Parish leaders and members of the congregation share how they were touched by Debbie’s parish visit.
Rev. Andrew Dudzinski pastor of St. Patrick, Kokomo
“I want to thank you for sharing your ministry with us here at St. Patrick. What you are doing is so very important and I know that you have deeply touched many hearts. Please be assured of my prayer for you as you keep moving forward in your ministry.”
Rev. Paul Landwerlen pastor of St. Vincent dePaul, Shelbyville
“Debbie has given her witness at St. Vincent DePaul with much conviction and great enthusiasm. At one of the Masses she was warmly applauded for her message. And at the other two Masses she was also well received. I do not know of any congregation that should not hear her or would be offended at her message. She has a wonderful witness and I feel it touches the hearts of her listeners.”
Rev. Pat Doyle pastor of Nativity, Indianapolis
“Debbie’s presentation on her ministry program, Healing Hidden Hurts, inspires and challenges people to affirm their pro-life position. Our parishioners were grateful for the opportunity to learn about and to support a ministry that compassionately and effectively responds to the trauma that people experience as a result of abortions.”
Rev. Ted Dudzinski pastor of St. Joan of Arc, Kokomo, Indiana
“It was such a blessing for Debbie to witness to our parishioners at St. Joan of Arc how the decision to have an abortion has affected her. She related in her talk how devastating and life lasting this decision has been for her and how cold her heart had grown in order to mask her feelings of sorrow. Through her talk she helped others identify symptoms that indicate that healing of the heart has not taken place and that only through the healing powers of Jesus and His Church is it possible to feel whole again. She gives others hope that they can find joy and fullness in their life once again. Debbie also conveys that abortion should never be the solution to “fix the problem” for an unplanned pregnancy and that there are so many more life-giving options.”
Rev. Vince Lampert pastor of Ss. Francis and Clare, Greenwood
“It was a blessing to have Debbie come to Saints Francis and Clare to share her message of mercy and healing for those who have been hurt by abortion. Parish calendars always fill up very quickly and there is often a desire not to want to add anything else to an already busy Mass time schedule. However, Debbie was succinct in her message and conveyed some important information that is best delivered by one who personally knows the pain and anguish of abortion. I would encourage all parish leaders to consider inviting Debbie to come and speak on this very important topic. With the likelihood that abortion may become even more widespread after our recent presidential election her message is needed now more than ever.”
Rev. Jim Wilmoth pastor of St. Roch, Indianapolis
“…It was a wonderful experience for our Parishioners to hear from Debbie and to come to an understanding of her ministry. I am very happy that we had the opportunity to have her visit our parish and to speak at our Masses. I can very highly recommend Debbie and her ministry. She is doing a wonderful service.”
From the pews
Since I began speaking in parishes, I have asked for feedback from the pews. Here are only a sampling of the comments I receive, but they represent the general response in parishes.
What was the overall message conveyed in the presentation?
Patricia Linder: “Jesus welcomes everyone back. Although someone makes a choice to have an abortion; there are ramifications that occur they may not be prepared for or expect. There is support available to everyone.”
Joseph Kalil Sr: “God has more forgiveness and mercy than we have the ability to use.”
Donna Randolf: “…this ministry helps women struggling with abortions and can provide a form of personal healing. Also, everyone in the community can take part in this ministry.”
How do you feel the congregation received the information?
Charlotte Gilliam: “I heard lots of positive comments and everyone seemed very attentive during the presentation.”
Mary Harty: “It was very still in the entire church. I think the message was good and received well.”
What could be improved?
Christine: “I can’t think of anything here. It must be challenging to convey a story like yours and the purpose of your mission in just 5 – 10 minutes. I feel you did that.”
Illegible signature: “Not much, it was organized and prepared very nicely. Eye contact was made with the congregation.”
What gave it strength?
Kathryn Jenkins: “Debbie was so honest and forthright … Her story was very moving, sincere and emotional. My 15 year old granddaughter was so very moved by the testimony.”
Libby Thomas: “Your personal testimony and Scripture to back it up.”
Mary Harty: “The presentation – the way you delivered it – you spoke from the heart and didn’t read to us. Thank You.”
Personal observations of interest…
Leon Kraus: “That a person will carry this wound the rest of their life unless they receive healing from the Lord.”
Anonymous: “I needed to hear Debbie say confession (sincerely) does take away the sin but it doesn’t take away the pain.”
Pat Koors: “Very moved. We have never had anyone ever before get up in St. Mary’s to tell this story. It was time.”
Young people are motivated to become pro-active among their peers. Parishioners become aware of the need to balance the pro-life message, remembering Christ came to seek and save the lost by dying on the cross.