Since 2008, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis has been honoring those who have worked tirelessly for life.

Facilitating a change in culture takes many gifts, and the Champions for Life awards luncheon recognizes those who may be working behind the scenes, such as those who organize, speak for life and pray for change.

The 2013 Champions for Life honorees include people from all walks of life and work; they are:

Youth/Young Adult Category:
Laura Bearth
Bearth is a senior at Cretin-Derham Hall high school in St. Paul, where she heads the school’s Respect Life Team.  She has worked with the group to build a culture of life and help to influence her peers by  bringing in pro-life speakers, organizing a Respect Life service day, attending the March for Life, creating  displays and leading a Day of Silence for the school.

Couple, Family or Catholic Affiliated Group:
Barb and Brad Mayer
The Mayers are members of Risen Savior in Burnsville, where Barb has led and actively participated in the parish’s Respect Life Group. They not only volunteer in pro-life work by being involved in Pregnancy Choices Life Care Center in Apple Valley, but they also witness their pro-life beliefs by telling their personal stories to young people. Their work spans more than 30 years and includes political and financial initiatives to help pregnant women.

Adult Pro-Life Professional:
Will Cossairt
Cossairt has been active in pro-life work for more than 25 years both as a volunteer and as the executive director of TLC, Options for Women, an affiliation of more than 30 pregnancy resource centers. In the 20 years that he has been the executive director of TLC, the organization has grown from 16 to 31 affiliates. Hundreds of lives have been touched through his leadership and ongoing dedication. Will and his family are members of St. Joseph in West St. Paul.

Adult Pro-Life Volunteer:  
Cathy Loch Johnson
Johnson and her family are members of St. Hubert in Chanhassen.  As one of the founding members of the parish’s Community Caring for Life, she has volunteered despite working full time. She has been involved in baby showers, bake sales, memorials to the unborn, pro-life rallies, prayer services, making baptism bags and organizing a Rally for Life for teens.

Tickets available

Bishop Lee Piché will honor the winners at the annual Champions for Life Awards Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. — 1:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at St. Peter in Mendota.
Minnesota native Danielle Rose will be the keynote speaker. She will talk about her pro-life mission and perform songs from her 2013 album, “Culture of Life.” Tickets are $35 each or $280 per table.   To register, click here or call (651) 291-4506.