The Adoption Experiences, continued from page 1
Bill Jechorek, Member of St. John's Respect Life Committee (interviewed by Jeannette Peterson, committee chair)

My daughter volunteered at a crisis pregnancy center. She got to know a pregnant young woman there very well. The biological father wanted the young woman to abort this child. My daughter shared with this young woman that she and her husband couldn't have children of their own. This young woman asked my daughter to adopt her child. 

Do you have any advice for anyone considering adoption?

For us, it has been a very positive thing. Of course, it's not like Christmas morning every day. You deal with the same trials as any parent would. It is a wonderful way of sharing life. It gives so much more meaning to life.

Any advice on raising a family of five children?

Teach your children to earn their own way in the world. Don't give them too many material things. Giving them everything they want won't benefit them. They need to learn that if they want something bad enough, they will have to work for it. You have to be firm. Eat family meals together. The hardest thing now is trying not to tell my grown kids how to raise their own kids...

We want your gently used children's and baby items. Help families in need by bringing items to Once Upon A Child. Children's clothing, toys, furniture & equipment should be clean, free of stains, and placed in bags or boxes.

How has becoming a parent affected your faith life?

As a parent, I have come to realize that, more than words, we teach by our actions. Take your family to church, pray before meals, do good works, and involve your children. Teach them how to love God.

Respect Life Weekend  & the Adoption  Option
St. John's Respect Life Committee

St. John's Respect Life Committee is sponsoring guest speakers from Adoption Option Committee on the topic of Adoption during Respect Life Weekend, Sept. 30/Oct. 1. While many of our parishioners may not be directly involved in the adoption triad (child, birth parent, and adoptive parent), we all have the ability to make a difference in an adoption by the power of our words. To find out more, or to share an adoption story in your family, visit our tables after all Masses during Respect Life Weekend. We will also be collecting for our annual "Give for Life" fundraiser. All proceeds go to local pro-life organizations.

Adoption Option Committee, Inc. (AOCI), established in 1983, is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization with a mission to promote a positive attitude toward adoption, to assure accurate and fair consideration of adoption planning, and to provide financial assistance to birth parents who choose adoption. Since 1999, the AOCI has awarded 324 grants totaling $134,392 to birth mothers and fathers. In a typical year, grants are awarded to people in an average of 30 different Minnesota communities. The grants are given to birth parents who have made an adoption plan, and funds are used for rent, medical bills, and education.

AOCI has recently developed an educational campaign called "In the Know,"  which takes a peer-to-peer approach to equip teens with information about adoption. When it comes to something as serious as teen pregnancy, the words of a fellow teen can make a difference. In the Know provides information and resources for teens to understand the available options so they can make - or help a friend make - the decision that is right for everyone. More information about the campaign is available at www.itkteens.org. In the Know welcomes your interest and volunteer participation. To learn more, call (952) 944-0866.