Respect Life Ministry
-
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you." Jeremiah 1:5 -
We are all created in the image and likeness of God.
The St. Vincent de Paul Respect Life Ministry works to promote and respect human life from conception to natural death. We all have the responsibility to nurture, protect, and sustain life at all stages. Our parish, in collaboration with our parish school, the Archdiocese Office of Marriage and Family Life, local and international organizations, as well as surrounding parishes, will work towards the common goal of protecting life.
-
Prayer for the Month of November
God of all goodness, look with mercy on all who suffer, that they may be comforted. Let your healing hands be upon them. When they are fearful, ease their fear and anxieties. When they are afraid, give them strength and courage.
-
Upcoming Events
November Events/Activities/Prayer OpportunitiesReflect
The source of human dignity lies in the reality that God became man to save us and calls us into communion with him. The Good Samaritan, who goes out of his way to aid an injured man, shows us what it really means to fulfill the commandment to love our neighbors. Despite our best efforts, it can sometimes be difficult to recognize the profound value of human life when we see its full weakness and fragility. Yet, the faithful care of human life until its natural end is entrusted to every person.
Death is a decisive moment in our encounter with God the Savior. Helping our neighbor to prepare for this moment is a supreme act of charity, encompassing the patient with the solid support of human relationships to accompany them and help them be open to hope. The Church learns from the example of the Good Samaritan how to care for those who are sick or dying, respecting and defending every human life. Each of us is invited to imitate the Samaritan’s example, to “Go and do likewise” (Lk 10:37). The Good Samaritan shows us that our relationship with our suffering neighbor should embrace the qualities of attention, listening, understanding, compassion, and accompaniment.
We need to learn how to look upon our own existence and that of others and to recognize that every human existence is a unique and unrepeatable wonder, one to be received and welcomed as a gift. We are invited to “remain” at the side of a suffering person, as the Blessed Mother and the beloved disciple remained at the foot of the Cross. Their example provides a way to understand that, even when it seems that there is nothing more to do, there is much to do — because “remaining” by the side of the sick is a sign of love and of the hope that it contains. Healed by Jesus, we become men and women called to proclaim his healing power and provide care for our neighbors, until the very endReflection adapted from “The Witness of the Good Samaritan: Palliative Care and Hospice.” Scriptural excerpts from NABRE © 2010 CCD. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Act (Choose one.)
- Prayerfully reflect on the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:29-37) and what the Lord is saying to you through it.
- Learn more about hospice and palliative care from a Catholic perspective: bit.ly/witness-goodsamaritan.
- Offer some other sacrifice or prayer that you feel called to do for this month’s intention.
Resource: USCCB
-
Resources
Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
The Respect Life (Pro-life) Outreach of the Archdiocese aims to promote respect for human life from conception to natural death, to bring about a conversion of heart and mind to be open to God’s special gift of life. A consistent ethic of life reflects the Church’s firm conviction of the dignity of each and every person. Created in the image and likeness of God, every person is unique and special. Each of us has a responsibility to God, to self and to others to nurture, protect and sustain life at all stages.
USCCB
The USCCB proclaims that human life is a precious gift from God; that each person who receives this gift has responsibilities toward God, self and others; and that society, through its laws and social institutions, must protect and nurture human life at every stage of its existence. (USCCB Website)
Pro-Life Action Ministries
Pro-LIfe Action Ministries is an interdenominational Christian organization dedicated to publicly defending the sanctity of human life. We work to save lives from abortion, infanticide and euthanasia through peaceful direct-action and educational projects. We are best known for our daily presence in front of abortion facilities praying and offering love and support to abortion-bound mothers.
Human Life Alliance
Human Life Alliance promotes awareness of the inherent dignity and personhood of human life, born and preborn, without exception or compromise. Human Life Alliance proclaims and defends a culture of life and chastity through education, social and political awareness and life-affirming alternatives to abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide and euthanasia. Human Life Alliance accomplishes its mission in a spirit of prayer and non-violence.
Women's Care Center
Our Parish supports this pregnancy resource center which is dedicated to restoring hope for women facing unplanned pregnancies. Women's Care Center provides free, confidential counseling, support and education for pregnant women, free pregnancy testing, and ultrasounds. Women's Care Center can help you every step of the way! A counselor is available by email to answer your questions. Email: counselor@womenscarecenter.org
Rachel's Vineyard
Rachel’s Vineyard Twin Cities is a Catholic 501(c)3 non-profit organization that offers weekend retreats to help women and men resolve issues of guilt, shame, pain, grief, and anxiety after an abortion. Their retreats are open to people of all faiths and anyone impacted by abortion (moms, dads, grandparents, siblings, abortion workers, etc.).
Project Rachel
Through Project Rachel, which is the Catholic Church's post-abortion healing ministry, women can find forgiveness and peace of heart through compassionate counseling.
-
What can I do?
- Pray
- Walk with those who are in need of mercy and compassion
- Participate in Respect Life events offered at the Parish level as well as in the community
- Support Women's Care Center in Anoka
- Visit the Kiosk in the link for resource pamphlets
- Be an advocate at the Legislative level
- If you are interested in the Respect Life Ministry contact Margaret Schauer in the Parish Office
-
Contact Us
-
Margaret Schauermargaretschauersaintvdp.orgPastoral Minister
-
