Mary, Mother of Life
"Let us entrust the cause of life to Mary, our Mother, who has shown us how to say 'yes' to God's precious gift of life. May her example move us to prayer and action so that we can continue this essential work and bring the love and mercy of Christ to all we encounter."
Bishop Alberto Rojas
October is Respect Life Month
Every October the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month, and the first Sunday of October is observed as Respect Life Sunday. As Catholics, we are called to cherish, defend, and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning to the end of their lives, and at every point in between. During the month of October, the Church asks us to reflect more deeply on the dignity of every human life.
The theme for this year is, Mary, Mother of Life reflecting on Our Lady's distinguished role as mother of all the living. The life of the Blessed Mother teaches us to respect each human life in every stage and circumstance.​
Find out how you can get involved and celebrate Respect Life Month with your parish community.
Resources
Download and share the following resources to help you and your parish community celebrate Respect Life Month this October.
Bishop Rojas' Letter and Statement
Respect Life Month Reflection from the USCCB
Use this reflection in your bulletin or refer to it in your website or social media, to encourage others to find hope in life.
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Life
"Hope After Abortion" Article
This article recalls the search for the lost sheep based on the parable from Luke 15. It reflects on Christ, the Good Shepherd, who always desires to offer us his mercy, no matter what sins we have committed.
Homily Helps
Homily connections are provided for the lectionary readings on Respect Life Sunday (October 4th) to help homilists to weave the Gospel of Life into their message in a compelling way.
Graphics
Images are provided in a variety of formats and dimensions and can be downloaded directly for use on parish websites and in bulletins and newsletters.
Parish Resources
Click on the button below to be redirected to our "parish resources" page where you can find a wide variety of respect life resources. Links to prayers, holy hour guides, educational materials on different topics, bulletin inserts, articles, and intercessions. Use these throughout the month of October to help you promote Respect Life month and offer different activities for your community.
Respect Life Month Events
National Life Chain
The Holy Name of Jesus community will be participating in the National Life Chain on Sunday, October 4th from 2pm to 3:30pm.
Prayer will be held on the corner of Redlands Blvd. and Orange St. in the city of Redlands.
Come and join us in prayer!
Sanctity of Human Life Collection
Every year during Respect Life Month and more specifically Respect Life Sunday, all parishes are encouraged to conduct a Second Collection during mass. The donations from this second collection, called The Sanctity of Human Life Collection, go towards funding the Office of Respect Life and Pastoral Care.
Thanks to the generous contributions through this collection we are able to continue life saving programs in our diocese. This is the opportunity to bring your faith in action and support our work in serving, educating, and advocating for the sanctity of all human life.
Your contribution makes it possible to have our english and spanish post-abortion healing retreats, support women in a crisis pregnancy, educate and train parish leaders, implement the Caring for the Whole Person ministries in parishes, develop practical resources and provide education for end-of-life decision making, among many other things we continue to do and new projects we want to implement to better serve the youth, families, and the elderly in our communities.
Consider making a gift to our ministry either by participating in this second collection at your parish, mailing in your donation or making it online. All gifts are tax deductible.
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More info:
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Contribute during the second collection at your parish on Respect Life Sunday (Oct. 5th) or other parishes might conduct the collection at a later date.
Mail in your donation to:
Diocesan Pastoral Center
Attn: Respect Life & Pastoral Care
1201 East Highland Ave
San Bernardino, CA 92404
Contribute Online directly to our ministry.
It is fast and simple and you can even set up to be a monthly donor.
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Thank You!