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A parent of a child with Down syndrome gives an inside glimpse into their love-illuminated life, sharing a fundamental insight about what it means to be human. A PERFECT GIFT Model used for illustrative purposes only. EVAfotografie / iStock via Getty Images Soon after the birth of my son Charlie*, who has Down syndrome, a visitor asked whether he was “mild, moderate, or severe”—referring to his level of cognitive impairment. I knew the terminology, but the question shocked me. In my arms I held my beautiful baby boy, who defied easy categorization. Clinical labels may describe some aspects of an individual’s “functioning,” but they don’t tell the whole story. Labels could not describe how Charlie’s smile lit up a room or how the sweetness of his soul had captured our hearts so completely. Download Order Relationship Changes Everything I have since come to understand that clinical categories also miss another important dimension of personhood: we are created to be in relationship with others. As Pope Saint John Paul II said in his encyclical Evangelium vitae (The Gospel of Life) , “Within the family each member is accepted, respected and honoured precisely because he or she is a person; and if any family member is in greater need, the care which he or she receives is all the more intense and attentive."[1] Charlie does well because we love him and attend to him out of that love. We make accommodations to compensate for the challenges that arise, and his strengths become more apparent. He plays an integral role in our family’s happiness. For example, he is our most empathetic child—the first to notice and offer comfort when we are hurt. People often say, “I could never handle a child with a disability.” But the beauty of parenting is that you aren’t given a child with a disability. You are given your child with a disability. Your child enters the world in a relationship with you, and that changes everything. You are not called to “handle” a disability. You are called to love a particular person, and caring for him or her grows out of that love. The challenges that come with his diagnosis make up only a small part of life with our wonderful little boy. Stained Glass I once read an article in which a woman discussed the reasons for aborting her child with Down syndrome. The deal-breaker was watching a boy with Down syndrome at a restaurant with his parents: they had to hand-feed him a slice of pizza and wipe his face with a napkin. This hit home for me. We weaned Charlie off a feeding tube when he was seven, spoon-feeding him and often wiping his face afterwards. I wonder how many people saw us and decided a life like his isn’t worth living. Had anyone asked, I would have said, “It might look a little crazy from the outside, but he’s an amazing little boy, and it’s a good life.” It’s like looking at a stained-glass window from the outside: the colors look dark, and you can’t quite make out the figures. From the inside, however, with the sun shining through it, the effect can be brilliant. From inside our family, love illuminates our life with Charlie. What may seem dreary to others, perhaps even unbearable, is actually filled with beauty and color. We know, for instance, that Charlie worked hard to gain basic feeding skills that most people take for granted, and we are so proud of his valiant efforts. Perfection Many parents want perfect children, and our culture is obsessed with superficial perfection. Photos are airbrushed, and social media depicts seemingly perfect lives. However, God calls us to seek perfection not in appearance or abilities, but in love. Christians know what perfect love looks like—Jesus offering himself on the Cross. Love in a family where one member has a serious disability may look unappealing from the outside. Indeed, love in any family is messy; there are faces to wipe and sacrifices to make. It’s natural to fear that such sacrifices will require too much, but this is where the deep mystery of sacrificial love becomes apparent. In our family, we have found that our hearts, rather than being weighed down, have become larger. Caring for Charlie has given us more patience, more compassion, and more love for others—especially those on the outskirts of society, whom Pope Francis so often calls us to care for. A Fundamental Truth Perhaps this is why so many families of children with disabilities, despite difficulties, often radiate joy. When I meet another parent of a child with Down syndrome, there is usually a moment of instant recognition and understanding. Our eyes meet, and we smile conspiratorially, as if we’re in on the same secret: the fundamental truth that every life is a good and perfect gift. Many know this on an intellectual level, but those who love someone with a disability see it in their loved one’s face in a particular way. Our love for our children has nothing to do with their abilities. We love them simply because of who they are , and understanding this teaches us how to truly love everyone. We also begin to understand our own worth, which depends not on our skills or appearance, but solely on the fact that we are created in the image and likeness of God and loved by Him. Our lives—all our lives—are worth living. *Name changed for privacy. **The author has a Ph.D. in developmental psychology and has been advocating since the birth of her son Charlie* for children who are prenatally diagnosed with disabilities. 1 Pope St. John Paul II, Evangelium vitae (The Gospel of Life ) (Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1995), no. 92. Excerpt from Evangelium vitae © 1995, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Vatican City. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2018, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C.

Sigue los pasos sencillos abajo para celebrar Mes Respetemos la Vida! MES DEL RESPETO POR LA VIDA Cada octubre la Iglesia en Estados Unidos celebra el Mes del Respeto por la Vida, y el primer domingo de octubre se observa como el Domingo del Respeto por la Vida. Los católicos, estamos llamados a atesorar, defender y proteger a los más indefensos, desde el principio de la vida hasta su final, y en todas las etapas intermedias. Durante el mes de octubre, la Iglesia nos pide que reflexionemos más profundamente sobre la dignidad de cada vida humana. ¡Estas son algunas ideas para participar en el Mes Respetemos la Vida! ENGLISH 1 REZA ¡Reza la novena del Mes del Respeto por la Vida! 22 al 30 de octubre de 2024 Únete a los católicos de todo el país para rezar por la protección de la vida humana, desde la concepción hasta la muerte natural. Cada día de la novena presenta una intención de oración pro vida diferente, una reflexión breve, y más. ¡Inscríbete para recibir las oraciones diarias por correo electrónico o mensaje de texto! Recibe correo electrónico Recibe mensajes de texto NOVENA PARA IMPRIMIR 2 REFLEXIONA Esta breve reflexión explica el tema eucarístico y destaca cómo los católicos están llamados a ser luces en la oscuridad. LEE IMPRIMIBLE 3 SIGUE EN CONTACTO Ayuda a construir una cultura que acoja, atesore y proteja toda vida humana. Cuando te inscribas para recibir la Oración por el Respeto a la Vida y la Acción de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos, recibirás: oraciones, invitaciones a seminarios digitales, alertas de acciones para comunicarse con el Congreso y los dirigentes gubernamentales, maneras de fortalecer la cultura de la vida en tu comunidad. ¡Únete a miles de católicos mientras procuramos transformar nuestra cultura! INSCRÍBETE

Each action guide focuses on a specific occasion that relates to respect for human life and gives natural opportunities for building a culture that protects, cherishes, and celebrates life. RESPECT LIFE PROGRAM ACTION GUIDES These Respect Life action guides provide actionable, ready-to-go parish resources created to complement existing parish life. Structured around six main calendar occasions, these action guides are designed help you take advantage of natural opportunities to highlight and integrate Respect Life themes in your parish, school, or ministry. Each action guide includes sample timelines, bulletin announcements, intercessions, homily helps, activities, and more to help you build a culture of life. Learn more in our FAQ... Use the buttons to jump to each action guide! Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children Solemnity of the Annunciation Sunday of Divine Mercy Mother's Day Father's Day Respect Life Month Day of Prayer Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children | January The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), no. 373, designates January 22 as a particular day of prayer and penance, called the “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.” The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops provides resources to help parishes, schools, families, ministries, and individual Catholics participate in this important day of prayer and penance. Action Guide Parish Webinar This Action Guide includes: Introduction "Simple Steps" Sample Timeline Sample Announcements Sample Intercessions Homily Helps Sample Activity *All components are also available as individual PDF files. Join USCCB staff as they walk through the materials available for the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. English Spanish Webinar Recording Supplementary Resources 9 Days for Life Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children Choices of Readings for Mass on January 22 New Year's Reflection Setting Up a Display Table HopeAfterAbortion.org Order for the Blessing of Pro-Life Pilgrims Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord | March Action Guide Parish Webinar This Action Guide includes: Introduction "Simple Steps" Sample Timeline Sample Announcements Sample Intercessions Homily Helps Sample Activity USCCB staff explain how to use the provided materials during the month of March. *All components are also available as individual PDF files. English Spanish Webinar Recording Supplementary Resources Novena: "A Heart Open to God's Will "(Order ) Blessing of a Child in the Womb Bulletin Insert: "The Annunciation and the Gospel of Life " Evangelium vitae (The Gospel of Life ) Resources Solemnity of the Annunciation In modern times, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord has taken on special meaning in Respect Life ministry. Scientific advances have allowed us to confirm that human life begins at conception. This solemnity calls us to reflect on how we are to care for, protect, and welcome new life, as the Blessed Mother did for the Christ child. Sunday of Divine Mercy Sunday of Divine Mercy | April Each year, on the Second Sunday of Easter, the Church celebrates the Sunday of Divine Mercy. It provides an important opportunity to share Christ’s message of mercy, especially with those who have been wounded by abortion. By the age of 45, as many as 1 in 3 women have had an abortion, and a similar number of men and family members have been involved. Many inaccurately feel that abortion is “the unforgivable sin.” They need to hear that God forgives every sin of a repentant heart, even the sin of abortion. Action Guide Parish Webinar This Action Guide includes: Introduction "Simple Steps" Sample Timeline Sample Announcements Sample Intercessions Homily Helps Sample Activity *All components are also available as individual PDF files. USCCB staff explain how to use the provided materials during the month of April. English Spanish Webinar Recording Supplementary Resources Divine Mercy Novena Homily Considerations Regarding Healing After Abortion Prayer Service for Forgiveness and Healing Eucharistic Holy Hour for Divine Mercy Sunday HopeAfterAbortion.org usccb.org/abortionhealing Mother's Day Mother's Day | May Mother’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the beautiful vocation of motherhood and the gift of life. It calls us to cherish the gift of life that we receive from our mothers and to pray for all women to whom God has entrusted life in a very special way. As we pray in thanksgiving for the gift of all mothers, we also specifically remember mothers experiencing difficult pregnancies and pray they may find support and encouragement in choosing life for their children. Action Guide Parish Webinar This Action Guide includes: Introduction "Simple Steps" Sample Timeline Sample Announcements Sample Intercessions Homily Helps Sample Activity *All components are also available as individual PDF files. USCCB staff explain how to use the provided materials during the month of May. English Spanish Webinar Recording Supplementary Resources Rite for the Blessing of a Child in the Womb (English/Spanish) See the Annunciation action guide for implementation ideas. Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Life (en español ) Sample Activity: Promotional Graphic (English/Spanish) Sample Activity: Instructions for Families (at-home modification, English/Spanish) Father's Day Father's Day | June Fatherhood has its origins in God, who chose to reveal Himself to us as Our Father, sending his only Son for the sake of our salvation. Fathers therefore have a special role “in revealing and in reliving on earth the very fatherhood of God” ( Familiaris consortio 25). Father’s Day is an appropriate time to recall the essential role of fathers in the life of the family and in building a culture of life. It is also an opportunity to highlight spiritual fatherhood, which all men are called to embrace. Action Guide Parish Webinar This Action Guide includes: Introduction "Simple Steps" Sample Timeline Sample Announcements Sample Intercessions Homily Helps Sample Activity *All components are also available as individual PDF files. USCCB staff explain how to use the provided materials during the month of June. English Spanish Webinar Recording Supplementary Resources Sample Activity: Promotional Graphics (English | Spanish ) Sample Activity: At-Home Instructions for Families (English | Spanish ) Prayer to St. Joseph after the Rosary Litany of St. Joseph Respect Life Month Respect Life Month | October Each October the Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month , and the first Sunday of October is observed as Respect Life Sunday . 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. Action Guide Parish Webinar This Action Guide includes: Introduction "Simple Steps" Sample Timeline Sample Announcements Sample Intercessions Homily Helps Sample Activity In this introductory overview, USCCB staff walk through the 2024 Respect Life materials, as well as the perennial Respect Life Month Action Guide. *All components are also available as individual PDF files. English Spanish Webinar Recording Supplementary Resources respectlife.org/respect-life-month respectlife.org/celebrate Respect Life Bulletin Boxes Modification of Sample Activity for School or Home FAQ FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions What is an action guide? Each action guide focuses on a specific occasion that relates to respect for human life and gives natural opportunities fo r building a culture that protects, cherishes, and celebrates life. The guides feature tools to help you build such a culture in your own parish or school. They contain sample timelines, “simple steps,” activities, sample announcements, sample intercessions, and homily helps. Each contains ways to help you integrate your efforts into regular programming, so as to reach the greatest number of people in a given parish, school, or ministry—all without having to plan separate events. (Although, ideas for separate events are also included). Who are the action guides for? While the action guides have been developed primarily with parishes in mind, they also offer ideas for adaptation for use in schools, ministries, and even by families at home. These action guides can be used by diocesan, parish, school, and ministry staff and volunteers, as well as anyone who desires to build a culture of life in their particular faith community. How do I use these action guides? The action guides are intended to help you integrate respect for human life into your respective work and/or ministries. While dates and general timelines are often provided, they are only included as suggestions. You're welcome to use any of the ideas and activities included in the action guides at any time. While suggested action steps are provided, you are encouraged to adapt each guide as needed to best serve your parish, school, or ministry. When implementing these action guides, always remember to follow local policies and procedures, especially regarding safe environment and health guidelines. If you have any questions about local policies, consult your diocese, parish, school, or ministry staff. The provided action guides are meant to serve as basic frameworks and jumping off points for your own creative ideas. Don’t be afraid to make these plans and activities your own. We’d love to see how you use the action guides. Let us know what you’re doing by emailing prolife@usccb.org , or tag us on Facebook (USCCB Respect Life ) or Twitter (@usccbprolife ). Thank you for your dedication to building a culture in which every human life is cherished! Day of Prayer Solemnity of the Annunciation Sunday of Divine Mercy Mother's Day Father's Day FAQ Respect Life Month

May civic leaders work for the protection of all human life, in every stage and circumstance. DAY 8 January 23 ESPAÑOL INTENTION May civic leaders work for the protection of all human life, in every stage and circumstance. PRAYERS Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be REFLECTION The Declaration of Independence boldly affirms that first among our inalienable rights is the right to life, given to us by the Creator. Yet despite being so solemnly proclaimed, the right to life is today threatened and often denied, particularly at the moments when life is most fragile. Our laws should—first and foremost—protect life. Even with the overturning of Roe v. Wade , many states still do not recognize children in their mothers’ wombs as persons and still claim that abortion is a right. Further, many political leaders work actively to increase access to abortion. Some falsely describe it as health care and even as a basic human right. Laws and policies that legalize or promote an intrinsic evil like abortion violate the virtue of justice. Those who work as public officials and civic leaders have a duty to serve the common good, and therefore have a profound obligation to safeguard this most fundamental right to life. Through our own prayer, witness, and civic participation, we can encourage our leaders to truly answer their call to protect the rights of all people. For “there can be no true democracy without a recognition of every person’s dignity and without respect for his or her rights” (Evangelium vitae 101). ACTS OF REPARATION (Choose one.) Sacrifice some of your free time to do a small act of service, such as making breakfast for a family member, writing a note of encouragement to a coworker, or praying for the intentions of a friend. Sometimes restrictions on religious freedom constrain our efforts to live out the Gospel of life. We must be free to live out our Catholic faith in the public square. Offer this Prayer for Religious Liberty , that Christians may always be free to respect, protect, and defend human life. Offer some other sacrifice, prayer, or act of penance that you feel called to do for today’s intention. ONE STEP FURTHER When discussing the political responsibility of Catholics, the U.S. bishops have repeatedly affirmed, “the threat of abortion remains our pre-eminent priority.”[1] Abortion directly attacks life itself, takes place within the sanctuary of the family, and destroys over a million lives annually in the United States. Learn more in “Priorities at the Polls .” [1] Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States, Introductory Note . Washington, DC: USCCB, 2023. Excerpt from Evangelium vitae (The Gospel of Life), no. 101 © 1995, Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2023, USCCB, Washington, DC. All rights reserved.

May the tragic practice of abortion end. DAY 1 January 16 ESPAÑOL INTENTION May the tragic practice of abortion end. PRAYERS Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be REFLECTION At every stage and in every circumstance, we are held in existence by God’s love. The presence of an illness, disability, or other challenging situation never diminishes the value of a human life. God does not call us to perfection of appearance or abilities, but to perfection in love . Christ invites us to embrace our own lives and the lives of others as true gifts . Abortion tragically rejects the truth that every life is a good and perfect gift, deserving protection. This violent practice ends the life of a human being at its very beginning and horribly wounds all those involved. But Christ came that we “might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10), taking on human flesh for the sake of our redemption. May our culture experience the power of God’s transforming love, that all eyes may be opened to the incredible beauty of every human life. (Choose one.) ACTS OF REPARATION Take a break from television and movies today. Consider spending some of that time praying with today’s reflection. Pray the short prayer “Every Life is Worth Living ,” reflecting on the gift of human life. Heavenly Father, thank you for the precious gift of life. Help us to cherish and protect this gift, even in the midst of fear, pain, and suffering. Give us love for all people, especially the most vulnerable, and help us bear witness to the truth that every life is worth living. Grant us the humility to accept help when we are in need, and teach us to be merciful to all. Through our words and actions, may others encounter the outstretched hands of Your mercy. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Offer some other sacrifice, prayer, or act of penance that you feel called to do for today’s intention. ONE STEP FURTHER Abortion is frequently a topic in the news, political debates, and everyday conversations with family or friends. Because abortion can be a controversial and emotional issue in any arena, many of us may feel intimidated when the topic arises, not knowing what to say. "Another Look at Abortion " provides a basic overview and summarizes key points. This article will help you be better prepared to witness to the sanctity of human life. NABRE © 2010 CCD. Used with permission. Copyright © 2023, USCCB, Washington, D.C. All rights reserved.

We can safeguard our Catholic values by appointing a responsible and trustworthy person now to make decisions for us, in the event that we are incapable of doing so, either physically or mentally. ADVANCE MEDICAL DIRECTIVES: PLANNING FOR YOUR FUTURE Rosa* knew from experience the difficulties and expenses of watching a loved one die. She was totally devoted to her husband as he suffered and died from cancer eight years earlier. The idea of high medical bills, “tubes” and pain upset her, and even though she had not viewed her husband as a burden, she feared being one to her family. Then, Rosa was hospitalized with a terrible urinary tract infection which made her dehydrated, weak and confused. Her daughter Teresa had been appointed as her health care agent. Teresa met with the medical staff, who helped her understand that the proposed treatments would not cause an undue burden to her mother. In fact, they would be temporary and appropriate care in Rosa’s situation. Teresa was grateful that the medications, nutrition and hydration that Rosa was given, all through “tubes,” cured her infection. Rosa is now as active as she has ever been and realizes that there are certain situations that can’t be anticipated when illness comes. It’s best not to refuse future care that may turn out to be very welcome. Scroll down for other formats of this article! Order Human life is good and to be protected. All medical decisions ought to reflect this core belief. Yet black-and-white answers to our questions about end-of-life issues are not always possible, and it can be very difficult to know how to make medical decisions. Each and every human person is distinct and unrepeatable, and each medical situation may be unique. In each set of circumstances we need to judge whether a given treatment will provide real benefit to the patient, without causing harm or other burdens that are out of proportion to the good being done. We should each be prepared for those difficult situations when medical decisions must be made. We can safeguard our Catholic values by appointing a responsible and trustworthy person now to make decisions for us, in the event that we are incapable of doing so, either physically or mentally. It is important to be aware of the different legal or medical documents that are available or are often used to define a patient’s care. Depending on how they are crafted, some documents can be counter to Catholic morality and more harmful than we might realize. The safest option is to designate a health care agent who not only understands our Catholic values but also shares them and can apply them to current situations and respond to questions as they arise. This person, usually a close family member or friend, acts as a proxy decision maker if the patient is not able to make his or her own decisions. In choosing an agent or proxy, a person can declare in writing that all treatment and care decisions made on their behalf must be consistent with and not contradict the moral teachings of the Catholic Church. Less flexible is a living will, which simply lists treatment options or care that the patient wishes to accept or reject. No matter how well-crafted, such a document can never predict all the possible problems that may occur at a later time or anticipate all future treatment options. A living will can be misinterpreted by medical providers who might not understand the patient’s wishes. Some states and healthcare systems have been implementing a troubling document known as a “Physician Order for Life- Sustaining Treatment,” also called by a confusing array of acronyms (POLST, MOST, MOLST, or POST). The POLST document is filled out by a doctor or other medical professional to define treatments to be withheld or administered in a future situation. It has been criticized for placing more power in the hands of physicians than in patients’ hands. Indeed, in some cases the patient need not even sign the document. Once signed by the physician, it becomes a doctor’s order to other medical staff, and may override the patient’s own past advance directives and even the patient’s appointment of a health care agent. It may be applied to patients who are not in a terminal situation and who might only need antibiotics, nutrition and hydration, or other proportionate care. Yet a POLST document signed months or years before, stating that the patient should not receive antibiotics, could still be followed even if the patient, like Rosa, faced a simple urinary tract infection which is easily cleared up by antibiotics. Of course there are times when failing health is not so easily remedied as in Rosa’s case. In some situations, procedures are appropriately refused. One should consider the benefits and burdens of a prospective procedure and conscientiously judge whether or not to accept it. However, because of the inherent dignity of the person and our moral obligation to protect each human life, our Church teaches that we should take reasonable steps to preserve life and should never withhold or administer treatment with the intention of ending the life of the person. It is incredibly difficult to see someone we love suffering, and it is natural for us to want to alleviate their hardship. Additionally, we live in a culture that places value on productivity and prefers to get rid of what is deemed useless. Some people therefore support measures that, at first, might seem like a compassionate response, but in fact are not. Advocates for legalizing assisted suicide and euthanasia promote the illusion that we can “help” those in need by killing them or assisting them in killing themselves. However, this response ignores the person’s true needs and does not respect their dignity. Each person deserves real solutions and support when facing physical, emotional and spiritual challenges. Cutting someone’s life short before their time deprives them of unknown opportunities for God’s grace to work in their life. God’s infinite love for each one of us helps us to grasp our identity and our worth. The recognition of this dignity leads us to respect and protect each person’s life, including our own, and ought to be at the core of whatever medical decisions we make. Let us place our trust in the Lord and ask for his continuous guidance, for these decisions and for all those we face in our lives. *The story of Rosa and Teresa (their names are changed for their privacy) is just one example of how important it is to reflect in advance on how we would want decisions made on our behalf if we cannot speak for ourselves. To find out what pastoral and educational resources may be available locally, contact your diocesan pro-life office. BULLETIN BOX Perfect for use when space is at a premium! A quarter-page summary of this article is available for use in bulletins and newsletters. Each bulletin box includes the website for accessing the full article. Color English Spanish Grayscale English Spanish BULLETIN INSERT This article is also available as a double-sided PDF flyer. Download and print for use in bulletins, as a classroom or ministry supplement, or in a Respect Life display. Color English Spanish Grayscale English Spanish BROCHURE You can order copies of this article as tri-fold brochure for distribution at parishes, diocesan events, and more! Order English Spanish FULL ARTICLE TEXT The full text of the article can be downloaded as a Word document. Articles can be reproduced with proper accreditation in bulletins, newspapers, and wherever else you would like to share them! Microsoft Word Document English Spanish

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A Prayer to St. Joseph, Defender of Life This prayer to St. Joseph, defender of life, is also available as a double-sided, 3.5” x 5” prayer card. ORDER VIEW & DOWNLOAD Dearest St. Joseph, at the word of an angel, you lovingly took Mary into your home. As God’s humble servant, you guided the Holy Family on the road to Bethlehem, welcomed Jesus as your own son in the shelter of a manger, and fled far from your homeland for the safety of both Mother and Child. We praise God that as their faithful protector, you never hesitated to sacrifice for those entrusted to you. May your example inspire us also to welcome, cherish, and safeguard God’s most precious gift of life. Help us to faithfully commit ourselves to the service and defense of human life —especially where it is vulnerable or threatened. Obtain for us the grace to do the will of God in all things. Amen. Copyright © 2021, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. All rights reserved.

RADICAL SOLIDARITY These Respect Life resources focus on our call to radical solidarity . The materials seek to inspire Catholics to put their love for others into action by protecting, supporting, and accompanying mothers and their children. Together, we can help build a true culture of life and civilization of love. To help live out the call to radical solidarity, Catholics are invited to join Walking with Moms in Need . Through this process, Catholic parishes and communities “walk in the shoes" of local pregnant and parenting women to better understand, support, and respond to their needs. LEARN MORE POSTER This Respect Life poster focuses on our call to radical solidarity with mothers in need and their children, reminding us of our responsibility to put our love for them into action. VIEW & DOWNLOAD ORDER (Available in English and Spanish.) If you need a different file format or have any issues, please contact prolife@usccb.org . PRAYER FOR RADICAL SOLIDARITY This prayer invokes the intercession of our Blessed Mother who exemplified radical solidarity in coming to the aid of her cousin, Elizabeth. It is available as a prayer card featuring an image the Visitation. View as webpage. VIEW & DOWNLOAD ORDER (Available in English and Spanish.) CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT (2023) Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, chairman of the 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. VIEW & DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE (Available in English and Spanish.) REFLECTION Radical Solidarity This short reflection unpacks the theme of radical solidarity, highlighting how Catholics are called to put their love for others into action. The reflection can be used as the basis for a homily or talk, shared in parish bulletins, printed in your diocesan paper, and included in newsletters. It could also be used as the basis for small group discussions at parish pro-life meetings, in a high school religion class, or simply among friends. READ ONLINE VIEW & DOWNLOAD (Available in English and Spanish.) RESPECT LIFE NOVENA This novena prays for the protection of human life, from conception to natural death. Each day of the novena features a different pro-life prayer intention which is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. DOWNLOAD GRAPHICS Each image is provided in English and Spanish and can be downloaded directly for use on parish/diocesan websites, in bulletins and newsletters, or in any other way that may be helpful to you in sharing the Gospel of life. VIEW & DOWNLOAD (Available in English and Spanish.) WALKING WITH MOMS IN NEED Walking with Moms in Need is a parish-based, yet nationwide, initiative to better serve pregnant and parenting mothers facing difficulties. During the process, parishes are asked to inventory the resources and services available in their local community; assess the results of that inventory and identify gaps; and plan and implement a parish response based on their findings and assessment. While WWMIN is not about turning parishes into pregnancy centers, it is about enhancing referrals and building relationships with helping agencies. It is designed to help parishes integrate, improve, and—when needed—expand existing local resources to better serve mothers in their local area. LEARN MORE

Novena por la Vida para honrar la Fiesta de la Visitación ¡Gracias por rezar! ¡Gracias por unirte a nosotros! La suscripción te permitirá recibir los correos electrónicos diarios comenzando el lunes 22 de mayo al miercoles 31 de mayo. (Los correos electrónicos se envían en inglés pero contienen vínculos a las traducciones al español.) Más información

Respect Life Prayer & Action SIGNUP CONFIRMATION Thanks for joining! PRAY You've joined thousands of Catholics seeking to transform our culture. You are now signed up to receive: prayers action alerts to contact Congress and government leaders ways to strengthen a culture of life in your community Together, we are powerful!

Respect Life resources for priests and deacons. LEADERS' TOOLKIT Clergy This leaders' toolkit is provided to help clergy build a culture of life in their parishes by integrating Respect Life themes throughout the year. The provided resources, ideas, and activities are only suggestions. We encourage you to adapt them as necessary for your parish community. Feel free to get creative as you build "an authentic civilization of truth and love" (Evangelium vitae, 6). Check out our Action Guides for additional ideas and step-by-step instructions for highlighting Respect Life themes year-round! VIEW (Available in English and Spanish) POSTER & PRAYER CARD Consider hanging the Respect Life poster in a prominent place in your parish. The poster features the Eucharist and Jesus’ message in John 10:10, “I came so that they might have life.” The prayer invokes the power of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament to help us defend the gift of human life at all stages. POSTER PRAYER CARD (Available in English and Spanish) HOMILY CONSIDERATIONS Respect Life Month (October 2024) Homily connections are provided for the lectionary readings for each Sunday in October (Respect Life Month). Short bullet points show connections between the readings of the day and the Gospel of life. VIEW & DOWNLOAD (Available in English and Spanish) Catholic Care for the Sick & Dying These homily notes are provided to help priests and deacons preach on the importance of end-of-life care and accompaniment based on the teachings of Samaritanus bonus . These notes can be integrated into a homily at any time during the year and used in full or in part. VIEW & DOWNLOAD (Available in English and Spanish) The Church's Commitment to Mothers in Need These homily considerations are designed to help priests and deacons address the important, sensitive topic of abortion with clarity and authentic compassion that affirms the dignity both of women and of their children. Informed by the research, “Building Catholic Faith and Support for Life” by Heart and Mind Strategies, short bullet points help homilists to weave the Gospel of Life into their message in a compelling way. VIEW & DOWNLOAD Healing After Abortion By the age of 45, as many as 1 in 3 women have had an abortion, and a similar number of men and family members have been involved. Because of this, some members of the clergy are hesitant to preach about Respect Life topics, particularly abortion. However, the merciful words of a priest or deacon can be a pivotal moment in the healing process. Many inaccurately believe that abortion is “the unforgivable sin.” They may be longing to hear that God desires to forgive every sin of those who are sorry, even the sin of abortion. VIEW & DOWNLOAD (Available in English and Spanish) REFLECTION This short reflection unpacks the 2024-2025 Eucharistic Respect Life theme, highlighting how Catholics are called to be lights in the darkness. You can use the reflection to help inspire a homily or talk highlighting Respect Life topics at any time of year. The reflection could also be used as the basis for a "Pastor's Corner" or included in full in the bulletin. Or, feel free to include the reflection in an email newsletter or link to it on the parish website. VIEW & DOWNLOAD (Available in English and Spanish) INTERCESSIONS Prayer is the basis of all our efforts to build a culture of life. The provided intercessions are appropriate for use during Mass in the Prayer of the Faithful. Several of these intentions can be used throughout the year. These intercessions could also be included in lists of prayer intentions published in the bulletin and shared with prayer groups. If you have a regular Holy Hour or parish Rosary, you could consider including them among the opening or closing prayers. "...in our daily prayer as individuals and as a community, praise and bless God our Father, who knitted us together in our mother's womb..." Evangelium vitae, 84 That the life of every person, from conception to natural death, will be protected in our laws and cherished in our hearts; We pray to the Lord: For women and men suffering after abortion: May the Church’s abortion healing ministry, Project Rachel, help them find peace and healing through Christ’s endless mercy; We pray to the Lord: For those nearing the end of life: May they receive care that respects their dignity and protects their lives as they place their hope in the promise of eternal life; We pray to the Lord: May God grant us the wisdom and courage to lovingly protect His gift of human life at every stage, in sickness and in health; We pray to the Lord: Looking for more intercessions to use in your parish year-round? Check out our series of Action Guides , which each include additional intercessions that are connected to annual observances and liturgical feasts. You can also subscribe to our monthly parish liturgical resource, Word of Life . ACTION GUIDES WORD OF LIFE (Available in English and Spanish) BULLETIN BOXES Bulletin boxes are summaries of longer articles that are perfect for including in your weekly parish bulletin or other regular newsletters. They are perfect for use when space is at a premium! (Each bulletin box also includes a web address for those who would like to read the full article.) Consider featuring a different bulletin box in the bulletin each month. You can also mention the Respect Life topic highlighted in the bulletin during your homily. These article summaries cover a wide range of Respect Life topics, and many are pastorally focused. The bulletin boxes are available in English and Spanish. VIEW & DOWNLOAD (Available in English and Spanish) GRAPHICS These and many other graphics are available for use throughout your parish. Feature them in bulletins, newsletters, monitor displays, and more! VIEW ALL (Available in English and Spanish) Models used for illustrative purposes only. Photos courtesy of Wix.com. Excerpts from Evangelium vitae © 1995, Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Used with permission. All rights reserved.