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Respect Life resources for use in Catholic education. LEADERS' TOOLKIT Catholic Education This leaders' toolkit is provided to help Catholic educators build a culture of life in their classrooms throughout the year, whenever Respect Life themes best fit into their curricula. The provided resources, ideas, and activities are only suggestions. We encourage teachers to adapt them as necessary to an age-appropriate level. Feel free to get creative as you build "an authentic civilization of truth and love" (Evangelium vitae , 6) in your classroom! ACTION GUIDES (Available in English and Spanish) Check out our Action Guides for additional ideas and step-by-step instructions for highlighting Respect Life themes year-round! POSTER & PRAYER CARD Consider hanging the Respect Life poster in your classroom or school and use it to introduce the Church's teaching on the sanctity of human life and our call as Catholics to welcome, protect, and defend it. Incorporate the A Prayer for Life to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in your daily classroom prayers and send a copy home with students to pray with their families. ORDER VIEW & DOWNLOAD (Available in English and Spanish) SAMPLE ACTIVITY This activity invites students to create their own Respect Life poster to help them reflect on Respect Life themes. Each student receives a poster template with an empty bulletin board. They are then instructed to fill the bulletin board with images and/or words that represent respect for life from the beginning of life to its end. For younger students, they can be asked to color, draw pictures, or write about what reminds them of God’s presence in every season of life. Older students can be asked to bring in items and photos that represent Respect Life themes and attach them to their bulletin board. Or, bring in an old stack of magazines and have students cut out words and photos. They can also write their own prayer intentions on their bulletin board. *This activity can also be completed as a group. Check out our Respect Life Month Action Guide for instructions for a parish setting, and adapt it for use in your classroom or school any time of year. VIEW & DOWNLOAD Blank poster template with instructions available as PDF in English and Spanish. GRAPHICS Graphics are available in a number of formats and sizes. Use them on student worksheets, in presentations (for students, parents, or teachers), and flyers for Respect Life school events. Check out our full image gallery to view and download. IMAGE GALLERY (Available in English and Spanish) REFLECTION This short reflection unpacks the 2024-2025 Respect Life Eucharistic theme, highlighting how Catholics are called to be lights in the darkness. The reflection could be read aloud as a class to open a larger discussion. Or, it could also be used as a writing prompt. For example, students could be asked to reflect on how they can bring Jesus' light to others, focusing on ways to build a culture that welcomes, protects, and defends human life. View and download the reflection as a PDF or Word document. VIEW DOWNLOAD (Available in English and Spanish) INTERCESSIONS Prayer is the basis of all our efforts to build a culture of life. The provided intercessions are appropriate for use during Mass in the Prayer of the Faithful. Consider using them during a Respect Life Mass with your school community. If you open your classes in prayer, incorporate one or more of the intercessions, and invite students to add their own prayer intentions related to the sanctity of human life. Perhaps you could send home weekly or monthly prayer intentions for families to pray for at home. Select one of the following intercessions and encourage students to pray for the intention with their parents. "...in our daily prayer as individuals and as a community, praise and bless God our Father, who knitted us together in our mother's womb..." Evangelium vitae, 84 That the life of every person, from conception to natural death, will be protected in our laws and cherished in our hearts; We pray to the Lord: For women and men suffering after abortion: May the Church’s abortion healing ministry, Project Rachel, help them find peace and healing through Christ’s endless mercy; We pray to the Lord: For those nearing the end of life: May they receive care that respects their dignity and protects their lives as they place their hope in the promise of eternal life; We pray to the Lord: May God grant us the wisdom and courage to lovingly protect His gift of human life at every stage, in sickness and in health; We pray to the Lord: Looking for more intercessions to incorporate in your classroom year-round? Check out our series of action guides , which each include additional intercessions that are connected to annual observances and liturgical feasts. ACTION GUIDES (Available in English and Spanish) ARTICLES Our library of Respect Life articles are especially helpful as educational tools for higher grade levels. The articles can be used to integrate Catholic moral teaching into a variety of academic topics: religion, social studies, science, health, etc. Each article is available to read online or to print as a handout. Many are also available to order as pamphlets. VIEW ARTICLES VISIT STORE (Available in English and Spanish) Models used for illustrative purposes only. Photos courtesy of Wix.com. Excerpts from Evangelium vitae © 1995, Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Respect Life CATALOG RESPECT LIFE STORE Each year the U.S. bishops produce materials to help Catholics understand, value, and become engaged with building a culture that cherishes every human life. The 2022 Respect Life print materials include a poster and prayer card, and additional resources are available online for free download. VIEW MATERIALS To place an order, call toll-free 866-582-0943. CATALOG In addition to the new 2022-23 Respect Life materials, many other resources are also available to order in print. This most recent catalog includes descriptions of the resources with corresponding prices. You can order by calling (866) 582-0943 or using the fillable order form. VIEW CATALOG & ORDER FORM Order Printed Materials Resources are available to purchase online from the Respect Life Store by clicking the "order" buttons. To order printed materials by phone, contact the Respect Life Order Desk (IFC) toll-free at 866-582-0943 . Simply let them know the item number and quantity you would like to order. Respect Life Bundle A poster (bilingual) and prayer card (one each in English and Spanish) highlight the beauty of motherhood and invite Catholics to serve moms who are pregnant or parenting in difficult circumstances. Item #2200. Cost: $2.15 each. ORDER Respect Life Poster This Respect Life poster features imagery illustrating the beauty and joy of motherhood. The tagline highlights the call to serve moms in need as part of the call to Respect Life. Available flat or folded. Item #2204. Cost: $2.00 each; 10+ copies, $1.75 each. ORDER Prayer Card: "A Prayer for Pregnant Mothers" This prayer was inspired by Pope John Paul II’s encyclical Evangelium vitae (The Gospel of Life ). Although it was originally created to accompany Walking with Moms in Need , anyone is welcome to use it to seek the Blessed Mother’s intercession. Item #1932. Sold in packages of 100. Cost: $14.00 each. Spanish Item #1933. ORDER

ABORTION God loves each human life from the instant of his or her conception and entrusts this gift to the protection of a mother and father. The Church has consistently taught that every human life is sacred; therefore, every intentional abortion is gravely wrong. Abortion ends the life of a child and offends God. It also deeply wounds the women and men involved. The following resources are all provided for free download in various formats. For a full listing of printed resources available to order on this topic, please visit our Respect Life Store . If someone you know is suffering after abortion, find help through Project Rachel Ministry . ARTICLES Several articles are available covering a wide range of topics related to abortion. These articles serve as educational resources that can be used in parishes, schools, and ministries to share the truth about abortion and its devastating effects. Browse our list of titles: What to Do When a Friend is Considering Abortion Another Look at Abortion Healing Within Marriage from an Abortion Poverty and Abortion: A Vicious Cycle How to Talk to a Friend Who's Had an Abortion Life Matters: Pregnancy From Rape View All Articles FACT SHEETS The USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities regularly produces fact sheets with the most up-to-date information on abortion and current policy initiatives. A full listing of these resources can be found by visiting usccb.org/prolife/abortion . View All Fact Sheets Featured Fact Sheet: The Truth About Abortion & Women's Health This one-page resource dispels the many myths which claim restrictions on abortion will limit women's access to life-saving care. This resource can be printed in parish bulletins, included in newsletters, shared on social media, and more in order to help educate Catholics about these false claims. View Fact Sheet PRAYERS & INTERCESSIONS Prayer is the basis of all our efforts to build a culture of life. Prayer resources are provided to help Catholics pray for an end to abortion and the protection of all human life. Prayers & Liturgical Resources Browse our list of prayer resources including novenas, rosaries, Holy Hours, and blessings: 9 Days for Life Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Life A Holy Hour for Life Pro-Life Rosary Prayer Intentions Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children (January 22) Rite of Blessing of a Child in the Womb Additional prayers can be found usccb.org/pro-life-prayer . Intercessions The provided intercessions are appropriate for use during Mass in the Prayer of the Faithful throughout the year. Intercessions can also be printed in parish bulletins, included in regular parish Holy Hours or rosaries, shared in digital newsletters, posted on social media, and more. View All Intercessions GRAPHICS Graphics are available for free download and use on social media, in parish bulletins and websites, in newsletters and advertisements, and any other way that may be helpful to you. Each image is provided in English and Spanish and can be downloaded directly. If you need files in a different format, please email prolife@usccb.org . View All Graphics HOMILY NOTES The provided homily considerations are designed to help priests and deacons address the important, sensitive topic of abortion with clarity and authentic compassion that affirms the dignity both of women and of their children. Homily Considerations: The Church's Commitment to Mothers in Need Homily Considerations Regarding Healing After Abortio n

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The U.S. Catholic bishops' resources for celebrating Respect Life Month 2020: action guide, sample prayers, graphics & more! RESPECT LIFE MONTH RESOURCES PAGE CONTENTS Webinar Novena Poster Prayer Card Reflection Graphics Action Guide Leaders' Toolkits Chairman's Statement Homily Helps Store October Word of Life In October, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month , and the first Sunday of October is designated as Respect Life Sunday . To support these annual observances, the USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities provides materials to help Catholics understand and value the gift of human life and help build a culture that cherishes and protects it. The following materials are designed to be brought to life as tools in your hands. These resources may be downloaded, printed, and reproduced for use in your parish, school, or ministry. WEBINAR This introductory overview gives easy ideas for celebrating Respect Life Month in your parish in October. USCCB staff walk through the 2023 Respect Life materials, as well as the perennial Respect Life Month Action Guide. WEBINAR RECORDING Webinar Novena RESPECT LIFE MONTH NOVENA October 13-21, 2023 This novena prays for the protection of human life, from conception to natural death. Each day of the novena features a different pro-life prayer intention which is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. POSTER This Respect Life poster focuses on our call to radical solidarity with mothers in need and their children, reminding us of our responsibility to put our love for them into action. VIEW & DOWNLOAD ORDER (Available in English and Spanish. If you need a different file format or have any issues, please contact prolife@usccb.org .) Poster PRAYER FOR RADICAL SOLIDARITY This prayer invokes the intercession of our Blessed Mother who exemplified radical solidarity in coming to the aid of her cousin, Elizabeth. It is available as a prayer card featuring an image the Visitation. (Available in English and Spanish.) VIEW DOWNLOAD ORDER Prayer Card REFLECTION Radical Solidarity This short reflection unpacks the theme of radical solidarity, highlighting how Catholics are called to put their love for others into action. The reflection can be used as the basis for a homily or talk, shared in parish bulletins, printed in your diocesan paper, and included in newsletters. It could also be used as the basis for small group discussions at parish pro-life meetings, in a high school religion class, or simply among friends. READ ONLINE VIEW & DOWNLOAD (Available in English and Spanish.) Reflection Graphics GRAPHICS Each image is provided in English and Spanish and can be downloaded directly for use on parish/diocesan websites and in bulletins and newsletters. ( Guidelines ) VIEW & DOWNLOAD (Available in English and Spanish.) Action Guide ACTION GUIDE This action guide includes simple steps, sample announcements, activities, and more to help you celebrate Respect Life Month. You are encouraged to adapt these resources as needed to fit your specific parish, school, or ministry. VIEW ACTION GUIDE (Available in English and Spanish.) LEADER TOOLKITS Use these leader toolkits to help celebrate Respect Life Month in your specific area of ministry. Ideas and suggestions are provided for using the resources in a range of settings. Catholic Education Clergy Faith Formation Media Kit Youth Ministry Leaders' Toolkits CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT Coming in September Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, of Arlington and Chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities, will release a statement in advance of Respect Life Month in October. Check back in September for more information. VIEW & DOWNLOAD (Available in English and Spanish.) Chairman's Statement HOMILY CONSIDERATIONS Bullet points help homilists to weave the Gospel of Life into their message in a compelling way and highlight Catholics' call to radical solidarity. VIEW & DOWNLOAD (Available in English and Spanish.) Homily Helps Store RESPECT LIFE STORE Browse our printed Respect Life materials by topic or resource type. Find resources to help you share the Gospel of Life during Respect Life Month and throughout the year. VISIT STORE OCTOBER WORD OF LIFE Word of Life is a monthly resource for dioceses and parishes that includes special features, intercessions for life, bulletin quotes, bulletin art, and more. The October edition features resources for Respect Life Month. VIEW & DOWNLOAD (Available in English and Spanish.) October Word of Life

PRAY TO PROTECT HUMAN LIFE! JANUARY 21-29, 2021 9 Days for Life is a novena for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. SIGN UP LEADER RESOURCES January 27 ​ DAY SEVEN January 27 ​ DAY EIGHT January 28 ​ DAY FIVE January 29 ​ DAY NINE January 29 ​ DAY FOUR January 24 ​ DAY FOUR January 24 ​ DAY FIVE January 25 ​ DAY SIX January 26 ​ DAY ONE January 21 ​ DAY TWO January 22 ​ DAY THREE January 23 ​ DAY THREE January 23 ​

USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities PAGE CONTENTS Webinar Under the guidance of the U.S. Catholic bishops, we work towards a culture that cherishes and protects every human life from conception to natural death. We also provide materials to help Catholics nationwide do the same through prayer , service , advocacy , and formation . ​ Visit our website or scroll down to learn more about our work. WEBINAR Learn how to help your parish celebrate Respect Life Month in October using new, free materials that feature the Eucharist. USCCB staff will walk through the 2024 Respect Life materials, as well as the perennial Respect Life Month Action Guide. RESERVE YOUR SPOT Webinar Novena WALKING WITH MOMS IN NEED Get everything you need to help your parish increase support for pregnant and parenting moms in need. LEARN MORE PROJECT RACHEL MINISTRY If someone you know suffers and feels alone after abortion, there's compassionate, confidential help from the Church's abortion healing ministry. VISIT WEBSITE Poster SUPPORT The work of the USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities is supported by People of Life —the pro-life action campaign of the Catholic Church in the United States—which serves the Church's mission to proclaim that each human life is a precious gift from God. ​ ​You can support People of Life with a tax-deductible donation through our direct mail campaign . #iGiveCatholicTogether also accepts funds to support People of Life. LEARN MORE Prayer Card REFLECTION Radical Solidarity ​ ​ This short reflection unpacks the theme of radical solidarity, highlighting how Catholics are called to put their love for others into action. The reflection can be used as the basis for a homily or talk, shared in parish bulletins, printed in your diocesan paper, and included in newsletters. It could also be used as the basis for small group discussions at parish pro-life meetings, in a high school religion class, or simply among friends. READ ONLINE VIEW & DOWNLOAD (Available in English and Spanish.) Reflection Graphics GRAPHICS Each image is provided in English and Spanish and can be downloaded directly for use on parish/diocesan websites and in bulletins and newsletters. ( Guidelines ) VIEW & DOWNLOAD (Available in English and Spanish.) Action Guide ACTION GUIDE This action guide includes simple steps, sample announcements, activities, and more to help you celebrate Respect Life Month. You are encouraged to adapt these resources as needed to fit your specific parish, school, or ministry. VIEW ACTION GUIDE (Available in English and Spanish.) LEADER TOOLKITS Use these leader toolkits to help celebrate Respect Life Month in your specific area of ministry. Ideas and suggestions are provided for using the resources in a range of settings. Catholic Education Clergy Faith Formation Media Kit Youth Ministry Leaders' Toolkits CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, invites Catholics to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Respect Life Month by embracing “radical solidarity” with women facing difficult or challenging pregnancies. VIEW & DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE (Available in English and Spanish.) Chairman's Statement HOMILY HELPS Bullet points help homilists to weave the Gospel of Life into their message in a compelling way and highlight Catholics' call to radical solidarity.​ VIEW & DOWNLOAD (Spanish coming soon!) Homily Helps Store RESPECT LIFE STORE Browse our printed Respect Life materials by topic or resource type. Find resources to help you share the Gospel of Life during Respect Life Month and throughout the year. VISIT STORE OCTOBER WORD OF LIFE Word of Life is a monthly resource for dioceses and parishes that includes special features, intercessions for life, bulletin quotes, bulletin art, and more. The October edition features resources for Respect Life Month. VIEW & DOWNLOAD (Available in English and Spanish.) October Word of Life

Pray for Life Archive ​ This page makes accessible past Pray for Life issues from the USCCB Pro-Life Secretariat. 2021 Pray for Life issues ​ January 2021 In this New Year, may we understand more deeply the difficulties of mothers in need and respond with increased care and support. (Full Prayer Guide and Graphics ) ​ 2020 Pray for Life issues December 2020 May the advent of the infant Jesus bring expectant mothers joy, hope, and peace. (Full Prayer Guide and Graphics ) ​ November 2020 May each expectant mother making an adoption plan receive support and care of the Christian community as she makes a loving choice for her child. (Full Prayer Guide and Graphics ) ​ October 2020 May mothers in need experience Christ's loving care as we seek to live out His Gospel of life. (Full Prayer Guide and Graphics ) ​ September 2020 May mothers receive help and support as they pursue their educational goals. (Full Prayer Guide and Graphics ) August 2020 May mothers and their children have access to quality, life-affirming medical care. (English | Spanish ) ​ July 2020 May mothers receive ongoing care and support in raising their children. (English | Spanish ) ​ June 2020 May expectant mothers be supported by the fathers of their children in welcoming new life. (English | Spanish ) ​ May 2020 May our Blessed Mother draw women facing unexpected or challenging pregnancies close to her heart. (English | Spanish ) ​ April 2020 May our merciful Lord calm the fears of all expectant mothers, fill them with His peace, and provide for every need. (English | Spanish ) ​ March 2020 May The Gospel of Life’s 25th anniversary spark widespread zeal for serving expectant mothers facing difficult circumstances. (English | Spanish ) ​ February 2020 May Catholic parish communities strive to provide compassionate, tangible support to expectant moms needing assistance. (English | Spanish ) ​ January 2020 May women considering abortion receive life-affirming care and support to help them choose life for their children. (English | Spanish )