Respect Life/Pro-Life
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News
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September 5Dear Friends in Christ, Each October during Respect Life Month, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops provides a new set of materials in an effort to help Catholics and others understand, value and cultivate respect for human life. Meanwhile, earlier programs, like the Walking with Moms in Need campaign (www.walkingwithmoms.com), continue. Shortly before he suffers his passion, Jesus proclaims to his disciples: “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another” (Jn. 13:34). In other words, Jesus says that love for one another is the identifying characteristic of his disciples.Read More
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August 31OTTUMWA — Choosing life can be a difficult decision for women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Heartland Pregnancy Center hopes to ease the decision by providing services and resources during pregnancy and afterwards, accompanying mothers as their children grow. “We want to walk through this with them,” said Becky Dalyrmple, the center’s longtime director. “None of these choices are easy.”Read More
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Information available at our Catholic Charities page. Please click here. -
Jubilee Year of Saint Francis of Assisi'sIn honor of the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi’s death, Pope Leo XVI has proclaimed a Jubilee Year of Saint Francis. The Committee on Pro-Life Activities has released a reflection entitled St. Francis, Visionary of Life as part of our Respect Life Program resources.
Downloadable resources. -
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Respect Life Parish Leader Email List
The USCCB Pro-Life Secretariat is putting together a new direct email list for Respect Life parish leaders.
To receive updates, new materials, and our "Pro-Life Leader Digest" straight to your inbox. -
The 2025 Respect Life
Theme: "Life: Our Sign of Hope"
Each October, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month. We are called to cherish, defend and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning of life to its end, and at every point in between.
The Program begins a new the first Sunday of October and continues through the following September. New Materials are designed each year to assist parishes, schools and families celebrate Respect Life Month.
The 2025-2026 Respect Life Program theme "Life: Our Sign of Hope" reflects the ongoing Jubilee Year of Hope.(Digital resources for parishes and schools)Resources: (2026-2027 Coming soon)
Webinar Recording
(2026)Resources:
- Word of Life
- Respect Life Action Guides
The section for each occasion includes links to the guide, supplementary resources, and a webinar recording.)
Mother's Day Resources:
Parish Webinar Recording Blessing of a Child in the Womb FREEPrayer card for Pregnant Mothers is available in English and Spanish - Word of Life
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Links to more resources:
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Walking with Moms in Need:
Bishop Videos
NEWA new series of videos feature encouragement and support for Walking with Moms in Need. We encourage you to watch the videos and hear what the bishops are saying about Walking with Moms in Need.
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USCCB Campaign to end death penalty:
As followers of the crucified Christ, victim of state supported death penalty, we pray for an end to the death penalty. Iowa is one of a growing number of states that does not have a death penalty. The links below lead to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishop's Campaign to End the Death Penalty and provide a wealth of information and action ideas.
USCCB Death Penalty and learn what you can do to protect the dignity of life.
The Catholic Mobilizing Network to End the Use of Death Penalty
Iowa Catholic Conference _ Death Penalty - The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has for many decades opposed the use of capital punishment. -
Upcoming Events:
St. Joseph Adoption Novena: March 10-18, 2026 
Leading up to the Solemnity of St. Joseph on March 19, join us in praying the St. Joseph Adoption Novena. Resources are now available.
April 12, 2026: Sunday of Divine MercyOn the Second Sunday of Easter, the Church celebrates the Sunday of Divine Mercy. It provides an important opportunity to share Christ’s message of mercy, especially with those who suffer because of their participation in one or more abortions.- The Action Guide for the Sunday of Divine Mercy includes a sample timeline, simple steps, sample announcements, homily helps, and an activity to help you bring Christ’s message of mercy to your parish community.
Religious Freedom Week to be Observed June 22-29. Resources
- 40 Days for Life
- October: Respect Life Month
- October: Respect Life Novena:
- November: Solemnity of Christ the King, Click here for the Novena
- Annual Pro - Life Events
Every January - March for Life In Washington DC
National Prayer Vigil for Life in January: This is an annual all-night pro-life prayer vigil held on the eve of the March for Life. It is held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. For more details click here.
Social Action Upcoming Event page
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contact Us:
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Deacon Kent Ferris, OFSferrisdavenportdiocese.orgSocial Action & Catholic Charities Director -
Esmeralda Guerreroguerrerodavenportdiocese.orgAdministrative Assistant Social Action & Catholic Charities
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