Monthly Focus
The Advent season is a time in which the Church invites us to prepare our hearts and minds for the second coming of Christ and the memorial of Jesus’ birth at Christmas. During this season of preparation, we can ponder the preparations Mary and Joseph were making to welcome the Infant Jesus. The Holy Family found themselves on a journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem when they took refuge in a humble manger and welcomed the Son of God. The Newborn King did not arrive in a palace of riches, but in poverty and simplicity among the livestock.
Today, mothers in our communities find themselves in similar circumstances, unexpectedly pregnant and facing many challenges. Like the Holy Family, they are in great need and in search of a place of refuge to bring their child into the world. They may find themselves alone, scared, and overwhelmed, not knowing where to turn for help and dependent on the kindness and service of others.
The story of the first Christmas should remind us of our call to care for mothers and their children when they are in their hour of need. In assisting a mother to prepare for the birth of her child, we share in a profound way in preparing for the coming of Christ. In such an act of loving support and encouragement, we recall those who came to aid of the Holy Family and ultimately beheld the Son of God. In helping mothers to welcome their children we can help them to encounter the joy, hope, and peace offered through the advent of the Infant Jesus, seeing in their child, the face of God himself.
Opportunities to get involved
We provide year-round opportunities, for individuals and families, looking to serve in the Respect Life Ministry. If you have any questions, please contact Bev Osterbur at
respectlife@saintlaw.org.
Respect Life Baby Shower 2025
The Respect Life Ministry hosts an annual baby shower for Georgia Wellness Clinic (formerly Obria) to support pregnant moms in the Gwinnett area. The shower is scheduled for Saturday, February 1 at 10AM, and all are invited.
Baby Layette item suggestions:
• Bodysuits - “Onesies”
• Pants with footsie
• Long footed (one-piece) pajamas
• Sleep gowns
• Rompers - with short or long legs
• Comfy stretch hats
• Socks with a cuff to stay on!
• Light weight baby blankets
• Burp Cloths & Bibs
• Sleep sack for cold weather
• T-Shirts with fold-over fabric (for mittens)
• Baby washcloths & towels
• Soap/ lotion for sensitive skin
• Sweater / Jacket
Please return gifts by January 25-26 (to the Narthex) or bring with you to the Baby Shower! All are welcome!
Diapers & Depend Drive
October, Each Year
The Respect Life Ministry will be collecting diapers, depends and feminine products for young girls to be donated to Mending the Gap, Obria and Nothing but the Truth.
The purpose of this drive is to bring awareness of the needs of the community, as we support moms with diapers, support our underprivileged seniors with Depends, and our young teenage girls who need feminine products so they can continue to go to school.
Collection of Easter Baskets
The Respect Life Ministry collects Easter Gift Bags to donate to Catholic Charities each year. Collection of items for bags and/or completed bags will take place next March (at the beginning of Lent).
Baby Bottle Campaign
This campaign taken up annually, beginning Mother's Day weekend and ending on Father's Day weekend, seeks to raise funds to support the Georgia Wellness Medical Clinic for the needs of pregnant moms that have chosen life but are struggling financially. These moms need support with medical care and supplies for their baby.
CASA Pajama Drive
This pajama/sweats collection for C.A.S.A. (Court Appointed Special Advocate) supports the youth in the Division of Family and Children Services in Gwinnett County. Information and sizes will be available in August 2025. Collection weekend is August 23-24, 2025.
The children that C.A.S.A. works with are displaced and transitioning from very difficult and often dangerous situations. Any contribution is appreciated.
2026 Mass for the Preborn
Please join us on Thursday March 12, 2026, as Archbishop Hartmayer celebrates our annual Mass for the Preborn, in special memory of babies lost to abortion since 1973. Rosary begins at 9:00 am at Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (48 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30303).
2026 Georgia March for Life
Ready to join the rally?
Join us Thursday, March 6, 2026, at Liberty Plaza outside the state capitol (262 Capitol Ave., SE, Atlanta GA 30334) at 12pm.
