RESPECT LIFE OVERVIEW

The Respect Life Office serves the Church of Worcester by striving to build a culture of life, and upholding and promoting the dignity of human life from the moment of conception to natural death. We work to implement the guidelines of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities, in which we are called upon as Church, with our resources, our people, our services and institutions, to pursue the cause of life with renewed energy and commitment. Through prayer, education, pastoral care, and public policy advocacy, we work to proclaim the Gospel of Life in our midst throughout all ages and stages of life. By working together diligently, prayerfully, and courageously in the Lord’s service, the culture of death that surrounds us today will one day be replaced with a culture of life.

Religious Freedom Week will be celebrated in dioceses nationwide from June 22 to June 29.

Throughout the week we will focus on the importance of preserving the essential right of religious freedom, both now and in the future, for Catholics and all people of faith. This year’s theme is “Life and Dignity for All”.

The significant feast days during the week (Saints Thomas More and John Fisher – June 22, Saint John the Baptist – June 24, and Saints Peter and Paul – June 29) inspire us to follow the example of these great saints who loved God above all and remained faithful in the face of adversity.

Resources for parish and personal use can be found at www.worcesterdiocese.org/religiousfreedomweek. 

Download graphics, themes, and prayer intentions for each day at www.usccb.org/religiousfreedom week. 
 

Say NO to Physician-Assisted Suicide!

The Massachusetts State Legislature is considering passing into law two deeply troubling bills this session which would legalize Physician Assisted Suicide.

The bills, House 2381 and Senate 1384, are identical in text and titled “An Act relative to end of life options”. “The Catholic Bishops of Massachusetts stand united in our strong opposition to Physician Assisted Suicide. It is an affront to life and a dangerous precedent for determining end of life issues. Physicians are trained to care for the ill, not to hasten death.”

Here are some facts to consider:

1) The bills would allow a physician to provide a deadly drug mixture to an individual diagnosed with less than 6 months to live that, when consumed, would cause death. NOTE- That diagnosis could be wrong. Countless individuals have outlived that 6 month diagnosis and enjoyed many more precious months and years with family and friends.

2) No Real Safeguards - A vulnerable individual who is physically disabled, depressed, or fears being a “burden” may be subject to undue influence by others to take the drug mixture, especially if there is a financial benefit as an incentive. 

3) The primary focus of elected officials should be dedicated to legislation providing quality health care, mental health care and palliative care to the sick and dying – particularly in the underserved, poor and minority communities that suffer the most at the time of need.

How can your voice be heard? Call or email your legislators, let them know you are a Massachusetts voter, and say NO Physician Assisted Suicide! Click the links below to find:

• Your individual State Senator and Representative via address and zip code link.

• Members of the legislative Joint Committee on Health Care Financing who will be considering these bills.

CLICK THE LINK FOR MORE INFORMATION


Physician Assisted Suicide in Massachusetts

COVID Vaccine Information Page

Annual Respect Life Program

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"Working for a culture of life and love, we know that we can rely on the help of God,
for whom nothing is impossible."

~ St. Pope John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, n. 100
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