The Respect Life Ministry's mission is to support and proclaim the gospel of life. The Respect Life Ministry serves to pray for, protect and spread truth about God’s sacred gift of human life, from conception to natural death through programs advocating prayer, education, pastoral care and advocacy. The ministry especially defends the rights of the unborn, disabled, abused, neglected and elderly. The Ministry functions to the St. Mel Parish under the Pastor's direction to implement its programs. The Ministry also acts in accordance the Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities published by the Pro-Life Committee of the National Committee of Catholic Bishops in Washington DC. It is the responsibility of the Ministry to foster the education of the laity and to encourage, promote and coordinate our activities regarding all Life Issues in the Parish including our schools, other ministries and across all age groups, so that all can participate.
The Ministry works to build a greater awareness, openness and respect for the sanctity of life within the St. Mel Community. We refer women and men who are seeking guidance to trained professionals and religious, and support programs that offer hope and healing. The Respect Life Ministry serves as an enabler rather than provider of direct services, as well as a consultant and collaborator, to raise awareness, offer alternatives and insights to adequately address the concerns of people in need. The Ministry’s primary objective is to help God open all peoples’ minds and hearts to choosing life in every circumstance.
How we serve:
Spiritual – we offer and encourage prayers at the individual and group level. In particular, on the first Friday of the month at Noon, a dedicated group of Parishioners’ offers prayers for the unborn and throughout the year include all Respect Life issues. We leverage the Respect Life Program published each year by the National Council of Catholic Bishops which has suggestions for seasonal liturgies and prayers which we distribute. The materials are offered to supplement the calendar of Feast Days and Special Observances.
Education & Public Information – we raise awareness through suggested homilies, written parish bulletin articles, library materials, discussion pieces, and outside speakers and events. We also maintain the Respect Life literature, and other reference materials on the display rack in the church vestibule.
Pastoral Care – we refer people in need to the appropriate professionals who are trained to help with a range of services such as financial, mental, spiritual, and emotional support. In particular, spiritual assistance, extended with compassion and dignity, is served by our Priests by offering the unconditional and efficacious love and healing to all women and men.
Advocacy – we explain the Respect Life issues and points of reflection and encourage action. We offer legislative news, publish upcoming events and activities and prayer services, particularly during October Respect Life Month. We also volunteer and support Angels Way through fund raising at the St. Mel bake sale on the first weekend of each month and encourage and collect baby items for the maternity home.