Respect Life Committee
What We Do
Our committee works to promote the value of all human life, at every stage of its existence, from the moment of conception to natural death.
Please see below for the current focus of our committee. We would love to expand our activities, but we need your help. Please prayerfully consider joining our committee. Many hands make light work!
Prayer Service
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Please join us for a brief prayer service for children lost too soon. All Are Welcome! |
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Gatherings will be on the second Sunday of the month following the 8:30 AM Mass, unless otherwise specified. |
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*Held in the Memorial Garden for the Unborn, except will be in the parish hall in Jan/Feb/Mar or due to inclement weather. |
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July Reflections and Prayers
Reflections and prayers featured this month...
More Reflections and Prayers
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Every Suicide is Tragic “Suicidal individuals—with or without a terminal illness—typically do not want to die; they want to escape what they perceive to be an intolerable situation, and they inaccurately believe that suicide is their only way out. The patient requesting assisted suicide is often asking, ‘Does anyone want me to be alive, or care enough to talk me out of this request and support me through this difficult time?’” USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, “Every Suicide is Tragic” usccb.org/every-suicide-tragic |
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Gift of Adoption Resources are available to assist you in supporting and praying for all whose lives are touched by adoption:
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Seven Considerations While Navigating Infertility “We often assume parenthood happens easily after ‘I do,’ but for many married couples, it does not. For some, the joy of conception never happens. Others suffer repeated miscarriages. Still others experience secondary infertility… If you experience difficulty bringing a child into your family, know that you are not alone. God is with you, and his Church desires to walk with you… God has a beautiful plan for your life as a married couple.” USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities; “Seven Considerations While Navigating Infertility” |
Order | Read Online | Download |
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10 Ways to Support Her When She's Unexpectedly Expecting |
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Caring for Loved Ones at Life's End “An old Irish proverb says, ‘It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.’ Indeed, we are created to depend upon one another and walk together in suffering. But when family members or friends approach life's end, we may not know how best to ‘shelter’ them. Here are some concrete ways we can compassionately care for them: read the full version.” USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities; Caring for Loved Ones at Life’s End |
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Prayer for Radical Solidarity “O Blessed Mother, at the angel’s word you went in haste to the aid of your cousin Elizabeth. Although pregnant yourself, you placed her needs before your own. By your example of radical solidarity, teach us to reverence and protect those in need, without conditions or expectations.” USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities; “Prayer for Radical Solidarity" (respectlife.org/prayer-for-radical-solidarity) |
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The Gospel of Life; Pope Saint John Paul II, Evangelium vitae, no. 99 “I would now like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion. The Church is aware of the many factors which may have influenced your decision, and she does not doubt that in many cases it was a painful and even shattering decision. The wound in your heart may not yet have healed. …But do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope. …The Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.” Pope Saint John Paul II, Evangelium vitae, no. 99. © 1995, Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Used with permission. All rights reserved. |
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The Gospel of Life: A Brief Summary "Gratitude and joy at the incomparable dignity of the human person impel us to bring the Gospel of life to the hearts of all people and make it penetrate every part of society." |
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Healing Within Marriage from an Abortion When Susan’s* husband, Juan, told her about the abortion he was involved in during college, she finally understood why he was so depressed and had trouble bonding with their children. The devastation of abortion brings with it many challenges. Often, the people who have participated in an abortion are unaware of the countless ways it is affecting their lives. It is scary to tell a spouse or fiancé(é) about a past abortion. It requires great trust in that person’s love and trust in God. But with the help of an abortion healing ministry, couples can successfully work through abortion-related challenges. God’s grace can bring true healing to the relationships of those who trust in His infinite mercy. *Names changed for privacy. This is a summary of a USCCB Respect Life Program article by the same name and is reprinted with permission. © 2019, USCCB, Washington, D.C. All rights reserved. |
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The Witness of the Good Samaritan: Palliative Care and Hospice “Hope is always possible. To those who care for the sick, the scene of the Cross provides a way of understanding that even when it seems that there is nothing more to do there remains much to do, because ‘remaining’ by the side of the sick is a sign of love and of the hope that it contains. Healed by Jesus, we become men and women called to proclaim his healing power and provide care for our neighbors, until the very end.” USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities; “The Witness of the Good Samaritan: Palliative Care and Hospice” |
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Volunteer Opportunities
If you would like information or are interested in sharing your time and talent with the Respect Life Committee, you may call the parish office (515) 993-4482, or complete the online form Opportunities at St. John's to express your interest.
Agencies We Support and Resources
Booklet "Why We're Pro-Life". You are welcome to stop by the table in the front entry area of the church to pickup your copy of the booklet "Why We're Pro-Life" by Trent Horn © 2022 Catholic Answers. Please feel free to take extra copies to share!
Miscarriage support. If you or someone you know have experienced a miscarriage, please reach out to our grief ministry for support by contacting the church office: (515) 993-4482.
Infertility, Life-Limiting Prenatal Diagnosis, and Pregnancy & Infant Loss Ministry. Have you or someone you know experienced infertility, a miscarriage, stillbirth, a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis, or infant loss (whether recently or years ago)? Visit this St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, Ankeny, IA web page for additional information.
Be Not Afraid (BNA) is a private non-profit organization, founded in 2008, which provides comprehensive case management to parents carrying to term following a prenatal diagnosis. They strive to develop relationships of trust while providing for the emotional and tangible needs of parents at diagnosis, during pregnancy, at birth, and during the post postpartum period for up to one year. They believe that every baby is a gift, supporting parents not only in advocating for basic care, but also in obtaining the treatment they deem appropriate for their child after birth no matter the diagnosis. They follow the ethical teaching of the Catholic Church, but serve parents of all denominations.
Help for Moms Resource Directory from the St. Ambrose Cathedral's Walking With Moms team, Des Moines, Iowa. It includes area information and a resource list. Helping moms find support before and after their babies are born.
HopeAfterAbortion.org - Project Rachel. It’s normal to grieve a pregnancy loss, including the loss of a child by abortion. It can form a hole in one’s heart, a hole so deep that sometimes it seems nothing can fill the emptiness. You are not alone…
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Hope & Dignity: A Catholic Response to Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide |
