Statement of Respect for Life Month from Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann, Chairman U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities
The month of October brings with it our annual observance of Respect Life Month. As part of the Year of St. Joseph declared by Pope Francis, this year’s celebration highlights the example of that great saint. As the faithful protector of both Jesus and Mary, we find in St. Joseph a profound reminder of our own call to welcome, safeguard, and defend God’s precious gift of human life.
Despite the mysterious circumstances surrounding Mary’s pregnancy, St. Joseph took her into his home at the word of the angel. He guided their journey to Bethlehem, found shelter, and welcomed the infant Jesus as his son. When Herod threatened the life of the Christ Child, St. Joseph left his homeland behind and fled with Jesus and Mary to Egypt.
Like St. Joseph, we are also called to care for those God has entrusted to us–especially vulnerable mothers and children. We can follow in the footsteps of St. Joseph as protector by advocating against taxpayer-funded abortion, which targets the lives of millions of poor children and their mothers here in the United States. We can imitate his care and provision by helping to start Walking with Moms in Need at our parishes, "walking in the shoes" of mothers experiencing a difficult pregnancy, especially low-income mothers in our communities.
At times, we may feel uncertain of our ability to answer the Lord’s call. But He invites us to faithfully respond, despite our own fears or weaknesses: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9).
May we imitate St. Joseph’s faithful trust and courage as we work to uphold the dignity of every human life. St. Joseph, defender of life, pray for us!
Diaper & Supplies Drive -- Oct. 1-31
The Respect LIfe Ministry is collecting diapers, wipes and donations for Next Step Pregnancy Services https://www.nextstepnw.com. during October Respect Life Month. You can drop off diapers and wipes after mass at the cradle near the doors in Church or at the Parish Office.
Film & Discussion: DividedHearts of America (2020) October 9, 2021
Super Bowl champion and executive producer Benjamin Watson goes on a journey to look at the debate around abortion in America. Structured around a series of more than 30 interviews with Americans holding opinions from all over the political and social spectrum, this 2020 documentary brings empathy to a hot-button topic. Join us at Holy Rosary Edmonds for pizza and a screening of the movie at 6:15pm on Saturday, October 9.
Are you and your family attending the America Needs Fatima Rosary Rally on Saturday October 16th at Noon??
Yes, I'll be there with my rosary!
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Maybe, checking my calendar...
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No, but I'll be praying.
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Click on this link to learn more about America Needs Fatima.
Looking forward to praying with you on the 16th - Meet our Rosary Captain Joanie Woods at 182nd & Aurora, accross the street from Highland Ice Arena on the lawn.
Are YOU ready to meet in person?
The Respect Life Ministry has not had an in-person meeting since COVID began, however we are wondering if you are ready to come back to in person meetings if we were to plan one? Please answer the survey below so we can see if the consensus is to start in person again, or schedule an online meeting.
Are you intersted in joining a Respect LIfe Ministry meeting? We usually meet on a weeknight from 6:30-7:30 in the Parish office.
Yes, I would be intersted in meeting in person.
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Yes, I would be interested in meeting over the internet - I'm not ready for in person yet.
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No, I like receiving ministry news via flocknote and supporting this group, but do not plan to attend meetings.
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Perspectives on Women's Health Care
by Brenda Dotson, St. Luke Respect Life Ministry
Back in January of this year, Patty Holmquist, Colleen Barcich and I had a conversation over email regarding some ministry funds and how we might use them to support local organizations. We wanted to support Next Step Pregnancy Services and Prepares of Western Washington - like we normally do - but it was suggested that we look into supporting 3W Medical in Seattle. I hadn't heard of this organization, so I visited their website and did a quick scan. From what I could read, it seemed like a lovely low/no cost women's clinic... but there wasn't really any overt mention of pro-life causes, opposition to abortion, or christian medical care. Colleen assured us that 3W was supporting women without offering access to abortions, so one might say we took a "leap of faith" and made a $500 donation to the organziation.
Then, in July I was invited to attend 3W Medical's Cheers fundraiser on July 21st. The event was a social mixer at Mischief Distillery in Freemont, promising great food and company on a summer evening, and a presentation about the organization. I decided to attend to learn more and see for myself what this organization was all about - and I'm so glad I did!
First, as I was standing there alone (my date had a conflict so I ended up going by myself) - I was approached by Helen, who I assumed was a volunteer. She started to tell me about 3W and their mission to provide Christian health care for women. She explained how 3W is so different than Planned Parenthood, and not just regarding abortion services. We talked about how much time each patient is given with a medical provider to talk about more than just symptoms and medications, but about their life circumstances, support network or lack thereof, sexuality and history of partners, and their feelings about all of it. She explained how women who visit 3W for STI testing or treatment or even annual exams or pregnancy testing develop a relationship with their team built on trust. When these women are later faced with an unexpected pregnancy... the team at 3W already has a trusted relationship with them that allows them to provide support and encouragement to make life affirming choices. When medical professionals take the time to understand women's emotions about an unplanned pregnancy and dig deeper into that anxiety and fear, they learn that most women do not want to harm their unborn baby or terminate their pregnancy. They just need support and help from people that care. THIS is how they are making a difference. This is how they are doing God's work.
Helen's passion for 3W was contagious and I wanted to learn more and find out how I could help this organization. That's when I learned that Helen wasn't just a volunteer, she was the Co-Founder of the organization. At an event with over 100 people and current donors and supporters, Helen took 15 minutes to chat with a stranger, answer my questions and share her love of God and Life. I was blown away. This organization was truly different.
I encourage members of the St. Luke community to watch the short video linked below to learn more about 3W. If you know of a woman in need of health services, recommend she make an appointment at 3W. You'll be delivering her into the care of a wonderful women's health clinic doing God's work.
Then, in July I was invited to attend 3W Medical's Cheers fundraiser on July 21st. The event was a social mixer at Mischief Distillery in Freemont, promising great food and company on a summer evening, and a presentation about the organization. I decided to attend to learn more and see for myself what this organization was all about - and I'm so glad I did!
First, as I was standing there alone (my date had a conflict so I ended up going by myself) - I was approached by Helen, who I assumed was a volunteer. She started to tell me about 3W and their mission to provide Christian health care for women. She explained how 3W is so different than Planned Parenthood, and not just regarding abortion services. We talked about how much time each patient is given with a medical provider to talk about more than just symptoms and medications, but about their life circumstances, support network or lack thereof, sexuality and history of partners, and their feelings about all of it. She explained how women who visit 3W for STI testing or treatment or even annual exams or pregnancy testing develop a relationship with their team built on trust. When these women are later faced with an unexpected pregnancy... the team at 3W already has a trusted relationship with them that allows them to provide support and encouragement to make life affirming choices. When medical professionals take the time to understand women's emotions about an unplanned pregnancy and dig deeper into that anxiety and fear, they learn that most women do not want to harm their unborn baby or terminate their pregnancy. They just need support and help from people that care. THIS is how they are making a difference. This is how they are doing God's work.
Helen's passion for 3W was contagious and I wanted to learn more and find out how I could help this organization. That's when I learned that Helen wasn't just a volunteer, she was the Co-Founder of the organization. At an event with over 100 people and current donors and supporters, Helen took 15 minutes to chat with a stranger, answer my questions and share her love of God and Life. I was blown away. This organization was truly different.
I encourage members of the St. Luke community to watch the short video linked below to learn more about 3W. If you know of a woman in need of health services, recommend she make an appointment at 3W. You'll be delivering her into the care of a wonderful women's health clinic doing God's work.