The dignity of every person is a divine gift, granted by God Himself, which means every individual, from the moment of conception until natural death, possesses inherent dignity and immeasurable worth. This includes unborn children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, the incarcerated, the exiled, and individuals marginalized by society. It is our responsibility to advocate for, safeguard, and cherish all human life. This Parish Culture of Life Guide will assist all parishioners in understanding the core principle of Catholic Social Teaching – all life is sacred and has dignity. As faithful of the Roman Catholic Church, we underscore the priority and, emphasize the beauty of each human life from conception to natural death.
AN INVITATION FOR PEOPLE FOR LIFE!
Fr. Walsh has approved a new plan for all parishioners and ministry groups of St. Margaret Mary to support our local community pro- life pregnancy centers.
All are invited to join our new SMM Pro Life Board of parishioners- Dr. John Guarnieri, Dr. John Chase, Steve Valentine, and Mike Schmidt- as they share how each parishioner and ministry can be a resource for this effort.
Parish Culture of Life Guide
Updated-Print-Reformatted-Parish-Culture-of-Life-Chairperson-GuideACTION ALERT FROM OUR U.S. BISHOPS:
“Please pray for the people of our state and nation and our elected leaders. Protect life and religious freedom: Allow health care providers to practice medicine, not abortion.”
Pope Francis reminds us, “Each son and daughter of a given country has a mission, a personal and social responsibility.” As Catholics we are called to participate in public life and to apply Gospel values to our political activities as a joyful public witness to the Church’s social teachings. FLCAN provides the opportunity to speak on behalf of the poor, the disabled, the sick or dying, the unborn, the elderly, families and children, immigrants, the imprisoned, and others in need. By raising our voices together, we strengthen the presence of the Catholic faithful in the public square.
The Church’s “No” to abortion and euthanasia is a “Yes” to life,
a “Yes” to the fundamental goodness of creation,
a “Yes” which can move every person in the depths of his conscience,
a “Yes” to the family, the most basic community of hope,
which so pleases God that he calls it to become a domestic Church.
—Pope John Paul II.
Roe v. Wade promised women a freedom to participate more fully in society, but it took their children and broke their hearts. Countless women have suffered physically, emotionally, and spiritually because of abortion; many have even lost their lives.
(A Matter of the Heart, USCCB statement on the Thirtieth Anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Nov 12, 2002.)
In their 1994 statement, Confronting a Culture of Violence, the US Catholic Bishops said: “Increasingly, our society looks to violent measures to deal with some of our most difficult social problems—millions of abortions to address problem pregnancies, advocacy of euthanasia and assisted suicide to cope with the burdens of age and illness, and increased reliance on the death penalty to deal with crime. We are tragically turning to violence in the search for quick and easy answers to complex human problems…We are losing our respect for human life. We cannot teach the killing wrong by killing.”
40 Days for Life is a community-based campaign that takes a determined, peaceful approach to showing local communities the consequences of abortion in their own neighborhoods, for their own friends and families. It puts into action a desire to cooperate with God in the carrying out of His plan for the end of abortion. It draws attention to the evil of abortion through the use of a three-point program:
- Prayer and fasting
- Constant vigil
- Community outreach
For more information on this program go to https://40daysforlife.com
Respect Life Corner
Pregnancy Resource Centers Attacked
Written by Mike Roche’s father: Bill Roche, A parishioner of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Diocese of Venice Pregnancy Resource Centers (PRCs) are charitable organizations in local communities offering…
No Life Unworthy
Written by Mike Roche’s father: Bill Roche On October 10, Pope Francis called on all medical professionals to treat every person with care and dignity. He emphasized that “there are…
Easter: Project Rachel
Written by Mike Roche’s father: Bill Roche, A parishioner of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Diocese of Venice We, as the People of Life, celebrate Easter for it is…
A Mother’s Love
Written by Mike Roche’s father: Bill Roche, A parishioner of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Diocese of Venice Laura and Nick both came from large families and when they…
Everyone’s Responsibility
Written by Mike Roche’s father: Bill Roche, A parishioner of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Diocese of Venice As we continue thru this challenging year, the following words from…
If you or someone you know is suffering from the after-effects of abortion, call the Office for Advocacy & Justice of the Diocese of Orlando at 407-246-4819 for free, confidential assistance or contact one of our parish priests, 407-647-3392. Symptoms of post-abortion syndrome include bouts of crying, episodes of misdirected anger, eating disorders, relationship problems, nightmares, drug abuse, lack of self-esteem, health problems, high stress or anxiety level, and discomfort with discussions or homilies on abortion. The Office of Advocacy & Justice of the Diocese of Orlando offers a network of resources and caring people, sacramental reconciliation, specially-trained professionals and/or peer support groups.