I have been impressed by a call to prayer issued by Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chair of the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities, in response to the leak of a draft opinion in the Supreme Court Case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Let me quote what he says: “The leak related to the U.S. Supreme Court case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization reminds us of the urgent need of prayer and action at this pivotal moment in our country. “As Catholics, we care about every unborn child and mother. Our Church has consistently witnessed in word and deed that life begins at the moment of conception. As the bishops shared in our statement Standing with Moms in Need: we pledge to ‘redouble our efforts to accompany women and couples who are facing unexpected or difficult pregnancies, and during early years of parenthood, offering them loving and compassionate care through initiatives such as Walking with Moms in Need and countless others.’ “At the same time, as we await the Court’s decision, we urge everyone to intensify their prayer and fasting that the final decision of the Court will bring about the reversal of Roe and Casey. “We hope and pray for a change in our laws and stand ready to help all pregnant women in need in each of our communities. “Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us and guide us.” Archbishop Lori mentioned the USCCB statement Standing with Moms in Need in his call to prayer. I think it would be helpful to mention some of the items to which the Bishops urge our dioceses, parishes, and Catholic agencies and institutions to recommit themselves: ·To redouble our efforts to accompany women and couples who are facing unexpected or difficult pregnancies, and during the early years of parenthood, offering them loving and compassionate care through initiatives such as Walking with Moms in Need and countless others. ·To ensure our Catholic parishes are places of welcome for women facing challenging pregnancies or who find it difficult to care for their children after birth, so that any mother needing assistance will receive life-affirming support and be connected with appropriate programs and resources where she can get help. ·To help Catholics recognize the needs of pregnant and parenting moms in their communities, enabling parishioners to know these mothers, to listen to them, and to help them obtain the necessities of life for themselves and their children.
·To be witnesses of love and life by expanding and improving the extensive network of comprehensive care including pregnancy help centers, maternity homes, and Catholic health care and social service agencies. ·To proclaim with a clear and united voice that our society can and must protect and care for both women and their children. ·To redouble our advocacy for laws that ensure the right to life for unborn children and that no mother or family lacks the basic resources needed to care for their children, regardless of race, age, immigration status, or any other factor. ·To continue to support and advocate for public policies and programs directed toward building up the common good and fostering integral human development, with a special concern for the needs of immigrants and low-income families. Until next week, Fr. John