Respect Life Article of the Month

The following articles are from the archives of the USCCB Respect Life Program.  They provide a helpful means of ongoing formation for the faithful about what the Church teaches on various life issues topics, and offer encouragement for the mission of every Catholic to help build a Culture of Life and a Civilization of Love.

Most articles in the list correspond with seasons and themes within the liturgical year but they may be used at any time as local needs suggest.  Click on the article title for a reproducible pdf file.  Some articles include additional formats as well.  Scroll down the page for suggested uses and reprinting guidelines.
 
SEPTEMBER - How to Build a Culture of Life
As the Church in the United States prepares to celebrate Respect Life Month in October, this reflection helps us to recognize that we all have a call to participate in building a culture of life.

OCTOBER - St. Joseph, Defender of Life
The theme for the new year's Respect Life Program which launches on Oct. 3, Respect Life Sunday, integrates the call to protect every human life with the Church's observance of the Year of St. Joseph.

NOVEMBER - Catholic Considerations for Our Earthly Passing
During this month of All Saints and All Souls, we reflect on praying for our beloved dead, as well as the Communion of Saints we all hope to join when our earthly journey is ended.  We recall that St. Joseph is the patron saint of a happy death who intercedes for us with a father's heart.

DECEMBER - An Adoption Love Story
Adoption is a beautiful gift and something to be celebrated.  In this story of one family's experience on the journey of adoption, we can remember during this Advent season how St. Joseph loved, protected, and cared for Jesus and Mary in a way that images God's love for all.

JANUARY - Another Look at Abortion
January 22 marks the tragic anniversary of Roe v. Wade.  This article reminds us what a precious gift life is, explains the tremendous harm abortion causes to society and to those who suffer it's aftermath, and offers ideas for what we can do about it.

FEBRUARY - Caring For Each Other Even Unto Death
We celebrate the World Day of the Sick on Feb. 11.  This article explains what the Church teaches about care for the sick and dying and some of the issues involved in medical decision-making.

MARCH - Bridges of Mercy for Healing After Abortion
Lent is a perfect opportunity to invite people to experience the fullness of God's mercy and healing.  The effects of a past abortion can last for many years but God's mercy is available to all who seek it. This article acknowledges the deep pain of an abortion experience and offers suggestions for how we can be catalysts for healing and direct people to Project Rachel, the Church's confidential ministry of healing and reconciliation to those who have been wounded by abortion.  

                           BONUS ARTICLE for the Solemnity of the Annunciation (March 25):                                                                      He Made His Dwelling Among Us - The Annunciation and the Gospel of Life


APRIL - Seven Considerations While Navigating Infertility
Couples suffering from infertility carry a heavy cross.  This article offers a helpful explanation about what the Church teaches about navigating infertility and offers resources to aid couples in their suffering.

MAY - A Perfect Gift
Every life is precious because each person is created in the image and likeness of God and is loved infinitely by Him.  Caring for persons with disabilities demonstrates the joy that comes from recognizing the fundamental truth that every life is a good and perfect gift.

JUNE - Life Matters: Our Obligation to Protect Religious Freedom
During Religious Freedom Week we are reminded that the Founding Fathers inscribed the fundamental right to religious freedom in the nation's Constitution.  Today threats to our religious liberty and freedom of conscience are very real and infringe upon the ability to serve our neighbor.  This article gives voice to the importance of protecting the religious freedom of all.

JULY - Hope for Married Couples Who Want to Have a Child
In July the Church observes NFP Awareness Week and the anniversary of St. Pope Paul VI's encyclical Humanae Vitae (Of Human Life).  This article explains that through effective and ethical scientific methods couples encountering difficulties in achieving pregnancy can find hope and healing.

AUGUST - Serving Moms in Need
St. John Paul II explained in Evangelium Vitae that to love Jesus is to love and serve life.  By our acts of pastoral care and charitable service, walking with moms in need helps a culture of life to grow and flourish.

MONTHLY BULLETIN INSERT
One of our most effective forms of communication is the Sunday bulletin!  Pick one weekend each month and simply download the article, duplicate as needed, and insert in the parish bulletin.

SMALL GROUP SETTINGS
Many opportunities can be found in parish life for using these articles and encouraging ongoing formation.  Reading and discussing particular appropriate topics in various settings can offer much enrichment to volunteers as well as those you serve.  A parish leader might come up with a few reflections questions to help participants discuss an article.  Articles could be copied and distributed to catechists and parents, youth ministers and youth groups, Respect Life ministries, ministers to the homebound, and more.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
Don't forget to post the "Article of the Month" on your parish website! 
Link articles in your parish's email newsletter. 
Post to your social media pages.
Some of the articles may have accompanying graphics that can be used in print or online.  Explore what may be available at www.respectlife.org. 

There is no cost for reproducing USCCB Respect Life Program materials.  However, reprinting guidelines for text formats, pdf files, and graphics are to be followed in ensure proper attribution.

Click HERE to view the USCCB's reprinting guidelines.