Celebration for Life dinner slated for Sept. 7

Bishop Wm. Michael Mulvey will be the keynote speaker at the 22nd Annual Celebration for Life scheduled for Sept. 7 at the Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center. This year’s banquet is dedicated to the memory of Therese Perez and Cliff Zarsky who were called home in June of this year.

Proceeds from this year’s event will directly benefit Corpus Christi Hope House, the Gabriel Project and Birthright.

Bishop Mulvey, who holds a Licentiate degree in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, is an advocate for human life in all of its expressions from conception to natural death. Bishop Mulvey will share with those in attendance his vision for life, justice and human dignity in all the various forms and challenges.

Since 1989 persons ministering to life issues ranging from pregnancy, adoption and abortion to persons with disabilities, migrant justice and end-of-life care, have come together to support one another and raise much-needed funds to assist and defend those who are less fortunate.

Both Perez and Zarsky were former “Celebration for Life Servant Award” recipients who dedicated their lives to the service of women in crisis pregnancy situations and their babies.

“Through their free and willing yes to God’s command to love one another, Therese and Cliff gave of themselves through their actions and leadership to contribute to the building up of God’s kingdom,” said Deacon Stephen Nolte, director of the Diocese Office of Life, Justice and Human Dignity. “Their love and compassion for the least of God’s children was directly responsible for saving many babies from death through abortion.”

Corpus Christi Hope House, most recently under the direction of Perez, has served homeless women and children for more than 20 years. It provided emergency housing and other aid for nearly 1,500 clients in 2010.

The Gabriel Project is an ecumenical, inter-denominational group of local churches committed to assisting pregnant women with meeting their needs. These needs range from medical assistance to clothing, food, adoption and housing.

Birthright of Corpus Christi provides free pregnancy tests, confidential guidance, referrals for further assistance and direct assistance for some of the basic needs before and after birth. These organizations are always in need of volunteers to assist meeting the needs of clients.

Those attending the celebration will have the opportunity to contribute to further the work of these ministries.

For more information, visit www.cchope.org online.