WASHINGTON—In a statement to mark
Respect Life Month, October 2017, Timothy Cardinal Dolan of New York reiterated
the need to build a culture of life throughout the year. Cardinal Dolan chairs
the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
(USCCB). The Cardinal’s statement launches the year-long 2017-18 Respect Life
Program (www.usccb.org/respectlife), which provides materials exploring the theme, “Be Not
Afraid.”

“Looking back over the last year, there’s been
a lot of uncertainty, suffering, and heartache. Between tragedies that occur in
the public eye and trials that take place in our personal lives, there’s no
shortage of reasons we cry out to God,” Cardinal Dolan said. “At such times, we
may feel alone and unequipped… But we have an anchor of hope to cling to. …God
says to us, ‘Do not fear: I am with you’ (Isaiah 41:10).”

“There are times we may doubt the value of our
own lives or falter at the thought of welcoming and embracing the life of
another. But…He makes all things beautiful. He makes all things new. He is the
God of redemption,” the Cardinal said. “That’s powerful. That’s something to
hold onto.”

“As followers of Jesus Christ, …we are called
to be missionary disciples…commissioned to reach out to one another, especially
to the weak and vulnerable,” Cardinal Dolan said.

Begun in 1972, the Respect Life
Program highlights the value and dignity of human life throughout the year. Materials
are intended for use across the spectrum of Catholic life, work, ministry, and
education.

The 2017-18 Respect Life Program
features six articles on
a range of issues. They address practical steps to build a culture of life, compelling
reasons to oppose assisted suicide, principles to consider at the end of life,
an overview of the role of conscience, offering genuine support to a friend who’s
considering abortion, and a Catholic Q & A on the death penalty. Many digital
and print resources are offered, including toolkits for priests
and deacons, parishes, Catholic education, Respect Life ministry, youth
ministry, young adult ministry, faith formation, and communications.

The full text of Cardinal Dolan’s
statement is available along with many other resources at www.usccb.org/respectlife.

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Keywords: USCCB, U.S. bishops,
Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Committee on Pro-Life Activities, pro-life, Respect
Life Month, Respect Life Program, human dignity, women, pregnancy, abortion,
conscience, death penalty, capital punishment, elder care, end of life care,
advance medical directives, assisted suicide, prayer, social justice,
#BeNotAfraid

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Media Contact:
Judy Keane
202-541-3200

Source:: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops