by Brad Heidrick
October is Respect Life Month — and while this is often a time we focus on standing up for the rights of the unborn, life is a journey from conception to natural death.
This month offers a call to focus on the dignity each person is endowed with by God. We all receive that divine spark at conception, and that spark lights a flame that burns until we are reunited with the Lord in heaven.
Christ encapsulates the Catholic Community Health mission to respect life beautifully in the Gospel verse: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” No matter who presents themselves to us, regardless of income, race, creed or religion, our heroic caregivers are there to care for their mind, body and soul.
At Catholic Community Health, many of the individuals that we serve have incredible stories. I’ve encountered men who have defended our freedom in the armed services; women who spent their lives as doctors, teachers and mothers; we’ve even been blessed to care for some of our retired priests and bishops — men who gave their entire lives in service to the church. Each patient and resident that comes through our doors carries that divine light within them, and it is a blessing to care for them, however we’re called.
At the end of life, recognizing the light that comes from God is perhaps the most critical time of all. As Catholics, we honor the fact that this light does not burn out but is reunited with God, by following the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, and providing spiritual care from our team of chaplains.
Sitting and praying with someone in their final days and hours is a powerful experience that truly deepens your respect for life. A smile when you enter the room, a gentle squeeze of a hand when a patient is too tired to do much else, the tiny gestures we receive are powerful reminders of God’s presence.
A beautiful way to share your respect for life is volunteering at Catholic Community Health — we are blessed to offer a variety of opportunities, from serving the residents at Villa St. Francis, to praying with those on our hospice service, and so much more.
Go online to: catholiccommunityhealth.org/volunteer to learn more. Your support is invaluable. Join us in praying for a deepened respect for all life — from the womb to the tomb, and every point in between.
