Parish Transformation Update (6/13/21)
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When you hear Respect Life, what do you think of?
For many of us, our first thought goes to the precious unborn babies that are tragically shown no respect, and are not valued as “life” at all, when they are aborted in devastating numbers each year.
Maybe others of us read the headlines that show the disproportionate numbers of black and brown people imprisoned and put to death in our justice system, and are pained and confused that people seem to be treated and valued differently depending on skin color. Or maybe we hear the statistics of hunger, poverty and homelessness in our country, and wonder how we can turn a blind eye to the vulnerable lives of the rural and urban poor, when so many of us have so much.
We also consider those living with disabilities, about immigrants and refugees, and about the elderly. Do we think only in terms of their accommodation or management, rather than their dignity and value?
Do discussions of “quality of life” too easily turn into justifications for, or even promotion of, euthanasia?
In this world it is a sinful reality that some lives are treated as being worth more than others. But the Gospel and the Catholic faith boldly proclaim a different, transcendent, and glorious truth: that the equal dignity of human persons is God-ordained. They also tell us that as disciples of Christ, it is our duty to promote human dignity in every aspect of our lives and our world.
As Catholics, we are blessed with extensive Church teaching that grounds us in Gospel truths and points us in the right direction. We are given God’s very Spirit to move our hearts with compassion and inspire us to action. The Respect Life Committee at Saint Joseph provides a channel through which these blessings can be shared with every member. Our committee’s mission statement sums this up:
The Respect Life Committee of Saint Joseph Parish is dedicated to prayer, education, discussion and action in promoting the truths of the Gospel of Life. Our mission is to help our parish grow in the awareness of the sanctity of all life, from conception to natural death, and to live out the Gospel in addressing issues that compromise human dignity. We are committed to observing and promoting the social doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church.
At present, our committee is going through a time of intense learning and formation. If you are interested in joining us, please do! You can contact Deacon Auchey at [email protected] for meeting information.
Most importantly, we ask that you please pray for us, and for an increase in respect for the sacred gift of life!
