Monthly Focus
This July we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. In anticipation of this milestone, last month, the U.S. bishops consecrated our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Declaration of Independence boldly affirms that first among our inalienable rights is the right to life, given to us by the Creator. Yet despite being so solemnly proclaimed, the right to life is today threatened and often denied, particularly at the moments when life is most fragile. The laws of our nation should—first and foremost—protect life. For “there can be no true democracy without a recognition of every person’s dignity and without respect for his or her rights” (Evangelium vitae, 101).
In the Gospel, Jesus tells us that we are “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Mt. 5:13-14). As Catholics, we have a duty to pursue the common good and a profound obligation to safeguard this most fundamental right to life. Each of us is called to live out our faith publicly, witnessing to the Gospel. For, “if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot” (Mt. 5:13). Nor can we hide our faith under the “bushel basket,” rather, our “light must shine before others” (Mt. 5:15-16).
Through our own prayer, witness, and civic participation, we can help our nation to answer the call to protect the lives of all people. We pray that Catholics will faithfully embrace their Christian responsibility and be strengthened when they encounter resistance or persecution. Together, may we help build a culture of life and civilization of love in our nation.
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.
