By Karina Gomez
Respecting life is essential in the faith formation of Catholics. Sacred Scripture and our Catholic Tradition teach us that all human life is sacred because we were created in the image of God (Gen 1:27) and that since its beginning, human life “involves the creative action of God and remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator” (CCC 2258). Therefore, as people of faith, we are called to respect and protect the dignity of life of every person, without exception and at all developmental stages – “from the womb to the tomb.”
In the United States, Catholics are invited to celebrate October as Respect Life Month. During this designated month, the faithful are called to reflect deeply on the sanctity of life, to pray intentionally and to take action to promote respecting life.
In our Diocese, parishes will provide different opportunities for their parishioners to learn and ponder Catholic Social Teaching on respect for human life, with the purpose of promoting a culture that celebrates and protects the gift of life. In collaboration with their parishes and catechetical leaders, catechists will share the teachings of our Church on the sanctity and dignity of life with those entrusted to them in ministry, using the age-appropriate Catechetical Resources for Respect Life Sunday developed by the California Catholic Conference.
In addition, recognizing the important role of families as “a community of grace and prayer” (CCC 1666) where children have their first experiences of faith, families will be encouraged to intentionally engage in activities that promote the respect of life in their home, parish and community. Perhaps some families may wonder “How can we do this?” It is important to remember parishes and diocesan offices can be of support in this crucial mission.
Here are some practical ideas that can involve various members of the family:
• Invite family members to gather and pray for the unborn, the elderly, the sick, the homeless, people in war and the incarcerated and their families. At the end, ask family members, “Who else should we pray for?”
• As a family, pray in thanksgiving for the gift of life when you hear the good news of an expecting mother, the birth of a baby, a birthday, etc.
• Read children Bible stories (such as the story of Creation in Gen 1-2:3; the Birth of Jesus in Lk 2:1-21; the Wise Men from the East in Mt 2:1-12; etc.) and other books that celebrate life. You can also share with children the story of the day they were born and how special it was for the family.
• Write cards for a family member who is sick or for the elderly in nursing homes.
• Visit grandparents and spend quality time with them, sharing a meal and/or talking about a family memory that they remember dearly.
• Donate non-perishables to a parish/local foodbank, hygiene care packets to shelters, disposable diapers to a pregnancy support center or a monetary contribution to a relief agency, to be used for those affected by a natural disaster (i.e., Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Charities, etc.)
• Participate in events that advocate for the respect and dignity of life. Don’t forget to invite others to join too!
Whether we choose to participate in prayer, community service with people in need or advocacy, together we can make a difference. I invite you to continue discerning in which ways you can contribute to build a culture that respects and celebrates life.
Karina Gomez is the West End and Riverside Vicariate Coordinator in the Office of Catechetical Ministry.