Greetings!
Each October the Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month, and the first Sunday of October is observed as Respect Life Sunday (October 4th this year). As Catholics, we are called to cherish, defend, and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning of life to its end, 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.
"This year the Church celebrates the 25th anniversary of the landmark pro-life encyclical Evangelium vitae (The Gospel of Life). Written by Pope St. John Paul II, this prophetic document passionately reaffirmed the Church’s constant teaching on the value and sacredness of every human life. It remains a foundational text for all our efforts to ensure that the life of every human person is protected and cherished.
This special anniversary is the inspiration behind this year’s Respect Life theme, “Live the Gospel of Life,” as well as many of the new materials. Thank you for responding to the call to actively live out the Gospel of Christ, which necessarily includes cherishing, serving, defending, and protecting human life. May we always strive to “see in every human face the face of Christ” (EV 81) and treat each person as we would treat Christ Himself" - Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann Chairman, USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities
In recognition of Respect Life Month this year, we have the following educational, prayerful, and charitable opportunities for you:
- 40 Days for Life - CtR’s Day of Prayer at Planned Parenthood is Wednesday, October 14th. It is such a powerful experience to be physically at the abortion clinic to pray for a change of heart for these women! Sign up for an hour at link below.
- Virtual Catholic Bioethics Module 1: Beginning of Life Issues - 6 one-hour sessions Mondays and Wednesdays of the first three weeks in October from 7-9pm. Register at link provided below.
- Module 1: Beginning of Life IssuesSession Topics: Human Dignity, Marriage, Sexuality, Contraception, Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Questions of Personhood and Maternal Health During Pregnancy, Prenatal Testing & Diagnosis, Emergency Contraception, Egg Donation, Surrogacy and Adoption.
- Online Session Dates: Mon. October 5th from 7-8pm, Wed. October 7th from 7-8pm, Mon. October 12th from 7-8pm, Wed. October 14th from 7-8pm, Mon. October 19th from 7-8pm, Wed. October 21st from 7-8pm.
- St. Anne’s Society’s & RL’s Donation Drive –
- The St. Anne’s Society and Respect Life Ministries at CtR have partnered to collect feminine hygiene products, adult and baby diapers as part of our Respect Life month drive in October. These items will benefit CAM, Catholic Charities and Our Mother of Mercy (CtR’s sister parish). Due to COVID we have chosen to do donations via Amazon wish list. Donations will be sent to the St. Anne's outreach coordinator and then she and myself will personally delivery the collected donations the week of October 19th. Kindly consider joining us in supporting the less fortunate this October in honor of Respect Life Month! Amazon Wish List link is below.
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions!
Blessings,
Kerry Chu
Blessings,
Kerry Chu
Respect Life Ministry Leader
Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church
516-330-7152
