Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
2024 Respect Life Month in Arkansas
Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024 - Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024
Location: All Parishes - Nationwide
Contact: Catherine Phillips
Phone: (501) 664-0340, ext. 326
Click on the button above to get more information about the Diocese of Little Rock Respect Life Mass Oct. 6. All are invited to join Bishop Anthony B. Taylor for this bilingual Mass at 1 p.m. at St. Edward Church in Little Rock. If unable to attend we invite you to watch "Life and Human Dignity: A Consistent Ethic of Life," a four-part video series that invites participants to form a consistent ethic of life through respect for human life in all of life's circumstances, from conception to natural death. It was produced by our diocese's Respect Life Office, in cooperation with the Office of Faith Formation. This course is available at learn.dolr.org/courses and could be a great educational opportunity during October, or anytime of the year.
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. This year, it is Oct. 6. Respect Life Month is a time to inspire and encourage individuals and parish communities to engage in a program of pro-life activity that protects, accompanies and supports the life and dignity of every person, especially the most vulnerable among us.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) assists parishes, schools and other ministries in helping Catholics understand, value and become engaged with building a culture that cherishes every human life through its annual Respect Life Program, which is a year-round, nationwide effort that kicks off each year on Respect Life Sunday. Resources include an action guide, bulletin insert, poster and homily suggestions for parishes. For parishes and individuals there is a novena (print and digital), prayer and educational materials.
In addition, Catholics may take part in nationwide events such as Life Chain and 40 Days for Life, to put their faith into prayer and action. Or, visit Walking with Moms in Need to learn how to organize a group in your parish to help mothers in need. Volunteers work 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."
This year's Respect Life Program theme is “I Came So That They Might Have Life" (John 10:10). According to the USCCB, this theme "conveys that Jesus’ message and our response to it inherently includes respect for human life. The design also reflects the importance of grounding efforts on behalf of life in the Eucharist."
In the Diocese of Little Rock, all are invited to join Bishop Anthony B. Taylor at the Respect Life Mass Oct. 6. The day will begin with eucharistic adoration and a rosary for life at 11:20 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock. A eucharistic procession for life will begin at noon from the Cathedral to the Shrine of Divine Mercy at St. Edward Church, about half a mile away. The bishop will then celebrate the bilingual Mass at 1 p.m. at St. Edward Church. Tacos will be served at no charge at 2 p.m. in the parish center, followed by a holy hour for life at 3 p.m. at the shrine. Confessions will be heard at 11:20 -11:50 a.m. at the Cathedral and 3 - 4 p.m. at St. Edward Church. For more information, contact Catherine Phillips, respect life director for the Diocese of Little Rock, at (501) 664-0340, ext. 326.
Another option is to watch "Life and Human Dignity: A Consistent Ethic of Life," a four-part video series that invites participants to form a consistent ethic of life through respect for human life in all of life's circumstances, from conception to natural death. It was produced by our diocese's Respect Life Office, in cooperation with the Office of Faith Formation. This course is available at learn.dolr.org/courses and could be a great educational opportunity during October, or anytime of the year.
A Prayer for Life to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
The following prayer may be downloaded in English and Spanish. It is available as a prayer card for purchase. It is from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
"O Jesus, you came that we might have life — and have it in abundance. Together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, you form us in our mothers' wombs and call us to love you for all eternity. As your most precious gift of human life is attacked, draw us ever closer to your real presence in the Eucharist. Dispel the darkness of the culture of death, for you are the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. By the power of your eucharistic presence, help us to defend the life of every human person at every stage. Transform our hearts to protect and cherish all whose lives are most vulnerable. For you are God, forever and ever. Amen."
