Next Steps: Defending LIFE in a Post-Roe America
The right to life is a human right. Our defense of that right is a joyful witness to the beauty and dignity of every human person.
Below is a letter from Fr. Peyton Plessala on the March for Life and its impact on all of us, even those who have never and will never attend a March for Life:
This year will be the fiftieth anniversary of the Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade on January 22, 1973, a decision that guarded access to abortion as a civil right. Since that unfortunate year, pro-life advocates have gathered in Washington DC for the March for Life to demonstrate the nation’s support of the Right to Life. For those who have never attended the March for Life, every year, it is important to keep in mind that the March for Life is by far the largest annual human rights demonstration in the world with over 500,000 people showing up annually.
On a personal level, I have attended this march 9 times and have been deeply affected by the trips I have taken to participate in the March. It was on a March for Life trip that both my brother (who is now a priest) and I began discerning the priesthood, and it was on a second March for Life trip 3 years later that the Lord spoke to me in adoration that it was time to leave everything behind and go to seminary.
On a personal level, I have attended this march 9 times and have been deeply affected by the trips I have taken to participate in the March. It was on a March for Life trip that both my brother (who is now a priest) and I began discerning the priesthood, and it was on a second March for Life trip 3 years later that the Lord spoke to me in adoration that it was time to leave everything behind and go to seminary.
Although the March for Life is under reported and conveniently ignored every year by popular media, its significance cannot be silenced. The March should also not be reduced to merely a political rally. The March for Life enjoys the presence and prayers of people from all demographics: Republicans and Democrats, Men and Women, rich and poor, Christian and secular.
If I had one challenge for us as a parish in honor of this March and the continued fight for life, it would be this: do not allow political categories and vocabulary to cloud your mind or harden your heart. Often times, we completely ignore certain people or ideas because they do not fit conveniently into our preconceived political categories. Jesus Christ does not fit into your political categories; He is Lord of lords and King of the Universe. He cuts through the jargon and rhetoric and speaks directly to the heart of each man and woman. He speaks the language of love.
So let us rally behind our Lord and pray fervently for the protection of all life, for the unborn who are unwanted, the pregnant women who are isolated and afraid, the men and women who carry heavy burdens of guilt in their hearts, the politicians who make decisions on behalf of the entire community, and even those who stand against us. At the end of the day, if we cannot protect and honor the gift of life, then we fail to honor the Giver of Life Himself.
If I had one challenge for us as a parish in honor of this March and the continued fight for life, it would be this: do not allow political categories and vocabulary to cloud your mind or harden your heart. Often times, we completely ignore certain people or ideas because they do not fit conveniently into our preconceived political categories. Jesus Christ does not fit into your political categories; He is Lord of lords and King of the Universe. He cuts through the jargon and rhetoric and speaks directly to the heart of each man and woman. He speaks the language of love.
So let us rally behind our Lord and pray fervently for the protection of all life, for the unborn who are unwanted, the pregnant women who are isolated and afraid, the men and women who carry heavy burdens of guilt in their hearts, the politicians who make decisions on behalf of the entire community, and even those who stand against us. At the end of the day, if we cannot protect and honor the gift of life, then we fail to honor the Giver of Life Himself.
-Fr. Peyton Plessala
This article answers some common questions about marching in post-Roe America, including:
- what is the March for Life?
- why march if Roe v. Wade is overturned?
- what speakers will be at the 2023 march? (sneak peek: Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus in "The Chosen")
Watch for Part III of the Holy Name of Jesus series on Jan 26, where we'll focus on the attack of Jesus' holy name and reparations for these sins. Click here to read Part I and here to read Part II.
For more about January's lectionary, feast days, and more, click here.
9 Days for Life
Despite the Supreme Court ruling last year, prayers are still needed to protect the unborn! The St. Michael’s Knights of Columbus council invites you to join thousands of Catholics nationwide in the annual Respect Life Novena, 9 Days for Life, from Jan 19-27. 9 Days for Life is a novena for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. To sign up to receive daily emails and texts during the Novena, click here. At daily Masses during those nine days, we will pray the Novena Prayer for Life.
"The Holy Name of Jesus fills our souls with a peace and a joy we never had before."
Chosen: 2023 Confirmation Retreat
On January 13-15, 21 high school juniors went to Children's Harbor for their final preparatory retreat before receiving the sacrament of Confirmation on February 4. They reflected on being chosen as sons and daughters of God and leaned into some time as a community of faith away from the distractions of homework and everyday life. Core Team Member Matthew encouraged the students to build in quiet time for God in their busy lives, saying, "Silence is not just the absence of noise; it's the presence of God." Please pray for them as they prepare for this sacrament. All you holy saints of God, pray for us!
Parish News
CATHOLIC CHARITIES ON JAN 29
Catholic Charities Appeal Sunday is next weekend, January 29. Catholic Charities funds more than 30 ministries that help thousands of people in need in central and south Alabama, including the newly opened Catholic Social Services in Lee County, AU Catholic Campus Ministry, and the archdiocesan Office of Youth Ministry's annual conference, ACYC. The basic Pledge is $53 a month or $636 for the year.
Please complete the pledge card that was mailed to you with the letter from Archbishop Rodi and put it in the collection basket next weekend or feel free to drop it by the parish office. If you prefer to donate online, you can text “CCA” to 91999 for a link. Catholic Charities helps thousands of people in need across our archdiocese. All the funds collected are distributed to local ministries within the Archdiocese of Mobile. In the spirit of charity, we ask that you prayerfully consider a pledge to this year’s Catholic Charities Appeal.
BLOOD DRIVE THIS WEEKEND
The Life South Bloodmobile will be in the West
Parking Lot this Sunday from 8 AM-1 PM. Please consider sharing the gift of life.
ALTAR CARE VOLUNTEERS
If you are interested in volunteering for Altar Care, contact Jane Barringer at (205) 915-0411 for more information.
EASEHOUSE MEALS IN 2023
There are now updated opportunities for three individuals or families to cook meals for the low-income elderly at EaseHouse each week of 2023, and there are many open spots in the near future. Please be generous and sign up today by clicking here.
FIRST COMMUNION PARENT MEETING
There will be an informational meeting for parents of
children preparing for First Communion on Sunday at 9:15 AM in the parish hall while children are in class.
SMCS OPEN HOUSE AND RIBBON CUTTING
St. Michael Catholic School will offer a community open house on Monday, January 30 at 4-5 PM, beginning with a ribbon cutting with the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, to kick off Catholic Schools Week. All are welcome!
View this week's bulletin HERE.
View this week's daily readings HERE.
St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish
(334) 887-5540
parish@stmichaelsauburn.com
socialmedia@stmichaelsauburn.com
From the Archdiocese: SEARCH Retreat for Teens
SEARCH Retreat for High School Youth is coming up on January 27-29 @ Children's Harbor in Lake Martin, AL.
SEARCH Retreat is an archdiocesan retreat led by teens for teens. It’s a tradition based on Cursillo spanning back over 50 years and can change your teen's LIFE. On a SEARCH weekend, there is sharing by the team members, songs, prayer, small group discussions, Eucharist, Reconciliation, quiet time, and great fellowship.
The weekend begins on Friday evening and goes to Sunday afternoon. Registration cost is $125 and includes lodging, food, and retreat materials. Scholarships are available, please don't let cost be an issue.
For more info and registration forms, visit mobarch.org/search-28 or contact Brandon Bender bbender1@gmail.com or Tex Phelps oym@mobarch.org.
