Respect for the Dignity of All Human Life 

The Office of Life, Peace and Justice provides education, advocacy, and pastoral support to all our brothers and sisters, regardless of their circumstance, in order to uphold their inherent and immeasurable worth and dignity as children of God.  This is done in a variety of ways.  First is by educating people regarding the Church’s teachings on abortion, physician assisted suicide, euthanasia, death penalty, end of life and bioethics.  The goal of this education is that people will take action by become involved in their communities to advocate for laws and services which maintain the dignity of all human life and that they become active in ministries which support these causes.  

Another piece of the ministry involves ministering to people and their families that are dealing with sanctity of life issues.  This pastoral support includes education, spiritual support, and assistance with locating services when these challenges are being faced, including. but not limited to helping men and women facing unplanned pregnancies, ministering to men and women who are dealing with the trauma of choosing abortion, and supporting individuals and their families who are facing end of life issues and decisions.  Volunteers in this ministry are needed to coordinate education and distribute information regarding respect life issue in each Church parish, to coordinate prayer groups to pray for women and their children who are dealing with an unplanned pregnancy and to assist with coordinating efforts to support the crisis pregnancy centers in our diocese. 

Gratitude and joy at the incomparable dignity of man impel us to share this message with everyone: "that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us" (1 Jn 1:3). We need to bring the Gospel of life to the heart of every man and woman and to make it penetrate every part of society. 

This involves above all proclaiming the core of this Gospel. It is the proclamation of a living God who is close to us, who calls us to profound communion with himself and awakens in us the certain hope of eternal life.

Evangelium Vitae, 80-81