Summary of the Bishop's 17th Annual Respect Life Rally - Deidre A. McQuade's talk entitled, "Imitating Jesus in Pro-Life Conversations."

Thanks to all who could attend and network at Bishop Muench's 17th Annual Repect Life Rally yesterday, as well as help with our St. Agnes COL Booth there. It was a blessing to get with others who had booths and visitors to encourage one another.

Thanks to Shannon Baldridge for allowing us this opportunity. Kudos especially to Don Caffery for the vast assortment of mini-brochures addressing the whole spectrum of the culture of life issues that he provided for the booth display - from the organization "One More Soul," I think.

Also, thanks to Cindy from St. Agnes for the one-page, front and back COL fliers that include the Gospel of Life Prayer by Pope John Paul II and the 2010 calendar listing of the Pro-Life Masses to be held at St. Agnes.

Even though I couldn't stay for the entire event, it was great how the Agenda had the function begin with a Rosary (held inside due to the cold weather) that was led by Shannon Baldridge and teenagers.

I was especially moved by Deidre A. McQuade's talk entitled, "Imitating Jesus in Pro-Life Conversations." She based her whole talk upon the beautiful "Women at the Well" account (John 4: 1-42). It was neat how she shared her own experience about witnessing to a person she had met ("attractive, bow-tie guy") at a conference who operated 3 abortion clinics!

A brief outline of her 5 great points from that Gospel account about how we can imitate Jesus in the here and now per our own "Pro-Life Conversations:"

1. Jesus passed through foreign territory - so do we every day!
2. Jesus met the woman "where she was at" - so must we, as we like to say in social work: to meet your clients where they are at!
3. Jesus acknowledged the woman's knowledge of the truth, however limited - so must we if we want to engage in two-way talk!
4. Jesus challenged the woman in love without shame - we all need dignity for our own conversions ("metanoia")!
5. Jesus offered her something better - so can we. This is really being "Pro-Choice for Life!"

My Facebook note from last night - I had to include that beautiful Peter, Paul and Mary rendition of the "Woman at the Well!"

The Bishop's 17th Annual Respect Life Rally in Baton Rouge was great - featured Deidre A. McQuade of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat of Pro-Life Activitives. Her "Imitating Jesus in Pro-Life Conversations" talk noted Jesus' Exemplar Model of Communicating per the "Woman at the Well" experience. May we follow His example!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oj5C8uuOHYo