The first Sunday of October (Oct. 2 this year) is observed as Respect Life Sunday.
As Catholics, we are called to cherish, defend, and protect those who are most vulnerable, from conception to its natural end. During October, the Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month, a time in which we’re invited to reflect more deeply on the dignity of every human life.
This work has never been more important than now. Life is being threatened in our country from the moment of conception to natural death and at many points in between.
Read Bishop Walkowiak’s letter to parishioners:
Read the USCCB’s Respect Life Month statement
Opportunities for prayer and action around the diocese and beyond:
- Vote NO, ‘Fight Like Heaven!’ to defeat Proposal 3
- Get involved with Walking with Moms and Families in Need – Support during and after pregnancy, baby and toddler pantries, healing after abortion, infertility support, counseling services
- Register for the Sept. 29 Walking with Moms in Need parish training webinar (Two opportunities: 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.). Email [email protected] to sign up.
- Sign up for Vigil Hours during 40 Days for Life, Sept. 28 – Nov. 6. Check with your parish pro-life coordinator, or click here.
- Mass for God’s Children, Nov. 3, 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew.
- The diocesan Respect Life office invites parents who have experienced the loss of a child before baptism to a Mass for God’s Children. All are welcome to attend this Mass, including parents, grandparents, siblings, relatives and friends. To reserve a memorial rose in your child’s/children’s name(s), or for more information, please contact DJ Florian.
- Prison & Jail Ministry
- Pray a Novena to end the death penalty: Oct. 1-9 (Learn more)
- Catholics are encouraged to contact their state representative and ask them to support House Bill 5987, the Restorative Justice Practices Enabling Act. To learn more about H.B. 5987 and Prison & Jail Ministry, click here, or email Tricia Worrell, diocesan director at [email protected].
- March for Life in 2023
- March for Life in D.C. is currently scheduled for Jan. 21, 2022 (Sign up to receive updates). Those wishing to attend the National March in Washington, D.C. on pilgrimage with others are encouraged to connect with Grand Rapids Right to Life or Right to Life of Michigan.
March for Life 2023 theme announced: ‘Next Steps: Marching in a post-Roe America’ (CNA, Oct. 13, 2022) - March for Life pilgrimage to Lansing – More information coming soon. Questions? Please contact DJ Florian, director of the Office of Pastoral Services, [email protected].
- Caring for Migrants and Refugees – Click here for resources and ways to help migrants and refugees in our community and beyond.
- March for Life in D.C. is currently scheduled for Jan. 21, 2022 (Sign up to receive updates). Those wishing to attend the National March in Washington, D.C. on pilgrimage with others are encouraged to connect with Grand Rapids Right to Life or Right to Life of Michigan.
Programs and Services for Individuals and Families through Catholic Charities West Michigan:
Pregnancy support services | Resources and support for moms and families | Counseling services | Substance abuse treatment & counseling | Support for Seniors
Respect Life Month Program Resources for Parishes:
Additional resources:
Respect Life Ministry resources (in the Diocese of Grand Rapids)
Connect with the Respect Life Ministry office & activities on Facebook
Reflect on the Respect Life theme (bilingual, USCCB) – coming soon!
From the USCCB:
Respect Life Program resources | Pro-Life Activities Committee | Browse materials published in previous years
