10/02/2024
The Respect for Life Committee invites all parishioners to a baby shower on Sunday, October 20, 2024. We will collect much needed baby items to be donated to: Holy Family Home, Mother of Life Pregnancy Center, and RI Right to Life. Any baby items will be appreciated, but diapers (especially sizes 4, 5, and 6) and wipes are always most needed. Cash donations or Amazon gift cards will also be accepted. Donations can be dropped off at any mass during the October 19-20 weekend. A celebration of life will be held following the 10 am mass at the Presentation Church
09/18/2024
Join other pro-life advocates for these upcoming events: 40 Days for Life: September 25 - November 3, is a focused, 40-day peaceful prayer vigil. Participate by spending one hour (or more) each week in prayer at Planned Parenthood, 175 Broad St, Providence. For more information, visit https://www.40daysforlife.com.
Life Chain Sunday, October 6th 2-3 PM. Bring your entire family to join a peaceful gathering of prayer and public witness for life and for the end of abortion. Some locations include St Patrick Church, Providence and St Philip Church, Greenville. For more information, visit https:// dioceseofprovidence.org/life-and-family-respect-life
09/10/2024
Please join RI Right to Life on Saturday, September 21 at 10am for the Jericho Walk, which has become Rhode Island's Annual March for Life. We will gather for an opening prayer in St. Patrick Church parking lot then proceed east on Smith Street to the Rhode Island State House, encircling the perimeter three times in silent prayer before proceeding back for a closing prayer. Our prayer intention will be for the repentance and conversion of our elected representatives in RI and in Washington D.C., that they may turn away from evil and promote a culture of life by prohibiting the taking of innocent human life from conception to natural death.08/28/2024
Your pro-life vote is needed now more than ever! Conscience rights are now being challenged here in Rhode Island. Visit www.faithfulcitizenship.org to learn about the steps you can take to form your conscience, watch videos, and access other great resources. Then vote on Tuesday, September 10th. PRO-LIFE General Assembly endorsements (Senators and Representatives) can be found in the August 22nd edition of the Rhode Island Catholic.
08/14/2024
Having received the gift of the Gospel of Life, we are the people of life and a people for life. It is our duty to proclaim the Gospel of Life to the world. To proclaim Jesus is to proclaim life itself. Gratitude and joy at the incomparable dignity of the human person impel us to bring the Gospel of life to the hearts of all people and make it penetrate every part of society.”07/24/2024
May the Eucharistic Presence of Jesus strengthen Catholics to stand up for the protection of every human life.
07/02/2024
“Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord” –Psalm 33:12 Together, let us pray for our nation: May our laws protect every person’s right to life, from conception to natural death.
06/19/2024
“O God our Creator, we ask you to bless us in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty. Give us the strength of mind and heart to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened; give us courage in making our voices heard on behalf of the rights of your Church and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith.”
06/12/2024
Through our prayers and through the intercession of St. Joseph, patron of fathers, may fathers come to know the irreplaceable role they hold in the lives of their children, and the responsibility they share in welcoming God’s gift of new life!
05/22/2024
Two twin sisters, each pregnant, were headed into Planned Parenthood, but soon agreed to board Ancora, the Mobile Care Center, which was parked outside. One of the moms already has a 2-year-old at home. The other mom admitted that she has no support from the baby’s father. The same morning, a third mom also boarded Ancora. All three moms were between 15-22 weeks pregnant. All three chose to keep their babies after listening to their heartbeats and seeing their ultrasound pictures! Each will be receiving support from RI Right to Life’s Maternity Hope Chest. Please continue to pray that hearts and minds are changed here in Rhode Island. As you can see, your prayers are making a difference! Also, please continue to support pro-life agencies like RI Right to Life, Mother of Life Center, the Diocese’s St Gabriel’s Call, and of course, Holy Family Home for Mothers and Children. They can’t exist without our help!
05/08/2024
God’s love—individual, real, unchanging—is the true source of our worth, identity, and dignity. It really is not a question of who we are, but rather whose we are. Because his love will never change, nothing can reduce our God-given dignity, and nothing can diminish the immeasurable worth of our lives.
04/24/2024
“We are facing an enormous and dramatic clash between good and evil, death and life, the ‘culture of death’ and the ‘culture of life.’ We find ourselves not only ‘faced with’ but necessarily ‘in the midst of’ this conflict: we are all involved and we all share in it, with the inescapable responsibility of choosing to be unconditionally pro-life.”
04/11/2024
We pray for those tempted to end their lives: that through the grace of the Resurrection, Christ will fill them with hope, belief in his love, and the assurance that their lives are worth living.
04/03/2024
We pray for those who have participated in an abortion and feel they have committed an unforgiveable sin: May they each come to know the Lord’s limitless mercy, and turn to Him for forgiveness and healing
03/31/2024
May the glory of the Resurrection inspire lasting hope in all who work to protect human life.
03/06/2024
A woman with an unexpected pregnancy may have any number of fears and challenges: facing judgment from her friends and family, losing her job or housing, or being abandoned by the father of her child. Following Mary’s example, we can ask ourselves how to better know these mothers, listen to them, seek understanding, and help them obtain the necessities of life for themselves and their children.
02/21/2024
There is such a wide spectrum of issues involving the protection of human life and the promotion of human dignity. Good people frequently disagree on which problems to address, which policies to adopt and how best to apply them. But for citizens and elected officials alike, the basic principle is simple: We must begin with a commitment never to intentionally kill, or collude in the killing, of any innocent human life, no matter how broken, unformed, disabled, or desperate that life may seem. In other words, the choice of certain ways of acting is always and radically incompatible with the love of God and the dignity of the human person created in His image.
02/07/2024
Love Beyond Words is this year’s theme for World Marriage Day (celebrated Sunday, February 11). This special day honors husband and wife as the foundation of the family – the basic unit of society. It salutes the beauty of their faithfulness, sacrifice, and joy in daily married life.
01/24/2024
“O St. Bakhita, assist all those who are trapped in a state of slavery; Intercede with God on their behalf so that they will be released from their chains of captivity. Those whom man enslaves, let God set free.” USCCB “Prayer to St. Josephine Bakhita,” patron saint of victims of human trafficking; Feast Day February 8
01/11/2024
January is pro-life month. All are welcome to participate: Join the 9 Days for Life Novena Jan 16-24; visit https://www.respectlife.org/9-days-for-life
Bishop Richard G. Henning will celebrate a Mass for Life, Sunday, January 21, on Sanctity of Human Life Sunday at Our Lady of Mercy, 65 Third St., East Greenwich at 5 pm. The traveling Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be present. Monday, January 22 is dedicated as a Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children in all the Dioceses of the United States of America. We are each called to observe this day through the penitential practices of prayer, fasting, and/or almsgiving. Join RI Right to Life for the 2024 RI Pro-Life State House Day of Prayer on Wednesday, January 24, 3 to 4 pm in the State House Rotunda
01/07/2024
Through the Incarnation and birth of Christ, God reveals to us the dignity of all human life. Human life, as a gift of God, is sacred and inviolable. The Son of God has united himself with every human being and desires for us to share eternal life with him. Each of us is made in the image and likeness of God, and we reflect his glory in the world.
12/25/2023
Dearest St Joseph, help us to faithfully commit ourselves to the service and defense of human life - especially where it is vulnerable or threatened. Obtain for us the grace to do the will of God in all things.
12/18/2023
“To celebrate the Gospel of life means to celebrate the God of life, the God who gives life…In every child which is born and in every person who lives or dies we see the image of God’s glory. We celebrate this glory in every human being, a sign of the living God, an icon of Jesus Christ". The Gospel of Life 84
12/12/2023
O Blessed Mother, at the angel’s word you went in haste to the aid of your cousin Elizabeth. Although pregnant yourself, you placed her needs before your own. By your example of radical solidarity, teach us to reverence and protect those in need, without conditions or expectations. Obtain for us the grace to bring Christ to any expectant mother who is alone and afraid.
12/05/2023
Through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, may Our Lord grant us the grace to truly and courageously live his Gospel of life.
11/15/2023
Pope Pius XI instituted the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe in 1925 as a reminder that Christ reigns above all earthly rulers. While temporal powers will fade away, Christ's reign and his kingdom remain eternal. Let us declare to the world and remind ourselves that Jesus is the Lord of the Church and of the entire universe.
11/09/2023
More states are attempting to legalize doctor-assisted suicide, inaccurately claiming it’s just another option for end-of-life care. Foundational differences between the two, including how the legalization of assisted suicide undermines quality care, can be found at: bit.ly/killing-pain-not-patient . November is National Palliative Care Month.
10/25/2023
“Never tire of firmly speaking out in defense of life from its conception and do not be deterred from the commitment to defend the dignity of every human person with courageous determination.
Christ is with you: be not afraid!” - Pope Saint John Paul II
10/19/2023
Join other pro-life advocates from the Diocese for the annual Human Life Guild Day on Saturday, October 28, 9 am – 1 pm at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence. The day begins with holy mass and the presentation of the 2023 Human Life Guild Awards. The $25 ticket includes brunch followed by Catholic speakers. Speaking topics include “The Splendor of Truth: Moral Wisdom for Contemporary Challenges.” Register online at provd.io/HLG23 or by contacting Lisa Cooley, Coordinator, at [email protected] or (401) 278-2518.
10/04/2023
October is Respect Life Month. May we show by our words and actions that every human life is cherished and chosen by God.
09/27/2023
St Philip’s Parish in Greenville is presenting THE BEAUTY AND TRUTH OF CATHOLIC TEACHING ON END-OF-LIFE ISSUES. In this three-part series, guest speakers will present the fullness of Catholic teaching on suffering, death and dying, and explain the false premises of the physician-assisted suicide movements. This series will help us to better understand and carry out Christ’s mandate to care for the sick and dying in a manner that honors God and respects the dignity of persons. $15 cost; Thursdays, October, 5, 12, and 19. Contact Veronica Plante at 401-949-0330
09/20/2023
October is Respect Life Month. Join other pro-life advocates across the Diocese for these upcoming events:
• Wednesday, September 27 through Sunday, November 5 | 40 Days for Life prayer vigil at Planned Parenthood, Providence
• Sunday, October 1 | Life Chain Sunday
• Saturday, October 28 | Human Life Guild Day
• Friday - Sunday, October 27-29 | Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat
(English & Spanish)
For more information, visit https://dioceseofprovidence.org/life-and-family-respect-life or contact Lisa Cooley at the Office of Life and Family, Diocese of Providence or Monica at [email protected].
09/06/2023
We are created to walk with and support one another. We don't need to fear reaching out in love. Help others experi ence the strength of God's message that resounds throughout time: “Do not fear: I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10).
08/30/2023
Please prayerfully consider how to vote your Catholic conscience in the Congressional District 1 Special Election Primaries on Tuesday, September 5th. We ask God to bring us leaders who will uphold the dignity of all human life, from conception to natural death.
08/16/2023
“Suicidal individuals—with or without a terminal illness— typically do not want to die; they want to escape what they perceive to be an intolerable situation, and they inaccurately believe that suicide is their only way out. The patient requesting assisted suicide is often asking, ‘Does anyone want me to be alive, or care enough to talk me out of this request and support me through this difficult time?’” -USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, “Every Suicide is Tragic”
08/09/203
For those who are gravely ill or dying, may our Blessed Mother ease their pain and fears, and by her glorious Assumption, console them with the hope of eternal life.
08/02/2023
This weekend, we pray for the 400,000+ participants of World Youth Day. The motto, “Mary arose and went with haste,” which describes Mary’s immediate visit to her elderly cousin Elizabeth after the Angel's annunciation, connects the event to the World Day for Grandparents and Elderly celebrated just two weeks earlier. Thus, the two themes highlight the importance of dialogue between generations.
07/25/2023
We often assume parenthood happens easily after ‘I do,’ but for many married couples, it does not. If you experience difficulty bringing a child into your family, know that you are not alone. God is with you, and his Church desires to walk with you. God has a beautiful plan for your life as a married couple. Please visit https://springsinthedesert.org, a ministry dedicated to accompanying infertile couples with love and understanding, through weekly prayer groups, blogs (some in Spanish), and podcasts.
07/19/2023
This Sunday, we celebrate the 3rd World Day for Grandparents and Elderly with the theme “His mercy is from age to age,” thereby connecting the day with World Youth Day which will be celebrated in Lisbon, Portugal during the first week of August. The motto for World Youth Day is “Mary arose and went with haste,” taken from Luke's Gospel, when Mary immediately goes to meet her elderly cousin Elizabeth after the Angel's annunciation. Thus, the two themes highlight the importance of dialogue between generations.
07/14/2023
We often assume parenthood happens easily after ‘I do,’ but for many married couples, it does not. If you experience difficulty bringing a child into your family, know that you are not alone. God is with you, and his Church desires to walk with you. God has a beautiful plan for your life as a married couple.” Please visit https://springsinthedesert.org, a ministry dedicated to accompanying infertile couples with love and understanding, through weekly prayer groups, blogs (some available in Spanish), and podcasts.
06/28/2023
Save The 1 (SaveThe1.com) protects, supports, and empowers women who become pregnant by rape and their children conceived in rape, as well those given a poor prenatal diagnosis. A baby is not the worst thing that can happen to a rape victim — an abortion is. This is what both those who have chosen life and those who have chosen abortion tell us.
On July 6th, we celebrate the Feast of St Maria Goretti, patron saint of rape victims. Saint Maria Goretti, pray for us!
06/22/2023
June 24 marks the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs case and overturning of Roe v. Wade and we celebrate every life that has been saved since then! But, the fight to end abortion has just moved from the Supreme Court to your community! Fourteen states are now Abortion-free! Twenty-five states have at least been able to limit abortions. Here, in Rhode Island, we must not give up. We continue to fight tirelessly to change hearts and minds.
06/14/2023
May all fathers reflect God’s constant, steady love as they embrace their roles of guardian, father, and protector.
05/31/2023
Sometimes, a mother is very conflicted about what she is about to do and the deciding factor in choosing life is the simple affirmation from another person who believes that abortion is wrong and a child in the womb has a right to life. In May, yet another innocent child was saved from abortion here in Rhode Island, because someone reached out in love and was able to bring the mom from Planned Parenthood to the Mother of Life Pregnancy Center where she will continue to receive the support that she needs. This would not be possible without the prayers of the whole community.
05/12/2023
The Lord says to us, “Do not fear: I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10). He speaks these words not as one who merely observes our pain, but as one who experienced immense suffering. And the very wounds that bear witness to his suffering indicate the essence of our identity and worth: we are loved by God. Reflecting on the healed wounds of the Risen Christ, we see that even our most difficult trials can be the place where God manifests his victory. He makes all things beautiful. He makes all things new.
05/08/2023
Mary, Mother Most Holy, you sanctified the vocation of motherhood. Pour out your heavenly aid on all mothers and help them to be holy. Mary, pray for us.
04/28/2023
Sometimes, a mother is very conflicted about what she is about to do and the deciding factor in choosing life is the simple affirmation from another person who believes that abortion is wrong and a child in the womb has a right to life. In April, another innocent child was saved from abortion, because someone reached out in love and was able to bring this mom to the Mother of Life Preg-
nancy Center where she will continue to receive the support that she needs.
04/23/2023
A society is all the more human to the degree that it cares effectively for its most frail and suffering members, in a spirit of fraternal love. Let us strive to achieve this goal, so that no one will feel alone, excluded, or abandoned. - Pope Francis, Message for the 29th World Day of the Sick 2021
04/12/2023
May those who have participated in an abortion and feel they have committed an unforgiveable sin come to know the Lord’s limitless mercy and turn to Him for forgiveness and healing.
04/05/2023
May the glory of the Resurrection inspire lasting hope in all who work to protect human life. Like us, Christ entered the world through the womb of a woman. He willingly experienced the fullness of human suffering. He breathed his last on the Cross at Calvary in order that He might save us. Therefore, “God is the foundation of hope: not any god, but the God who has a human face and who has loved us to the end” (Spe salvi 31).
04/02/2023
No sin or crime is greater than God’s mercy. The sacrifice of the Cross reveals that Christ’s greatest desire is to forgive those with a repentant heart.
03/22/2023
This weekend we celebrated the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. And as we all know, the whole world was changed by this unplanned pregnancy.
03/08/2023
Like every other human family, the Holy Family had to confront real and concrete challenges. Yet, “in every situation, Joseph declared his own ‘fiat’” (PC 3). His ‘yes’ to the Lord meant that regardless of the hardship and personal sacrifice to himself, he consistently chose to put the needs of Mary and Jesus before his own. Joseph’s devotion helps reveal to us our own call to show special care for the lives of those whom God has entrusted to us
03/01/2023
The 40 Days for Life Lenten campaign began on Ash Wednesday and continues through Palm Sunday, April 2. 40 Days for Life encourages a positive, prayerful presence outside abortion facilities to show God’s love and mercy to those who visit and work at the abortion centers. Even if you cannot go out to pray, please pray and fast from your home. We saw a record seven lives saved from abortion in 2022 and have already witnessed two in 2023! This would not be possible
without the prayers of the whole community..
02/22/2023
Bills have been filed in both the Rhode Island Senate and in the Rhode Island House of Representatives to legalize state taxpayer-funding for abortion-on-demand in Rhode Island. Let's hope and pray and insist that all of our legislators who call themselves pro-life will have the courage and the integrity to vote against any budget that allocates even one dime for the wanton slaughter of preborn babies in Rhode Island. To sign-up for timely alerts from Rhode Island Right to Life, in order to take action when needed, please visit www.rirtlaction.org.
02/14/2023
The Office of Life and Family Ministry and RI Right to Life are co- sponsoring the 40 Days for Life Lenten campaign, beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 22 through Palm Sunday, April 2.
40 Days for Life encourages a positive, prayerful presence outside abortion facilities to show God’s love and mercy to those who visit and work at the abortion centers.
You can participate by spending one hour (or more) each week in prayer at Planned Parenthood, 175 Broad St, Providence. Sign-up at:
www.40daysforlife.com/providence.
02/01/2023
The Church affirms the inviolable dignity of every person, regardless of the duration or extent of the person’s incapacity or dependency. Nothing diminishes the unchangeable dignity and sanctity of a person’s life, or the obligation to protect and care for it.
01/25/2023
When we encounter Christ, experience his love, and deepen our relationship with him, we become more aware of our own worth and that of others. His love for each person is cause for great joy, and growing understanding of this priceless treasure motivates us to share his love with others. Our lives are often changed by the witness of others; so too, others’ lives may be changed by our witness and authentic friendship with them.
01/18/2023
Monday, January 23 is a Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children in all the Dioceses of the United States of America. Together we pray for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion. As individuals, we are each called to observe this day through the penitential practices of prayer, fasting, and/or almsgiving.
01/03/2023
This January, we give thanks to God for the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Join others in the celebration:
Servants of Christ for Life and the Diocese of Providence are sponsoring a bus trip on the 50th anniversary of the March for Life in Washington, DC, January 19-20. Alternatively, you can watch the March via live stream on https://marchforlife.org/.
A Holy Mass for Life, in thanksgiving for the gift of life, will be held on Saturday, January 21 at 9 a.m. in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul.
The Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be visiting our diocese in various parishes throughout Rhode Island from January 7 through February 5.
For more information on any of these events, contact Lisa Cooley at 401-278-2518.
12/22/2022
As we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, we pray in a special way for each family currently or previously residing in our own Holy Family Home. May God protect each mother and child as he did Mary, Mother of God, and Jesus, His only begotten son
12/19/2022
The infant Jesus “came into our world in a state of great vulnerability. He needed to be defended, protected, cared for and raised by Joseph” (PC 5). The humble and often hidden carpenter of Nazareth accompanied Mary in her pregnancy, assisted at the birth of the Messiah in a stable, presented Jesus in the Temple, fled with his family far from their homeland to protect them, and lovingly raised Jesus as his own son in the years to come… Joseph’s devotion helps reveal to us our own call to show special care for the lives of those whom God has entrusted to us.
12/06/2022
This week we honor Mary as Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Unborn. “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”
11/29/2022
In the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, we celebrate Mary’s conception free from the stain of Original Sin, and we recognize that Mary’s life began at the moment she was conceived in the womb of St. Anne. So, too, does every human life begin at the moment of conception, lovingly knit together by God the Father.
11/23/2022
May God move us to prepare the way of the Lord by acting with tenderness and compassion, especially toward the most vulnerable among us
11/16/2022
Let us join with many people worldwide in praying for the Holy Father’s November prayer intention: we pray for children who are suffering, especially those who are homeless, orphans, and victims of war; may they be guaranteed access to education and the opportunity to experience family affection.
11/08/2022
Together, let us pray for all public officials, especially those newly elected: may they strive to govern with the wisdom of God, and protect life from conception to natural death.
10/26/2022
Please prayerfully consider how to vote your Catholic conscience on Tuesday, November 8th . We ask God to bring us leaders who will uphold the dignity of all human life, from conception to natural death. PRO-LIFE General Assembly endorsements can be found on the Rhode Island Right to Life Action Center at www.rirtl.org.
10/23/2022
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to become neighbors to everyone (cf. Lk 10:29-37), and to show special favor to those who are poorest, most alone and most in need. In helping the hungry, the thirsty, the foreigner, the naked, the sick, the imprisoned—as well as the child in the womb and the old person who is suffering or near death—we have the opportunity to serve Jesus.
10/05/2022
An old Irish proverb says, “It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.” Indeed, we are created to depend upon one another and walk together in suffering. But when family members or friends approach life's end, we may not know how best to “shelter” them. For some concrete ways we can compassionately care for them, go to www.usccb.org/end-of-life-care
09/27/2022
Life Chain Sunday is this weekend, October 2nd, 2pm-3pm. Bring your entire family to join a peaceful gathering of prayer and public witness for life and for the end of abortion. Some locations include:
St Patrick Church, Providence
St Philip Church, Greenville
St John Paull II Church, Pawtucket
For more information, visit https://dioceseofprovidence.org/ life-and-family-respect-life.
09/14/2022
“Suicidal individuals—with or without a terminal illness— typically do not want to die; they want to escape what they perceive to be an intolerable situation, and they inaccurately believe that suicide is their only way out. The patient requesting assisted suicide is often asking, ‘Does anyone want me to be alive, or care enough to talk me out of this request and support me through this difficult time?’” -USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, “Every Suicide is Tragic”
09/07/2022
“Catholics, please vote with a well-formed conscience and choose candidates who respect life, morality, marriage, family, and our basic freedoms.” Often in RI, the Democratic primary determines the ultimate winner of the race. PRO-LIFE General Assembly endorsements (Senators and Representatives) can be found on the Rhode Island Right to Life Action Center at rirtl.org. Your pro-life vote is needed now more than ever!
08/24/2022
Your pro-life vote is needed now more than ever! Conscience rights are now being challenged here in Rhode Island. Often in RI, the Democratic primary determines the ultimate winner of the race. Visit www.faithfulcitizenship.org to learn about the steps you can take to form your conscience, watch videos, and access other great resources. Then vote on Tuesday, September 13th. PRO-LIFE General Assembly endorsements (Senators and Representatives) can be found on the Rhode Island Right to Life Action Center at rirtl.org.
08/10/2022
Despite our best efforts, it can sometimes be difficult to recognize the profound value of human life when we see its full weakness and fragility. Yet, the faithful care of human life until its natural end is entrusted to every person.
07/27/2022
Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland, Oregon wrote, “Our goal has never been simply to make abortion illegal. Our goal is to make it unthinkable. Our battle to protect the most fragile and vulnerable of all human life, namely the unborn child, continues on the state level,” including here in Rhode Island.
07/19/2022
Bishop Thomas J. Tobin’s statement on the US Supreme Court Ruling on Roe v. Wade: “I am very pleased that the Supreme Court has now effectively overturned Roe v. Wade that for decades has directed abortion legislation in this country...Indeed, the commitment on behalf of human life does not require only a change of laws, but also a change of hearts. This is, ultimately, a spiritual battle...the Diocese of Providence will continue to preach and teach about the inalienable dignity of human life...and we will pray fervently for the change of hearts that enables all people, especially our leaders, to recognize the beauty and the value of human life and how contrary abortion is to God’s will and his eternal design for the well-being of the human family.”
06/29/2022
Now is the time to begin the work of building a post-Roe America… a time for healing wounds and repairing social divisions; it is a time for reasoned reflection and civil dialogue, and for coming together to build a society and economy that supports marriages and families… where every woman has the support and resources she needs to bring her child into this world in love. -USCCB
06/24/2022
Religious freedom gives us the space to carry out the mission that Jesus has entrusted to the Church. Religious freedom means that Catholics, and all people of goodwill, are free to seek the truth and to live in accordance with that truth, and so to strengthen our common life as a nation. Religious Freedom Week is June 22-29 see https:// www.usccb.org/committees/religious-liberty/religiousfreedom-week for prayers and action items.
06/08/2022
The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” -Luke 3:10-11 Thank God, every day, if you have something to share. Our parish family offers a multitude of ways that each of us can share what we have with our brothers and sisters, in imitation of our patron, St Anthony.
05/25/2022
The Lord says to us, “Do not fear: I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10). He speaks these words not as one who merely observes our pain, but as one who experienced immense suffering. And the very wounds that bear witness to his suffering indicate the essence of our identity and worth: we are loved by God. Reflecting on the healed wounds of the Risen Christ, we see that even our most difficult trials can be the place where God manifests his victory. He makes all things beautiful. He makes all things new.
05/11/2022
Previously, we announced a life that was saved from abortion in January. We are happy to report that another life was saved in February, and a third in March. At the end of April, sidewalk counselors persuaded an additional young woman to board Ancora, the Mobile Care Center, which was parked outside of Planned Parenthood, to provide alternative options (not a confirmed save, but our hope is with God). Not everyone is called to pray at the sidewalk of an abortion facility. But prayers are needed most between 6 - 8 am on Tuesday and Friday mornings when surgical abortions are scheduled. Please continue to pray for all pregnant moms in difficult circumstances and if you can, be intentional about praying during these hours. Your prayers are making a difference!
05/04/2022
“We are facing an enormous and dramatic clash between good and evil, death and life, the ‘culture of death’ and the ‘culture of life.’ We find ourselves not only ‘faced with’ but necessarily ‘in the midst of’ this conflict: we are all involved and we all share in it, with the inescapable responsibility of choosing to be unconditionally pro - life.” — Pope John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, 28
04/20/2022
May those who have participated in an abortion and feel they have committed an unforgiveable sin come to know the Lord’s limitless mercy and turn to Him for forgiveness and healing.
04/10/2022
May the glory of the Resurrection inspire lasting hope in all who work to protect human life. Like us, Christ entered the world through the womb of a woman. He willingly experienced the fullness of human suffering. He breathed his last on the Cross at Calvary in order that He might save us. Therefore, “God is the foundation of hope: not any god, but the God who has a human face and who has loved us to the end” (Spe salvi 31).
03/30/2022
During this Lenten season, may all who have participated in abortion receive the courage to return to the Lord, who is gracious and merciful. A Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat will be held Friday, April 29th through Sunday, May 1st . This supportive post - abortion weekend retreat of healing is offered in both English and Spanish. For more information on a confidential retreat or for a confidential consultation, call Lisa at 278-2518 or, in Spanish, call Loren at 742-1510 or Rosa at 688-4687.
03/23/2022
During this Lenten season, may all who have participated in abortion receive the courage to return to the Lord, who is gracious and merciful. A Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat will be held Friday, April 29th through Sunday, May 1st . This supportive post - abortion weekend retreat of healing is offered in both English and Spanish. For more information on a confidential retreat or for a confidential consultation, call Lisa at 278-2518 or, in Spanish, call Loren at 742-1510 or Rosa at 688-4687.
03/13/2022
An unexpected pregnancy can be a difficult and frightening time, and it’s important that your friend knows you are thinking of her and supporting her. Your support might be the only support she receives. Even if we never know how, the smallest things we do can change someone’s life. On Saturday, March 19th, we celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Then on Friday, March 25th, we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord: the most unexpected pregnancy in history.
03/02/2022
National advocates for physician assisted suicide once again have Rhode Island in their sights. Assisted Suicide was the very first bill filed in the House this year, and a Senate counterpart has now also been filed. It is anticipated that hearings will soon be held in both chambers. For a legal analysis of Rhode Island bills H 6600 and S 2112, please contact [email protected]. For more information, please contact Rhode Island Right to Life: [email protected]. Please continue to pray, fast, and take action against these bills.
02/17/2022
Join the Ash Wednesday Lenten Procession to kick-off the 40 Days for Life spring campaign: March 2nd at 12:45 PM, following the noon mass at the Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul. We will process from the cathedral to Planned Parenthood in a peaceful and prayerful witness to life and pray the rosary together. Vigil hours from March 2nd through April 10th are 7 AM - 7 PM.
Find a prayer partner and sign - up at 40DaysForLife.com/Providence. For more information contact Lisa Cooley at 278-2518 or [email protected]. We will only pursue peaceful solutions to the violence of abortion. We will show compassion and reflect Christ’s love to all abortion facility employees, volunteers, and clients.
01/26/2022
On a cold morning in mid - January, another life was saved from the sidewalk at Planned Parenthood in Providence. The father of a pre - born child, heading for an appointment prayed to God for a sign not to go through with the scheduled abortion. Although the appointment had not been canceled, when he and the mother arrived, the clinic was closed. A sidewalk counselor approached the couple and referred them to the Mother of Life Pregnancy Center where the mom and child could get some real medical care, as well as emotional and spiritual care.
Not everyone is called to pray at the sidewalk of an abortion facility. But prayers are needed most between 6 AM - 8 AM on Tuesday and Friday mornings when surgical abortions are scheduled. Please continue to pray for all pregnant moms in difficult circumstances and if you can, be intentional about praying during these hours. One more life was saved here in Rhode Island, all due to the prayers of the community!
01/19/2022
The following events will take place this month, both locally and nationally
January 19th through 27th: the annual novena for the protection of human life. You can sign up at 9daysforlife.com
Saturday, January 29th: annual Pro - life Rally at the RI State House on the city - side (south) steps from 11 AM - Noon
12/21/2021
May the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ awaken in our hearts wonder at the precious gift of every child.
12/06/2021
Through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, may Our Lord grant us the grace to truly and courageously live his Gospel of life.
11/29/2021
In the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, we celebrate Mary’s conception free from the stain of Original Sin, and we recognize that Mary’s life began at the moment she was conceived in the womb of St. Anne. So, too, does every human life begin at the moment of conception, lovingly knit together by God the Father.
11/23/2021
Having received the gift of the Gospel of Life, we are the people of life and a people for life. It is our duty to proclaim the Gospel of Life to the world. To proclaim Jesus is to proclaim life itself. Gratitude and joy at the incomparable dignity of the human person impel us to bring the Gospel of life to the hearts of all people and make it penetrate every part of society.” -USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities respectlife.org/gospel-of-life-summary
11/7/2021
The Supreme Court case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization could impact the fate of millions of preborn children and their mothers. Register at www.prayfordobbs.com to virtually join thousands of Catholics and Protestants across the country on November 18th at 8 PM (EST) as we come together in prayer.
"We know earthly death is not the end, but rather the door through which we must pass to gain eternal life. Because of our belief and hope in the Resurrection, we can face death not with fear, but with preparation... We prepare for eternal life by choosing to love and follow God now, in our daily lives and decisions.”
-USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities respectlife.org/end-of-life-considerations