October is "Respect Life" month, and October 6, 2013 was "Respect Life" Sunday. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have set this date for the US and Cardinal Sean O'Malley wrote this statement for October 6.
In preparation for this important date, the Parish of St. Michael's (Bradford, Indiana) distributed brochures in it's bulletins and began a program of weekly bulletin comments and information, regular updates on our Facebook page and a weekly pro-life intention during our Sunday Masses. Next week (October 13,2013), there will be another bulletin insert to outline some opportunities to support or participate in pro-life activities.
But, what does it mean to RESPECT life?
At it's core, respecting life is acknowledging the dignity of EACH person (human, unique and alive) from conception to natural death without exception. Respecting life, supports and empowers others to fulfill their particular purpose during their mortal life, in preparation for their eternal life.
Our new and beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis, has already begun to stir our consciences with his reminders of the need to care for the poor and to "make a mess" in our parishes. He has told us, "We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods," although most people miss the 'only' in his quote. After reading through most of his interviews to date, it becomes so clear that he is asking us, all of us, to help those less fortunate; to help those who are weaker; to stand against injustice; to seek justice; to preach Jesus in word and action.
Truly respecting life means that one understands and STANDS for the right of the preborn to live, recognizing humanity begins with conception. Truly respecting life means that one understands there is no reason in civil society to end someone's life. Truly respecting life means that one STANDS up for the rights of others to live to the end of a natural death.
In preparation for this important date, the Parish of St. Michael's (Bradford, Indiana) distributed brochures in it's bulletins and began a program of weekly bulletin comments and information, regular updates on our Facebook page and a weekly pro-life intention during our Sunday Masses. Next week (October 13,2013), there will be another bulletin insert to outline some opportunities to support or participate in pro-life activities.
But, what does it mean to RESPECT life?
At it's core, respecting life is acknowledging the dignity of EACH person (human, unique and alive) from conception to natural death without exception. Respecting life, supports and empowers others to fulfill their particular purpose during their mortal life, in preparation for their eternal life.
Our new and beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis, has already begun to stir our consciences with his reminders of the need to care for the poor and to "make a mess" in our parishes. He has told us, "We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods," although most people miss the 'only' in his quote. After reading through most of his interviews to date, it becomes so clear that he is asking us, all of us, to help those less fortunate; to help those who are weaker; to stand against injustice; to seek justice; to preach Jesus in word and action.
Truly respecting life means that one understands and STANDS for the right of the preborn to live, recognizing humanity begins with conception. Truly respecting life means that one understands there is no reason in civil society to end someone's life. Truly respecting life means that one STANDS up for the rights of others to live to the end of a natural death.
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