SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW
St. Greg's parishioner leads diocesan effort

Dawn Iacono

Dawn Iacono, a member of St Gregory the Great Parish, was recently named director of pro-life activities for the Diocese of Buffalo. Bishop Edward U. Kmiec, bishop of Buffalo, made the appointment following the announced retirement of Judith A. Gorman, director of the office since 1991.

Born in Brooklyn, Iacono grew up in Buffalo where she attended Nardin Academy.

"My religion teacher at Nardin was my mentor," Iacono said. "She really planted so many seeds of spirituality in my life."

Iacono attended Canisius College with the hope of becoming a lawyer. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science with concentrations in religious studies and philosophy. After starting a family, Iacono attended Christ the King Seminary, East Aurora, where she became certified in pastoral studies.

Following her graduation from the seminary, Iacono took a teaching position at Holy Angels Academy, Buffalo. As a member of the school's religion department, she taught a class in sexuality and marriage and served as the school's moderator of the pro-life club "Angels for Life."

Iacono hopes to implement a similar program diocesan wide. She said she would like to see a "Youth for Life" club within each Catholic school and parish.

"Abortion may always be legal, but it doesn't have to be the only alternative," she said.

Future projects include establishing Rachel's Vineyard, a group retreat that supports women who have had an abortion. Iacono also hopes to collaborate with other departments, such as the Hispanic Apostolate, Youth Department and Office of Black Ministry.

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