involvement. With the aid of motivation, enthusiasm, and dedication, we can go forth and bring about real change.”
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