The United Hearts Life Mission (UHLM), a newly founded nonprofit that aims to provide “whole women's healthcare,” held a once-in-a-lifetime concert fundraiser Sept. 15 at Notre Dame High School, Easton, with Grammy-award-winning contemporary Christian artist Matt Maher.
Mary Anne Morales, Executive Director of the nonprofit, explained that UHLM did not want to hold a “traditional gala fundraiser,” but sought to “give thanks to God for what He is doing in our community, [especially by allowing] UHLM to be a place providing life-affirming care to women and the unborn.”
Maher highlighted the nonprofit’s distinct nature: “I have been to lots of fundraisers, but this is unique in its genesis of how a doctor felt very called to come behind a very specific vision of healthcare for women.
“As a member of the Church, I am always wanting to use my gifts and talents to help further the mission of the Church in every avenue of society, and as Catholics – especially even in America – we have a long history of caring about the health and wellbeing of a whole person. So, to me, it just feels like a very logical extension of the work and ministry of the Church – not just the Church as an organization, but the Church as the people of God – the body of Christ.”
Father Allen Hoffa, Pastor of Holy Guardian Angels, Reading, who celebrated a Mass with the board of UHLM before the concert, echoed the possibility of Maher’s music being able to aid in the missionary activity of the Church, and it did just that.
Father Hoffa has used Maher’s music in his own prayer life as far back as the seminary and frequently with youth in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
“It helps us to be able to present a new cause, a new issue, and draw people into the great work that is being done,” said Father Hoffa. “So it is great to see UHLM being united with Matt Maher, along with all the people who are going to get to hear UHLM’s message, but also be able to hear Matt’s heartfelt message in his music.”
Faith Chajnacki, a senior theology major at DeSales University, Center Valley, and parishioner of Queenship of Mary, Northampton, saw the concert advertised as an “evening with Matt Maher,” and found it “felt very special because it was for a specific cause.” It was through the concert that she learned about the pro-life women’s health care provided by UHLM.
In addition, the nonprofit held a “Garden of Light” with each of 141 candles representing a baby lost to miscarriage.
The UHLM Award was given to Mary and Rob Mosel, who courageously chose to give birth to their daughter despite pressures to abort their child after a poor prenatal diagnosis. Though doctors said their child would not survive birth, Elizabeth Hope Mosel was born and survived for two years before she tragically passed from sepsis after surgery.
Dr. MaryAnne Freeman-Brndjar told donors and volunteers before the concert, “We may be on the front lines in the pro-life mission, but we cannot do it without your support and prayers. There are no words to express the joy I experience as I am able to bring these beautiful children into the world.
“All of heaven rejoices when a mother chooses life for her unborn baby. Each child has a divine purpose uniquely designed by the hand of God, and I am blessed to be such an important part as they begin their journey. My cup overflows as I stand before you, anticipating what the future holds; God has big plans for us.”
For more information, go to www.UnitedHearts.life.
By Annaleigh Gidosh
