The Respect Life Program begins anew each year on Respect Life Sunday, the first Sunday in October. In 2007, it marked the 35th anniversary of the successful educational program that was started by the Catholic bishops of the U.S. in October 1972. Mistakenly, the term “Respect Life” is closely aligned in many people’s minds with “right to life” or pro-life issues or maybe even more commonly with the anti-abortion issue.  However, since 1972 the bishops have focused and expanded on Respect Life to include the many critical concerns of the day — abortion, euthanasia, marriage and family life, capital punishment, poverty, immigration issues, chastity, natural family planning, post-abortion healing and reconciliation, the culture of life, biotechnology, children, teens, persons with disabilities, the elderly, those who are dying, and more. 

What is Respect Life?
 For the unwed teen mother, the infertile couple, the caretaker of an elderly parent or the sibling with mental illness, for anyone having to directly face a respect life issue, it can be a difficult, stress-filled and confusing time.  We want to offer hope, understanding and love.

One of the most important acts we can make as Catholics is to establish a priority of prayer to speak to God and open our hearts.  Prayer makes a difference.  We can pray individually, as a community collectively at Mass and in various prayer groups.  

We publish a full range of articles and provide reference materials in our library and on our web site covering a spectrum of Respect Life issues.

If you are in need, we will help or assist you to provide you with support.  Our priests and religious are available to meet with you to discuss your situation in total confidentiality and with compassion. Should you need additional assistance, we will refer you to the appropriate resources.

By joining us in special events that we will be scheduling for 2007-2008, you help to raise awareness to others.