March for Life
For several years, the Respect Life Ministry has sponsored a pilgrimage to the National March for Life in Washington, D.C. Students from the Catholic high schools, Confirmation students, parish pro-life groups, and individuals come together the day before to travel by bus to our nation’s Capital to participate in the Opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. On the day of the March, local or pilgrim priests celebrate Mass in the hotel where the pilgrim group is staying. This Mass is followed by an inspirational pro-life speaker and then the actual March.
The Respect Life Ministry also participates in the Connecticut March for Life to witness to the need for the State laws allowing abortion to be reversed.
Respect Life Mass and St. Gianna Molla Awards
In October, the Respect Life Ministry plans a Mass to celebrate Respect Life Month. During this Mass, the St. Gianna Molla Pro-Life Award is presented to persons selected for their outstanding service in the respect life mission in their respective parish or program.
Mass of Remembrance
Annually, the Respect Life Ministry holds a Mass to remember children who have died from any cause – disease, accidents, abortion, abuse, miscarriage. The location of the Mass changes each year to accommodate parishes in different parts of the archdiocese.
40 Days for Life, Promoting Pro-Life Services, Prayer
The Respect Life Office fosters pastoral programs for women and men, e.g., Project Rachel and pregnancy crisis centers; advocates for public policies that support human life; coordinates the archdiocesan participation in 40 Days for Life; and provides opportunities for liturgy and prayer with the theme of the inherent dignity of the human person.