Office for Human Life

Who We Are & How We Serve

The Office for Human Life exists to witness to the sacred gift of life and to form missionary disciples who live out a consistent ethic of life—from conception to natural death. Rooted in the truth that every person bears the image of God (cf. Gen 1:27), we accompany parishes, schools, and families in building a culture that respects, protects, loves, and serves life in all its stages.

Four Pillars:

Our ministry is shaped by the four pillars of the USCCB's Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities.

• Prayer – grounding all our efforts in worship and intercession.
• Education – forming minds and hearts with the fullness of Catholic teaching.
• Advocacy – working for laws and policies that defend human dignity.
• Pastoral Care – walking with individuals and families in moments of need.

Together, these pillars guide how we serve across Northeast Ohio, uniting diverse life issues into a single mission: to proclaim and embody the Gospel of Life.

Our Services:

• Consultation & Collaboration – with parishes, schools, youth ministries, and all groups committed to promoting life and dignity.
• Resource Hub – providing information on Catholic Social Teaching and its affirmation of a robust consistent ethic of life.
• Training & Formation – offering training, education, continuing education, and catechetical formation opportunities.
• Referral & Support – connecting individuals and communities with ministries, direct services, networking opportunities, and program planning/development.
• Ministerial Assistance – serving as a point of support for lay and clerical faithful throughout the diocese.

"The Office for Human Life exists to empower missionary disciples to bring the Gospel of Life into our parishes, neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces." Read more from Tony Dipre, Director