Beginning of Life

Beginning of Life

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you” – (Jer 1:4-5)

Background

“Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person—among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life… Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law… Since it must be treated from conception as a person, the embryo must be defended in its integrity, cared for, and healed, as far as possible, like any other human being.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church 2270, 2271, 227

Action
  • Take part in a Helpers’ of God’s Most Precious Infants Mass and Rosary Procession on November 5. If you or your parish are interested in participating in this ministry of prayer and outreach, please contact the Office of Advocacy and Justice and we will assist you in coordinating the rosary processions and education on pro-life issues in your parish community. Please call 407-658-1818 ext. 1084. Download: November Helper’s Mass Flyer.
  • Participate in the annual March for Life; either the national march in Washington D.C or the local march in St. Augustine. Every year our office organizes a trip to St. Augustine for the March for Life. Download: March for Life Registration Form
  • Donate your time or needed materials to one of the area pregnancy centers.
  • Promote the Project Rachel and Rachel’s Vineyard post abortion healing and reconciliation process

 

Abortion

Resources

Natural Family Planning and Fertility

Post Abortion Hope and Healing

 

Bioethics and Stem Cell Research

“…we don’t have to sacrifice human life in order to research ways to save it.” – U.S. Congressman Phil Gingrey, M.D.

Background

“The issue of stem cell research does not force us to choose between science and ethics, much less between science and religion. It presents a choice as to how our society will pursue scientific and medical progress. Will we ignore ethical norms and use some of the most vulnerable human beings as objects, undermining the respect for human life that is at the foundation of the healing arts? Such a course, even if it led to rapid technical progress, would be a regress in our efforts to build a society that is fully human. Instead we must pursue progress in ethically responsible ways that respect the dignity of each human being. Only this will produce cures and treatments that everyone can live with.”
On Embryonic Stem Cell Research: A Statement of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2008

Action
  • Support Adult Stem Cell Research
  • Write to your legislators on the need for ethical research practices
  • Host a Stem Cell seminar at your parish by contacting the Office of Advocacy and Justice. All seminars are FREE and will be scheduled to accommodate your parish.
Resources