RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY
SAINT THERESA OF THE INFANT JESUS PARISH
RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY
The Stages
of Human Life
(Conception)
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Stages of Human
Life
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Conception
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CONCEPTION Natural reproduction Married couples are called to assist in our Creator's work by transmitting human life. Openness to fertility is essential to marriage. A child is the most precious of gifts. Many couples will have the baby consecrated in the womb by a priest as as an acknowledgment of the gift and a commitment to life. Since Our Lady of Guadalupe's image depicted Mary during her pregnancy, she has become the Patroness of the pro-life movement. Many request her intercession for the unborn and pray to her in reparation for abortion. Here's another Marian prayer for the protection of life: "Oh Mary, Mother of the Unborn, protect the gift of human life that your divine son has allowed to be given. Give strength and joy to all parents as they await the birth of the precious child they have conceived. Give courage to those who are fearful, calm those who are anxious and guide all of us, with your motherly care, to treasure and protect the miraculous gift of human life. We ask this through your son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." A traditional prayer for the intercession of Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Unborn Sins against
natural reproduction include abortion, artificial fertilization,
cloning, and embryonic stem cell research. Abortion is the intentional taking of an innocent human life. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (2270) states: "Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person--among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life." Father Frank Pavone wrote an article on The Bible's Teaching Against Abortion. Some people will argue that the Bible never mentions the term "abortion". While this is true, there is clearly enough teaching about creation and life. "You shall not kill" is clear in Christ's words in Matthew 19:18, and in the Old Testament in Exodus 20:13 and Deuteronomy 5:17. The Bible is also clear that life begins at the moment of conception: But when God, who
from my mother's womb had set me apart and called me through his
grace... Before I
formed you in the womb I knew you... You formed
my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb
For the
moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my
womb leaped for joy And, there are numerous serious health risks associated with abortion. The Elliot Institute has information available on-line, "Detrimental Effects of Abortion". Pregnancy Centers also provides information about risks and complications associated with abortion. There is so much misinformation about abortions. It is important to read solid medical documentation about its effects.
Abortion Alternatives - Unexpected events can happen in everyone's lives. If you think you may be pregnant and need help, please do not be afraid to seek it. There are many caring, loving and understanding people who are waiting to help you make the right decision. Please do not think that abortion is your only option. Trained, nonjudgmental counselors can help you get through your crisis. There are other options and there are people anxious to help you with your choice for life. Children are a wonderful gift from God. On this earth, we humans will not know God's plans for each child and parent, but we will understand someday in Heaven. Please consider having your child and raising your child. There are resources to help you in every way needed. A list of Alternatives to Abortion can be found on the Priests for Life web site. Locally, there are several options to assist you: Morning
Star Pregnancy Services 717 901-2799
Here are some nationwide organizations and toll free telephone numbers: Nurturing Network
800 TNN-4MOM If you can find no way to keep and raise your child, you may also want to consider offering your child for adoption. Some options to assist you include: Catholic Charities
Adoption 717 238-5944
Artificial Procreation - God is the Creator and we are His creations. We tread on dangerous ground when we try to become "creators". The teaching of the Church is very clear. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (2376 and 2377) explains: "Techniques that entail the dissociation of husband and wife, by the intrusion of a person other than the couple (donation of sperm or ovum, surrogate uterus) are gravely immoral. These techniques (heterologous artificial insemination and fertilization) infringe the child's right to be born of a father and mother known to him and bound to each other by marriage. They betray the spouses' right to become a father and a mother only through each other. "Techniques involving only the married couple (homologous artificial insemination and fertilization) are perhaps less reprehensible, yet remain morally unacceptable. They dissociate the sexual act from the procreative act. The act which brings the child into existence is no longer an act by which two persons give themselves to one another, but one that entrusts the life and identity of the embryo into the power of doctors and biologists and establishes the domination of technology over the origin and destiny of the human person. Such a relationship of domination is in itself contrary to the dignity and equality that must be common to parents and children. Under the moral aspect procreation is deprived of its proper perfection when it is not willed as the fruit of the conjugal act, that is to say, of the specific act of the spouses' union...Only respect for the link between the meanings of the conjugal act and respect for the unity of the human being make possible procreation in conformity with the dignity of the person."
We offer special prayers and love for those who have not been able to have children, and those who have suffered the loss of children.
Physical Sterility - The Catechism of the Catholic Church (2379) offers the following, "Spouses who still suffer from infertility after exhausting legitimate medical procedures should unite themselves with the Lord's Cross, the source of all spiritual fecundity. They can give expression of their generosity by adopting abandoned children or performing demanding services for others." Miscarriage, Still Birth, and Infant Death - The loss of a child is a heart wrenching experience. It can cause families to question their faith, and ask why a loving God could allow such things to happen. St. Theresa said these words about trust amid suffering: "Our Lord never ask sacrifices from us beyond our strength. At times, it is true this Divine Savior makes us feel all the bitterness of the chalice He is offering our soul. When He asks the sacrifice of all that is precious in this world, it is impossible, without a very special grace, not to cry out like Him in the garden of agony 'Father, let this chalice pass from me, but not my will, but Your will be done'. It is very consoling to think that Jesus, the Strong God, knew our weaknesses, that He trembled at the sight of the bitter chalice, this chalice that He had in the past so ardently desired to drink." Meditating on the sufferings of Our Lady of Sorrows may help us know that she hears our cries and shares in our sorrows, with comfort, compassion and empathy. "No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 There is a greater
appreciation for the grief of parents who lose a child before birth
or soon after birth. Dr. Byron Calhoun, President of the American
Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG),
is a key advocate of the Perinatal Hospice concept. This concept
focuses on the family and allows time for bonding, loving and losing.
Dr. Calhoun is also working with Priests for Life to enable priests
to be more knowledgeable regarding these options. For more
information, please visit the AAPLOG web site.
St. Theresa Cloning and Stem Cell Research - The Church's teaching is clear that cloning and stem cell research is morally unacceptable and a grave injustice to human dignity. Father Peter West addressed the National Pro-life Religious Council on May 7, 2002, and explained our position on cloning beautifully. And, it's not just an issue that happens somewhere else. Pennsylvania's Senator Arlen Specter has supported "therapeutic" cloning. Michael Ciccocioppo, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation wrote an excellent article on Senator Specter's misleading position. Two good articles on embryonic stem cell research are available on the Priests for Life web site, and the Human Life International web site. The Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics is another great source for information on stem cell research. |
