Either Colleen, Michelle or both of them together will give us an update of how things are going with their work of saving the most venerable in our society; innocent babies.  This will take place after the opening Mass of the Friday evening of our convention and is always a highlight of the weekend.

Colleen Bayer is the National Director, Family Life International NZ

Colleen established Family Life International NZ in 1992. Inspired by the late Fr Paul Marx (the great Apostle of Life, she realised the need for a pro-life, pro-family organisation in New Zealand which addressed all the life issues from natural conception through to natural death, was unashamedly Catholic, and would open its arms wide to every pregnant mother facing a crisis pregnancy, as well as the sick, disabled and elderly who` may find  themselves a target for euthanasia-type practices.

Colleen has been married to her husband Terry for 40 years.  Together the have five children (four adopted, three of whom have special needs), and ten grandchildren.  For many years Colleen and Terry have fostered and provided respite for 27 children with various special needs, truly opening their hearts and their home to those who are most vulnerable in society today.  In the 20 years prior to establishing Family Life International, Colleen was actively involved in SPUC, Operation Rescue, and praying outside the abortion clinics.

Prior to his resignation, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI named Colleen a Dame in the Order of St Gregory the Great, an honour for her pro-life work with mothers and babies in New Zealand.

Colleen has her hand in every aspect of the organisation, directly working with the mothers that come into the John Paul II Centres for Life, as well as ensuring that the mission of Family Life International NZ is carried out faithfully

Michelle Kaufman is the Communications Director at FLI

The daughter of Colleen and Terry Bayer, Michelle has been immersed in the pro-life,  pro-family apostolate all of her life.  However, it was at the age of 14 that her real  passion to be actively involved took hold.  Michelle has been with Family Life  International NZ since its very first days and has experience working throughout the organisation.  With a primary teaching background, Michelle is passionate about educating on the various life issues and motivating people to action.  Her articles can be found on Family Life International NZ’s blog A Culture of Life as well as LifeSiteNews.com and NZ Catholic.

Michelle is married to Brendan, who manages Family Life Catholic Gifts.  Together, they have seven children.