Woman's new work will be life work

As the new associate director of the diocesan Family Life Office, she is responsible for respect life issues.

"This is an educational office," she said. "I will be a resource."

Life issues

"It's more than abortion," she said. "If we respect all human life, we have to look at the whole picture. We're talking about everyone. No matter who the person is or what happened before, they deserve respect."

Experience

She told the story of her cousin's son who was mugged on Mother's Day eight years ago. The young man was in a coma for months. The family's only option was to pray. He came out of the coma, lives with his parents and requires nursing care.

While some might say his life is wasted, Mrs. Bergh said he is an illustration of "the beauty of life."

Support needed

"If things aren't going right, people try to escape instead of experiencing difficulties," Mrs. Bergh said. "It doesn't matter who you are; we all go through adversity."

Providing people support through difficult times is the job of everyone, she said. "People need help and support in times of crisis," she stated.

For example, when her cousin had a stroke and faced a three-month rehabilitation period, Mrs. Bergh offered encouragement through daily mailings. On the weekend, she would make seven cards on her computer. Each day, she put one in the mail. Her cousin said she looked forward to the deliveries.

"It's the little things that give us strength to carry on," she said.

Courage and life

"Who are we to determine when death should happen?" she said. "We should have the courage and the strength to do what's best."

Courage and strength are two qualities needed when looking at respect life issues at all stages from birth until death, she said.

Skills

Mediation, she said, involves respect and good listening skills, which she will continue to use in her new position.

Serving in her new position is not something she could have predicted she would do, but it is not out of the ordinary for her.

"I never thought I'd be doing this," she said, "but I have always been involved, even as a child, in doing something for the Church."

Serving Church

"This is something I believe in," she said. "I know I can communicate and portray this in a positive light. It goes back to my belief in the dignity of man. We need to look at the whole picture, listen and stand up for our faith."

(In her role, Meg. Bergh will coordinate regional meetings for parish respect life committees and serve as a resource for parishes on life issues. She can be reached at the Family Life Office, 453-6677.)

(10-01-98) [[In-content Ad]]