Office of Family Life
Respect Life Month 2026: Mary, Mother of Life
October is Respect Life Month. This year, Catholics throughout the United States are invited to turn to the Blessed Mother and seek her intercession as we work to welcome, care for, and defend every human life. The theme, "Mary, Mother of Life," recalls Mary's "yes" to God and her unique role in salvation history as the Mother of Life.
The first Sunday of October is observed as Respect Life Sunday. Throughout the month, parishes, schools, families, and individuals are encouraged to pray, learn, and take action to build a culture that cherishes and protects every human person. Explore the resources below for parish use, personal prayer, and faith formation.
The 2026 Respect Life poster features an image of Mother Mary holding the infant Jesus. The message, “Mary, Mother of Life,” entreats Mary to pray for the Church. The Blessed Mother welcomed Jesus Christ into the world at both his conception and at the foot of the Cross. She gives her "yes" to Life itself and is given to us as a mother to help us do the same. This title of Mary invites us to rely on her intercession for all mothers entrusted with new life. May she help us welcome, care for, and defend human life from its beginning to its end.
Source: USCCB, "Respect Life Poster: Mary, Mother of Life" (2026).
2026 Respect Life Month novena
Join thousands of Catholics nationwide in praying the Respect Life Month Novena, October 22-30. Daily prayers and reflections are available online and can be found HERE.
Sign up at respectlife.org/celebrate to receive daily prayers by email or text message.
Click HERE to follow along on Hallow!
2026 Respect Life Month Resources
Leader’s Toolkits: Catholic Education, Clergy, Faith Formation, Media Kit, Youth Ministry
These and other Respect Life Month resources are available from the USCCB.
Additional Respect Life Resources & Articles
While Respect Life Month highlights a new theme each year, many resources from previous years continue to offer meaningful insights on the dignity of human life. The articles and materials below are provided for ongoing study, reflection, and parish use.
Articles
Moved by Mercy Articles
These six articles highlight ways to put mercy into action while addressing topics such as assisted suicide, infertility, post-abortion healing, end-of-life care, care for creation, and support for birth mothers.
Caring for Loved Ones at Life's End
Practical guidance for accompanying loved ones at the end of life with compassion, dignity, and respect. Click here to download.
Accompanying Expectant Mothers Considering Adoption
Nine practical ways to support mothers who are prayerfully considering adoption. Click here to download.
Serene Attentiveness to God's Creation
A reflection on caring for both human life and God's creation through healthy relationships with God and others. Click here to download.
Seven Considerations While Navigating Infertility
Compassionate Catholic guidance for couples facing infertility and those seeking to understand their journey. Click here to download.
Bridges of Mercy for Post Abortion Healing
Stories and practical suggestions for offering God's mercy and support to those affected by abortion. Click here to download.
A reflection on the dignity of every human life and concerns surrounding assisted suicide and requests for death. Click here to download.