Find your way to support a culture of life here in the archdiocese

by Debra Niesen

My husband and I recently attended the wedding of our good friends’ daughter at Old St. Joe Church in DePere, Wisconsin, just outside of Green Bay.

The presiding priest gave a beautiful homily reflecting on St. Joseph — not only because it is the Year of St. Joseph, but also because we were in a church named for him and which houses the National Shrine of St. Joseph. Invoking St. Joseph’s intercession was such a blessing for this new family.

October is Respect Life Month and this year’s theme is rightly inspired by St. Joseph as a “Defender of Life.” St. Joseph faithfully answered God’s call to love and protect Our Blessed Mother and the Christ Child just as we are all called to defend the vulnerable and the dignity of all people today.

This upcoming month, we reflect more deeply on the precious gift of human life and take action to help build a culture that cherishes and defends it. What an amazing example St. Joseph is for us!

There are many ways to help the church build a culture of life throughout the archdiocese. Engage with your parish pro-life committee to become a “Walking With Moms” parish that can provide help to a woman facing a difficult pregnancy. Get involved with the archdiocesan foster ministry to support vulnerable children and the families who care for them. Our ultimate goal is to inspire more loving homes to foster and adopt children, but there are many other ways to help.

Reach out to Catholic Charities to assist with their support of refugee, immigrant and migrant families. Volunteer at one of our senior care facilities or simply visit an elderly neighbor who may be lonely.

Educate yourself and loved ones with the Catholic Guide for End-of-Life Planning. Find resources for these ideas and more online at: archkck.org/prolife.

Perhaps the most important pro-life effort this upcoming year will be to pass the “Value Them Both” Kansas constitutional amendment in August 2022.

Many Kansans may not be aware that a recent court ruling has paved the way for unlimited and unregulated abortion in Kansas. All of our common-sense laws that protect preborn children and women in crisis and regulate the abortion industry are now presumed unconstitutional.

We must stop Kansas from becoming an abortion destination state by voting YES for the “Value Them Both” amendment next Aug. 2. To learn more, visit the website at: www.Value ThemBoth.com.

We also hope you’ll join us for our Respect Life Month kickoff event on Oct 2.

The day will begin with the Liberated By Truth Conference that will inspire courageous witnesses for life and educate more on “Value Them Both.” Register online today at: archkck.org/RLM-Conference.

In the evening, come for the Life Will Be Victorious celebration that includes Mass with Archbishop Naumann, a meal, live music and a candlelight rosary in joyful recognition of the gift of life. The celebration is free and open to all. Go online to: archkck.org/prolife for details.

This Respect Life Month, St. Joseph, defender of life, please pray for us!