During Respect Life month, we start with the Beginning of Life issues. While most people still associate this focus soley with "Pro-Life," it has expanded to include not only abortion, but also chastity, natural family planning and contraception, post abortion healing and reconciliation, stem cell research, cloning, pregnancy counseling including financial, medical, spiritual and emotional support for the parents before and after birth, assisted reproductive technology, adoption and more.

What does Beginning of Life mean? Our Catholic teachings are very clear that we must strive to protect all life, especially the unborn, who have no voice. However, we are also called to be cognizant and understanding of the needs, challenges and views of others. For the unwed pregnant teen mother, the infertile couple, the unwed, expecting couple, the expectant parents of a special needs child, for the family expecting another child but already living in poverty or for anyone having to directly face a beginning of life issue, it can be a difficult, stress-filled and a confusing time. St. Mel Parish is dedicated to offering pastoral care to those in need. If you or someone you know would like to speak to a priest or pastoral minister, please call or come by the Parish Center office to set up a time.

What do our parishioners do to get involved with and better understand beginning of life issues? We participate through our prayers, and read, discuss and share the suggested readings and reference materials, and join in ministries and events that support our beliefs. In our Masses and ministries this week, we offer our prayers and intentions. Our Parish actively supports beginning of life ministries, including Marriage Preparation, Angels Way Maternity Home and Ministry of Moms Sharing. We encourage you to join and to get involved. You'll also find reference materials in our vestibule from the Pregnancy Counseling Center and also in the parish Adult Religious Library. Below on this page we have provided many of the references coming from the acclaimed educational program sponsored annually by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; you can also go to their website at www.usccb.org. There are also a number of local events which will be posted on our website.

Finally, if you want to know more about Beginning of Life concerns, contact us, and check our complete website and bulletin for all St. Mel-sponsored events and other local events.

“While we try to teach our children

all about life,

Our children teach us what life is all about.”

Angela Schwindt 

For more information, click the Adobe documents below and then click your back button:

The Infant in my womb leaped for joy

Abortion and Catholic Social Teaching

Assisted Reproductive Technology & the Family

Project Rachel

Helpful Links:

St. Annes offers an array of comprehensive programs including: residential treatment, transitional housing, mental health, child care, family literacy, family preservation, educational and vocational preparation for pregnant women and children

Angels Way Maternity Home provides housing, counseling and support for unwed, pregnant women

Rachel's Vineyard Ministries renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion