[email protected]
9100 93rd Avenue North
Brooklyn Park, MN, 55445
(763) 425-2210
Respect Life Ministry
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"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you." Jeremiah 1:5 -
We are all created in the image and likeness of God.
The St. Vincent de Paul Respect Life Ministry works to promote and respect human life from conception to natural death. We all have the responsibility to nurture, protect, and sustain life at all stages. Our parish, in collaboration with our parish school, the Archdiocese Office of Marriage and Family Life, local and international organizations, as well as surrounding parishes, will work towards the common goal of protecting life.
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SEPTEMBER REFLECTION
In 2021, Pope Francis established the celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. In the U.S., we observe this celebration in September, joining the Church’s efforts to highlight the value and importance of grandparents and the elderly in our families and in society.
While the elderly have traditionally held places of honor in various cultures, today, elderly members of our families and communities often live lives marked by isolation and loneliness. Rather than being a beloved and integral part of a family, they are too often forgotten or overlooked. In the most tragic circumstances, some even seek to end their own lives through assisted suicide so as not to be a burden to their loved ones. Pope Francis has described this shift as a “throwaway culture” in which the weakest are neglected or worse when they are no longer of interest or “use.”
As persons made in the image and likeness of God, we possess an infinite dignity that can never be compromised by age or ability. This truth must guide each of us in our responsibility to lovingly accompany those who are in greater need of our time, care, and attention as they face their later years. Such accompaniment is of particular importance as they near the end of their lives, often enduring great sufferings as they prepare for their entrance to eternal life.
May each of us hear and respond to the plea of the elderly entrusted to our care: “Do not cast me aside in my old age; as my strength fails, do not forsake me” (Psalm 71:9).
Reflection taken from USCCB September Respect Life prayer guide -
Prayer for the Month of September
ACT:Take time this week to call or visit an elderly grandparent, family member, neighbor, or friend.
Offer some other sacrifice or prayer that you feel called to do for this month’s intention.
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Resources
Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
The Respect Life (Pro-life) Outreach of the Archdiocese aims to promote respect for human life from conception to natural death, to bring about a conversion of heart and mind to be open to God’s special gift of life. A consistent ethic of life reflects the Church’s firm conviction of the dignity of each and every person. Created in the image and likeness of God, every person is unique and special. Each of us has a responsibility to God, to self and to others to nurture, protect and sustain life at all stages.
USCCB
The USCCB proclaims that human life is a precious gift from God; that each person who receives this gift has responsibilities toward God, self and others; and that society, through its laws and social institutions, must protect and nurture human life at every stage of its existence. (USCCB Website)
Pro-Life Action Ministries
Pro-LIfe Action Ministries is an interdenominational Christian organization dedicated to publicly defending the sanctity of human life. We work to save lives from abortion, infanticide and euthanasia through peaceful direct-action and educational projects. We are best known for our daily presence in front of abortion facilities praying and offering love and support to abortion-bound mothers.
Human Life Alliance
Human Life Alliance promotes awareness of the inherent dignity and personhood of human life, born and preborn, without exception or compromise. Human Life Alliance proclaims and defends a culture of life and chastity through education, social and political awareness and life-affirming alternatives to abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide and euthanasia. Human Life Alliance accomplishes its mission in a spirit of prayer and non-violence.
Women's Care Center
Our Parish supports this pregnancy resource center which is dedicated to restoring hope for women facing unplanned pregnancies. Women's Care Center provides free, confidential counseling, support and education for pregnant women, free pregnancy testing, and ultrasounds. Women's Care Center can help you every step of the way! A counselor is available by email to answer your questions. Email: [email protected]
Rachel's Vineyard
Rachel’s Vineyard Twin Cities is a Catholic 501(c)3 non-profit organization that offers weekend retreats to help women and men resolve issues of guilt, shame, pain, grief, and anxiety after an abortion. Their retreats are open to people of all faiths and anyone impacted by abortion (moms, dads, grandparents, siblings, abortion workers, etc.).
Project Rachel
Through Project Rachel, which is the Catholic Church's post-abortion healing ministry, women can find forgiveness and peace of heart through compassionate counseling.
Maria's Voice
Engage the public community-wide through three pillars of Domestic Violence Prevention: Awareness, Education, and Safe Action.
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What can I do?
- Pray
- Walk with those who are in need of mercy and compassion
- Participate in Respect Life events offered at the Parish level as well as in the community
- Support Women's Care Center in Anoka
- Visit the Kiosk in the link for resource pamphlets
- Be an advocate at the Legislative level
- If you are interested in the Respect Life Ministry contact Margaret Schauer in the Parish Office
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Contact Us
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Margaret Schauermargaretschauersaintvdp.orgPastoral Minister
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