Sad News from the USCCB Pro-Life office, Thomas Doerflinger Killed In IRAQ

November 12, 2004

Dear Diocesan Pro-Life Directors and Directors of State Catholic Conferences,

I am very sorry to have to tell you that yesterday Richard Doerflinger, Deputy Director of the Pro-Life Secretariat, and his wife Lee Ann, learned that their young son Thomas had been killed in Iraq. Thomas was serving in the Army and had been sent to Iraq about two weeks ago. According to news reports, he was killed by small arms fire during combat in Mosul.

Today, Msgr. William Fay, General Secretary of the bishops' conference, will offer Mass for Thomas and all of the Doerflinger family. I know Richard and Lee Ann would be most grateful for your prayerful support.

If you wish to send the Doerflingers messages of condolence, you can contact them at their home: 13122 Collingwood Terrace, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

May the soul of Thomas Doerflinger and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen

Gail Quinn
Executive Director
USCCB Pro-Life Secretariat