Every October the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month, and the first Sunday of October is observed as Respect Life Sunday. As Catholics, we are called to cherish, defend, and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning to the end of their lives, 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.
This year’s theme is “Mary, Mother of Life.” The Blessed Mother welcomed Jesus Christ into the world at both his conception and at the foot of the Cross. She gives her ‘yes’ to Life itself and is given to us as a mother to help us do the same. This title of Mary invites us to rely on her intercession for all mothers entrusted with new life. May she help us welcome, care for, and defend human life from its beginning to its end. The life of the Blessed Mother teaches us to respect each human life in every stage and circumstance. We ask her intercession in helping us to recognize the gift of human life, even when that gift is unexpected or calls us to make sacrifices.
Parishes and families can participate in Respect Life Month in a variety of ways. One way is by displaying the 2026 Respect Life poster, which features the beautiful image, Virgin of the Lilies, by William-Adolphe Bouguereau and reflects on Our Lady’s distinguished role as mother of all the living.
Families and parishioners can also pray the Respect Life Month Novena from October 22-30. They can join thousands of Catholics across the country praying for the protection of human life from conception to natural death. Each day of the novena features a different prayer intention, a short reflection, ideas for building a culture of life, and more. To pray the daily novena, please visit: https://bit.ly/4AwIlWg
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Pro-Life Committee also encourages Catholics to read its short reflection, which unpacks this year’s theme, “Mary, Mother of Life.”
The reflection can be used as the basis for a talk or shared in parish bulletins. 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. Consider sharing the webpage version on social media. To read the reflection please visit: https://bit.ly/4hf6Cas
Pray a Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Life. This Litany seeks the intercession of the Blessed Mother and highlights various Marian titles to pray for Respect Life intentions and themes. To pray this Litany, please visit: https://bit.ly/3TFub4q
Respect Life Ministries affirm value of human life
Walking with Moms in Need
Walking with Moms in Need is a parish-based initiative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to increase support for pregnant and parenting mothers in need. It works to ensure that any woman who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, or parenting in difficult circumstances, can turn to her local Catholic church and be connected with the resources she needs. Volunteers walk with moms throughout the motherhood journey, offering them authentic Christian friendship and ongoing support. St. Paul the Apostle Church in Chino Hills, under the guidance of this initiative, opened Mary’s Manger Pregnancy Resource Center in June of 2025, offering various resources for pregnant and parenting mothers in need. These include free pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds, prenatal and postnatal education, childcare and Christian accompaniment. The Right to Life ministry at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Ontario also launched a Walking with Moms in Need sub-ministry, which strives to provide practical resources for mothers and their families.
Caring for the Whole Person
Caring for the Whole Person Ministry is a collaborative project of the California Catholic Conference of Bishops and the Alliance of Catholic Health Care. This ministry is aimed at creating an environment in parishes, communities and health care systems in which all persons are loved, wanted, and worthy and will be prepared and supported in health and serious illness through the end of life. This ministry seeks to also accompany families and caregivers in the end-of-life process of a loved one through education, pastoral care and prayer. This year, the Diocesan Respect Life and Pastoral Care Ministry launched, “The Peace in the Storm Project,” a ministry that helps parishes accompany persons with chronic illness, ongoing pain and disability through parish-based faith-fellowship groups focused on Catholic spirituality and theology. More than 60% of adults have a chronic illness or disability. The series provided an introduction and preparation for anyone who would like to start a Peace in the Storm Project group at their parish.
Project Rachel
Project Rachel is a ministry of the Catholic Church in the U.S. to those who have been involved in abortion. It is a diocesan-based network of specially trained priests, religious, counselors, and laypersons who provide a team response of care for those suffering in the aftermath of abortion. In addition to referring for Sacramental Reconciliation, the ministry provides an integrated network of services, including pastoral counseling, support groups, retreats and referrals to licensed mental health professionals. Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats offer a safe place to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion.
Here's some ideas for participating in Respect Life Month!
Provided by the Diocesan Office of Respect Life and Pastoral Care Programs: https://www.sbrlpc.org/respectlifemonth
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