“Fear not for God is with you”

Approximately 200 people from all over San Antonio, including St. Mark’s parishioners, seminarians, priests, deacons, and brother Knights, attended the Gabriel Project Dinner and Silent Auction Fundraiser in Christopher Hall of St Mark the Evangelist. The Gabriel Project is a national pro-life charity started in 1973 by Msgr. John Perusina, then pastor at St. Michael's Church, Houston, TX. He put up a sign outside the church conveying the parish's commitment to provide practical love and support to mothers facing an unplanned pregnancy. He wanted to echo the same encouraging message given to the Virgin Mary by the Angel Gabriel: “Fear not for God is with you.” The ministry spread to other Texas dioceses and, later, to other states. Along with the successful silent auction at the dinner, Mrs. Darlene Jimenez, a guest speaker, gave an informative presentation about Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Juan Diego, as it was his feast day. The Gabriel Project of San Antonio is a parish-based ministry assisting moms and babies in need before and after birth, supporting over 500 families a month with trained volunteers who mentor moms and dads in a loving and supportive way, providing encouragement, counseling, friendship, emotional, material and financial help and assistance in assessing local services. The project serves all girls and women in unplanned pregnancies without pressuring moms about faith, parenting decisions or adoption. Gabriel Project is always looking for volunteers and donations, items for infants such as diapers, strollers, car seats, etc. The items collected are distributed to those moms throughout the South East Texas area, regardless of religious affiliation. If you're interested in volunteering and supporting the Gabriel Project in San Antonio, please contact Darlene Belanger, Gabriel Project director, at (210) 316-1065 or d9belanger@gmail.com.