‘Every human life is sacred’; Respect Life Month kicks off with events throughout the archdiocese of San Antonio

The Archdiocese of San Antonio will offer a series of Masses featuring themes related to respecting the dignity of the human person. Additionally, organizations throughout the archdiocese offer resources for healing and social justice ministry; a sample of resources follows the Mass information.

Three Masses offered by Archdiocese for Respect Life Month

Saturday, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m.: Auxiliary Bishop Michael Boulette, DD, will celebrate Mass at St. Lawrence Church (236 E. Petaluma Blvd., San Antonio). The theme will be “Euthanasia / Assisted Suicide.”

Sunday, Oct. 15, at 8 a.m.: Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS, will celebrate Mass at San Fernando Cathedral (115 W. Main Plaza, San Antonio). The theme will be “The Miracle of Life in the Womb.”

Sunday Oct. 29, at 12:30 p.m.: Father Lawrence Christian, VG, will celebrate Mass at St. Ann Church (210 St. Ann St., San Antonio). The theme will be “Capital Punishment / Accompanying Incarcerated and their Families.”

Additionally, after the March for Life organized by the Knights of Columbus of Floresville, there will be a Mass celebrated at Sacred Heart Church (1009 Trail St., Floresville), on Oct. 7 at 10 a.m., celebrated by Bishop Emeritus Michael Pfeifer, OMI. There will be other Marches for Life in January.


Below is a sample of the many archdiocesan resources available for people who need help with matters of human dignity.

The Adolescent Pregnancy & Parenting Program through Catholic Charities provides help to people who become parents earlier than anticipated. More information is available from the program director, Enid Reyes, at 210-222-1294 x 235.

Project Rachel of San Antonio is a healing network of specially-trained priests, therapists, and laypersons who provide care for men and women suffering the aftermath of abortion. Project Rachel offers ministry referrals, retreats, support groups, educational programs, and resources for parishes. For more information, call 210-342-4673 or visit www.anewchoice.org.

Seton Home, part of Catholic Charities, provides shelter for teens and children and serves abused and neglected adolescents who are pregnant or parenting. The home offers education, daily living skills, mental health services, and overall support. Information is available at 210-533-3504 and www.setonhomesa.org

Catholic Physicians’ Guild of San Antonio is an association of health care professionals that informs, organizes, and inspires members to uphold principles of the Catholic faith in the practice of medicine. Information is available at www.cathmeda.org and by calling 210-579-0716.

CHRISTUS VNA HomeCare offers home health and hospice services from an interdisciplinary team of health care professionals. The faith-based, not-for-profit home care system includes adult home health, pediatric home care, private duty services, and adult and pediatric hospice and palliative care. Information is available by calling 210-785-5200 or by visiting www.christushomecare.org.

Retired & Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Catholic Charities recruits and involves people age 55 and older in meaningful volunteer community services. Call 210-222-0301 for more information.

More than 25 programs for human life and dignity are funded by generous donors to the annual Archbishop’s Appeal, including Domestic Human Trafficking Prevention and Support, Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide, Caritas Legal Services, and many others. Contact your parish for other resources or for ways to get involved in Respect Life Ministry and to donate to the annual appeal.

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