On April 15, as we prepared our hearts to celebrate the hope and renewal of Easter, we were joined by more than 60 men and women for a beautiful Easter Lunch to share the Mission of Council for Life and hear a powerful life-affirming message.
We were honored to welcome Father Kevin Kolker, Chaplain and Director of the Catholic Campus Ministry at SMU, and Aaron Snell, CEO of Hope Women’s Center, as our guest speakers.
Father Kevin and Aaron spoke with conviction about what it is to be pro-life. They shared about their commitment to love and support vulnerable women and men facing unplanned pregnancies on college campuses and throughout the Metroplex, as well as those in need of hope and healing from the harm of abortion.
“True pro-life work goes beyond legislation—it’s about fostering a culture where the dignity of every human life is reverenced and the woman, man and child are all cared for.” – Father Kevin Kolker
As a pastor for 20 years, Aaron Snell’s perspective of his pro-life role changed dramatically when his wife Holly shared moving stories from working at Hope Women’s Center. He was deeply impacted when he witnessed a young woman in crisis pregnancy choose life and faith, only to be discouraged by her uninvolved boyfriend who insisted on an abortion. Realizing the need to support men as much as the women in these situations, he helped start a men’s ministry at Hope.
“Over time, the Lord ripped my heart and showed me that this really is the issue of our day.” – Aaron Snell
Now CEO of Hope Women’s Center, he leads their ministry in a holistic approach to meet every need including medical care, counseling, life skills, benefits and housing assistance and baby essentials. They rely on the Holy Spirit to speak life into every situation and offer the transformative good news of Christ.
“No matter where they are on the spectrum of crisis pregnancy, we want to eliminate the crisis, not the child.”– Aaron Snell
Hope Women’s Center serves approximately 3,000 women a year and 1,000 men. Their average patient is 15-24 years old. Pregnancy resource centers like Hope serve people of all backgrounds and religions with dignity, breaking down barriers through genuine love and care.
Father Kevin likewise emphasized the importance of showing students what pro-life is in practice— caring for the child, mother and father from the womb and beyond. He and his students participate in service projects at pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes for women in crisis pregnancies, including White Rose Women’s Center, Bella House and Mater Maria.
When an SMU student facing an unplanned pregnancy sought guidance, Father Kevin offered help and affirmed him with compassion, reminding him of the profound reality of fatherhood. His ministry acknowledges the challenges of a campus culture that normalizes unhealthy choices. Father Kevin wants to ensure that students know they will always be welcomed with Christ’s love. Through intentional programs promoting God’s design for relationships—centered on commitment, marriage and virtues like sobriety and chastity—he helps young people navigate these pressures. By fostering a culture that respects life and underscores the goodness of God’s plan for sexuality, his ministry works to prevent crisis pregnancy situations while still offering hope and support to those who are facing just that.
“They need to know that if they come looking for help, they are going to be received with the absolute compassion of Jesus Christ.” – Father Kevin Kolker
Thank you to all those who joined us for the blessing of fellowship, inspiration and reflection during the Easter season.
Watch the Presentation
Watch the powerful conversation between Father Kevin and Aaron. Click on the Subtitles/closed captions option [cc] to enhance the audio.
Special Thanks
- Lisa-Adelle O’Brien for graciously hosting us in her beautiful home.
- Father Kevin Kolker and Aaron Snell for their enlightening conversation and encouragement.
- Neighborhood Outreach Chairs Ready Bateman, Gale Roberson and Carla Zeller for working tirelessly to bring this event together with grace and excellence.