HUMAN CONCERNS COMMISSION

HC-1 Social Concerns Ministry
HC-2 Twinning Parishes Ministry
HC-3 Nursing Homes Ministry
HC-4 Bereavement Ministry
HC-5 Ministry of Care to Sick and Homebound
HC-6 Racial & Ethnic Sensitivity Ministry
HC-7 Peace & Justice Ministry
HC-8 Respect Life Ministry

HC-8
Ministry Profile
 
RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY
 
 
I. MISSION STATEMENT (brief statement of purpose)
 
The MISSION of the RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY is to witness, by word and action, to the teachings of Jesus Christ on the respect for the dignity of each human being from conception to natural death. As a faith community we are called to recognize that every person is created in God’s image and is of inestimable worth. We are therefore challenged to promote and protect the inviolable right to life of all God’s children, especially the most defenseless: “For whatever you do to the least of my brothers, you do unto me.”
 
II. GOAL (“end-product” …desired outcome for those to whom ministry is directed)
 
The GOAL of the RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY is that our parish community and our community at large will embrace a “Culture of Life” as promoted by our Holy Father - a culture that recognizes each and every human being as a precious and unrepeatable miracle of God, worthy of love, dignity and protection, and so to equip parishioners to be “apostles on behalf of life.”
 
III. OBJECTIVES (corollaries, strategies, priorities flowing out of mission and goal)
1. To establish a coordinating team to provide for implementation of mission and objectives, a system of leadership succession, and representation on the commission.
2. To promote a “Culture of Life” through prayer and sacrifice by providing parishioners various opportunities to pray about “Respect Life” issues as a community.
3. To educate and train Catholics through public information to be “apostles” on behalf of life.
4. To protect and promote inviolable rights of all persons by directing efforts through legislative, judicial and administrative channels.
5. To minister with compassion to those troubled by “life” issues so as to express the Church’s love for them and all God’s people.
 
IV. SERVICES (programs, actions, projects)
1. Establish a prayer network to pray for life issues. Those interested to attend a weekly Mass throughout the year to invoke God’s grace and mercy on those troubled by life issues.
2. To incorporate the Culture of Life goals into educational ministries including parish school, catechism, teen, adult and pre-cana programs.
3. To participate in “Rosaries for Life.”
4. To place Respect Life articles in the Topics on a regular basis.
5. To work with Archdiocese Respect Life Office in promoting Respect Life activities in education and assistance, and attend the annual Respect Life Coordinators Workshop.
6. To provide material assistance to organizations that counsel women and men about alternatives to abortion, such as, Hope Line, Wings, The Women’s Center.
7. To collaborate with other parish ministries to plan and organize Respect Life efforts in conjunction with the Archdiocese Respect Life Office; i.e., Project Rachel, Maternity Fund, Adopt a Mother & Baby Program, Knights of Columbus Baby Shower, Helpers of God’s Precious Infants.