“There can be no true democracy without a recognition of every person’s dignity and without respect for his or her rights.  Nor can there be true peace unless life is defended and promoted.” Gospel of Life ¶ 101.

"Protecting and promoting the inviolable rights of persons is the most solemn responsibility of civil authority. As Americans and as religious leaders we are committed to governance by a system of law that protects human rights and maintains the common good."  - Pastoral Plan for Pro-life Activities (to see full text of doument, click here)

Evangelization & Public Witness

Join a Life Chain. 

Groups throughout Maryland host Life Chains.  Pro-life people join together in a public witness of their convictions.  They hold signs, pray, and show their support for the unborn.  For local Life Chains. 

March for Life. 

Each January, thousands of pro-lifers gather on the National Mall and march to the steps of the Supreme Court.  Send a bus down to the March for Life in Annapolis or Washington or team up with another local parish which sends a bus and advertise in bulletin and at Mass.

If your parish does not send a bus to the March for Life, have a special Mass, Rosary, or Holy Hour on the day of the March for Life (January 22^nd) to pray for those marching, for the unborn, and for their parents.

Plant a Cemetery of the Unborn. 

This is a visible symbol commemorating children and the effort to reverse Roe v. Wade.  White crosses are planted on the lawn of the parish for a period of time.  Invite parishioners to help with this important reminder to people that Roe v Wade must be overturned.  Ask them to bring an implement to tap the crosses into the ground. 

St. Mary’s in Pylesville has planted a “Field of the Innocents” annually for 5 years.  A member of their Respect Life Committee made the crosses with materials donated from a local business. They plant enough crosses to represent every unborn child lost to abortion every hour of every day in the United States (149 this year).  Between 3 and 7 volunteers put the crosses up the Saturday before Palm Sunday and take them down the Sunday after Ascension Thursday (to avoid lawnmowing issues). 

Sidewalk Counsel.

Invite a speaker (see our Speakers Bureau) to teach your parish about sidewalk counseling.  Join fellow parishioners or others in prayerful presence outside an abortion clinic.  Invite interested parishioners to “sidewalk counsel” women entering the clinic.

Set up a Monument to the Unborn. 

Several local parishes have a monument to the unborn.  Fundraise in your parish to purchase a monument and set it up on the parish grounds.  For a Blessing for a Monument to the Unborn, see Pro-life Prayers.

Host a booth with pro-life information at a fair or festival.

St. Thomas Aquinas hosts a booth at both HonFest and HampdenFest. 

Advertise.

Purchase an ad in a local paper.  Include facts about right to life issues, pregnancy and post-abortion resources available, and compelling quotes.

St. Patrick sponsors an ad during Respect Life Month.  St. Patrick (Cumberland) sponsors an ad for Mothers Day.

Encourage Faithful Citizenship.

“In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation.” United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, No. 13

Full Statement: Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

Join the Catholic Advocacy Network

Sign up for e-mail alerts on important life issues and share with your parish, family, and friends.  Sign up here.

Facilitate Citizen Lobbying

Educate parishioners through speakers at youth, men’s, women’s, or seniors’ groups, in the bulletin, through announcements after Mass, etc. about upcoming state and federal legislation and invite them to write to their state and federal legislators.

For information about political activity related to the right to life: Maryland Catholic Conference, Respect Life

Announce the dates and subjects of upcoming elections.

Print in bulletin, make announcement after Mass, or post dates and subjects on a standing poster in the narthex.

Advertise and attend “Lobby Night.” 

The Maryland Catholic Conference holds Lobby Night each year.  In February 2009, nearly 700 Maryland Catholics joined in Annapolis to lobby their legislators.  Advertise Lobby Night in your parish and encourage parishioners to attend.

Print Sunday bulletin inserts.

“We strongly urge all parishioners to register, to become informed on key issues, and to vote. The Church does not support or oppose any candidate, but seeks to focus attention on the moral and human dimensions of issues. We do not authorize the distribution of partisan political materials on parish property.”

Distribute cards after all Masses one Sunday or in the Sunday bulletin summarizing seven key themes of Catholic social teaching that can serve as guidelines for involvement in public life (available from the USCCB).

Invite CCD and adult education programs to teach Faithful Citizenship.

Lesson Plans for Elementary Age students

Lesson Plan for Junior/Senior High School Catechetical Sessions

Lesson Plan for Adult Education groups

Organize a non-partisan voter registration at your parish.

Tips on how to organize a voter registration drive (scroll to mid-page).

Run a Project Life Postcard Campaign. 

The National Committee for Human Life Amendment sponsors Project Life postcard campaigns on various issues.  The Respect life Office of the Archdiocese will alert parish coordinators about these campaigns.   

A major grassroots effort is imperative to ensure the passage of federal pro-life policies. Members of Congress must receive a visible and frequent stream of information, opinions and support, especially those members who need encouragement to remain steadfast in the pro-life cause.

Set up a Letter Writing Campaign. 

Life-related issues face legislators regularly.  Choose one, research it (Maryland Catholic Conference, National Right to Life Committee, Maryland Right to Life), and set up a table in the vestibule of your parish after Masses.  Draft a letter to your legislators and print it on postcards.  Leave space on the cards for parishioners to sign and write in a return address.  Stock the table with information about the issue, pens, and pre-printed postcards.  Ask your pastor to make an announcement after the Masses.  Man the table with volunteers who can answer questions.  Recruit volunteers to gather the postcards, address them to the proper legislator (Find your Legislator), stamp them, and mail them.

Your committee's target should be to send a minimum of fifty letters or phone calls to your representative during every legislative session. Your goal is to have the legislator give full commitment to the pro-life position.