The Vatican recently released a pastoral framework titled "Life is Always a Good" which has received affirmation from the U.S. Bishops for its alignment with the "Walking with Moms in Need" initiative. Bishop Thomas highlighted the Vatican's encouragement of this U.S.-based, nationwide, and parish-supported program now commemorating its fifth year.

"We welcome today’s release of a pastoral framework entitled, ‘Life is Always a Good‘ from the Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life," stated Bishop Thomas. He pointed out that the framework corresponds with the thirtieth anniversary of St. John Paul II's pro-life encyclical, Evangelium Vitae. The newly issued Vatican document addresses the Family and Life Offices of Bishops' Conferences globally and introduces a methodology for pastoral planning and synodal discernment.

Bishop Thomas mentioned that the framework covers key life themes including "Beginning of Life," "Throughout the Course of Life," and "End of Life." These categories address various life issues including abortion, sexuality, violence against women, and disabilities, among others.

Bishop Thomas also referred to comments from Pope Francis made five years ago on the twenth-fifth anniversary of the Gospel of Life, encouraging believers, "every human life, unique and unrepeatable, has value in and of itself; it is of inestimable value." Pope Francis urged solidarity and fraternal love for humanity.

The Bishop noted that the framework supports the U.S. initiative "Walking with Moms in Need," which also commemorates its fifth anniversary. The initiative is inspired by the Gospel of Life and utilizes a structured approach of listening to local needs, assessing resources, discerning responses, and implementing and adjusting pastoral efforts to support individuals requiring assistance. Bishop Thomas emphasized that the involvement and engagement of the laity, with encouragement from pastors, is an integral part of this process.