by Debra Niesen
As our culture gears up for fall weather, sports and Halloween traditions, what if the most intentional thing we do this month was to truly see every person — born and unborn, strong and weak, wanted and forgotten — as a gift?
Every October, the Catholic Church in the United States pauses to reflect on something both ancient and urgently relevant: the sacredness of human life.
This year’s theme is: “Life, Our Sign of Hope.” Daily headlines of violence and general disregard for human life remind us that our culture needs the hope that only Our Lord Jesus Christ can provide — that through his life, death and resurrection, our sins can be forgiven, death overcome and eternal life with our Creator granted. Respect Life Month reminds us that every new life is a sign of hope, created in the image of God, and worthy of love, respect and protection.
Please join us for one or more opportunities this month to pray, learn and reflect more deeply on this message!
Respect Life Sunday Mass with Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann will take place on Oct. 5 at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Shawnee. Those who work or volunteer in any life-affirming capacity are invited to receive a blessing from the archbishop.
On Oct. 16, Holy Spirit Church in Overland Park will host our first Respect Life Month “Signs of Hope” speaker event. This is an opportunity to see human dignity in both beautiful and challenging life circumstances and be inspired by the church bringing hope to those in need.
The evening will begin with the celebration of Mass followed by a light meal. Then, choose from a variety of presentations including:
• Why natural fertility matters
• Authentic support for couples with infertility
• How our Catholic schools are embracing children with special needs
• Seeing immigration through a pro-life lens
• How Catholic hospice care is different
On Oct. 19, the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life is hosting a Mass of the Innocents for miscarriage/stillbirth/infant loss.
Finally, check out the full list of events happening throughout Respect Life Month. Since the U.S. bishops confirm the protection of life from the moment of conception remains the preeminent moral issue of our time, there are several opportunities to pray for preborn children, expectant women and families at events across the archdiocese such as Aftermath, a traveling memorial and exhibit by Kansans for Life.
Visit the website at: archkck.org/pro-life-respect-life-month for details on all these events.
Through our baptism, we are called to be agents of hope for others, and that begins with seeing every person as the gift they are.
