LEARN ABOUT THE CULTURE OF LIFE
“MAN (…) IS THE ONLY CREATURE ON EARTH WHICH GOD WILLED FOR ITSELF” – GAUDIUM ET SPES, NO. 24
Recent Homilies and Reflections on Life from Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, M.Sp.S.
2020 RESPECT LIFE MASSES
Each October the 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 of life to its end, 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.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020 | ARCHBISHOP GUSTAVO GARCÍA-SILLER, MSPS AT SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020 | AUXILIARY BISHOP MICHAEL BOULETTE, VG AT ST. HELENA CATHOLIC CHURCH
https://facebook.com/TodaysCatholic/videos/3440154126028518/?t=1
2020 PRAYER, PROCESSION, AND MASS FOR FOR LIFE
Every year, the Archdiocese of San Antonio calls for the renewed protection and promotion of the gift of life with a prayer service, procession, and mass for life at San Fernando Cathedral around the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. In 2020, this event will be held on Sunday, January 12th, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
Church Teachings on Life
The Dignity of the Human Person
CST 101 | LIFE AND DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON
Created by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic Relief Services, this CST-101 Video offers a short introduction to the concept of the dignity of the human person.
LIFE AND DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON
This article by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) offers a short introduction to the concept of the dignity of the human person and the many challenges it faces in today’s world.
COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH
Numbers 105–159 of the Compendium Of the Social Doctrine of the Church offer a detailed explanation of the dignity of the human person. Because of such inherent dignity, “the church sees in men and women, in every person, the living image of God himself” (no. 105).
Evangelium Vitae–25th Anniversary
“I CAME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE, AND HAVE IT ABUNDANTLY” – JN 10:10
EVANGELIUM VITAE (THE GOSPEL OF LIFE)
2020 marks the 25th anniversary of Saint John Paul II Encyclical Letter Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), which to this day provides clear guidance in a large variety of matters connected to the value and inviolability of human life and the need to protect it and promote it from the moment of conception to natural death.
POPE FRANCIS’ MESSAGE ON THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ENCYCLICAL LETTER EVANGELIUM VITAE
On March 25, 2020, Pope Francis reflected on the current relevance of Saint John Paul II Encyclical Letter Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life). “Every human life, unique and unrepeatable, he said, has value in and on itself: it is of inestimable value. This must always be proclaimed anew with the courage of the Word and the courage of actions.” Watch this video to learn more about what Pope Francis said during that General Audience.
TRANSCRIPTION
Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge to American Catholics
“WE BELIEVE THAT THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST IS A “GOSPEL OF LIFE.” IT INVITES ALL PERSONS AND SOCIETIES TO A NEW LIFE LIVED ABUNDANTLY IN RESPECT FOR HUMAN DIGNITY” – USCCB, LIVING THE GOSPEL OF LIFE, NO. 19
Published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in November 1998, the statement titled Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge to American Catholics provides a succinct, thoughtful, and compelling reflection on the importance of proclaiming and promoting the Gospel of Life in the United States. Its content remains valid today. Reading it will provide clarity and inspiration to anyone interested in learning more about the importance of recognizing and promoting the sanctity of human life in our world.
Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities. A Campaign to Support Life from the USCCB
“WHAT IS URGENTLY CALLED FOR IS A GENERAL MOBILIZATION OF CONSCIENCES AND A UNITED ETHICAL EFFORT TO ACTIVATE A GREAT CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF LIFE. ALL TOGETHER, WE MUST BUILD A NEW CULTURE OF LIFE.” – POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II, EVANGELIUM VITAE, NO. 95)
This 2001 document from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) offers a useful roadmap for the development of a well-rounded program of Pro-Life activities. The pastoral plan is built around four major areas: (1) public information and education, (2) pastoral care for women with problems related to pregnancy, (3) public policy efforts, and (4) prayer and worship. “Key to the success of this pastoral plan it states is the work of informed and committed lay people throughout the nation (…) In addition, efforts of the laity, especially at the parish level, deserve and require the encouragement and support of priests, deacons, and religious.” All of these groups (laypeople, priests deacons, and religious) will find great benefit in the study of this document.
Issues
Abortion
Abortion violates a basic human right, the right to life. Abortion also can wound the mother emotionally and physically. Along with clear and compelling notions on the intrinsic dignity of the unborn, women who are facing a challenging pregnancy must find in the Church a community of brothers and sisters committed to supporting them through and through. In the words of Pope Francis: “how greatly I desire that all those places where the Church is present, especially our parishes and our communities, may become islands of mercy in the midst of the sea of indifference!” (Pope Francis, October 4, 2014)
USCCB DEDICATED RESPECT LIFE SITE ON ABORTION
This United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website offers useful resources on the topic of abortion, including articles, fact sheets, intercessions, and graphics for personal formation and/or use in your parish, ministry, or school.
EVANGELIUM VITAE ON ABORTION
Numbers 58–63 of Saint John Paul II Encyclical Letter Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) offer a detailed explanation of what Saint Pope John Paul II calls as the unspeakable crime of abortion.
WHEN DOES LIFE BEGIN?
Visit this United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website to learn more about the scientific community’s response to the question: when does life begin?
Post-Abortion Healing & Project Rachel
Abortion is harmful not only to the unborn but to all who are involved in it, men and women alike. Whoever has experienced the regret, shame, grief, and guilt that follows an abortion, must be reassured of God’s love for them, as well as His infinite mercy. Healing is possible, and help is at hand.
BRIDGES OF MERCY FOR HEALING AFTER ABORTION
This United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) article illustrates how an abortion might later affect someone’s life.
NEED 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 our Archdiocese, the Project Rachel ministry is conducted by Catholic Charities San Antonio:
Catholic Charities San Antonio
Email Catholic Charities: Project Rachel
WHAT IS PROJECT RACHEL?
Project Rachel is the abortion healing ministry of the Catholic Church in the United States. It is a diocesan-based network of specially trained priests, religious, therapists, and laypersons who provide a team response of care for those suffering in the aftermath of abortion. In addition to referring to Sacramental Reconciliation, the ministry provides an integrated network of services, including pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, support groups, retreats, and referrals to licensed mental health professionals. For more information, contact your diocese or visit usccb.org/abortionhealing.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information regarding post-abortion healing, visit:
Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia
“WE CAN AND MUST REJECT THE TEMPTATION – ALSO INDUCED BY LEGISLATIVE CHANGES – TO USE MEDICINE TO SUPPORT A POSSIBLE WILLINGNESS TO DIE OF THE PATIENT, PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO SUICIDE OR DIRECTLY CAUSING DEATH BY EUTHANASIA.” – POPE FRANCIS, SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
USCCB DEDICATED SITE ON ASSISTED SUICIDE AND EUTHANASIA
These United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) websites offer useful resources on the topics of Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia, including Church documents and teachings, articles, and fact sheets.
EVANGELIUM VITAE ON THE TRAGEDY OF EUTHANASIA
Numbers 64–67 of Saint John Paul II Encyclical Letter Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) offer a detailed explanation of what Saint Pope John Paul II describes as the tragedy of euthanasia.
TO LIVE EACH DAY WITH DIGNITY. USCCB POLICY STATEMENT ON PHYSICIAN-ASSISTED SUICIDE
This 2011 policy statement from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) offers useful guidance in matters connected to physician-assisted suicide.
KILLING THE PAIN, NOT THE PATIENT: PALLIATIVE CARE VS. ASSISTED SUICIDE
This United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) article offers a useful introduction to the difference between palliative care and assisted suicide, including how the legalization of assisted suicide undermines quality care.
THE VALUE OF PALLIATIVE CARE
This article from the Pontifical Academy of Life provides a good introduction to the nature and benefits of palliative care.
CARING FOR LOVED ONES AT LIFE’S END
This United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) article offers a useful introduction to the topic of caring for loved ones at life’s end.
Death Penalty & Restorative Justice
“NOT EVEN A MURDERER LOSES HIS PERSONAL DIGNITY, AND GOD HIMSELF PLEDGES TO GUARANTEE THIS.” – SAINT POPE JOHN PAUL II, EVANGELIUM VITAE, NO. 9
NUMBER 2267 OF THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ON THE DEATH PENALTY
LETTER TO THE BISHOPS REGARDING THE NEW REVISION OF NUMBER 2267 OF THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ON THE DEATH PENALTY
This letter from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith provides a useful look at the arguments behind the new version of no. 2267 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT: THE DEATH PENALTY DOES NOT FULFILL JUSTICE
On October 10, 2016, the Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops (TCCB) released a statement calling for the abolition of the death penalty, denouncing its effects not only on victims and others immediately affected, but also on society. “Capital punishment vitiates our hearts’ capacity for mercy and love,” the bishops write, noting that “the death penalty not only does not correspond to the common good, it actually does great harm to it.”
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING & THE DEATH PENALTY
This article from the Catholic Mobilizing Network offers a good introduction to the Church’s position on the death penalty.
CATHOLICS AND THE DEATH PENALTY – A CATHOLIC MOBILIZING NETWORK VIDEO
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING & THE DEATH PENALTY INFOGRAPHIC – A CATHOLIC MOBILIZING NETWORK INFOGRAPHIC
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING & THE DEATH PENALTY INFOGRAPHIC – A CATHOLIC MOBILIZING NETWORK INFOGRAPHIC
EXPLORING THE DEATH PENALTY & RESTORATIVE JUSTICE IN THE BIBLE – A CATHOLIC MOBILIZING NETWORK STUDY GUIDE
DEFENDING A CULTURE OF LIFE: PRO-DEATH PENALTY CLAIMS AND A PRO-LIFE RESPONSE – A CATHOLIC MOBILIZING NETWORK STUDY GUIDE
BACKGROUND ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE
This document from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development provides an introduction to the Catholic approach to criminal and restorative justice. Such an approach recognizes that the dignity of the human person applies to both victims of crime and those who have committed harm.
Biotechnologies
STEM CELL RESEARCH
This United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website offers useful resources on the topic of stem cell research, including Church documents, articles, and fact sheets for personal formation and/or use in your parish, ministry, or school.
HUMAN CLONING
This United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website offers useful resources on the topic of human cloning, including Church documents, articles, and fact sheets for personal formation and/or use in your parish, ministry, or school.
REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING
This United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) websites offer useful resources on the topics of reproductive technologies and natural family planning, including Church documents, articles, and fact sheets for personal formation and/or use in your parish, ministry, or school.
VACCINES
This United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Vatican websites and documents offer useful resources on the topics of vaccines, including Church teachings, articles, and fact sheets for personal formation and/or use in your parish, ministry, or school.
Numbers 34 and 35 of the Instruction deal with the use of human “biological material” of illicit origin (for example, for the production of vaccines).
Watch this video to learn more about the Church’s teachings on the moral aspects of the development and use of vaccines.
LEARN MORE
Interested in learning more about these and other important bioethical issues? These websites can help.
Pregnant? Need Help?
Questions or Comments?
Lauren Stadelman
Director for Pastoral Care & Hospital Ministry
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