Promoting life: Diocese creates new commission

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
May 15, 2008

With hopes of motivating parishioners to active pro-life participation and uniting efforts in the pro-life ministry throughout the diocese, the Diocesan Pro-Life Commission was recently established.

The first meeting of the commission was held on May 4 in Early, under the leadership of Mark Thomason, who serves as the diocese's pro-life contact person. That first meeting drew about 12 people and they will all serve on the commission.

But the commission's membership - open to laity, women religious and clergy - is expected to expand.

"The goal is to model it the way the church does things - a discipleship model," noted Thomason. "There will be chair people, a deanery rep, a county rep and even possibly parish reps."

The idea is for information and ideas to flow in both directions - from the diocese out to parishes as well as from the parishes into the diocese. This concept creates a network of sorts.

"If there is a big event, we send it to the whole network," he said. "If it is a local event, they can send it out to their area."

Through this commission, Thomason said he has hopes to make it easier for parishioners to be actively pro-life because parishioners will hear of what activities are being held. This network is also anticipated to be a help to the priests because lay people can do the majority of the organizing of events and that will enable the clergy to have time to participate in the programs or prayer services.

"There have always been many great individual efforts in the pro-life arena in our diocese, and I can't thank people enough for their work," he said. "It is our hope to build on this great work and increase our efforts, especially now that we have an initial group to get us moving."

He called the first meeting of the commission fruitful as it offered a chance to exchange many ideas and hopes.

Dave and Terri Prenger of Carroll have been named chairs of the Diocesan Pro-Life Commission.

"We are looking forward to working closely with the members of the commission, our diocesan schools, priests and the wonderful people of the diocese," stated Dave and Terri Prenger, in a written statement. "Our hope for the commitment of time and prayers within the commission has already proven fruitful."

The Prengers have requested that the faithful of the diocese use the 22nd of each month as a day of Eucharistic adoration for the success of the commission.

In addition to adoration, Thomason suggested that parishioners who want to take an active role in the pro-life ministry can pray and fast on the 22nd of the every month.

At present, the commission would like to hold quarterly events. These events could include a gathering to remember the Jan. 22 anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, an activity in May for Mother's Day and an activity in October, which is Respect Life Month. As the ministry expands, the commission will become involved in more projects.

Through the commission, they hope to further the defense and promotion of the dignity of the unborn, aged, marriage, family and sexual morality as Thomason noted that these are the primary elements to building a culture of life.

Referring to the defense of the unborn, he said that some consider that to be a Sioux City problem because of the abortion clinic location.

"But it's really a problem across our whole diocese - there are referral centers that set up the appointments for people. It affects women and men, grandparents, siblings," said Thomason. "It really does affect the whole of our society."

If you would like more information about the Diocesan Pro-Life Commission or are seeking ways to become involved in more actively in the pro-life ministry, contact Terri Prenger at tprenger@dybb.com, Dave Prenger at dprenger@prengerfurniture.com or Mark Thomason at markt@scdiocese.org.