CHARLOTTE — A one-word shift in the title of a key diocesan office emphasizes the breadth and depth of the ministries it manages, according to its new director.
The former Office of Marriage and Family Life has changed its name to the Office of Marriage, Family and Life, said Dawn Fitzpatrick, who assumed the director’s role in April.
“It became obvious to me that the scope of what our office does is more than marriage and family; it also has everything to do with life issues. It makes sense that life should have its own spot there in our title,” Fitzpatrick said. “We want to make sure that everyone knows that life issues have a home here in the diocese.”
The emphasis on the dignity of the human person from conception through natural death is a cornerstone of Catholic social teaching and is under fire in areas ranging from abortion to physician-assisted suicide and the death penalty, she said.
“There are so many things in today's world that are contrary to life, so we want to make sure that people are aware that we are advocates for life and we have ministries in place to help,” Fitzpatrick said.
The name change also elevates the work the office does with families at every stage of life.
“We want families to embrace life and for us to help them to do so,” she said.
For more information, visit www.charlottediocese.org/faith-life/family-life or call 704-370-3237.
— Trish Stukbauer
CHARLOTTE — Parishioners and pro-life volunteers participating in the spring 40 Days for Life campaign received a special visit from Dr. Haywood Robinson, medical director of the national 40 Days for Life organization.
Robinson, a former abortionist who lives in Texas, traveled across North Carolina to share his story of how he left the abortion industry, became a Christian and is now engaged in efforts to protect the sanctity of life.
His first stop in the diocese was Feb. 20 at St. Ann Church in Charlotte, where he encouraged participants to be vigilant in their prayers and fasting. The next day, he shared his message with participants in front of the Planned Parenthood facility in Asheville.
Twice a year, 40 Days for Life participants fast and pray in an effort to end abortion. The spring campaign runs through March 29.
In Charlotte, individuals can peacefully pray at Planned Parenthood on South Torrence Street and A Women’s Choice on Wendover Road. The Asheville campaign occurs in front of Planned
Parenthood on McDowell Street, while the Triad area has locations in front of Planned Parenthood on Maplewood Avenue in Winston-Salem and A Women’s Choice on Randleman Road in Greensboro.
To learn more, visit: www.40daysforlife.com.
— Mike FitzGerald