Mission: The Respect Life Committee promotes an awareness of the value of human life from the moment of conception in the womb to the moment of natural death.
Ministry: Some of the activities that the group sponsors are the parish’s participation in the October Respect Life Walk, a special Mass for Life in January, a parish baby shower and a carnation sale in May to benefit Birthright of Framingham. The Committee also conveys news on respect life issues through the monthly newsletter and weekly parish bulletin.
The Rose for Life: This is a special tradition at St. Mary’s through which parishioners and their families sponsor the “Respect Life” rose that is offered to the Virgin Mary on a weekly basis. The family makes an offering to purchase the rose which is placed before the statue of the Blessed Mother in the church. During their week of sponsorship they are asked to pray for all the born and unborn children in the world.
Membership: The Respect Life Committee is open to all parish members who are interested in promoting a culture of life.
Contact: For more information or to volunteer, please call Rosemary Rainsford at 508-429-1527.
Are you Pregnant and in need of help? The Catholic Church offers tremendous support and resources to those in crisis pregnancies through Pregnancy Help. Pregnancy Help staff provides ongoing counseling and support, and assists clients in securing housing, job training, education, and legal advice from social service programs run by the archdiocese, the state, and others.
Since 1973, Pregnancy Help has provided free pregnancy testing, counseling, referrals, ongoing support and material assistance to women with unplanned or crisis pregnancies. These free and confidential services are available in English, Spanish and Portuguese to women of any religious denomination or faith.
The Brighton office of Pregnancy Help is located at 77 Warren Street and can be contacted at 617-782-5151. The office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
The Metro-West office is located at 5 Wilson Street in Natick and can be contacted at 508-651-0753 or toll free at 888-771-3914. The Natick office is open Monday and Wednesday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Have you had an abortion? For women and men whose lives have been scarred by the experience of abortion, a powerful opportunity for healing and reconciliation is available through Project Rachel (508-651-3100). Project Rachel operates as a network of professional counselors and priests, all trained to provide one-on-one spiritual and psychological care and healing for those who are suffering because of an abortion. You may learn more about Project Rachael by visiting the following website:
http://www.hopeafterabortion.com/index.cfm
To learn more about Catholic Respect Life Teaching and Ministries visit these sites:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_25031995_evangelium-vitae_en.html