The Church of St. Augustine in Providence, Rhode Island shared a note with the parishioners on the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time. 

“Each October the Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month, and the first Sunday of October is observed as Respect Life Sunday. As Catholics, we are called to cherish, defend and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning of life to its end, and at every point in between,” Rev. Forcier wrote. 

During October, it is asked of all parishioners and Catholics everywhere to think more about the sanctity and dignity of human life. 

During this time, it also requested that we reflect on Pope John Paul II’s encyclical, Evangelium vitae, which comments on the fact that life is a sacred gift that requires protection both before and after birth. 

“The U.S. Bishops have consistently reaffirmed that ‘the threat of abortion remains our preeminent priority because it directly attacks life itself, because it takes place within the sanctuary of the family, and because of the number of lives destroyed (over 4000 a day),’” Rev. Forcier wrote.

If we do ignore the fact that human life is important and refuse to do our part to protect against issues such as racism, poverty and other challenges, we face moral complications. 

While abortion is not solely a Catholic issue, it is an intrinsic evil that we must fight against. 

“There are opportunities for us to actively live out the Gospel of Christ, especially during Respect Life Month. The 40 Days for Life campaign (Sept. 23-Nov. 1) is a focused pro-life effort that consists of: 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion; 40 days of peaceful vigil; 40 days of community outreach,” Rev. Forcier wrote. 

Finally, the church participated in the Annual Life Chain Sunday on Oct. 4, which took place at St. Patrick Church in Providence.