Respect Life Sunday October 2

Washington - “Help build a world where human life is always loved and defended, every form of violence banished” is the theme for the 2005-2006 Respect Life Program. The theme is derived from Pope John Paul’s prayer to the Virgin Mary on December 8, 2004. Respect Life Sunday will be observed on October 2 this year.

Begun in 1972, the Respect Life program brings information about church teaching on the value and dignity of human life to the Catholic community and the wider public. The program combines education, prayer, services and advocacy. It is observed in virtually all of the 195 Catholic dioceses in the United States.

Cardinal William H. Keeler, Archbishop of Baltimore and Chairman of the Committee for ProLife Activities, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), sent a copy of the Respect Life program packet to every Catholic bishop in the country. In an accompanying letter, Cardinal Keeler said the Respect Life Program looks at cultural attitudes hostile to life, such as radical individualism, moral relativism, materialism, and utilitarianism. This year’s packet addresses: capital punishment; the contributions of Pope John Paul II to understanding what it means to die with dignity; the lasting contributions of The Gospel of Life; the Roe Court’s abandonment of science and reason; the links between contraception and abortion; and the moral and social dimensions of bioengineering.

In addition to materials for Respect Life Sunday, there is a Liturgy Guide that includes Intercessions for Life, suggested preaching reflections for Respect Life Sunday, a sample Holy Hour for Life and Novena for Life (both with many prayers taken or developed from the writings of Pope Benedict XVI).

Downloadable copies of Respect Life materials are posted in English and Spanish. Visit www.usccb.org/prolife/programs /rlp/index.htm; or by calling toll-free (866) 582-0943.