Carondelet High Schoolers small but mighty campaign for Life

Carondelet High Schoolers small but mighty campaign for Life:

By Kiona Medina MA
Coordinator of LIfe and Social Justice Ministries

This is the story of David and Goliath happening right here in our Diocese at Carondelet High School in Concord. The Davids: High school girls hosting their monthly Pro Life Club with support from their teacher, Mrs. Woo. The Goliaths: the pro choice culture that is rampant everywhere and feels like a giant stepping on to the respect for life and dignity of the unborn and the support of mothers in need.

Not only do these students show up every week during their lunch period, but they also put their faith in action and run drives for local organizations. The club donated toys and self care items to Crossroads High School for teen moms for their Christmas party last year. They also donated care kits with soaps and hairbrushes/hygiene items to “Restore” a local organization in Concord that reunites families that have been broken by addiction.

When asked why she is part of the club, leader Megan K. ‘24 answered, "because I think it is important to stand up for life no matter what.” What fuels them? Their faith, their families, their belief that advocating for the unborn is necessary.

I met two of these students when I worked as a youth minister in St. Mary’s Church in Walnut Creek. Seniors Sarah and Sofia L. went through the youth group and confirmation program and when I started working for the Diocese as the coordinator of life and social justice five months ago, the systemic multigenerational vision we are growing calls upon all ages to actively live out their baptismal call. The girls shared with me about their club and I invited two women activists from the pro life campaign to visit the school and fuel their passion for social justice.

Pro life activists Marlene Rodriguez and Carolyn Reagan and I visited the club during their lunch meeting to share encouragement and resources. Our collaboration seeds were planted to grow more projects that connect all of our ministries and address the various needs affecting unplanned pregnancies and supports life in all its forms. As these girls and Mrs. Woo know, being pro life demands the holistic awareness that all of life is interconnected and service in any capacity goes a long way.

The office of life and social justice is committed to support this club and continue to build opportunities for our youth to fully live our Catholic values. All ages needed: If you want to collaborate in any way with the pro life/social justice campaigns in schools or through your parish please contact: Kiona Medina, coordinator of life and social justice at [email protected]

Caption for the pic:
Group pic of student leaders and activists from our visit: from the left, Megan K. ‘924, Sofia L. ‘24, Kiona Medina, activist Marlene Rodriguez, activist Carolyn Reagan, Sarah L. ‘24 and Alexandra M. ‘25