Life is the central element of the entire Gospel message. As Christ tells us in John 10:10, “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” So, as Christian disciples it is our responsibility to defend and champion life — from conception to natural death.
“All human life is precious in God’s eyes, and we want to praise and worship God,” says Ed Smialek, coordinator of our parish’s Respect Life Ministry.
Ed got involved in Respect Life efforts 20 years ago when his then-pastor invited him to actively participate.
“We would get in his pickup truck and go to the state capital to pray and show our support for the mothers, fathers, and, most of all, the babies,” Ed says.
As the years have progressed, Ed’s involvement has increased, and today he helps coordinate the efforts of our Respect Life Ministry.
“We work to raise awareness of innocent, vulnerable, and precious life not being respected from womb to tomb,” Ed says.
The ministry does this throughout the year by hosting and participating in a number of events. In January, the group joins hundreds of thousands from across the nation in Washington D.C. for the annual March for Life. In the fall and then again in the spring, they host a 40 Days for Life campaign. Participants stand along the street holding signs that proclaim the dignity of life and denounce abortion.
This month, as we recognize October as Respect Life Month, the group will continue participating in the 40 Days for Life, which began on Sept. 28 and will run through Nov. 5. They will also commemorate the first Sunday of the month as Respect Life Sunday, and they will spend time throughout the month praying for families.
“It is a wonderful journey,” Ed says of his commitment to this important cause. “I try to be joyful. I find people react to a smile very positively, and I hope that God has helped someone through me.”
Additionally, Ed encourages all of us to get involved in the efforts of our Respect Life Ministry.
“All are invited,” he says. “Please feel free to join us. You can come sit with us in front of the church during the 40 Days for Life. We will have signs available for people to hold. And if you want, you can simply sit in a chair in the shade alongside us.”
The important thing is that we all join in the fight for life, through both our prayers and our actions, even if we do just one simple thing.
Abortion is arguably the greatest travesty of our time. And beyond abortion, we are now facing the rise of end-of-life issues like euthanasia. We need to join forces with one another to bolster a society that respects the right to life.
“All that evil needs to flourish is for good men to do nothing,” Ed says. “Come talk to me if you see me. Join us.”
If you are interested in joining the efforts of our Respect Life Ministry, contact Ed Smialek at [email protected] or 503-572-1114.
Courtesy of Catholic Stewardship Consultants Oct/Nov 2024 Newsletter
