Staff Report

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati, in unison with all Catholic dioceses in the United States, will celebrate Respect Life Sunday the weekend of Oct. 4-5.

This year’s theme from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is “Each of us is a masterpiece of God’s creation.”

According to an August letter from Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr to the priests of the archdiocese,the theme was inspired by Pope Francis’ “Day for Life” greeting where he said, “Even the weakest and most vulnerable, the sick, they old, the unborn and the poor are masterpieces of God’s creation, made in his own image, destined to live forever, and deserving of the utmost reverence and respect.”

The letter goes on to explain that for the past 42 years parishes of this archdiocese have participated in the local Respect Life Collection held in conjunction with the celebration. Archbishop Schnurr’s letter encouraged pastors to give their parishioners a chance to contribute to this collection at this weekend’s Masses.

The collection benefits multiple agencies that support life. Organizations can apply for the funds through the annual grant process of the Family and Respect Life Office. More than 25 different organizations received funds in 2014.

More information on the USCCB’s Respect Life program can be found HERE.

Posted Oct. 3, 2014