Archdiocese marks Respect Life Month with Masses, podcast, message from Archbishop Vigneron on dangers of Proposal 3

Established in 1972, Respect Life Month in the U.S. Catholic Church is dedicated to fostering a culture of life through public information, education, pastoral care, public policy, and prayer.

The Catholic faithful in the Archdiocese of Detroit are preparing to mark Respect Life Month in October in recognition of their call to cherish, defend, and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning of life to its end, and at every point in between.

Respect Life Month was established in the U.S. Catholic Church in 1972, months before the 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion nationwide. Its purpose is to build and promote a greater culture of life through public information, education, pastoral care, public policy, and prayer.

This year, the Archdiocese of Detroit is recognizing Respect Life Month with two special Masses celebrated by Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron and Auxiliary Bishop Robert Fisher, a dedicated episode of the Archbishop’s podcast, Eyes on Jesus, a message to the faithful on the dangers of Proposal 3’s “anything goes” approach to abortion, and a redoubling of efforts in all parishes to support women, children, and families in need.

Masses with Archbishop Vigneron and Bishop Fisher

• Mass on Respect Life Sunday, giving thanks to God for the sacred gift of human life, 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 2 at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Archbishop Vigneron will celebrate Mass giving thanks to our Lord for the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade and praying for the grace to continue promoting a culture of life at all stages.
• Mass with prayers during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Month, 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 23 at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Bishop Fisher will celebrate Mass acknowledging the God-given dignity of the unborn and newly born and standing in solidarity with those who have suffered a heartbreaking loss. Parents and families of pregnancy and infant loss are invited to receive a memorial rosary and a special blessing from the bishop.

Eyes on Jesus: Respect Life Month

• Archbishop Vigneron discusses Respect Life Month, including its significance this year as people in Michigan prepare to vote on the Proposal 3 amendment that would allow unregulated abortion in Michigan. Note to listeners: This episode was recorded in early September, before the proposal was officially placed on the ballot.

Letter and video from Archbishop Vigneron to the faithful regarding Proposal 3

• Archbishop Vigneron calls on the faithful to pray, vote, and give in order to defeat Proposal 3 in rejection of its “anything goes” approach to the destruction of human life.

Walking With Moms in Need

• All parishes in the Archdiocese of Detroit have been encouraged to begin the ministry of Walking With Moms in Need, a partnership between the Archdiocese of Detroit and Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan to equip Catholic parishes and parishioners in raising awareness about resources for pregnant and parenting moms in need. This effort is a reflection of the Church’s enduring mission to accompany women and families in need, no matter what happens with Proposal 3 or any other abortion-related policy.

Members of the media are welcome to attend Mass with Archbishop Vigneron and/or Bishop Fisher. To arrange for coverage, please contact Holly Fournier at fournier.holly@aod.org. To preserve the dignity of the services, we ask that camera operators refrain from using flashes or any form of artificial lighting, and that special care be taken not to impede the processions for Holy Communion. Thank you in advance for heeding any instructions you may receive from parish and archdiocesan personnel.

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