A Celebration of Life

St. Agnes Catholic Church hosted A Celebration of Life at the Jackson County Services Building for young and old on Jan. 27, to remind people of how sacred and precious life is.

The Most Rev. Brendan Cahill, S.T.D., Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Victoria, was among the guest speakers for the night. Cheryl Thompson-Draper gave a testimonial, "A Purpose to Life," telling of her story and choice not to abort her baby when she was 18 years old. Her son is now married with four children of his own.

The crowd was happy to learn her son, John Schmidt, was there. President of American Faith and Family Ministries in Brenham, Schmidt gave the benediction at the end of the program and shared a hug with his mother.

Madeine Novian, the Program Chairperson for the event, said the turnout was the best they've had so far, and looks forward to next year.

A full article can be found in the Jackson County Herald-Tribune newspaper in the Feb. 3 issue.

From left are Rev. Michael Petering of St. Agnes, Schmidt, Thompson-Draper, Cahill and Novian.