Sacred Heart Parish
Respect Life Committee
Sacred Heart Parish
Respect Life Committee
Respect Life Month
Respect Life Month will be initiated with a special Children’s Mass at 9:30 AM and featured mention at all the Masses. From our inception, the parish Respect Life Board has realized that the first priority in any thing we do is to pray. Members of the Board will attended the Mass in Honor of Life, celebrated annually by Bishop Lori.
Throughout October, Respect Life Month, we pray as a parish for all those who serve the Lord "who brings the power of a life that cannot be destroyed.” We pray that more and more of those who call themselves followers of Christ will come forward to defend the right to life of every person from conception to natural death and who will work to safeguard the rights of all who are powerless, ignored and defenseless.
In the light of so much power and money marshaled against us, it is understandable that some may feel defeated before the even begin and thus remain discouraged and guiltily silent. For these, the words of John Paul the second are a rallying cry and incentive:
The evidence shows with increasing clarity how policies and laws opposed to life are causing societies to decline, not only morally but demographically and economically. The encyclical [Evangelium Vitae]’s message can therefore be presented not only as true and authentic guidelines for moral rebirth, but also as a reference-point for civil salvation.
“Thus there is no reason for that type of defeatist mentality, which claims that laws opposed to the right to life- those which legalize abortion, euthanasia, sterilization and methods of family planning opposed to life and the dignity of marriage- are inevitable and now almost a social necessity. On the contrary, they are the seed of corruption for society and its foundations.”
…The changing of laws must be preceded and accompanied by the changing of mentalities and morals on a vast scale, in an extensive and visible way. In this area the Church will spare no effort nor can she accept negligence or guilty silence.
May every person of good will feel called to play an active part in this great cause. May he be sustained by the conviction that every step taken in defending the right to life and its concrete advancement is a step toward peace and civilization.”
Pope Paul II to the Pontifical Academy
For Life (February, 2000)
If you wish to join the committee in its work, in any one of the four areas that serve as our goals: Public Information and Education, Pastoral Care, Public Policy Issues, and Prayer and Worship, please call the rector(544-8345) or email us at sacredheartgtn@aol.com. There is more than enough to be done in so many areas that effect defending the right to life of so many threatened directly in this “culture of death.” Our task is to help bring about a “culture of life.” “I come that they might have life, and have it to the full.”
Our parish Respect Life Board, composed of very dedicated parishioners, launched an ambitious program last year and looks forward to the coming year. It’s purpose is to raise parish awareness about the crucial issues surrounding the value and dignity of all human life in our culture and in the world. They need our support and involvement in the educational, pastoral, political and worship events that are planned.
The work of this board, in conjunction with the Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport Respect Life Office, can be categorized into four major areas. There are many, many opportunities to contribute your time, energy, voice, actions and dollars to promoting a culture of life here in Connecticut and across the USA. Make no mistake - your help is needed. Please review the areas described below to educate yourself and to find a way you can participate. Click on each heading for more details.
Check here for the latest in Respect Life events.......from the parish to the nation....and beyond.
Sponsoring programs of prayer and fasting, such as adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, novenas, and private prayer for: the unborn threatened by abortion; expectant mothers; the elderly under threat of euthanasia; those facing prison and death unjustly; the poor and dispossessed; and the sick and disabled.
Endeavoring to foster greater awareness and understanding of the issues and broad implications of our country's current "culture of death," and the importance of meeting the needs of, and restoring or safeguarding legal protection to, those who are most vulnerable. We will fulfill this charter by sponsoring speakers and educational programs; by promoting and making available informational resources; by communicating opportunities for action, both immediate and ongoing.
Looking for Answers to Questions Like:
What is the Respect Life Movement All About?
How Is Life Under Attack in Our "Culture of Death?"
What are the Facts About Abortion?
What are the Facts About Birth Control? . ..then click here to get the answers from the new Respect Life Library!!
Promoting and volunteering to assist a broad range of caring services, such as: pregnancy counseling; maternity support services; post abortion healing; reconciliation; care for chronically ill and dying; care for the disabled; and the long list goes on.
Keeping all informed on issues and pending legislation affecting the safeguarding of all human life and human dignity, especially on restoring legal protection to the unborn and prevention of further erosion of legal rights of the elderly and dying. By forming and fostering a network of concerned Sacred Heart parishioners willing to speak out, this message will be heard through articles in the press, and letters to local and national politicians.