Protecting the Vulnerable at All Ages (feat. Julie Dumalet, Archdiocese Office of Pro-Life Activities)
The term “pro-life” can be a politically charged topic. While the most common understanding of being pro-life is in regard to protecting life before birth, we had the opportunity to talk with someone who has a broader understanding of what it means to take up the charge of the vulnerable and protect life at all ages.
Our guest for this conversation is Julie Dumalet. She has led the Archdiocese Office of Pro-Life Activities here in Houston, Texas since 2016 in the position of Director. The Pro-Life Office continually seeks new ways to promote the dignity of human persons through initiatives such as St. Joseph Ministry Foster Care and Families.
In this episode, Julie explains how partnering with others who share your mission leads to greater long-term success, what it looks like to be pro-life beyond pregnancy and birth, some of the key ways we can begin to identify the vulnerable in our existing communities, and much more.
You can also find this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more.
Key Takeaways
- Vulnerability can occur at any age. The term “pro-life” is usually mentioned when people are advocating for the vulnerable between conception and birth. However, you can find vulnerable people at all different ages and stages of life. We have a call to help those less fortunate than ourselves, but there are countless ways to answer this call. Taking action to support the lives of our neighbors can look as simple as taking a meal to a family in need.
- You don’t have to go anywhere to serve. Sometimes, it’s easier to think about serving people in need across the world than it is to consider how we can make a difference in our own city. But there are so many small yet impactful ways you can serve on a local level. Start by asking, who are the vulnerable right here in my backyard? Then, rather than assuming we know the best ways to help, we should ask the person in need what would help them the most.
- Partner with those around you to reach a common goal. If you’re working completely alone, it can seem daunting to consistently offer resources to the vulnerable around you. But the truth is, there are many others already at work in your community who can help lighten the load. For example, rather than starting your own ministry and taking on the burden of providing weekly meals or ongoing support, there may be an organization or church already doing something similar that you can join forces with. Regardless of our background, denomination, or affiliation, we are all fulfilling unique roles along the River—working toward the common goal of making Houston a place where families can heal and children thrive.
Resources
Meet the Guest
Julie Dumalet is the Director of the Archdiocese Office of Pro-Life Activities. The Pro-Life Office continually seeks new ways to promote the dignity of human persons through initiatives such as St. Joseph Ministry Foster Care and Families. Julie holds a Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University, a Bachelor’s from the University of Notre Dame, and a certification in Healthcare Ethics from the National Catholic Bioethics Center.
