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Q: Is the Pro-life Ministry associated with any other Pro Life organizations? - Our committee falls under the direction of Archdiocesan Respect Life Apostolate (RLA). The RLA works in close cooperation with the Missouri Catholic Conference and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Q: What are the objectives of the Pro-life Ministry?
- Spiritual - To confirm the importance of prayer in the pro-life movement
- Educational - To keep our parish and school informed on all pro-life issues, such as abortion, euthanasia, chastity and morality. Our 8th grade students participate in the Respect Life Apostolate's RIGHT START Program.
- Pastoral - To reach out to those suffering the emotional scars of abortion by offering compassion through the Respect Life Apostolate's Project Rachel and assistance to those facing a crisis pregnancy through Birthright.
- Legislative - Monitoring political happenings and changes in pro-life legislation in an effort to impact public policy.
Q: What kind of awareness programs does the Pro-life ministry have for the Parish?
- The primary purpose of educational programs is the development of pro-life attitudes. This includes bringing information to our parish regarding all life issues including abortion, euthanasia and embryonic stem cell research and cloning. We encourage participation at the annual Respect Life Apostolate Convention in October. We provide books, pamphlets, and pro-life prayer cards in our church library, lobby and Adoration Chapel. We also provide information about pro-life bills on state and federal levels and work to elect pro-life candidates during state and national elections.
Q: Do you support any Birthright clinics?
- Yes, Our parish adopts a Birthright client for the duration of her pregnancy through the Birthright "Heaven and Earth Club". Parishioners volunteer at Birthright clinics. In addition we actively support Birthright-Hillsboro through our Mothers Day Baby Shower and other fundraisers.
Q: Do you have any fundraisers?
- We have our Annual Bake Sale in October and in November/December, the Christmas Nativity Raffle. We are able to support many pro life agencies and activities with the funds we receive. We asssist the Respect Life Apostolate in their "Friends for Life" Patron drive and provide funds for Lifeline Coalition agencies who provide assistance to more than 10,000 mothers and their children annually. Our Baby Shower in May supports Birthright-Hillsboro pregnancy center.
Q: How can I participate in the Pro-life Ministry? Participation can be as simple and as important as keeping pro-life causes in your daily prayers or as complex and important as coordinating a parish wide pro-life activity. Everyone has a talent or ability to contribute, if only for one hour per week or month. Here are some examples of how you can participate: - PRAY - Privately and participate in or organize prayer efforts in our parish. We pray the Rosary for pro life every Monday after the 8:00 am Mass and Wednesday-Saturday after 7:00 am Mass.
- Provide financial support for the programs and activities of the Archdiocese Respect Life Apostolate, including the "Friends for Life" Patron Drive.
- Volunteer at the fundraising events sponsored by the IW Pro-life Committee
- Attend the "Helpers of God''s Precious Children" Mass at 8:00 am at the Cathedral Basilica, followed by the recitation of the rosary as we march and witness at the Planned Parenthood abortion facility. Benediction back at the Cathedral. (Third Saturday of each month)
- Participate in the "March for Life", held each year in Washington DC on the anniversary of the Supreme Court's Roe v Wade decision of January 22, 1973
- Assist in bringing pro-life speakers to meetings and programs of organizations to which you belong
- Communicate with your elected federal and state representatives on important pro-life legislation
- Participate in the democratic process. Register to vote, be an informed voter, especially on "life" issues as reflected in our Catholic teachings; exercise your rights and responsibilities as a citizen to vote for candidates who are committed to uphold the sanctity of human life.
Q: Is there a list of phone numbers for important Pro-life Agencies?
- For direct assistance with a crisis pregnancy, Call Catholic Services for Children and Youth: (314-371-0047 or 1-800-227-3002)
- Birthright Counseling - (314) 962-5300
- Project Rachel - post-abortion ministry sponsored by the Catholic Church (provides free professional and confidential counseling, reconciliation and spiritual direction with love and compassion for those who have been wounded by abortion) - (314) 792-7565 or RLA website: www.STLRespectlife.org
Q: Did you kinow that........ - at 22 DAYS after conception a baby's heart beats
- every 23 SECONDS a U.S. baby is killed by abortion
- every day nearly 4,000 U.S. babies die from abortion
WE CAN CHANGE THIS
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