October is Respect Life Month. Respect Life Sunday, as designated by the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops), is celebrated each year on the first Sunday of October. Respect Life Sunday starts a new year in the Respect Life Program. Every year the USCCB Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities publishes a program packet that includes information on current issues, liturgy resources and prayers, as well as other pertinent information.

The title for this year’s program is Hope and Trust in Life, and the life affirming themes that Pope Benedict XVI expressed during his April 2008 visit to the Unites States are highlighted.

“The Church … is called to proclaim the gift of life, to serve life, and to
promote a culture of life. … This is the message of hope we are called to
proclaim and embody in a world where self-centeredness, greed, violence,
and cynicism so often seem to choke the fragile growth of grace in
people’s hearts.”

Pope Benedict XVI
Homily, Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, April 19, 2008

Resources on social issues in this year’s packet include: Stem Cells and Hope for Patients, A Reflection on the African American Family and the Culture of Life, Pornography: What’s the Problem?, Conscience and the Catholic Voter, A Will for Living, and “The Hollow Men”: Male Grief and Trauma Following Abortion. All resources are available in both English and Spanish and can be downloaded or ordered from 2008-2009 Respect Life Program.

On Respect Life Sunday many parishes hold special pro-life awareness events, such as a life chain. Some of the ways parishes observe Respect Life Month include a variety of events; like special Masses, prayer vigils and lectures. Several parishes have Respect Life Ministries that coordinate such events.

Prayer for the Dignity of Human Life

Lord and giver of all life, help us to value each person, created in love by you.

In your mercy, guide and assist our efforts to promote the dignity and value of
all human life, born and unborn. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

- From Catholic.org

Peace in Christ,
© Melissa Knoblett-Aman



Respect Life Resources at Getfed.com