Jared Wuerzburger sings and plays guitar during “The Beat Goes On” Aug. 10 at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport, where he is a parishioner.
By Anne Marie Amacher
The Catholic Messenger
DAVENPORT — More than 150 people — children through adults — listened to music and a talk by Bishop Dennis Walsh during a pro-life benefit event Aug. 10 at Sacred Heart Cathedral titled “The Beat Goes On.”
A celebration to benefit pro-life organizations in the Quad-Cities area has been a tradition since 2010, with one exception in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, said Brad Merritt, organizer of this year’s event. From 2010-2019 the benefit, then titled the Black and White gala, moved between parishes and eventually to St. Ambrose University in Davenport to accommodate its growing presence.
Post-COVID, the event took place outdoors at various locations, including Sacred Heart Cathedral. This year it moved inside, to the cathedral’s Great Hall. This year’s event also drew more people because of seating, a play area, homemade treats and much-needed air conditioning, he said.
Deacon Dan Huber, a cathedral pastoral associate, opened and closed the event with prayer. Steve Goebel, a member of the event’s committee, emceed the event. He thanked all who attended the event for celebrating the sanctity of life and supporting three pro-life organizations: Women’s Choice Center, Pregnancy Resources and Quad City Right to Life.
Jared Wuerzburger, a cathedral parishioner, provided music that he thought would provide a “prayerful experience.” His guitar rendition of “Shepherd Me O God,” had some participants swaying back and forth to the music. “God’s beat with music sure goes on,” Goebel said before introducing Bishop Walsh.
The bishop had just returned from back-to-back events — a youth mission in Georgia and a vocations discernment weekend in Wisconsin for men interested in the priesthood. He talked about having attended pro-life marches many times. “I have seen people from all over the country be witnesses for life and to change legislation.” He believes Generation Z is the up and coming Catholic generation to make a difference in the Church and pro-life movement.
During his trip to Georgia, he noted that more than 4,000 young people attended the various youth camps. Think of “the impact they will have in the future.” He also met with other bishops and priests there. Among the topics they discussed was the number of adult baptisms. “Conversions are up.”
Returning to the topic at hand, Bishop Walsh said promoting a culture of life is difficult even in these early years after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. While surgical abortions in Iowa have declined, he believes chemical abortions are on the rise. “It’s impossible to regulate,” he said, adding, “We need to change hearts.”
In the words of St. Teresa of Kolkata, the bishop said, “Go home and love your family.”
The bishop encouraged attendees to support the values of faith, dignity, life, school, parishes and youth ministry. He also offered thanks for those who give their life in service to the faith. To all Catholics he said, “Thank you for your witness to proclaim the Gospel and dignity of life.”
Courtney Weber, a neonatal intensive care unit nurse from Coralville thanked the committee for inviting her to sing for the third year in a row. Goebel again thanked all for attending the event that emphasized a “hope-filled message” and offered gratitude to God for “giving us life.”
