USCCB 2021-2022

RESPECT LIFE
PROGRAM

As part of the Year of St. Joseph declared by our Holy Father Pope Francis, this year’s Respect Life Month materials highlight St. Joseph as a defender of life. His unhesitating adherence to God’s will as he faithfully and lovingly protected the Christ Child and the Blessed Mother bears witness to our own call as Christians.

The annual Respect Life Program is a year-round, nationwide effort to help Catholics understand, value, and become engaged with building a culture that cherishes every human life.

 

Although sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Respect Life Program is essentially comprised of the efforts of leaders throughout the Church like you—parish priests, staff, and volunteers; teachers and school administrators; diocesan leaders; and so many others.

The U.S. bishops produce these materials to assist you in your efforts. Instead of acting as stand-alone resources, they are designed to be brought to life as tools in your hands—build off or adapt them to fit your specific needs!

 

Walking with Moms in Need: A Year of Service”

Even though we were unable to celebrate the launch of Walking with Moms in Need: A Year of Service, we can still come together in building a foundation of prayer for this effort. This initiative comes to us from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and invites parishes to support pregnant and parenting moms in need in our parishes and our neighborhoods.  As Pope Francis reminds us, our parishes need to be “islands of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference”. Everyone in the parish community should know where to refer a pregnant woman in need.  To learn about resources in our diocese, visit our Pregnancy Support page.

If you have some extra time at home, check out the online resources and begin thinking about creative ways you can prepare for Walking with Moms in Need:  A Year of Service, when it is pastorally and practically appropriate for everyone’s safety.  To learn more visit: https://www.walkingwithmoms.com/


 

Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a statement welcoming Pope Francis’ new encyclical.  Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship is available on the Vatican website.