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Respect Life

The Respect Life Program of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte exists to promote and protect human life through the sharing of relevant resources. We support and work alongside the USCCB Pro-Life Secretariat, Parish Groups and other Pro-Life organizations. Please find on this page Respect Life resources. We regularly update this page with timely and relevant information on Life Issues and Concerns in our diocese, in our state and in our country. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions. Thank you for all you do for Life! 

“How can there be too many children?
That is like saying there are too many flowers.”
– St. Teresa of Calcutta

Advocacy for Life

The Church urges Catholics to participate in political life.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, “It is necessary that all participate, according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This is inherent in the dignity of the human person … As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life” (see nos. 1913-1915).  Catholics are called to political involvement that is guided by moral principles, with the dignity of all human life from the moment of conception until natural death being the paramount principle from which all others flow.  The Church does not serve the interests of a particular party or interest group, but calls all people of good will to see the inherent value of human life, because we are all made in the image and likeness of God.  Once this is accepted as our grounding moral principle, we naturally will want to work to protect human life and nurture human life to fulfillment, which means working to meet the needs of those marginalized in society, and giving voice to those who lack a strong voice to protect their human rights and their well-being.

To help you stay informed and have a voice in public policy matters, Catholic Charities provides educational events and mailings in the Diocese of Charlotte. These resources are based on Catholic Social Teaching, and they often go along with campaigns and alerts from our bishop and other Catholic entities.

The mission of Catholic Charities is to be a ministry of “charity, service, and justice.”

Catholic Voice NC

The primary public policy and advocacy tool in the Diocese of Charlotte is Catholic Voice NC (CVNC), established by the Bishops of Charlotte and Raleigh in July 2008. CVNC offers North Carolina’s Catholics an opportunity to have a greater voice in the political process, especially in state legislative matters under consideration by the General Assembly in Raleigh. Staff members provide advice to CVNC through participation on the CVNC Advisory Board.

Past alerts have focused on issues like the Racial Justice Act, a sex education bill, school violence protection, a “Choose Life” license plate, the marriage amendment, conscience protection, the Freedom of Choice Act, and health care reform.

To receive email advocacy alerts issued by CVNC and various national Catholic organizations, we encourage you to sign up at the links listed here.

Resources

Respect Life Booklet

The Diocese of Charlotte Respect Life Resource Booklet, produced by the Respect Life Program of Catholic Charities is linked here. In this booklet, you will find many educational tools and useful resources to help start, grow and guide your Respect Life parish-based ministry. 

Feel free to print the PDF in English and Spanish.

Rachel’s Vineyard Ministry

Forgiveness and Healing Following Abortion

Are you or a loved one seeking healing from the effects of a past abortion? Rachel’s Vineyard Weekend Retreats, are offered by Catholic Charities for men and women in the western, central and eastern regions of the Diocese of Charlotte.  For information about upcoming retreats, including retreats in neighboring dioceses, please contact Jessica Grabowski (English): 704-370-3229 / jrgrabowski@charlottediocese.org or Lorena Haynes: (English & Spanish) 828-585-0483

Pro-Life Web Resources

 Resources

USCCB Pro-Life Resources

USCCB Respect Life Program 

To address the “slippery slope” of diminished respect for life found in the United States, the American bishops established the National Office of Respect Life more than 20 years ago. 

The Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, under the guidance and direction of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities, works to teach respect for all human life from conception to natural death, and organize for its protection. 

 Each year they produce an updated Respect Life Program Packet. For the 2019-2020 year, the USCCB Pro-Life secretariat has introduced additional digital and printable resources. They can all be viewed at the Respect Life Program link above. Please contact Jessica Grabowski with questions about the current program.


USCCB Monthly WORD OF LIFE

Media Kit 

Pastoral Plan For Pro-Life Activities: A Campaign In Support Of Life

USCCB Respect Life Program

Program Catalog

Respect Life Conference

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