by Debra Niesen
Happy Respect Life Month!
For the past 50 years, the Catholic Church in the United States has designated October as a time to reflect on and celebrate the value and dignity of human life.
This year’s eucharistic theme, “I came so that they might have life,” highlights how Catholics are called to be lights in the darkness to a world that too often rejects or even discards the most vulnerable among us, especially preborn children, elderly and those with physical or intellectual challenges.
Jesus came that we might have life!
I am so blessed to have the opportunity to see the good happening throughout the archdiocese that spreads the light and joy of the “Gospel of Life.” Many amazing people do simple to heroic things to defend the lives and dignity of others. Here are three recent highlights:
• This summer, we hosted our second High School Pro-Life Leadership Camp. The kids tackled church teachings on several challenging life issues presented by our seminarians. They put their love for Jesus into action by serving at St. Mary’s Home for Mothers and Villa St. Francis.
• Women at Ascension, Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa and St. John the Evangelist Parish in Lawrence, started offering new Embrace Grace support groups for single, pregnant women. Suzy, the EG leader at St. John, shared, “I have witnessed so many wonderful moments lately! One mom is now attending Mass! After Mass, it is so beautiful to watch our congregation gather around her with love! She really feels like she has gained the love of a church family.”
• This past weekend, we welcomed five young adult Culture Project missionaries into the archdiocese. Thanks to those who have generously donated to the Archbishop’s Respect Life fund, they will be presenting “Human dignity, sexual integrity, and living virtuously in our social media culture” messages to our youth in 6th-12th grades over the next five years.
We all can be a light in the darkness! Let’s join in daily prayer this month for life.
Jesus, You came that we might have life — and have it in abundance. Together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, you form us in our mothers’ wombs and call us to love you for all eternity. As your most precious gift of human life is attacked, draw us ever closer to your real presence in the Eucharist. Dispel the darkness of the culture of death, for you are the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. By the power of your eucharistic presence, help us to defend the life of every human person at every stage. Transform our hearts to protect and cherish all whose loves are most vulnerable. For you are God, forever and ever. Amen.
