START A PRO-LIFE COMMITTEE IN YOUR PARISH

Why is this important?

There is no greater issue in our world right now than LIFE. Approximately 65 million unborn children have been killed by abortion in the United States since its legalization in 1973. Many people have become desensitized and misinformed on the impact abortion has had on this nation. Creating a Parish Pro-Life Committees will help to educate and empower people in the parish to:

    • Respect life at all stages.
    • Realize we all have a part to play in creating a culture of life.
    • Increase involvement in pro-life activities.
    • Address the needs of those in the parish who need help with their pregnancies including prenatal, birth, and postpartum needs.
    • Raise awareness on end-of-life issues.
    • Provide mercy and forgiveness to those who have chosen abortion in the past and help them to heal by providing post-abortion healing options.
    • Help educate on the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church

Step 1: Mission 

A sample mission model your Parish Pro-Life Committee: The Pro-Life Committee of ___________ Parish will promote the respect for human life from fertilization to a natural death following the format found in the USCCB Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life

https://www.usccb.org/prolife

You should be looking at the parish, local, state, and national issues as you decide your focus and mission.

 Step 2:  Plan 

    • Education to deepen understanding of the sanctity of human life and the humanity of unborn children, the moral evil of intentionally killing innocent human beings – whether at the beginning of life or at its end – and the mission of the Church to witness and to serve all human life.
    • Pastoral Care of women with problems related to pregnancy; for all who have been involved in abortion; for those who are disabled, sick, and dying, and their families.
    • Public Policy on the state and national level by working with the Iowa Catholic Conference and Pulse Life Advocates to better understand the legislative process and laws on the life issue.
    • Prayer and Worship directed to participation in the sacramental life of the Church and love. Include prayers on life in the prayers of the faithful, schedule a Mass for Life.

 Step 3: Recruitment

Sample Bulletin Announcements: 

Sample 1: “Pro-Life Committee” A Committee is being formed for the purpose of establishing a Parish Pro-Life Committee.  This Committee will engage the parish on life issues and provide prayer, education, and action. If you would like more information contact:

Step 4: Form a committee. 

      • Set a date and time, put an announcement in the bulletin, and ask to make a pulpit announcement.
      • Invite the parish priest and staff.
      • Call and email those who have taken an active role in Pro-Life activities or who have expressed pro-life views.
      • Develop a format for the committee, define the goals and objectives, and develop a plan.

Step 5: Host your first Pro-Life Committee Meeting

      • Discuss possible activities and maintain an activity each month.
      • Decide a day and time for meetings each month.
      • Keep a list of members updated with name, address, email, and phone number and keep a record of all parishioners who participate in Pro-Life activities.