Catholic social teaching is based on two truths about the human person…

Catholic social Catholic social teaching is basedteaching is based

on two truths on two truths about the human about the human

person…person…

human lifehuman lifeis bothis both

sacred and socialsacred and social

Because we esteem Because we esteem human life as human life as

sacred sacred

we have a duty towe have a duty toprotect and foster itprotect and foster it

at all stages of at all stages of developmentdevelopment

from conception from conception to deathto death

and in all and in all circumstances.circumstances.

Because we Because we acknowledge that acknowledge that

human lifehuman lifeis also socialis also social

we must developwe must developthe kind of societal the kind of societal

environmentenvironment

that protects and fostersthat protects and fostersits development.its development.

Joseph Cardinal BernardinJoseph Cardinal Bernardin The Consistent Ethic of Life The Consistent Ethic of Life

19851985

To that end it is our duty to reach out to

those in need.

I started my cycles three years ago and they’re really bad. I don’t want to be on the pill.

Why is it so difficult for us to get pregnant. Is it my fault? Is it his?

I’m 13 and starting high school next year. But I’m afraid. I don’t want to be pressured into doing what other kids are.

My arms ache terribly from agonizing to hold that child.

My arms ache terribly from agonizing to hold that child.

I hug a teddy bear just to have something there.

"I can't even grieve properly. What am I supposed to grieve? I have nothing.

He was real and he was my son and I miss him."

"I can't even grieve properly. What am I supposed to grieve? I have nothing.

I experience same-sex attractions--does that mean I’m “gay”?

What does the word “gay” mean? . . . Does it really apply to me?

I had my life all planned out. I never expected this could happen to me. What am I going to do?

How can I tell my husband our baby may have a birth defect and we should terminate the pregnancy.

It is not enough for the people of life to be just opposed to

attacks upon human life,

it is essential that we be in favour of building a new culture of human

life

that respects the life and the dignity of

every member of the human family.

Pope John Paul IIEvangelium Vitae

(The Gospel of Life)1995.

In our commitment to the value of human life, we must integrate our thoughts and words with our actions.

Appreciating the Gift of Our Fertility

FertilityCare Program

Professional Services in Natural Procreative Education and Technology

Our marriage has been enriched through the program. Warrens (3 yrs.)

We have witnessed four beautiful miracles of life created by God through us and NFP.Jim and Kelly Peeters

FertilityCare has helped me understand and better appreciate the gift of my fertility.

Retreats for Grade 8 students—focus on the sacredness of human life, teen chastity, and other issues the students will face in the years to come.

Project Rachel

Project Rachel

I was finally able to forgive myself. I know that God has given me a peaceful mind, cleansed my heart and has washed away my guilt.”

Togetherwe

can makea new

Beginning

Post Abortion Counseling and Reconciliation

The Gabriel Project

Opening the doors of the Church to mothers and

babies in need

“I couldn’t believe that someone I didn’t even know would care about me and my baby.”

“People said I didn’t love my baby if I chose to place him for adoption.

My Gabriel Angel helped me to see I did the right thing. I knew it all along.”

“People said I didn’t love my baby if I chose to place him for adoption.

“My Angel doesn’t criticize me; she just listens and offers suggestions.

Someday maybe I can help another girl just like my Gabriel Angel helped me.”

“My Angel doesn’t criticize me; she just listens and offers suggestions.

A spiritual support group for individuals struggling with same-sex attractions.

Finally, I had arrived at a place where others could relate to me, a place where I could foster chaste friendships with other men who truly cared.

The priests have been gentle and understanding. Courage has given me peace and direction.

A ministry within Courage dedicated to the spiritual needs of parents, siblings, children, and other relatives and friends of persons who have same-sex attractions.

We received the devastating news that our daughter struggles with homosexual feelings, but through the grace of God, we were led to Encourage.

We were given loving support, understanding of the problem, and guidance according to the teaching of the Catholic Church. Where else could we have turned? How else could we have coped?

The support for respect life work

within the Diocese and your community must be a priority for all.

Only by combining our efforts and continuing our

support in building a culture of life

will we be able to overcome the

culture of death and affirm the value of

life.

Bishop John Michael SherlockThe Value of Life A Consistent Ethic

1999

Working to instill respect for the value of human life in all stages and conditions.

Committed to restoring and proclaiming the rights and dignity of all human beings.

Embracing the Gospel of Life

RESPECT LIFE OFFICEDIOCESE OF

PETERBOROUGH