From the Desk of Amanda Lutes - October is Respect Life Month

October is Respect Life Month. At the base level, “respecting life” is acknowledging the inherent dignity of each individual, and that dignity not having any conditions behind it. It is our goal, as our parish mission addresses, to - “See Christ in all, and be Christ to all”.

Often, only one or two things come to mind when we hear "Respect Life " or "Pro-Life". But our catechism, corporal works of mercy, Pope Francis, and others in our Church elaborate on that. Pope Francis often speaks of having a "consistent life ethic" and being intentional in our efforts to avoid perpetuating a "throw-away culture", where the value of both people and things are lessened, in our local and global communities. 

So how does this affect our own lives?

Awareness & prayer regarding the following:

• Racism & racial equity
• Health care
• Prenatal & postnatal care & resources
• Adoption resources
• Foster care
• Abortion 
• Compassionate care for the elderly & disabled
• Domestic violence (October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month)
• Incarceration
• Capital punishment
• Mental Health
• Youth
• Supporting businesses that use ethical labor practices
• Shelter for those experiencing homelessness
• Refugees & Immigration
• Food security
• Poverty
• Fair wage
• Loving your neighbor

In addition to praying, you can:

• Volunteer with a prison ministry
• donate to the food shelf
• write cards for nursing home dwellers
• support businesses who use ethically-sourced labor practices
• call or visit (respecting their needs regarding distancing and masking) someone you know to be having a tough time
• listen to the stories of and acknowledge the experience and trauma of those who have experienced racism
• enter into prayerful conversation on these topics
• love your neighbor

As we believe all being Imago Dei - or all made in the image and likeness of God, it is important for us to have a consistent, whole life ethic.