PRO-LIFE MEANS ALL LIFE

Kirsten Shrewsberry, Editor and Diocesan Director of PR

“IF YOUR CHURCH AIN’T CRYING, IT’S DYING!” Isn’t that just the truth? I laughed the first time I heard Fr. Kevin say that when someone asked him how he kept going while the kids at 9:30 AM Mass at St. Joseph screamed. The phrase has stayed with me as somewhat of a rallying cry when I find myself worrying that my kids aren’t well behaved enough to be at Mass or that I might be judged by their behavior or clothes or any number of things.

When I think of pro-life ministry my heart hurts. Pro-life ministry doesn’t just refer to an end to abortions, it is our call as Catholics to protect life from conception to natural death. We are called to protect the unborn, the poor, the sick, the elderly – all people. My heart hurts for the people who are not cared for, especially the mother who feels she has no choice but to have an abortion, and who will live with those emotional wounds for the rest of her life.

Locally there are many resources and organizations providing healing for those we are called to minister to. Organizations like Mary’s House providing resources for expecting mothers, or Catholic Charities helping new parents with parenting classes and resources. We also have groups like St. Vincent de Paul Society providing urgent and needed support to our vulnerable populations. Our work doesn’t stop there, though. We need to continue to fervently pray for healing for those hurting from the pains of abortion, the pains of social inequity and generational poverty, the infirmed and sick, and those nearing the end of their lives. We need to donate our time, talent, and treasures to help lift up those in pain and help bring all people to Christ.

This month we celebrate life in all its stages, from the unborn to the children screaming during the priest’s homily during Mass, to the sick, to the happily retired, to the people entering into God’s eternal rest. I hope you’ll find time to pray for the souls of unborn children and for healing for those who have suffered the pain of an abortion. I pray you celebrate birthdays and milestones – big and small. This is life, my friends, let’s live it.