Julie Bailey retires as Director of Respect Life Apostolate

Retirement:  “The action or fact of leaving one’s job and ceasing to work.”
I’ll go along with the first part, but not the second. Do any of us ever really cease to work? No. 
As I ponder life beyond June 30 —  my final day of work at the diocese — I encounter myriad feelings and memories.
It’s true that I haven’t really been doing this job for a long time. I began in 2018 as the volunteer leader of the diocesan respect life efforts. In 2020, mid-COVID, I was asked to join the diocesan staff as a part-time employee with the title “Director of the Respect Life Apostolate for the Diocese of Colorado Springs.” Some days it feels like I’ve been doing this work a lot longer than 7½ years.
Perhaps it’s because, in a state like Colorado, the pro-life battle is rough. Most days, it feels like banging your head against a brick wall. Where the Colorado General Assembly and elections are concerned, it can be tempting to say, “Why bother?”
I prefer to focus on the joy I’ve experienced in this role. And that is what I choose to share with you as I reflect on my time here.
The people I’ve worked with across the state and across the country have taught me, guided me, laughed and cried with me. They are people of passion and integrity, and I have been blessed to know and work with them.
Bishop Michael Sheridan and (now) Archbishop Jim Golka were amazing, holy men to work for. They supported me, gave me freedom, and provided direction in perfect proportions. I’m thankful for them and for all the priests and deacons who supported my work and who continue to support the work of the Respect Life ministries in their parishes.
The Parish Respect Life Coordinators and other Respect Life Volunteers have worked hard and have been true compatriots. I’m honored to call them friends.
Memories of Respect Life Dinners at the Broadmoor and of Respect Life Roundups at the Flying W Ranch make me smile. I’ve loved these events and have enjoyed seeing so many of the faithful come out for a night of fun in support of our mission.
Traveling with groups of teens to the National March for Life in Washington D.C. and the West Coast Walk for Life in San Francisco imbued me with a profound sense of hope for our future. These young people understand what a precious gift life is, and they aren’t afraid to share it.
Planning and carrying out local marches in snow, rain, freezing cold and blazing sunshine have provided challenges, but they have also shown our community’s deep-rooted faith in the importance of pro life witness no matter how inconvenient.
I feel privileged to have been part of the work we’re doing in our ministries: helping the wounded heal from abortion through Project Rachel; accompanying pregnant moms through Walking with Moms in Need; and providing comfort and resources through Heart of My Heart Miscarriage and Infant Loss Support ministry. The volunteers who animate these ministries inspire me; they are tireless.
I have no plans to take another job somewhere else or move out of Colorado Springs. I am truly retiring. That said, I am not riding off into the sunset. I still have a heart for pro-life activism. I will continue to coordinate our Colorado Springs Sidewalk Advocates for Life — our frontline warriors in the battle to end abortion. I plan to be more involved with Mater Filius, our local Catholic home for pregnant moms and their children. I hope to continue to collaborate with Deacon Doug Flinn as long as possible for our “Life, Love & Law” podcast. And I will remain on the Respect Life Roundup committee at least for this year’s event. 
It is important to me that the Respect Life Apostolate continues its powerful impact in our diocese and in our community. I am committed to remaining available to advise and consult as I am needed. In fact, I’ve jokingly referred to myself as the Elder Pro-Life Stateswoman of Colorado.
It is also important for me to be available to my family to a greater extent than I have been over the last 7 years. I’m particularly looking forward to focusing on my primary vocation, that of being Tom’s wife. He has supported my work for the diocese in every way possible, often sacrificing his own needs and desires. We hope to spend more time enjoying the interests we share including hiking, golfing, skiing, traveling, entertaining, and being with our families. Our parents are in their 80s and live in California and Missouri. Our daughter and her family (with my four grandchildren) live in South Bend, Indiana. Our son is in Denver. We have extended family in California and Arizona. It is our fervent hope to spend time with all of them as they are precious to us.
Working in this capacity as the Director of the Respect Life Apostolate has been one of the greatest joys and greatest challenges of my life. I appreciate every single person I’ve met along the way. You have all left footprints on my heart. Thank you for this opportunity and for your support and friendship. Please keep praying for a culture of life in Colorado. (Photo by Ron Krom)