L.A. ARCHDIOCESE CELEBRATES RESPECT LIFE MONTH
October 3, 2022  |  By:   |  Press Releases  |  

–OneLife LA, celebrating the beauty and dignity of every human life from conception to natural death, to return on January 21, 2023–

In recognition of Respect Life Month (October 1-31), the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is celebrating at parishes and schools throughout Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties by encouraging prayer and action to build and foster a culture of life.

“Each year the month of October is dedicated as Respect Life Month as a time we reflect on the great beauty and dignity of human life from conception to natural death,” said Michael Donaldson, senior director of the Office of Life, Justice and Peace for the Archdiocese. “Respect Life Month becomes an opportunity for each of us to renew our commitment in recognizing the image and likeness of God in our neighbor.”

As part of observing Respect Life Month, the Archdiocese Office of Life, Justice and Peace announced today that OneLife LA will return to Southern California on January 21, 2023, themed “Our Mission is Love” for a walk for life from La Placita/Olvera Street to LA State Historic Park, to celebrate the beauty and dignity of every human being from conception to natural death.

“The work of serving and accompanying women, children and families is even more important now as we continue to witness the rise in the disregard of human life,” said Mr. Donaldson. “The Church has the honor and duty in building a culture of life in society and assisting families with compassion and love.”

Faithful are being encouraged to volunteer with organizations such as The Society of St. Vincent de Paul that serves those in need within Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties by providing food, clothing, furniture, appliances, housing and resources, and Local Pregnancy Centers that help pregnant women in need with information about free medical and other low cost services and baby items.

Among the activities planned by the Archdiocese to celebrate life are:

  • Respect Life Week 2022 (October 2 -7): a joint project of the Department of Catholic Schools and the Office of Life, Justice and Peace. This year’s theme, “Called Forward in Love” looks at the current issues of adoption and foster care, post-abortion healing, immigration, racism and mental health and addiction through the lens of the Catholic faith. Students PK-12 are invited to understand why and how they can build a Culture of Life in Los Angeles through curriculum, prayer and service. Respect Life Week curriculum can be accessed by visiting: https://lifejusticeandpeace.lacatholics.org/respect-life-week.
  • The Office of Life, Justice and Peace is sponsoring 30 retreats for Catholic schools and parish with National Evangelization Teams, NET Ministries. NET Ministries retreats are designed for students in grades 7-12 to present them with the truth of who they are as God’s children and how true joy and meaning in life are found by accepting Christ’s gift of salvation and living as His disciples.
  • 40 Days for Life campaigns join parishioners with others in the community to offer prayerful witness outside abortion facilities in 14 different locations throughout the Archdiocese. Individuals and parishes share By Your Side materials to help women and men hurting from abortion find healing.
  • During the month of October many parishes host a baby shower, diaper drives, or baby bottle fundraisers for pregnancy resource centers in their area. This year the Office of Life, Justice and Peace recommends helping Claris Health, a great resource for pregnant or parenting families in Los Angeles currently accepting items to help families in their communities.
  • On Sunday, October 23rd, Archbishop José H. Gomez, will preside at a Mass honoring the life-giving work of health care professionals at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

Parish leaders will be able to find a wide range of resources for Respect Life Month by visiting: https://lifejusticeandpeace.lacatholics.org/respect-life-month. Resources, which include prayer cards, social cards, intercessions for the month, Leader’s Toolkit and USCCB resources.

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Under the spiritual leadership of Archbishop José H. Gomez, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is the largest in the United States, serving the counties of Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara, covering approximately 9,000 square miles in 120 cities. The nearly five million Catholics in the Archdiocese come from some 70 countries and from every continent. Weekly Masses are celebrated in 42 languages throughout 288 parishes, and more than 73,000 students attend an Archdiocesan Catholic elementary or high school. For the latest news, events and to subscribe for media alerts, visit media.la-archdiocese.org.