Monthly Focus
In 2021, Pope Francis established the celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. In the U.S., we observe this celebration in September, joining the Church’s efforts to highlight the value and importance of grandparents and the elderly in our families and in society.
While the elderly have traditionally held places of honor in various cultures, today, elderly members of our families and communities often live lives marked by isolation and loneliness. Rather than being a beloved and integral part of a family, they are too often forgotten or overlooked. In the most tragic circumstances, some even seek to end their own lives through assisted suicide so as not to be a burden to their loved ones. Pope Francis has described this shift as a “throwaway culture” in which the weakest are neglected or worse when they are no longer of interest or “use.”
As persons made in the image and likeness of God, we possess an infinite dignity that can never be compromised by age or ability. This truth must guide each of us in our responsibility to lovingly accompany those who are in greater need of our time, care, and attention as they face their later years. Such accompaniment is of particular importance as they near the end of their lives, often enduring great sufferings as they prepare for their entrance to eternal life.
May each of us hear and respond to the plea of the elderly entrusted to our care: “Do not cast me aside in my old age; as my strength fails, do not forsake me” (Psalm 71:9).
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.
2025 Mass for the Preborn
Please join us on January 25, 2025, as Bishop Shlesinger celebrates our annual Mass for the Preborn, in special memory of babies lost to abortion since 1973. Rosary begins at 9:30 am and Mass begins at 10 am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (4465 Northside Drive, NW, Atlanta, GA 30327).
2025 Georgia March for Life
Ready to join?
Join us Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Liberty Plaza outside the state capitol.
