81R12521 MMS-F

By: Olivo H.R. No. 844

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Representatives of the Respect Life and Family Life ministries of the Roman Catholic Church in Texas are visiting the State Capitol on March 31, 2009, and this occasion provides a fitting opportunity to recognize the many good works that these ministries have accomplished over the years; and

WHEREAS, Established at the parish level throughout the 15 dioceses in Texas, the Respect Life ministry, together with the related Gabriel Project, offers services to women facing crisis pregnancies; these ministries, conducted without regard to race, religion, or socioeconomic background, literally save the lives of thousands of new Texans every year and provide ongoing parenting assistance for their families; and

WHEREAS, Family Life ministries, which are also carried out within the parishes, provide marriage preparation and education to engaged couples; in addition, these ministries support marriage enrichment programs and help residents across the state strengthen and nurture their family relationships; and

WHEREAS, Both the Respect Life and Family Life ministries have their origins in the commitment of the Catholic Church to respect the dignity of all human life, from conception to natural death; accordingly, these ministries support ethically and morally responsible adult stem cell research, which has saved countless lives, while opposing the unethical and immoral practice of embryonic stem cell research and human cloning; and

WHEREAS, Supporting and encouraging the work of the Respect Life and Family Life ministries is the Texas Catholic Conference, the statewide association of Roman Catholic dioceses in Texas; as well as fostering cooperation and communication among the Catholic dioceses and ministries in the state, the conference serves as the public policy arm of the Texas bishops; and

WHEREAS, Those who give of their time and talents in behalf of the Respect Life and Family Life ministries are easing the burdens of many individuals and contributing to the building of strong, healthy families; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby welcome the ministers of the Respect Life and Family Life delegation on the occasion of their visit to the State Capitol and commend all those associated with these ministries for their continuing efforts to promote the dignity of all human life by making a positive difference in the lives of others; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Texas Catholic Conference as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.