All life is sacred — and as Catholics, we have a responsibility to protect life and share the truth with others. The diocese’s Respect Life Apostolate aims to bring awareness to the atrocity of abortion and euthanasia and promote a pro-life culture in which all lives are treated with respect and dignity.
“Each October, the Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month, and the first Sunday of October is observed as Respect Life Sunday,” says Lily Wright, Holy Apostles Respect Life Apostolate leader. “As Catholics, we are called to cherish, defend, and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning of life to its end, and at every point in between. During the month of October, the Church asks us to reflect more deeply on the dignity of every human life.”
The diocesan-wide Respect Life Apostolate meets on the third Saturday of every month and also facilitates a wide variety of activities year-round. Every Friday at 9:15 a.m., members peacefully pray the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet on the sidewalk of Planned Parenthood, and trained Sidewalk Advocates also conduct peaceful and loving outreach to abortion-minded women on various days and times. The diocese holds Respect Life Masses every Friday, and Holy Apostles Parish often hosts — the next Mass at our parish will be on Nov. 10. For the past 15 years during January, Holy Apostles has provided Hope Bags to survivors of human trafficking, often boys and girls between nine and 12 years old.
The apostolate also participates in the 40 Days for Life campaign, taking place this Fall from Sept. 27 to Nov. 5.
“40 for Life is a 24/7 vigil to pray for an end to abortion at the sidewalk of Planned Parenthood,” Lily says. “You can sign up online to pray for one hour weekly. Those unable to pray at the sidewalk are encouraged to be a Barnabas Buddy and pray at home, at the adoration chapel, or in church.”
The apostolate also supports Project Rachel, an important resource for post-abortive women; Heart of My Heart, a miscarriage and infant loss support group; the Gabriel Project, which accompanies women facing difficult pregnancies; and Mater Filius, a new home for single moms.
During October, several additional activities will be taking place. This past Respect Life Sunday, parishioners, family, and friends peacefully witnessed and prayed for life at the Pikes Peak Life Chain event, organized by Pikes Peak Citizens for Life (PPCFL).
“PPCFL supports and promotes the sanctity of all human life, from conception to natural death,” Lily says. “They are active in their opposition to abortion, infanticide, and physician-assisted suicide and promote life by stressing the humanity of the baby in the womb and the value of every human life, regardless of age or condition of dependency.”
On Oct. 7-8, Holy Apostles is participating in Roses for Life (sponsored by PPCFL) by distributing red roses, a symbol of life, after all Masses. On Oct. 15, the apostolate will participate in the Jericho March, which is a 40 Days for Life midpoint rally at the Planned Parenthood sidewalk. Finally, on Oct. 21, Holy Apostles will also host a parish prayer day on the Planned Parenthood sidewalk with Fr. Tom and Fr. Matt to pray for an end to abortion. All parishioners are invited to attend any of these events.
“We live in a culture of death,” Lily says. “How we treat the unborn sets the tone for the dignity of all human life. God calls us to love one another.”
For more information, or to get involved, contact Lily Wright at HARespectLife@gmail.com.