The Archdiocese of Atlanta will be joining with Catholics across the country in the annual observance of October as Respect Life Month, with a special emphasis on life issues at Masses on Respect Life Sunday, Oct. 7.

Respect Life leaders have planned activities in their parishes and schools, many of them based on the major areas of the Respect Life program: prayer and worship, public education and awareness, public policy and pastoral outreach.

Here are just a few opportunities for people to get involved and educated during Respect Life Month.

40 Days for Life is to begin the fall campaign on Sept. 26. Now in its sixth year in Atlanta, the group is an ecumenical organization, with activities and observances going on in Atlanta, Lawrenceville and Marietta. For a schedule, visit www.40daysforlife.com/atlanta, www.40daysforlife.com/lawrenceville or www.40daysforlife.com/marietta.

18 September 2012

My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am writing to encourage all clergy and faithful of the Archdiocese of Atlanta to make a special effort to observe October as Respect Life Month. Catholics across the country join together to give thanks to God for the precious gift of life, through contemplation on the dignity and value of every human life, from its very earliest beginnings in the womb until its inevitable, natural end.

This year’s theme – “FAITH OPENS OUR EYES TO HUMAN LIFE IN ALL ITS GRANDEUR AND BEAUTY” – is especially appropriate, as the worldwide Year of Faith begins during Respect Life Month, on October 11. In his letter announcing the Year of Faith, Pope Benedict XVI spoke of the grave difficulties of our time – many of these are the direct result of the “culture of death” which has permeated today’s society. By learning more about our Catholic faith, we will see for ourselves the beauty, mystery and sacred nature of every human life, lovingly created in the image and likeness of God.

Many activities are planned for Respect Life Month. Please participate in as many ways as you can. For the clergy, this will mean a special emphasis on the life issues in your homilies and Prayers of the Faithful. For everyone, this could mean standing for one hour of silent prayer in your local Life Chain; joining the worldwide 40 Days for Life campaign, which runs from September 26 to November 4; praying for an end to the death penalty; or attending a Faith and Public Policy Workshop to learn more about the life issues in the public square. Please contact your parish Respect Life ministry for specific plans in your area.

Thanking you in advance for your support and participation in this year’s Respect Life Month, I am

Sincerely yours in Christ,

╬ Wilton D. Gregory

Archbishop of Atlanta

The John Paul II Respect Life Conference is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 5-6, being held at St. James the Apostle Church, McDonough. There will be discussions about improving marriage and family; religious liberty and life; talking with teens about sexuality; and other panels. Speakers include Father Paul Burke, Daughters of St. Paul Sister Helena Burns, Dr. Kathleen Raviele, Diane Duquette, Stephen and Ellen Cocks, and Greg and Jennifer Willits. Tickets and registration are available at www.stjamesapostle.com. Online payment is available. Costs are $25 per adult, $40 per married couple, and $20 for clergy, religious and students (ages 13-22). Babysitting is available. Registration fee includes meals (Saturday breakfast and lunch) and refreshments. Deadline for registration is Oct. 1.  For information, contact Meg Atkinson at (770) 957-5441, ext. 101, or by email at matkinson@stjamesapostle.com

On Sunday, Oct. 7, at various times, Life Chain observances are planned. A Life Chain is a one-hour peaceful, prayerful, silent witness for life. Held on the first Sunday in October each year, this day is designated as Respect Life Sunday by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. During a Life Chain people stand peacefully along a public thoroughfare and hold prepared signs that express support for human life. The Life Chain is a one-hour event, suitable for families, adults and children. Signs are provided by the organizing group and are consistent at every Life Chain. The event is also a time for participants to pray and witness to their belief in the sanctity of human life.

This year marks the 25th year for Life Chain, and at least 1,000 Life Chains are planned in 2012 across the country. Usually about 50 Life Chains are held in Georgia, including the original Atlanta location outside the Cathedral of Christ the King. For the latest details about the Life Chains in Georgia, go to the website, http://lifechain.net.