Resources:
COLFS.org
PregnantAndScared.me
AbortionPillReversal.com
AbortionPerspectives.com
Saint Joseph Academy and COLFS Sponsor Golf Fundraiser
The 2nd annual Saint Joseph Academy Golf Tournament was hosted at the Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Resort on March 10, 2014. As we were setting up before the golfers arrived, I was in awe of the number of organizations that volunteered their time, talent, or treasure to assist in making this tournament possible.
The auction items were fantastic, ranging from fine bottles of wine to prime tickets to a Padres game. Miles Christi provided a beautiful booth displaying images of a variety of their outreach programs. Co-sponsor Culture of Life Family Services (COLFS) was on hand with a wonderful display and a volunteer ready to answer any questions from the golfers. We at SJA are blessed to be surrounded by such strong, faith-filled organizations that have made it possible for us to grow and thrive for 19 years.
As the golfers arrived to register, they were greeted by bright sunny skies and beautiful courses. Faculty and staff members of Saint Joseph Academy were available to help them register and direct them to the driving range or the putting contest. For me, it was a wonderful opportunity to interact with some of our fantastic parents outside of the classroom and help get them ready for an exciting afternoon. I was surprised by the number of names I did not recognize who had heard about the tournament from friends at the school or through COLFS. It was amazing to see so many people eager to participate and support our school and COLFS.
Finally, it was time to go. We loaded the lunches and our eager participants mounted their carts in anticipation. Before they left, Msgr. Gallagher blessed our time together and sent them on their way. As the golf carts made their way to the course, the teachers lined the path shouting words of encouragement and wishing them well. As I toured the course a few hours later with some of my fellow teachers, I was struck with the sense of joy and camaraderie that surrounded the entire event. The abilities of our golfers ranged from the elite to the weekend players, but you could tell how fulfilled they felt being outdoors in God’s beautiful creation and spending time with strong men and women of God.
As I toured the course, I was reminded of the blessings I receive by being a member of the Saint Joseph Academy family. The members of SJA and COLFS make up a unique community and, through their mission of bringing the light of Christ to the world in their own specific way, provide a beautiful example for myself as a young woman of faith.
I feel truly blessed to be surrounded by so many individuals committed to their faith and actively working to share and spread that faith with others. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported the golf tournament.
From the Director
We recently shared a video over email created by one of our Abortion Pill Reversal (APR) clients. It is a powerful testimony of how, when we take a little time to listen to someone else’s struggles, we can help guide them to Jesus’ healing power and change a heart that was once hardened, but now is open to life. The video is characteristic of the emotional struggle a woman has when presented with the single “choice” of abortion in an unplanned pregnancy. With a surgical abortion, the only chance of reversal is if she chooses to get off the table and run. However, if a chemical abortion is started with the first pill (RU486), we have a 53 percent chance of saving the baby!
The Abortion Pill Reversal team has been busy promoting and explaining the program. We have created a new logo, and a new phone number is now operational. In 2013, we received over 200 calls from women who visited our website, and we expect that to double this year. We now have 25 live births of healthy babies who were once at the brink of termination but were saved by the APR program. Over 40 more unborn babies are growing, very healthy, with no signs of disabilities, despite what the abortionists say to the women.
Will you please pray for women who take the abortion pill, that they may find courage to change their minds? We also need your financial support so we can advertise and promote that reversing RU486 is possible. Many of our clergy, doctors, and lay people do not know that this is possible. We heard from one woman who said she would have called our hotline and sought help to reverse her abortion, if she knew it was possible. Please prayerfully consider making a special gift for the Abortion Pill Reversal program.
Peace be with you during this Easter Season. I pray you enjoy a glorious feast on Easter Day, when we can all say, “He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!”
I'm Glad I Changed My Mind
When I first found out I was pregnant with my second child, I was scared. I didn’t want to make my first child feel left out because he isn’t living with me at the moment. I also felt that I’m not stable. I have no job or apartment, and I don’t want to live off welfare either. So, I had “abortion” stuck in my brain when I told Debbie, my counselor at COLFS, that I wanted one. She gave me books, movies—and a long talk—along with a basket of clothes for the baby.
I’m really glad I changed my mind about abortion. I feel that this baby will change my life; it’s already in the process of changing.
No Regrets
I was very confused because I didn’t want to challenge my future by having a baby at such an early age, but I wanted to face the consequences of my actions and take responsibility as well. When I told my mom I was pregnant and that I was going to abort, she never agreed with my decision and would tell me that she wasn’t going to help me obtain medical for such a horrible procedure. My boyfriend was really happy with the news and did not want me to terminate my pregnancy either. I have to admit that I was being really selfish and not thinking about my own baby. I was scared to face the unknown and to leave my soccer dream behind.
I got kicked out of my house when I was 11 weeks pregnant and lived with my godfather until I reached 3 months. I thank God for helping me through this hard decision and for making me feel that I am not alone by having given me the chance to meet Debbie at my first ultrasound on my birthday. When I saw my baby, my eyes became full of joy, and I finally realized that terminating my pregnancy would’ve been the greatest regret of my whole life. I am now living back at home with my mom and my boyfriend, who are both greatly supporting me through my pregnancy. I am about to turn 8 months pregnant, and I am anxiously waiting for my Alexander. I know that I will have to work harder to achieve my dreams, but I will accomplish anything because I am determined to give Alexander the best future.
I am very happy to say that I am going to become a Mommy in less than 2 months. I thank God for this blessing he sent me from above and everyone who helped me through this hard decision. I will never regret this decision because even though it was sent to me very early in my life, it is a blessing from above.
- See more at:
Thank you, Pablo Franco!
He assembles baby bottles, separates coins and donations, makes parish phone calls, unpacks from events, and he even assists Erika Santana with data entry and reports. We are awestruck by Pablo’s diligence, commitment, and Christ-centered mentality.
When asked why he returns week after week, Pablo explained the importance of commitment in all aspects of his life. After serving our nation for 33 years as a border patrol agent, he feels compelled to live out his commitment to God through volunteer work. Pablo hopes to inspire others with his example and asks for your continued prayers and support of our ministry.
Campus Corner
Afterward, the club hosted an additional hour-long Q&A session, where students were able to ask their own questions to both speakers. A Catholic Answers’ film crew documented the entire event and has made the video available to the public on YouTube. I suggest you check it out.
Events like these are imperative for multiple reasons, but most importantly—as Trent advised in his closing statements—it urges students to take a step back and look for consistency in their own beliefs. I always tell students that most people do not change their stance on a great moral issue due to someone yelling at them or telling them they are wrong. It usually happens in the quiet of an introspective moment, while reflecting on words one has heard in charity or action/behaviors they’ve witnessed. So, even if students didn’t walk out of that lecture hall with a changed heart, maybe they’ve begun the contemplative journey of conversion.
In the coming weeks, we’re looking forward to visiting Guardian Angels Parish, John Paul the Great Catholic University, and multiple high schools, as well as starting our brand new pro-life club at Palomar College. We’re excited about bringing the message of purity, chastity, and the sanctity of all human life to their over 25,000 students!
Please continue to pray for our Campus Outreach program, and send any ideas or suggestions our way. Also, if you or someone you know would be interested in volunteering, please contact me at etobin@colfs.org.
Lectio Divina
Pray the following prayer before reading the scripture below: Father, I can’t understand your Word without your grace. I acknowledge my weak- ness so your power can reach perfection in me. Send your Holy Spirit to re- mind, teach, and guide me to the Truth. And may I share, as soon as possible, whatever you teach me. Amen.
Genesis 1:26-27 – Then God said: “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over all the wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on the ground.” God created man in His image, in the divine image He created him; male and female he created them.
What is the Lord saying to you personally? How can you put this into practice in your everyday life?
Reflection: What a glorious time of the year. Alleluia! Alleluia! Christ is risen! How does the world know He has risen? It is by those who, with the eyes of faith, see Him in others. As Pope John XXIII says, “Every human being is made in God’s image,” and in Genesis 1, God says: “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. ”What a powerful statement. What love God has for us. I have to ask myself every day if I see God in every human being. Mother Teresa and Pope John XXIII had a compassion for souls. For us it all begins at home. Do I have a compassion for my spouse’s soul, my children’s soul, my grandchildren’s soul? Do they see the image of God in me; do I see it in them, every one of them?
For those who are far from God, the ones who don’t think of God or serve God, maybe just a word from us telling them that he or she was made in the image of God to be loved and to love and then say the simple words, “I love you.” We may get the response,“Then show it,” and that gives us an opportunity to do something loving and kind for that person. It always comes back to the simple message of loving God and loving one another as He has loved us. Families today are being torn apart by violence, sex, drugs, and indifference. The media has lied to us telling us that God does not exist. These things block us from seeing God’s image in them, but Mother Teresa pulled away the deep sores full of maggots and then saw Jesus.
The worst criminal is crying out to be loved. Christ is alive. We know that when a baby is born. An innocent newborn baby reflects the image of God. This child was made in the image of God, His divine image. We are an Easter people; we are imitators of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. No, God’s not dead. He is alive in you and me; we are marked with the image of God. His compassion, love, and forgiveness go on till the end of time. Alleluia! Allelluia!
In Jesus’love, Marie Finn
Laura Flanagan
The next several months will be very busy as we plan COLFS’ 4th Annual Our Lady’s Tea and our Summer Picnic. We continue our parish and community outreach through baby bottle drive fundraisers and enjoy meeting many of you. Please contact us if you would like to become a COLFS ambassador to your parish or can assist at a baby bottle drive. Volunteer applications are available on our website.We are thrilled with expanding our social media presence online and appreciate all of you who have “liked”us! Please engage and stay in touch with us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/colfs.sd), Twitter (@colfs_sd), and Instagram (colfssd). You can expect event and volunteer updates, prayer requests, pictures, and pro-life news and happenings. If we don’t have your email address and you would like updates via email, please sign up online or send us your email address.
Finally, our 4th Annual Our Lady’s Tea will be held on Sunday, May 18, at The Prado in Balboa Park from 11:00am to 2:00pm. For registration or more information, visit our website, www.COLFS.org, and watch your mailbox for a formal invitation. We look forward to seeing you don your beautiful hats and joining us for a lovely event. If you have any questions, please email Erika Santana at esantana@colfs.org or call 619-564-3307.
Save the Date - 2014 Events
May 18 4th Annual Our Lady's TeaAugust 2nd Annual Pro-Life Picnic
October 4 5th Annual Pro-Life Gala
October 16 White Mass
Culture of Life Family Services 4th Annual
Our Lady's Tea
Sunday, May 18, 201411:00am - 2:00pm
The Prado at Balboa Park
Tickets are $45 per guest
Lunch will be served
For more info and registration: www.COLFS.org
STAFF
Scott Maxwell, President/CEOGeorge Delgado, M.D., F.A.A.F.P., Medical Director
Karen Saroki, M.D.
Don Palencia, D.O., M.S., D.A.B.F.P., C.M.N.F.P.M.C.
Lisa Higgins, MS, PA-C
Mario Mejia, Office Administrator
Debbie Bradel, BSN, PHN, Abortion Pill Reversal
Margaret Sutherlin, RN, ME
Corrie Thomas, RN
Pat Poindexter, RN, CFCP
Catherine Breen, BS, FCP
Erika Santana • Erica Tobin
Laura Flanagan • Mercy Vallejo
Wendy Verdin • Jessica Ortiz
Terri Sawaya • Vianca Dubon
Sonia de Leon • Silvia Calvet
Michelle Quintanilla • Erika Sanchez
Mayra Mancilla • Estabaliz Stommel
BOARD MEMBERS
Colleen Maalouf, Co-ChairJim Teeter, Co-Chair, Treasurer
Tom Dobrino, Secretary
Bill Goyette
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Archbishop Salvatore CordileoneBishop Cirilo Flores
Fr. Richard Castro, M.C.
Marie Finn
Deacon Keith Esshaki
Philip Rivers
Charles LiMandri, Esq
James Stabile
Mike Murphy
Roger Lopez
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Culture of Life Family Services - San Diego
5030 Camino de la Siesta, Suite 106
San Diego, CA 92108 United States
(619) 692-4401
Culture of Life Family Services - North County
362 West Mission Ave., #105
Escondido, CA 92025 United States
(760) 741-1224
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