Respect Life Challenge: A Call to Action

Respect Life Challenge: A Call to Action

• Saturdays in October
• 10-11:30 a.m.
• In person and livestreamed

“Therefore, with St. John Paul II, I reaffirm with renewed conviction the appeal he addressed to everyone 25 years ago: ‘Respect, defend, love and serve life, every life, every human life! Only on this path will you find justice, development, freedom, peace and happiness!’ ”

— Pope Francis speaking in March, marking the 25th anniversary of Evangelium Vitae (“The Gospel of Life”), St. John Paul’s encyclical on the dignity and sacredness of all human life.

The Catholic church has set aside October as “Respect Life Month” for many years. Each year we are asked to raise our awareness to another level of what it means to respect the “incomparable and inviolable worth of every human life” (Evangelium Vitae, Paragraph 96)

On the Saturdays in October, Precious Blood Renewal Center will host a series of panel discussions looking at five distinct aspects of human life. Fr. Ron Will, CPPS, will lead the panels at 10-11:30 a.m. Central Time. You can join us in-person or via Zoom.

Oct 2 — Elder Abuse Awareness
We will meet individuals who have experienced abuse as the elderly and we will learn how to look for warning signs in our own homes and local care facilities. Guest speakers: Nanna Cross and Julie Kuzera from Jane Adams Senior Caucus. Here are some resources you can download:

1. Red Flags of Abuse
2. How to Protect Yourself
3. Twelve Things You Can Do to Prevent Elder Abuse
4. Missouri Abuse and Neglect Hotline
5. List of Mandatory Reporters

Oct 9 —Losing a Child to Homicide
We will meet mothers who have lost children to gun violence or incarceration coming together to talk, support and heal. Guest speaker: Sr. Donna Liette, C.PP.S. and members of the Mothers Circle at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in Chicago.

Oct 16 — Abolishing the Death Penalty
We will meet individuals who are working toward alternatives to the death penalty and will learn why they believe so strongly that all life must be treated with respect. Guest speakers: Jean Swymeler, Connie Swymeler, and Margaret D’Huyvetter from Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.

Oct 23 — Preventing Gun Violence
Gun violence is a growing concern in our country. We will meet two priests who addressed that situation in their parish ministry. We will learn what they did and why. Guest speakers: Fathers Joesph Uecker, C.PP.S., and Mike Goode C.PP.S.

Oct. 30 — Grieving Miscarriage or Stillborn
We will meet mothers who have lost a child through a miscarriage or a stillbirth. They will tell us about the grieving process and how to find ongoing support. Guest Speakers: Kara Palladino, Colleen Sullivan, and Deacon Gerard-Marie Anthony from A Mom’s Peace, in Virginia.

These are among the many examples of life calling for greater respect. As Missionaries of the Precious Blood, the “cry of the blood” challenges us to not only listen but also to respond. Therefore, our goal in is not to have just a philosophical discussion but to move to some practical, action steps, so that participants will go away saying “I can do that.”

Register or get  more information:

• Email: info@pbrenewalcenter.org
• Phone: 816-415-3745
• Online: pbrenewalcenter.org/events

By virtue of our sharing in Christ’s royal mission, our support and promotion of human life must be accomplished through the service of charity, which finds expression in personal witness, various forms of volunteer work, social activity and political commitment.
— Evangelium Vitae, Paragraph 87