Catholic Digest: New Resource, Divine Mercy Sunday, St. Gianna, and more

 

news + resources from USCCB Respect Life

NEW RESOURCE! SAINT FRANCIS: VISIONARY OF LIFE In celebration of the Year of St. Francis, we reflect on how this 13th-century saint was a visionary of the radiant goodness of human life and powerful model for us in building the culture of life. Download and share the full article in your parish or use the bulletin boxes for smaller spaces. PROTECTING LIFE AND CONSCIENCE On March 19th, the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced that it will investigate thirteen states for unlawfully forcing people to help pay for abortion, especially through health insurance mandates. Bishop Daniel Thomas, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities welcomed the investigations. SAMPLE BULLETIN ANNOUNCMENTS FOR DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY The Sunday of Divine Mercy on April 12 is a powerful opportunity to share Christ’s message of mercy with those who suffer because of their participation in abortion. The parish action guide (English | Spanish) includes sample announcements (English | Spanish) that can be included in parish bulletins with information about your local diocesan ministry for healing after abortion. KEEPING VETERANS' HEALTHCARE PRO-LIFE Last Wednesday, March 25th, the U.S. Senate voted down a resolution that was attempting to revive a Biden Administration policy that had added taxpayer-funded abortions into veterans' health benefits package. The USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities' chairman, Bishop Daniel Thomas, reacted on social media. ST. GIANNA NOVENA: APRIL 19-27 SAMPLE ANNOUNCEMENT- From April 19-27, thousands of Catholics across the country will unite in prayer for pregnant and parenting moms in need, for whom St. Gianna is a powerful intercessor. Download the novena or sign up to receive it daily by email at walkingwithmoms.com/saint-gianna-novena. PRAYERS AND MINISTRIES FOR INFERTILITY The parish toolkit for IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies highlights ministries for married couples who are struggling with infertility, as well as sample intercessions and other resources. The toolkit is available in English and Spanish. WORD OF LIFE: APRIL & MAY 2026 The April 2026 and May 2026 issues of Word of Life are available in English and Spanish. Word of Life is a monthly resource for dioceses and parishes that includes monthly special features, intercessions, bulletin quotes, and graphics. Previous editions can be found in the archive, and anyone can subscribe to receive Word of Life directly by email. MOTHER'S DAY BLESSING OF A CHILD IN THE WOMB Mother's Day is a perfect occasion to offer the Blessing of a Child in the Womb, which is available digitally and as a printed booklet. The parish action guide for the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord gives ideas on how to celebrate the occasion as a parish community that can be easily adapted for Mother's Day. Visit our Website Inclusion in the digest does not necessarily indicate endorsement. USCCB Respect Life About | Website | Store | Support

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