| Purpose
The Respect Life Committee is dedicated to enhancing the
awareness and appreciation for God's great gift of human life. The committee promotes
these goals by providing education, counseling, and funding. This ministry for the respect
of life spans the full range of human experience. It is concerned with protecting the
lives of the unborn as well as the elderly and infirm.
The Respect Life Committee coordinates St. Jude's parish
support of similar activities with City, State & National promotions.
Guidance and
Referral
The Respect Life Committee provides information bulletins
and referrals to responsible medical practitioners that are consistent with Catholic
positions on natural family planning, infirmity and aging. Anyone interested or who has a
specific question may seek such advice by calling St. Jude's office 484-6609 and asking
for the Respect Life committee representative.
Political
Awareness and Persuasion
Activities of the Federal and State legislative bodies on
subjects pertinent to respect for life issues are brought to the attention of the
parishioners by bulletins and telephone calls. These notifications are made to permit
timely parishioner contact with the appropriate legislator to express parishioner views
and desires.
Committee
Activities
Information and
Education
The Committee provides timely periodicals and advisory
bulletins near the main entrance of the church to educate parishioners on issues related
to Respect for Life.
Local Fund
Raising Activities
Fund raising events held at St. Jude's church for the
Respect for Life cause are
 | Mother's-Day flowers - Carnations are available before and
after Mass on Mother's Day- Donations are requested for the Allen County Right to Life
organization |
| Christmas Cards- Christmas cards with Respect for Life
messages are available in the basement of the church prior to Christmas- a donation is
requested benefiting the Allen County Right to Life organization |
Allen County "Right to Life" Banquet
Once per year the Allen County Right to Life organization
holds a large fund raising banquet that features a nationally known speaker in the
Pro-Life field. This banquet is recommended to the parishioners and supported by St.
Jude's Respect for Life committee.
Fort Wayne "March for Life" Demonstration
Each year on the third Sunday of January a public
demonstration march is made in downtown Fort Wayne. More than a thousand march
participants with signs and slogans attract considerable media attention to the abortion
problem in Fort Wayne. The path of the march though police blocked streets wends its way
past a downtown abortion facility. A Pro-Life fund raising rally is held for the
participants of the march and other interested attendees just prior to the march. Several
effective, impassioned speakers, including favorable candidates for office are usually
adding their support to the demonstration. St. Jude's Respect for Life Committee is proud
to recommend and support this program.
Thursday
Morning Rosary Recitation
A prayer presence is held near the Fort Wayne downtown
abortion facility every Thursday morning from approximately 7:30 AM to Noon. During this
period a Rosary is begun at 9:30 AM. St. Jude's parishioner support for this citywide
effort is recommended and coordinated by the Respect for Life committee.
Prayer Service for Innocent Victims of Abortion
A few years ago the discarded remains of several fetuses
were found in Fort Wayne and identified as having been aborted. They were buried in the
Catholic Cemetery with an appropriate ceremony. Each year in October a prayer service is
held at the gravesite. The Respect for Life committee supports and recommends this
reverent supplication to all of St. Jude's parishioners. |
