The Monmouth Coastal Respect Life Committee presented Bishop John M. Smith with its 2009 Champion of Life award at a formal ceremony and dinner Oct. 4 in Belmar. Close to 200 persons were in attendance to congratulate and celebrate with Bishop Smith – and to raise needed funds – for various pro-life organizations and ministries.
 
Respect Life Committee secretary Pat Wright said the attendance was indicative of a positive trend. “There are several tables of students here tonight who are receiving a great education. Bishop Smith is by far the best advocate for youth. His presence here is just extraordinary,” Wright stated. 

The Monmouth Coastal Life Committee is a newly-formed coalition of several parishes in the southern Monmouth County area – St. Catharine-St. Margaret, Spring Lake; St. Denis, Manasquan; St. Mark, Sea Girt, and St. Rose, Belmar. The committee works in conjunction with the diocesan Office of Family Life to defend life through prayer services; promoting just legislation; education, and fundraising for ministries and organizations that protect human life.

In accepting his award, Bishop Smith stated, “The best part for me is the young people – wonderful, alive and vibrant young people – who give us great hope. You are all wonderful, and the Lord loves you. You have all been carrying his banner in a big way, and we must make the country into a pro-life country.” 

Father Ian Trammell, diocesan director of the Office of Life and Justice Ministries, spoke about the bishop’s long-time support of Respect Life efforts. Father Trammell cited Bishop Smith’s strong and vocal legislative opposition to stem-cell funding, his support for universal healthcare, his maximization of technology and media, the fact that he never missed a March For Life in Washington, D.C., and his leadership in youth initiatives.    

In concluding remarks, Bishop Smith issued a call-to-action by telling the story of a woman who performed a small act of kindness for some migrant workers.

“She gave each of them a cup of coffee from her thermos. This kind woman taught me a lesson. Because a problem is so big and is considered insurmountable by many, we do nothing. This woman showed me that we can always do something, and she did do something,” Bishop Smith stated.