Respect Life Month in Catholic Schools/PSRs
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Respect Life Month - October 2019
“Christ our Hope in Every Season of Life”
(corresponding to the USCCB theme for their Respect Life Program 2019-2020)5 Daily Focus Ideas for Grades K - 5
1. We are all unique from Day 1
Prayer — Heavenly Father, every person is created by you because you love us. From the very moment You created us we were like no other person who has ever lived. May we always cherish our own lives and the lives of all others. In Jesus’ name we ask this prayer…Amen.
Mass Intention — For those all those born & unborn, young & old, healthy & sick, may they be loved as Jesus loves, & may we always cherish each person in our lives;
We pray to the Lord…
2. The blessed gift of adoption - Jesus & St. Joseph
Prayer — Jesus is the Son of God, but God knew he also needed an earthly father. He chose St. Joseph to be the husband of Mary and adoptive father of Jesus. May all those who are parents through adoption and foster care be surrounded by God’s loving care.
Mass Intention — For all those who are adopted and their families. May they know the love and intercession of St. Joseph, the adoptive father of Jesus. We pray to the Lord…
3. God knows just what I need
Prayer — Heavenly Father, sometimes I want something very badly, but I am not able to have it. This is very hard, & it even hurts. Help me to remember that you always give me just what I need in my life. In Jesus’ name we ask this prayer…
Mass Intention — For those who are struggling because they are not able to have or do something very important to them. Help them to trust in God when it is most difficult and remember that He always gives us everything we need;
We pray to the Lord…
4. God heals our broken hearts
Prayer — Heavenly Father, all of us do things that we know are wrong. May we always remember that Jesus waits for us to say we are sorry & to forgive us. May we also remember in our prayers those who have hurt us in some way large or small, and may we forgive them just like Jesus forgives us. We make this prayer in His name…
Mass Intention — For those who are struggling with a wrong they have done, may they know the love, mercy, & forgiveness of Jesus;
We pray to the Lord…
5. Loving & supporting those who are sick & suffering
Prayer — Heavenly Father, we lift up all who are very sick in prayer. May they feel your love & peace, & may they receive the strength they need from you during their sickness. May all those who care for them be guided by your hands. In Jesus’ name we ask this prayer…
Mass Intention — or all those who are very sick, may they feel your strength & love in their suffering, & may those who care for them be guided by your hands;
We pray to the Lord…
5 Daily Focus Ideas for Grades 6 - 12
1. We are all unique from Day 1
Prayer — Heavenly Father, there are many times in our culture that we hear ideas that do not respect the dignity of every unique person who is made in God’s image & likeness. May we have the courage to stand up & defend human dignity with the love of Christ in our hearts. We ask this in Jesus’ name…In Jesus’ name we pray…
Mass Intention — for all to recognize the dignity of every person as a unique creation of God made in His image & likeness;
We pray to the Lord…
2. For mothers who have chosen adoption for their children & for the families who will receive these children into their loving care
Prayer — Jesus is the Son of God, but God knew he also needed an earthly father. He chose St. Joseph to be the husband of Mary and adoptive father of Jesus. May all those who are parents through adoption and foster care be surrounded by God’s loving care. We ask this in Jesus’ name…
Mass Intention — For all those who are adopted and their families. May they know the love and intercession of St. Joseph, the adoptive father of Jesus;
We pray to the Lord…
3. Those who are struggling with infertility
Prayer — Jesus, we know that you always give us just what we need every day of our lives. Sometimes the thing I want very much is not what You provide. Help me to remember that you see every need I have & you fulfill every one of those needs perfectly. Help me to accept your will joyfully. Jesus’ name we pray…
Mass Intention — For those couples who desire a baby but are unable to have a baby. May they know the the hope & comfort that only You can provide;
we pray to the Lord…
4. God heals our broken hearts
Prayer — Heavenly Father, all of us do things that we know are wrong. May we always remember that Jesus waits for us to say we are sorry & to forgive us. May we also remember in our prayers those who have hurt us in some way large or small, and may we forgive them just like Jesus forgives us. We make this prayer in His name…
Mass Intention — For those who are struggling with a wrong they have done, may they know the love, mercy, & forgiveness of Jesus;
We pray to the Lord…
For those who are being encouraged to choose assisted suicidePrayer — Heavenly Father, we ask you to help those who are seriously ill and their families. May they know your peace & comfort in the often difficult days during a serious illness & at the end of their lives. May they be protected from those who would encourage them to choose assisted suicide. And may those who encourage assisted suicide find the truth in the compassion of Jesus who healed the sick. In Jesus’ name we pray…
Mass Intention — for those who are being encouraged to choose assisted suicide, may they be led to life-affirming choices in their struggle with serious illness;
We pray to the Lord…
Ideas for Spiritual & Corporal Works of Mercy for Life
Spiritual Works
- Mass — at the school Mass during Respect Life Month, include the provided intentions for life - choose from one of the day’s intention or several/all days as it fits best, write other intentions if desired, or pray all the intentions at the school Mass (see below for intentions by grade level)
- Prayer — say the provided prayer for a day’s intention as listed above as a class or as part of the school’s daily announcements…this daily prayer will unite all the schools on the given day for the given prayer (see below for prayer by grade level)
Corporal Works
- Bulletin Board or Poster — to educate & inform…choose one of the 5 topics given & prepare a bulletin board or poster that raises awareness & teaches about the issue. This can be done as a class project or a larger school project. The purpose of this bulletin board or poster is to educate other students in your school. You are also very welcome to submit your bulletin board or poster photos to the Respect Life Office to be featured on the Archdiocesan website.
- Help the clients of Hope Woman’s Clinic - Have the students create a Spiritual Bouquet for the women/couples who are struggling with infertility. Spiritual Bouquets are prayers or devotional acts that someone (the giver) has or will offer for someone else (the recipient). It can be given from an individual or group to an individual or group to express joy, sorrow or best wishes. A great resource for creating a Spiritual Bouquet can be found here.
- Help the clients of Woman’s New Life Center - They are in need of RTA bus passes (“Jazzy Passes”…See bus pass info here) for their clients. Along with RTA bus passes handmade cards of encouragement would be very appreciated.
- Rachel’s Vineyard, a healing ministry for women (& men) who have been hurt by abortion, will have a local retreat November 1-3 in the New Orleans area. Prepare handmade “You Are Loved” cards with artwork & woulds of encouragement for their November retreat. The “You Are Loved” cards can be coordinated for deliver to the Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat by emailing the Respect Life Office.
- Participate in our Pro-Life Prayer Card contest. Eligibility - The contest is open to all students in in grades Kindergarten through 12th. There are 3 categories: Kindergarten – 3rd grade, 4th – 7th grade, 8th – 12th Grade. Entry Limit - One prayer and/or one artwork per student. The artwork and prayer submissions will be judged separately. Therefore; the artwork winner may be different from the prayer winner. Entry Deadline - Entries must be submitted to the Choose the Child, email Natasia or mail to 4525 Jeannette DR, Metairie LA 70003 by October 31, 2019. Entries must be either emailed or postmarked by this date. Visit Choose the Child for more details.
Additional help for 2019 - on the website...General Respect Life information available on the website…
Abortion
Adoption
Assisted Suicide/End of LifeHealing after Abortion
Infertility
Speakers' Topics...
Natasia Kissinger, creator of Footprints for Life & founder of Choose the Child, has excellent Respect Life presentations available for Catholic youth. Please email Natasia for more information.
Additional topics are available via the Respect Life Office's Speakers' Bureau
Louisiana Right to Life's Speakers' Bureau is also available
Suggested videos (for older students)…
Footprints for Life...
A program designed to educate and empower children in Kindergarten through 12th grade to build a Culture of Life. This program builds on a foundation of dignity, compassion, and truth. The program covers USCCB Respect Life topics age-appropriately, and incorporates discussions, activities, and the spiritual and corporal works of mercy into the study of these issues. It is designed to be easily integrated into an already existing program. Please email Natasia or call her at 504-339-5384 to register and for more information. Information can also be found at Choose the Child.
PULSE (Louisiana Right to Life)
The PULSE Youth Initiative of Louisiana Right to Life has resources for the High School students of New Orleans! In these programs, everyone is inspired, educated, and equipped to be the pulse of the pro-life generation.
Teachers have access to educational pamphlets and professional speakers on pro-life topics for their classroom. Pro-Life Moderators and club members can seek advice and materials for various activism and events for their campus!
Let us know if you would like crash courses on Pro-Life Persuasion for any school groups! For all of these opportunities and resources, email Mia Bordlee. Let her know if you would like to attend the Pro-Life Moderator and Student Leaders meeting coming up in September!
Off campus, there are a variety of youth-involvement and club-networking opportunities. Represent your High School at one of our PULSE meetings at the Louisiana Right to Life Office Headquarters, or at a jam-packed pro-life leadership and advocacy training, PULSE Immersion Weekend! See upcoming dates and locations here.
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Respect Life Month - October 2018
“Every Life: Cherished, Chosen, Sent”
(corresponding to the USCCB theme for the 2018-2019 Respect Life Program)
5 Daily Focus Ideas for Grades K — 5:
1. There is no one else like you!
Prayer — Heavenly Father, every person is created by you because you love us. Each one of us has something important that is different from every other person. May we always remember that we & each person we know is your beautiful, unique creation. May we always cherish our own lives and the lives of all others. In Jesus’ name we ask this prayer…Amen.
Mass Intention — For those all those born & unborn, young & old, healthy & sick, may they be loved as Jesus loves, & may we always cherish each person in our lives; We pray to the Lord…
2. Forgiving those who hurt us
Prayer — Heavenly Father, all of us do things that we know are wrong. May we always remember that Jesus waits for us to say we are sorry & to forgive us. May we also remember in our prayers those who have hurt us in some way large or small, and may we forgive them just like Jesus forgives us. We make this prayer in His name…Amen.
Mass Intention — For those who are struggling with a wrong they have done, may they know the love, mercy, & forgiveness of Jesus; We pray to the Lord…
3. Caring for ourselves
Prayer — Heavenly Father, our lives are a gift from you, including our bodies, our thoughts, and our actions. May we always care for this great gift of being alive by taking care of ourselves and being thankful that God created us just as we are; Jesus’ name we ask this prayer…
Mass Intention — For those who do not take care of themselves; may they recognize what a beautiful gift life is and feel grateful for how God made them; We pray to the Lord…
4. Every person is beautiful in God’s eyes
Prayer -- Heavenly Father, we are all wonderful creations made in your image and likeness. Each of us has beautiful gifts and talents that make us special. May we always see the beauty in each person we meet. We make this prayer in Jesus’ name…
Mass Intention — For those who do not recognize the beauty of each person. May they be able to see You in each person they meet & to treat each person with respect; We pray to the Lord…
5. Caring for those who are very sick
Prayer — Heavenly Father, lift all who are very sick up in prayer. May they feel your love & peace, & may they receive the strength they need from you during their sickness. May all those who care for them be guided by your hands. In Jesus’ name we ask this prayer…
Mass Intention — for all those who are very sick, may they feel your strength & love in their suffering, & may those who care for them be guided by your hands; We pray to the Lord…5 Daily Focus Ideas for Grades 6 — 12:
1. Those struggling with a serious sin: forgiveness is a gift we can both give & receive
Prayer — Heavenly Father, you promise us that if we confess our sins & repent, you will forgive us. May we always seek you whenever we have done wrong & may we receive your forgiveness with joy. We ask this in Jesus’ name…
Mass Intention — for all who are struggling to forgive; May God give them the courage to be freed from whatever burden holds them back from forgiving those who have wronged them; We pray to the Lord…
2. The gift of disability
Prayer — Heavenly Father, each one of us is created by you. Each one of us is in Your image & likeness. May we always see the beauty of You in every person we meet. Help us to always treat others with dignity & respect. In Jesus’ name we pray…
Mass Intention — For those who are struggling with a disability; may they find the compassion of Jesus in our interactions with them, and may their burdens be eased; we pray to the Lord…
3. Those who are pregnant & afraid
Prayer — Heavenly Father, we know all life is precious to you, born & unborn. We ask you today to give strength & courage today to mothers & families who are facing a difficult pregnancy. May they find the help & courage they need to bear any burdens. In Jesus’ name we pray…
Mass Intention — For who are struggling with an unexpected or difficult pregnancy, may they know Jesus’ love & may they find support & help needed during any difficulties to help them love & care for their new babies; we pray to the Lord…
4. Those who are being encouraged to choose assisted suicide
Prayer — Heavenly Father, we ask you to help those who are seriously ill and their families. May they know your peace & comfort in the often difficult days during a serious illness & at the end of their lives. May they be protected from those who would encourage them to choose assisted suicide. And may those who encourage assisted suicide find the truth in the compassion of Jesus who healed the sick. In Jesus’ name we pray…
Mass Intention — for those who are being encouraged to choose assisted suicide, may they be led to life-affirming choices in their struggle with serious illness; We pray to the Lord…
5. Those who are nearing the end of their lives
Prayer — Heavenly Father, many who are near the end of their lives are struggling with great changes. Often there is great physical pain. They may not be able to be a part of life the way they once were. Please give us patience & understanding with those who struggle in this way. In Jesus’ name we pray…
Mass Intention — for those who are nearing life’s end & their caregivers; may they experience patience, strength, & courage in the times that are difficult; We pray to the Lord…Ideas for Spiritual & Corporal Works of Mercy for Life
Spiritual Works
- Mass — at the school Mass during Respect Life Month, include the provided intentions for life - choose from one of the day’s intention or several/all days as it fits best, write other intentions if desired, or pray all the intentions at the school Mass (see below for intentions by grade level)
- Prayer — say the provided prayer for a day’s intention as listed above as a class or as part of the school’s daily announcements…this daily prayer will unite all the schools on the given day for the given prayer (see below for prayer by grade level)
Corporal Works
- Bulletin Board or Poster — to educate & inform…choose one of the 5 topics given & prepare a bulletin board or poster that raises awareness & teaches about the issue. This can be done as a class project or a larger school project. The purpose of this bulletin board or poster is to educate other students in your school. You are also very welcome to submit your bulletin board or poster photos to the Respect Life Office to be featured on the Archdiocesan website.
- Help Christopher Homes (living facilities for the elderly) - Create artwork, notes of encouragement, or seasonal wreaths for a residents’ doors. Often residents do not receive mail or visits from family. This will really brighten the day of many!
- Help ACCESS Pregnancy (Southshore) - Host a class or school diaper drive! ACCESS needs sizes 3, 4, 5, 6 + baby wipes.
- SpeakHope (Northshore) assist mothers who need help during pregnancy
- Participate in our Pro-Life Prayer Card contest. Eligibility - The contest is open to all students in in grades Kindergarten through 12th. There are 3 categories: Kindergarten – 3rd grade, 4th – 7th grade, 8th – 12th Grade. Entry Limit - One prayer and/or one artwork per student. The artwork and prayer submissions will be judged separately. Therefore; the artwork winner may be different from the prayer winner. Entry Deadline - Entries must be submitted to the Choose the Child, email Natasia or mail to 1004 Cheval Place, Kenner 70065 by October 31, 2018. Entries must be either emailed or postmarked by this date. Visit Choose the Child for more details.
Additional help for 2018 - on the website...
Speakers' Topics...
Natasia Kissinger, creator of Footprints for Life & founder of Choose the Child, has excellent Respect Life presentations available for Catholic youth. Please email Natasia for more information.
Additional topics are available via the Respect Life Office's Speakers' Bureau
Louisiana Right to Life's Speakers' Bureau is also available
Suggested videos (for older students)…
Footprints for Life...
A program designed to educate and empower children in Kindergarten through 12th grade to build a Culture of Life. This program builds on a foundation of dignity, compassion, and truth. The program covers USCCB Respect Life topics age-appropriately, and incorporates discussions, activities, and the spiritual and corporal works of mercy into the study of these issues. It is designed to be easily integrated into an already existing program. Please email Natasia or call her at 504-339-5384 to register and for more information. Information can also be found at Choose the Child.
PULSE (Louisiana Right to Life)
The PULSE Youth Initiative of Louisiana Right to Life has resources for the High School students of New Orleans! In these programs, everyone is inspired, educated, and equipped to be the pulse of the pro-life generation.
Teachers have access to educational pamphlets and professional speakers on pro-life topics for their classroom. Pro-Life Moderators and club members can seek advice and materials for various activism and events for their campus!
Let us know if you would like crash courses on Pro-Life Persuasion for any school groups! For all of these opportunities and resources, email Alex Seghers. Let her know if you would like to attend the Pro-Life Moderator and Student Leaders meeting coming up in September!
Off campus, there are a variety of youth-involvement and club-networking opportunities. Represent your High School at one of our PULSE meetings at the Louisiana Right to Life Office Headquarters, or at a jam-packed pro-life leadership and advocacy training, PULSE Immersion Weekend! See upcoming dates and locations here.
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Respect Life Month 2017: "Be Not Afraid"
5 Daily Focus Ideas for Grades K — 5:1. Cherish all human life
Prayer — Heavenly Father, every person is created by you because you love us. Each one of us has something important that is different from every other person. May we always remember that we & each person we know is your beautiful, unique creation. May we always cherish our own lives and the lives of all others. In Jesus’ name we ask this prayer…Amen.
Mass Intention — For those all those born & unborn, young & old, healthy & sick, may they be loved as Jesus loves, & may we always cherish each person in our lives;
We pray to the Lord…
2. Praying for those in prison
Prayer — Heavenly Father, all of us do things that we know are wrong. May we always remember that Jesus waits for us to say we are sorry & to forgive us. May we also remember in our prayers those who are in prison because they have done something wrong. We pray that they too may ask Jesus for forgiveness & know His love. We make this prayer in His name…Amen.
Mass Intention — For those who are in prison, may they know the love, mercy, & forgiveness of Jesus, & may their families find comfort in this difficult time;
We pray to the Lord…
3. For those who are afraid of change
Prayer — Heavenly Father, sometimes we have changes in our lives that make us happy, but sometimes the changes are hard. When you send us something new, may we remember to thank you & look to you to help us during times of change. In Jesus’ name we ask this prayer…
Mass Intention — For those who are afraid of change, may they be strong & trust Jesus in the new change. May we always trust you in any changes in our lives;
We pray to the Lord…
4. Have faith in all things
Prayer -- Heavenly Father, sometimes life is confusing, but we know that you are always in control & love us. Help us to always have faith in your plan for our lives, remembering that you created us because you love us. Give us strength when we feel it is hard to have faith. We make this prayer in Jesus’ name…
Mass Intention — For those who are struggling & finding it hard to have faith, may they always remember that they are your beloved children. May we always be kind & encouraging to those who are having a difficult time;
We pray to the Lord…
5. For those who are very sick
Prayer — Heavenly Father, lift all who are very sick up in prayer. May they feel your love & peace, & may they receive the strength they need from you during their sickness. May all those who care for them be guided by your hands. In Jesus’ name we ask this prayer…
Mass Intention — for all those who are very sick, may they feel your strength & love in their suffering, & may those who care for them be guided by your hands;
We pray to the Lord…
5 Daily Focus Ideas for Grades 6 — 12:
1. For us to build a civilization of love that recognizes the dignity of every personPrayer — Heavenly Father, there are many times in our culture that we hear ideas that do not respect the dignity of every person who is made in God’s image & likeness. May we have the courage to stand up & defend human dignity with the love of Christ in our hearts. We ask this in Jesus’ name…
Mass Intention — for all to recognize the dignity of every person as a unique creation of God made in His image & likeness;
We pray to the Lord…
2. For all to recognized the human dignity of those who are incarceratedPrayer — Heavenly Father, we know that all of us make bad choices sometimes, but your mercy & forgiveness are always their for us. May we always remember that no matter how bad the mistake, all persons are still made in your image & likeness. Help us to always treat others with dignity & respect. In Jesus’ name we pray…
Mass Intention — For those who are incarcerated, may all recognize their dignity as persons & may we foster a culture that encourages mercy & forgiveness for all wrongs;
we pray to the Lord…
3. For those who are pregnant & afraidPrayer — Heavenly Father, we know all life is precious to you, born & unborn. We ask you today to give strength & courage today to mothers & families who are facing a difficult pregnancy. May they find the help & courage they need to bear any burdens. In Jesus’ name we pray…
Mass Intention — For those who are struggling with an unexpected or difficult pregnancy, may they know Jesus’ love & may they find support & help needed during any difficulties to help them love & care for their new babies;
we pray to the Lord…
4. For those who are forced to go against their consciencesPrayer — Heavenly Father, often in our culture there is pressure put on us to do things we know are wrong. May we have the courage to stand up against wrong choices, & may we show mercy & support to help others to make good choices too. In Jesus’ name we pray…
Mass Intention — for those who are forced to go against their consciences; may they be filled with the courage of Christ to make right choices, & may we encourage them to do what is right;
We pray to the Lord…
5. For those who are being encouraged to choose assisted suicidePrayer — Heavenly Father, we ask you to help those who are seriously ill and their families. May they know your peace & comfort in the often difficult days during a serious illness & at the end of their lives. May they be protected from those who would encourage them to choose assisted suicide. And may those who encourage assisted suicide find the truth in the compassion of Jesus who healed the sick. In Jesus’ name we pray…
Mass Intention — for those who are being encouraged to choose assisted suicide, may they be led to life-affirming choices in their struggle with serious illness;
We pray to the Lord…
Ideas for Spiritual & Corporal Works of Mercy for Life
Spiritual Works
- Mass — at the school Mass during Respect Life Month, include the provided intentions for life - choose from one of the day’s intention or several/all days as it fits best, write other intentions if desired, or pray all the intentions at the school Mass (see above for intentions by grade level)
- Prayer — say the provided prayer for a day’s intention as listed above as a class or as part of the school’s daily announcements…this daily prayer will unite all the school on the given day for the given prayer (see above for prayer by grade level)
Corporal Works
- Bulletin Board or Poster — to educate & inform…choose one of the 5 topics given for the week & prepare a bulletin board or poster that raises awareness & teaches about the issue. This can be done as a class project or a larger school project. Submit your bulletin board or poster photos to the Respect Life Office to be featured on the Archdiocesan website.
- Re-entry 72 Packages of Mercy, Cornerstone Builders Messages of Mercy, & Archdiocesan Prison Ministry— The care packages for those newly released from prison should include things like men's toiletries, towels, new undergarments, & other basic items, plus a note of encouragement. Contact Debbie in the Respect Life Office (504-400-4824) to arrange pick up of your school’s packages.
- Conscience Protection Action Item — Congress is considering legislation that would protect the conscience rights of healthcare providers from being forced to assist with abortions. The USCCB has prepared an action alert that you may use in the classroom. Contact Debbie in the Respect Life Office (504-400-4824) if you have questions.
- Poster & Video Contest — for GRADES 5-12 from October 1st through the 31st. Visit Louisiana Right to Life’s website for details & submission form. Showcase the entries for these contests during Respect Life Week. The entries are due for submission by October 31.
Additional help for 2017Speakers' Topics...
Natasia Kissinger, creator of Footprints for Life & founder of Choose the Child, has excellent Respect Life presentations available for Catholic youth. Email Natasia
Additional topics are available via the Respect Life Office's Speakers' BureauLouisiana Right to Life's Speakers' Bureau is also available
Suggested videos (for older students)…
Video highlighting the work of Cornerstone Builders for those in prison & newly released from prison
Footprints for Life, a Respect Life Club Program for elementary students is now available! The mission is to lay a foundation in our children grades K-7. In a world that glorifies the culture of death, it is vital that we teach our children to build a Culture of Life. This program encourages relationships among teachers, volunteers and students, which is essential to building a Culture of Life. In addition, it allows the teachers and volunteers to speak to the humanity of the children – teaching them that they are worthy of dignity and respect.
Please email Natasia to register and for more information.
PULSE (Louisiana Right to Life)
The PULSE Youth Initiative of Louisiana Right to Life has resources for the High School students of New Orleans! In these programs, everyone is inspired, educated, and equipped to be the pulse of the pro-life generation.
Teachers have access to educational pamphlets and professional speakers on pro-life topics for their classroom. Pro-Life Moderators and club members can seek advice and materials for various activism and events for their campus!
Let us know if you would like crash courses on Pro-Life Persuasion for any school groups! For all of these opportunities and resources, email Alex Seghers. Let her know if you would like to attend the Pro-Life Moderator and Student Leaders meeting coming up in September!
Off campus, there are a variety of youth-involvement and club-networking opportunities. Represent your High School at one of our PULSE meetings at the Louisiana Right to Life Office Headquarters, or at a jam-packed pro-life leadership and advocacy training, PULSE Immersion Weekend! See upcoming dates and locations at ProLifePulseLa.com
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2016 Respect Life Week
Respect Life Week 2016
Theme: “Be God's Mercy” — corresponding to the USCCB theme for Respect Life Sunday 2016
Daily Focus Grades K — 5:
- Monday — For those who struggling with disappointment
- Tuesday — For those struggling to forgive
- Wednesday — For those who are struggling with hopelessness
- Thursday — For children whose parents cannot care for them
- Friday — For the elderly
Daily Focus Grades 6 — 12:
- Monday — For spouses who cannot conceive a child
- Tuesday — For those who have had an abortion
- Wednesday — For those tempted to suicide & assisted suicide
- Thursday — For expectant mothers considering adoption & adoptive families
- Friday — For those nearing death
Ideas for Spiritual & Corporal Works of Mercy for Life
Spiritual Works
- Mass — at the school Mass during Respect Life Week, include the provided intentions for life - choose from that day’s intention or another day’s as it fits best, write other intentions if desired, or pray all the intentions at the week’s school Mass (see below for intentions by grade level & day of the week)
- Prayer — say the provided prayer for each day’s intention as listed above as a class or as part of the school’s daily announcements…this daily prayer will unite all the schools on the given day for the given prayer.
Corporal Works
- Bulletin Board or Poster — to educate & inform…choose one of the 5 topics given for the week & prepare a bulletin board or poster that raises awareness & teaches about the issue. This can be done as a class project or a larger school project. Submit your bulletin board or poster photos to the Respect Life Office to be featured on the Archdiocesan website.
- Door wreaths for Christopher Homes' residents -- As a class, grade, or school group, use an undecorated wreath, & have your class/group prepare it with whatever crafting you choose to give to an elderly resident who lives in one of the Christopher Homes facilities.
- Assistance for Angels' Place — As a class, a grade, or school group, gather & bag the items that will be given to the to terminally ill children & their families served by Angels' Place in the New Orleans area. For more information on Angels' Place, please visit their website. At the end of your school’s week, contact Debbie in the Respect Life Office (504-400-4824) to arrange pick up of your school’s gift bags.
- Louisiana Right to Life's New Orleans Poster & Video Contest -- for GRADES 5-12. Showcase the entries for these contests during Respect Life Week. The entries are due for submission by October 31
For detailed information, including the prayers/intentions for each day & the items needed for Angels' Place bags, please email the Respect Life Office
Additional Respect Life presentations/options for Respect Life Week or anytime during the school year...
- Speakers' Topics...
- Additional topics available via the Respect Life Office's Speakers' Bureau
- Footprints for Life, a Respect Life Club Program for elementary students is now available! Email Natasia for details.
- Louisiana Right to Life's Speakers' Bureau