Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Grace and peace to the people of God, as expressed in a recent letter from a bishop. The letter draws inspiration from St. Paul and Jesus, emphasizing the importance of serving one another through acts of love and charity. It highlights October as "Respect Life Month," urging the faithful to cherish life from conception to natural death.

The bishop encourages welcoming others, viewing it as an opportunity to offer love rooted in justice. The letter stresses that all individuals, regardless of faith or ability, are children of God deserving respect and care. This message is underscored by a prayer for courage to become missionaries who spread the Gospel through actions and words.

Pope Francis is quoted: “It is also important for all of us to remember that what drives us to be missionaries is not the need to meet quotas or to proselytize, but rather our desire to make known to as many brothers and sisters as possible the joy of encountering Christ.”

The bishop reminds believers that joy stems from being God's children, forgiving others as God forgives them. Respecting life should be a lifelong commitment intertwined with recognizing each person's sacred dignity.

The letter also addresses Florida Amendment 4 on the November 2024 ballot, which proposes legalizing full-term abortion without protections for preborn children. The bishop urges Floridians to oppose this amendment, stating: “By voting no to Florida Amendment 4, we affirm that each child in his/her mother’s womb is a gift of God.”

In conclusion, believers are encouraged to approach life's challenges with confidence in God's grace.