Respect Life Activities

Respect Life Mass

“It is from the blood of Christ that all draw the strength to commit themselves to promoting life. It is precisely this blood that is the most powerful source of hope, indeed it is the foundation of the absolute certitude that in God’s plan life will be victorious.” Gospel of Life n. 25.

Celebrate a school-wide Respect Life Mass or incorporate respect life themes at daily Mass.

Invite pregnant moms to participate in the Mass by bringing up the gifts.

USCCB Word of Life Series (including prayer intentions, bulletin information, and homily notes)

Rosary for Life

“[A] great prayer for life is urgently needed, a prayer which will rise up throughout the world.” Gospel of Life n. 100.

Archbishop O’Brien encourages all classes to pray one decade of the rosary each day for one week. The Joyful Mysteries are suggested.

For rosaries, including very inexpensive “cord” rosaries, click here.

Rosary for Life – Joyful Mysteries Recommended

Intentions for Elementary School

First decade: Let us pray this decade of the Rosary for all pre-born babies and their families.

Second decade: Let us pray this decade of the Rosary that those who are ill or disabled will receive respect, love and comfort from everyone around them – because each person is made in the image of God.

Third decade: Let us pray this decade of the Rosary for the elderly, that they will be treated with love, compassion and respect, and that they will have trust in God’s care for them.

Fourth decade: Let us pray this decade of the Rosary for those who have not always acted in ways that respect God’s plan for life and love, that they will find forgiveness and hope through reconciliation with God.

Fifth decade: Let us pray this decade of the Rosary for families to model God’s pure and unconditional love.

Intentions for Middle and High School

First decade: We pray for any unborn baby in danger of abortion.

Second decade: We pray that God will give any mother in crisis the help and strength she needs to carry her child to birth.

Third decade: We pray for those who have not acted in ways that respect God’s plan for life and love, that they will not give in to discouragement but will turn to God who will comfort and forgive them, and give them a future full of hope.

Fourth decade: We pray that God will change the hearts of legislators who vote for abortion, of judges who rule for abortion, of doctors who perform abortion, and that He will give courage to doctors, nurses, legislators and judges who work to protect the lives of pre-born children and other vulnerable people.

Fifth decade: We pray that God will protect the lives of the elderly and the handicapped form the danger of euthanasia.

Spiritual Adoption

It is very simple. Participants in the Spiritual Adoption Program pledge to pray for nine months for a baby in danger of abortion. While this child will remain unknown to his or her ‘spiritual parent’, God knows who the child is. Many people have found that naming ‘their child’ helps to keep them focused on the reality that their prayers are helping to save a particular baby from the harm of abortion.

This is also a wonderful opportunity to teach children about fetal development and the miracle of life. The Little One Poster Series is an invaluable resource. It is available free of charge to schools and parishes of the Archdiocese of Baltimore from their Respect Life Office at 410-547-5537 or life@archbalt.org.

The school year is very well-suited to conducting Spiritual Adoption. If children “adopt” a child in September, they can track their child’s development and pray for 9 months for that child in danger of abortion. Prayer cards, pledge cares, name bracelets activities can be found at the websites below.

Post developmental landmarks as your adopted babies develop. For a school-wide program, place posters in the cafeteria; for a classroom adoption, post in the classroom. Brochures using the same illustrations and text as the posters are also available at a discount though the Respect Life office. 410-547-5537

In May, throw a baby shower for the spiritually adopted children and donate items to a local pregnancy center. Students should be encouraged to purchase the items with money they have earned or from their allowance. For a list of pregnancy centers or to adopt a pregnancy center as a school, please contact the Respect Life Office at life@archbalt.org.

For more resources:

Spiritual Adoption Program

Little One Posters

Baby Bottle Drive

Place baby bottles at cash registers in the cafeteria for loose change. Next to baby bottle, put information about a local or sponsored pregnancy center. Donate proceeds to that center.

March for Life

Organize students to attend the Marches for Life in DC and Annapolis.

Essay/Art/Poetry Contest

Hold a school wide contest on a specific respect life theme. Post winning entries prominently on a bulletin board and recognize students.