Since 1973, the Catholic Church in the United States has observed October as “Respect Life Month.” This year, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities invites Catholics to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Respect Life Month by embracing “radical solidarity” with women facing difficult or challenging pregnancies.
Bishop Burbidge echoes Saint John Paul II, who coined the term “radical solidarity” in reference to the care owed to vulnerable pregnant women: “In firmly rejecting ‘pro-choice’ it is necessary to become courageously ‘pro woman,’ promoting a choice that is truly in favor of women. … The only honest stance, in these cases, is that of radical solidarity with the woman.”
While our efforts must remain strong to end legalized abortion, Bishop Burbidge affirmed the personal responsibility of all Catholics to “thoroughly surround mothers in need with life-giving support and personal accompaniment.”
Read Bishop Burbidge’s full statement, “Living Radical Solidarity” here
In October, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month, and the first Sunday of October is designated as Respect Life Sunday. To support these annual observances, the USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities provides materials to help Catholics understand and value the gift of human life and help build a culture that cherishes and protects it. The following materials are designed to be brought to life as tools in your hands. These resources may be downloaded, printed, and reproduced for use in your parish, school, or ministry. For more information and materials visit: Respect Life Month
The Office for Human Life, in collaboration with the Diocesan Social Action Office, is highlighting different aspects of life each week throughout the month of October in order to help build and celebrate the culture of life.
Below you will find resources for parishes and schools including:
To be courageously pro-woman, promoting a choice that truly protects, accompanies, and supports both women and their children.
The USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities has also provided materials that may be downloaded, printed, and reproduced for use in your parish, school, or ministry - click here.
Visit our Facebook Page for our Respect Life social media posts throughout the month. Feel free to like and share!
40 Days for Life Cleveland is an exercise in sacrifice for the needs of others, an appeal to your heart to love the innocent, defend the helpless and embrace the needy. We invite you to participate in this journey with your brothers and sisters in faith!
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To report an abuse, please contact local law enforcement and:
Kathleen McComb, Victim Assistance Coordinator
Response Services – 216-334-2999
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