Florida Catholic | Bishop Dewane's Column

Respect Life collection helps promote value of human life

OCTOBER 5, 2007

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

For many years, the Catholic Church has been at the forefront on the issue of the sanctity of and respect for human life. In this context, the Diocese of Venice will conduct its first Respect Life Collection in conjunction with National Respect Life Sunday on the weekend of Oct. 6-7. This special second collection will support various local organizations and programs that request needed financial support from the church.

Local pregnancy resource centers throughout the diocese help women choose life for their children. They offer the emotional and spiritual support that is often lacking and provide links to needed financial resources in the community. Maternity homes offer a safe, supportive environment when housing is an issue. After-birth homes provide support for mom and baby so a mother can continue her education to better provide for herself and her child. These programs save and improve lives, but they need funds to continue their good work. Post-abortion healing programs such as Project Rachel and Rachel’s Vineyard help women and men heal from the emotional wounds of abortion.

Respect for life also includes concerns at the end of earthly life and other issues.

People find themselves unable to cope with being alone and in failing health. They need support and love from their parish family and community.

By sponsoring one collection yearly, each parish will have the opportunity to contribute to organizations that support life from conception to natural death.

The funds collected will remain in the Diocese of Venice and will facilitate our witness as a faith community to the value of all human life.

Please be generous in your expression of respect for life. Thank you for your support of this effort. May God bless you!

Sincerely in Christ,

+ Frank J. Dewane

Bishop of Venice in Florida

Return to the Diocese of Venice Home Page