RESPECT LIFE
I honor of the 25th anniversary of the papal encyclical Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) and in answer to St. John Paul II’s call, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Pro-Life Activities is inviting parishes, through the support of their bishops and pastors, to join a nationwide effort entitled “Walking with Moms In Need.” As Pope Francis reminds us, our parishes need to be “islands of mercy amid a sea of indifference.” Pregnant and parenting moms in need are in our parishes and our neighborhoods, and as Christians we are called to come to their aid.
Many times, pregnant and parenting moms find themselves in desperate need of help. According to Catholic social teaching, every individual is our brother or sister in Christ. As Christians, we are called to welcome these women to assist in whatever way we can.
Every Christian is faced with these questions: How do I respect the life and dignity of every person from conception to natural death? How should I get involved in efforts to find solutions and positive contributions toward bringing hope and love at another’s time of need? Can I speak the truth and become a voice for the voiceless? How willing am I to live these God-given truths?
With the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, the church (all of us) must step up to promote a culture of life through continual prayer to end abortion, while increasing our efforts in bringing hope, love and peace to those struggling women and families in our midst. Are you ready to welcome them into our fold? Are you willing to support women with the resources they need to bring the gospel of life (birth) to fruition. As Christians and members of the broader community, our mantra must be, “every baby born is a Gift of God.” We know by living and sharing this walk (culture of life) with pregnant and parenting moms, we can be true witnesses of God’s love and mercy.
Here is a checklist of parish activities we are encouraging parish respect life coordinators and their team members to do:
- Place the “Walking with Moms” banner in a visible place.
- Pass out the “Walking with Moms” resource brochure.
- Ask parishioners to contact your parish coordinator or team member when they know of a mother in need.
- Create a signup sheet for resource persons who can share expertise, experiences or a monetary gift to this program.
- Share this program at your workplace.
- Be a prayer warrior in front of Planned Parenthood and elsewhere.
- Be willing to be the hands and feet of Christ by walking with moms in need.
The diocese has chosen Sept. 8, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin, as the birthday of the Walking with Mom’s Program in Hawaii.
For further information, contact your parish respect life coordinator or team member or the Respect Life Office 808-673-3074 for further information. Together we can truly make a difference in the world.
Deacon Gary and Val Streff are the co-directors of the diocesan Respect Life Office.
