Respect Life Month has begun. This year’s theme is “Called to Serve Moms in Need.” 

Life issues have been getting a lot of media coverage this year. Over the summer we received news that the Supreme Court had overturned Roe v. Wade. That ended the federal right to an abortion. The monumental decision providentially came on June 24 – the Feast of the Birth of John the Baptist. He is the baby who leaped in his mother’s womb (Lk 1:44). 

Historically pro-lifers have had to march on the anniversary of the Roe v Wade decision – outdoors in harsh, icy January. I know many who were hopeful that now maybe the March for Life could be scheduled during the temperate, shorts-and-sandals weather of June. As of now, however, the march is still planned for January. Maybe the planners understand – the greater the sacrifice, the greater the love, and the greater the miracle. 

Also, this year we have been hearing a lot in the news about bishops calling on politicians who support legal abortion to refrain from receiving the Eucharist. The dialogue has intensified. Bishops and politicians alike will have to continue to confront the issue.

I am heartened by the “Called to Serve Moms in Need” theme that the US Bishops have chosen. They know that in a post-Roe world, mothers and children will need a lot of support. Check out walkingwithmoms.com to learn about inspiring things that parishes are doing. 

Fr. Dennis Zehren
Pastor

Click here to see the list of winners from the Harvest Festival.