Respect LIFE Sunday “Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist, gives us the fullness of life,” said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington in his statement inviting Catholics to commemorate Respect Life Month with “a revival of prayer and action.”
“{Jesus} calls each of us to respect that gift of life in every human person. While we live in a society that often rejects those who are weak, fragile, or vulnerable, they are the most in need of our care and protection,” he continued. “Through the graces of this revival, may we witness, work, and vote so that all children in the womb will be protected in law and welcomed in love, and that all mothers and families will be strengthened by our support and accompaniment.”
Since 1973, the Catholic Church in the United States has observed October as “Respect Life Month.” Bishop Burbidge, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities, called on Catholics to renew their commitment to the legal protection of human life, to support policies and service ministries that assist mothers, and to extend compassion to those suffering from participation in abortion.
Please read and share the insert in today’s bulletin concerning Respect Life Month. This is the most important issue we face in this or any election. If we cannot protect human life from the moment of conception to natural death, then the rest of the issues are not so important after all. There are many people who would disagree, but it really is true. The economy, the border, the wars, education, and on and on it goes, but if we are not protecting life then what difference do all these issues make. We have to take the time to pray and look beyond to the heart of the matter which is human life.
On Tuesday we began the Month of the Holy Rosary and Respect Life Month. The two go very much hand in hand as we can use the Rosary as a very powerful weapon against the evils of abortion. Abortion not only destroys the life of an innocent unborn child, but it also has a terrible effect on the life of the mother, the father, and other members of the family including the very society in which we live. In this coming month of October let us renew and deepen our devotion to Mary and the praying of the Holy Rosary for a greater respect for human life from the moment of conception to natural death. Only God can give life and only God can take it away. This is how God made us, and He knows for sure what is best for us. So often people try to take control of what belongs only to God and by doing so make everything so much worse. Let us pray and trust in God.
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS! On October 18, 19, and 20 we will hold our annual Solemn Eucharistic Devotions which will begin on Friday, October 18, with a special school Mass at 9:30 AM. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will continue on the main altar throughout the weekend, and we will have our Solemn Closing with Mass and a procession with the Blessed Sacrament on Sunday, October 20, beginning at 5 PM. Our guest homilist for the closing Mass will be Fr. Michael Garvin, Parochial Vicar at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Parma. Fr. Garvin was ordained to the priesthood this past May. Those preparing to receive their First Holy Communion and Confirmation will also join in our procession to honor the Eucharistic presence of our Lord. Please make every effort to be a part of this special weekend of praise and prayer as we give thanks to God for the gift of Himself in the Holy Eucharist.
