The U.S. Catholic Bishops instituted the Respect Life Program in 1972 to focus attention on the breakdown of moral, social, and civil structures supporting human life in America. In 1975, the bishops adopted a Pastoral Plan for Pro-life Activities which urges the activation of the pastoral resources of the Church in four specific areas: Spiritual, Education/Public Information, Pastoral Care, and Legislative/Public Policy. That plan was reaffirmed in writing in 1985. In 2001, the bishops adopted the current version, Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life: A Campaign in Support of Life. Statewide, here is a guide from The Catholic Conference of Ohio in the aftermath of the approval of Issue 1 in 2023 entitled, “Building a Culture of Life in Ohio after Issue 1: A Catholic Approach.”
Diocesan Office of Pro-Life Ministries
The Vicariate for Catholic Social Doctrine serves to implement components of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities. Office staff research, identify, and analyze life issues within the context of Catholic social teaching to determine the impact of issues and to formulate an effective response. Office staff also serve to initiate and develop programs that assist parishes, schools, and organizations in identifying their own pro-life needs and aid in formulating an effective response. The Vicariate for Catholic Doctrine provides education, information, leadership training, and community-building opportunities for parish leaders.
Office of Pro-Life Activities Program Implementation
The Vicariate for Catholic Doctrine serves as a liaison to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities.
The Office of Pro-Life Activities:
- Promotes efforts during Respect Life Month (October).
- Respect Life Sunday is the 1st Sunday of October;
- Works with parish Respect Life Coordinators;
- Sponsors a Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral in Columbus with the Bishop on the anniversary of the Supreme Court decisions legalizing abortion in the United States;
- Conducts an annual Diocesan Respect Life Conference.
- Sponsors an annual Diocesan Senior Citizens’ Celebration during June. The bishop serves as celebrant for the Mass. A luncheon follows.
Reverend Robert Penhallurick
Director of the Office of Pro-Life Activities
614-231-4509
rpenhall@columbuscatholic.org
Mary Kristof
Associate Director, Office of Pro-Life Activities
614-241-5555
mparker@columbuscatholic.org