“Prayer is the foundation of all that we do in defense of human life. Our efforts – whether education, pastoral or legislative – will be less than fully fruitful if we do not change hearts and if we do not ourselves overcome our own spiritual blindness. Only with prayer – prayer that storms the heavens for justice and mercy, prayer that cleanses our hearts and our souls – will the culture of death that surrounds us today be replaced with a culture of life.” U.S. Catholic Bishops, Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities Masses Mass for Life The annual Mass for Life held Friday, January 19, 2024 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. This special liturgy serves as a reverent observance, dedicated to praying for the sanctity of life and striving for the end of euthanasia, the death penalty, suicide, abortion, and any action that undermines the inherent dignity of every human person. Mass for Suicide Remembrance and Healing Mass for Suicide Remembrance and Healing, celebrated by Bishop John Noonan, Bishop of Orlando. This Mass is a testament to the unwavering love our Creator has for every soul, a message we extend to those battling inner struggles and those who have lost loved ones to suicide. More coming details soon. Resources The USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities provides many free resources that may be downloaded, printed, and reproduced for use in your parish, school, or ministry. These resources undergo regular updates and assist Catholics in comprehending and appreciating the preciousness of human life. They also contribute to fostering a culture that upholds and safeguards this gift. Action Guide Action Guide feature ideas and tools to help integrate respect for human life into your own parish ministries or school. Catholic Mobilization Network (CMN) The Catholic Mobilization Network (CMN) holds monthly prayer vigils on the first Friday of each month. These vigils are dedicated to expressing grief for upcoming executions and standing as witnesses to the immutable value of every human life. General Instruction of the Roman Missal The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), no. 373, designates January 22 as a particular day of prayer and penance, called the “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children”. Parishes and Catholic schools are invited to hold Adoration with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament following the sacrifice of the Mass on this day. Praying/Sidewalk Advocacy Praying/Sidewalk Advocacy outside local abortion providers – Sidewalk Advocates for Life and 40 Days for Life Campaign locations. Respect Life Respect Life materials can be used in bulletins, newsletters, social media, classrooms, narthex/gathering, Culture of Life Resource Table for the Parish Ministry fair, and wherever else they would be helpful. USCCB Subscribe to all the following Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities here. To access additional Prayer and Devotionals, click here. Word of Life Word of Life is a monthly publication for parishes containing: Feature of the Month, Intercessions for Life, Bulletin Quotes Bulletin Art
