LEARN ABOUT THE CULTURE OF LIFE
“LEARNING HOW TO LIVE WISELY, TO THINK DEEPLY AND TO LOVE GENEROUSLY.” – LAUDATO SI’, N. 47
Recent Homilies and Reflections on Life from Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, M.Sp.S.
How can you advance the cause of life in our Archdiocese?
For starters, prayer is the only solid foundation of everything we are called to do in defense of human life. Visit the PRAY section of this website for resources that can be used by a person, a family, or a community in their effort to promote the cause of life. That said, consider using the USCCB Two Feet of Love in Action model as a way to understand and plan the two kinds of basic activities we are called to develop in the defense of human life: charitable works (directly assisting those in need) and social justice issues (transforming the institutional framework that allows abortion to exist in our country). Use these links to learn more about the Two Feet of Love in Action model.
Respect Life Program
Interested in developing a pro-life program for your parish or organization? Every October, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) launches a new set of resources to be used as a roadmap by dioceses, parishes, and other organizations interested in developing a year-long pro-life program of activities. Echoing this yearly campaign, the Archdiocese of San Antonio provides each parish in the Archdiocese with renewed materials to conduct a year-long pro-life program designed around the following dates:
• October: Respect Life Month
• January: Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children (Anniversary of Roe v. Wade)
• March: Solemnity of the Annunciation
• April: Divine Mercy Sunday
• May: Mother’s Day
• June: Father’s Day
Follow this link to learn more about this project and the many pro-life resources it offers, including prayer guides, image galleries, articles, bulletin boxes, and tool kits for parish leaders.
Walking with Moms in Need: A Year of Service
Interested in learning more about how to transform your parish into a place that can help people to choose life over abortion? The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has developed a model that can help you achieve such a noble and urgent objective: Walking with Moms in Need. A Year of Service. The main purpose of this initiative is to enlarge the effectiveness of the accompaniment that Catholics are providing nationwide to mothers who are facing particularly challenging pregnancies so that they can choose life over abortion. The above mentioned general objective will be obtained through the following actions:
1. The assessment of the efforts in assisting pregnant moms in need that are currently provided by the Catholic Church nationwide;
2. The improvement of our responses, especially at the local level, so that each of our parishes can be “islands of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference” (Pope Francis);
3. Making sure that the information about the assistance that is currently provided by the Catholic Church reaches the people that most desperately need it; and
4. Making sure that everyone in a parish community knows where to refer a pregnant woman in need.
This USCCB dedicated website provides detailed information about this model:
For further information on how Walking with Moms in Need is to be developed in the Archdiocese of San Antonio, contact the Department for Pastoral Ministries at:
Department for Pastoral Ministries
Email the Department for Pastoral Ministries
Facing a challenging pregnancy or looking for parenting support?
Following you will find useful information on some of the programs that Catholic Charities San Antonio offers to people facing a challenging pregnancy or looking for parenting support.
During the COVID-19 emergency, some of these programs are being conducted by phone or through Zoom. Contact Catholic Charities at 210-222-1294 or by email to learn more about the specifics.
• Guadalupe Home: Guadalupe Home is a transitional shelter for pregnant and parenting mothers of children younger than 36 months of age who find themselves homeless and are seeking a change in their lives. Mothers are provided safe shelter while they seek an education or save money for their future paving the way to self-sufficiency. While staying in our home, they have household responsibilities and are provided guidance for goal-setting, financial independence, and even parenting education for a brighter future. For more information, call Guadalupe Home at 210-476-0707 or visit their website.
• St. Stephen’s CARE Center: Catholic Charities San Antonio food pantry provides immediate food assistance including canned goods, dairy products, meat, bread and pastries, and even fresh, organic produce from our own St. Phocas Garden. Located at 2127 S. Zarzamora St. San Antonio, TX 78207, it opens Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5 pm. Offers free food, clothes, and diapers. For food assistance, please schedule an appointment with a case manager at 210-226-6178. For more information, visit their website.
• Adolescent Pregnancy & Parenting Program: The Adolescent Pregnancy & Parenting Program is a parenting program for pregnant and/or parenting adolescents 19 years of age or younger. The Adolescent Pregnancy & Parenting Program offers site and home-based parenting sessions. To learn more about the Adolescent Pregnancy & Parenting Program call 210-222-1294 or email them.
• Pregnancy and New Parent Support Program: Pregnancy and New Parent Support Program is a program for women and men who are expecting a child or who are parenting a child under 24 months. The Catholic Charities compassionate staff is ready to walk beside you and assist in welcoming a little one. Services include counseling, parenting education, and case management – including resources and referrals assistance. Services can be delivered through individual, couple, or family sessions. All services are free and confidential and can be offered in our office or your home.
• San Antonio Birth Doulas: Founded in 1999 in response to a need for services among pregnant women, especially low-income women and pregnant teenagers, San Antonio Birth Doulas provided new and expecting parents with support in the areas of pregnancy, labor, breastfeeding, newborn care and bonding in an effort to prevent infant/child abuse and neglect. To learn more about the San Antonio Birth Doulas call 210-222-1294 or email them.
Do you know someone who is suffering after abortion and needs help?
If you or someone you know is suffering after abortion, confidential, non-judgmental help is available from Project Rachel Ministry.
To find the nearest diocesan ministry click here.
In the Archdiocese of San Antonio, the Project Rachel ministry is conducted by Catholic Charities San Antonio:
Catholic Charities San Antonio
Email Catholic Charities: Project Rachel
Advocacy Opportunities
SIGN UP TO THE USCCB ACTION ALERTS
Visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Action Center to sign up to receive Action Alerts that will keep you informed and provide you with immediate opportunities to advocate in favor of life and other relevant issues before national representatives and other authorities.
REGISTER ON THE TEXAS CATHOLIC NETWORK
Visit the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops (TCCB) website to register on the Texas Catholic Network and remain informed about all policy and legislative issues connected to the Texas Bishops’ legislative agenda:
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TEXAS CATHOLIC CONFERENCE OF BISHOPS 87TH LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
To learn more about the issues the TCCB will be advocating for during the Texas 87th Legislative Session, visit:
Pregnant? Need Help?
Questions or Comments?
Lauren Stadelman
Director for Pastoral Care & Hospital Ministry
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