The ‘Respect Life’ Program Packet For 2006-2007 Now Available;
Theme: “Created, Loved, Redeemed By God. Priceless!”
WASHINGTON (August 28, 2006)-“Created, loved, redeemed by God. Priceless!” is the theme for the 2006-2007 Respect Life Program.
Begun in 1972, the Respect Life Program provides information about Church teaching on the value and dignity of human life to the Catholic community and the wider public.
The program, observed in virtually all of the 195 Catholic dioceses, combines education, prayer, services and advocacy.
The Respect Life Program begins on Sunday, October 1, this year.
Cardinal William H. Keeler, Archbishop of Baltimore and Chairman of the Committee for Pro-Life Activities, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), sent a Respect Life Program packet to every Catholic bishop in the country.
In the six articles in this year’s packet:
--Rev. Tad Pacholczyk contrasts the moral/scientific status of adult stem cell research with embryonic stem cell research.
--Susan Wills explains why the abortion lobby’s defense of partial-birth abortion may ultimately prove its undoing, leading to the further erosion of Roe v. Wade.
--Maggie Gallagher discusses the right of children to be raised by two married parents, and reviews the newest sociological data showing that other family arrangements can be harmful to children’s wellbeing.
--Jennifer Roback Morse summarizes the thesis of her newest book, Smart Sex: Finding Life-Long Love in a Hook Up World, which explains how abstinence before, and faithfulness in, marriage contribute to human happiness.
--Andrew Rivas weaves together the personal stories of people involved in death penalty cases—a victim, family members of a victim, and a perpetrator, and a death row prisoner exonerated by DNA evidence—all of whom have become actively opposed to the death penalty.
--Roxana Barillas explores the impact of environmental toxins on vulnerable populations, especially unborn children, and describes efforts to correct the situation.
Packets include full-color posters, fliers and “press-length” versions of the articles in a trifold pamphlet format suitable both for bulletin insertion and for pamphlet racks. A CD contains all the materials in MsWord and PDF formats, including full-length versions of the articles (with recommended resources and programs), liturgy guide, clip art, poster, flyer, and press-length articles, all in both English and Spanish.
NOTE: The Respect Life materials may be ordered from the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities by calling their distribution center’s toll-free number 866/582-0943 or by fax to 301/779-8596.
Downloadable copies of Respect Life materials are posted in English and Spanish on the Secretariat’s Web site at http://usccb.org/prolife/programs/rlp/rlp0607.htm