Cardinal Dolan Launches 2017-18 Program with Respect Life Month Statement

WASHINGTON—In a statement to markRespect Life Month, October 2017, Timothy Cardinal Dolan of New York reiteratedthe need to build a culture of life throughout the year. Cardinal Dolan chairsthe Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops(USCCB). The Cardinal's statement launches the year-long 2017-18 Respect LifeProgram (www.usccb.org/respectlife), which provides materials exploring the theme, "Be NotAfraid."

"Looking back over the last year, there's beena lot of uncertainty, suffering, and heartache. Between tragedies that occur inthe public eye and trials that take place in our personal lives, there's noshortage of reasons we cry out to God," Cardinal Dolan said. "At such times, wemay feel alone and unequipped... But we have an anchor of hope to cling to. ...Godsays to us, 'Do not fear: I am with you' (Isaiah 41:10)."

"There are times we may doubt the value of ourown lives or falter at the thought of welcoming and embracing the life ofanother. But…He makes all things beautiful. He makes all things new. He is theGod of redemption," the Cardinal said. "That's powerful. That's something tohold onto."

"As followers of Jesus Christ, …we are calledto be missionary disciples…commissioned to reach out to one another, especiallyto the weak and vulnerable," Cardinal Dolan said.

Begun in 1972, the Respect LifeProgram highlights the value and dignity of human life throughout the year. Materialsare intended for use across the spectrum of Catholic life, work, ministry, andeducation.

The 2017-18 Respect Life Programfeatures six articles ona range of issues. They address practical steps to build a culture of life, compellingreasons to oppose assisted suicide, principles to consider at the end of life,an overview of the role of conscience, offering genuine support to a friend who'sconsidering abortion, and a Catholic Q "& A on the death penalty. Many digitaland print resources are offered, including toolkits for priestsand deacons, parishes, Catholic education, Respect Life ministry, youthministry, young adult ministry, faith formation, and communications.

The full text of Cardinal Dolan'sstatement is available along with many other resources at www.usccb.org/respectlife.

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Keywords: USCCB, U.S. bishops,Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Committee on Pro-Life Activities, pro-life, RespectLife Month, Respect Life Program, human dignity, women, pregnancy, abortion,conscience, death penalty, capital punishment, elder care, end of life care,advance medical directives, assisted suicide, prayer, social justice,#BeNotAfraid

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