San Albino - Pro Life Ministry




	The Church calls us to have a Respect for Life. Respect for life involves many issues of human life. These include issues affecting pre-born human life (both in the womb and in the laboratory), individuals approaching the end of their lives, complications for those who may be incapable of making medical decisions for themselves, and individuals accused or convicted of capital crimes. “It is impossible to further the common good without acknowledging and defending the right to life, upon which all the other inalienable rights of individuals are founded and from which they develop. A society lacks solid foundations when, on the one hand, it asserts values such as the dignity of the person, justice and peace, but then, on the other hand, radically acts to the contrary by allowing or tolerating a variety of ways in which human life is devalued and violated, especially where it is weak or marginalized. Only respect for life can be the foundation and guarantee of the most precious and essential goods of society, such as democracy and peace.” Pope John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae (1995), no. 101
		We can easily find many sources that tell us not to kill or disrespect others. Perhaps we should begin the search here in the Sacred Scriptures with Jesus telling us how to treat one another: ”…Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Mat 25:40) "The least of these..." would surely include the unborn, the elderly, the mentally or physically infirm, and the disadvantaged as well as innocent children and those who cannot defend or protect themselves. Because Jesus is our Lord and King, we bow down to him and we even kneel in his presence. Why? We want to show Him our respect. If we do not show respect to all, even the weak, we do not show respect to Jesus.
	Some ask, "Why is abortion such a big issue?" Our Church teachings tell us that abortion is always wrong and can never be justified. In other words, abortion is intrinsically evil. It is not the purpose of this page to explore all the teachings on life. But, it may be worthwhile to examine a few paragraphs of Catechism of the Catholic Church on the topic: (CCC 2270) 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. Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth. (CCC 2271) Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law: You shall not kill the embryo by abortion and shall not cause the newborn to perish. God, the Lord of life, has entrusted to men the noble mission of safeguarding life, and men must carry it out in a manner worthy of themselves. Life must be protected with the utmost care from the moment of conception: abortion and infanticide are abominable crimes. (CCC 2272) Formal co-operation in an abortion constitutes a grave offence. The Church attaches the canonical penalty of excommunication to this crime against human life. 'A person who procures a completed abortion incurs excommunication latae sententiae' 'by the very commission of the offence', and subject to the conditions provided by Canon Law. The Church does not thereby intend to restrict the scope of mercy. Rather, she makes clear the gravity of the crime committed, the irreparable harm done to the innocent who is put to death, as well as to the parents and the whole of society. "Oh" some say, " let's look at the scientific evidence to see when life begins." Yes, let's do that! When Life Begins is an interview on the topic.
		We accept and believe these teachings. We believe they follow both natural and moral law. For this reason we undertake ministries to teach and encourage respect for life in our Church and in our community. Please check out our links to Respect for Life/Pro-Life web sites.