The Sacredness of Human Life

I am so grateful for our parishioners who are active in our “Respect Life Ministry,” led by Mary Fleming. Of course, we are all part of promoting the value of each human life, so thanks for the way you ‘choose life’ in your own ways – having children, caring for a family member with a disability, caring for an aging person, loving a teenager who tests your limits. It was great to be a part of the prayer day this past Monday we held at Mosaic, our local pregnancy care center, and to see so many parishioners involved in this. You may also join parishioners outside Planned Parenthood for an hour of prayer at our Adopt-a-day on October 29.

I will always be grateful for the way my high school, Mater Dei Catholic in Breese, taught and modeled for us how to be ‘pro-life’ in various ways, including being a part of my first pro-life rally when I was a sophomore. God was using those formative days to prepare me for the times when, as a priest, I have been called upon to minister to and care for women and men who have had an abortion and come seeking grace and healing after regretting their decision years later.

During this month, I also offer special prayers for those of you who have lost a child through a miscarriage. This loss is very difficult for many parents, but they often carry their grief privately. Each child, in the womb, deceased, or living, is so sacred in God’s eyes…and held lovingly in God’s arms for eternity.

With you in prayers for a greater respect for each human life,
Fr. Jim Deiters