Respect Life Sunday Homily Notes: Printable Version
What are these?
The following readings and notes are provided to assist with sharing the Christian message of hope, courage, and mission in relation to God's gift of human life. The notes unpack the reflection flyer on the 2017-18 Respect Life theme, "Be Not Afraid," and integrate the readings of Sunday, October 1, 2017 (Respect Life Sunday).
Who are they for?
Although especially developed to assist priests and deacons with sharing the Gospel of Life in their homilies, these notes can also be used by other Catholic leaders.
For example, during Respect Life Month, high school teachers could incorporate one or more points into classes on Scripture, morality, Catholic Social Teaching, etc. Youth ministers could use the notes to develop a short reflection for a Respect Life event marking the annual Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn in January. Anyone is welcome to use them to help build a culture of life!
How do I use them?
These notes are structured to be adaptable for your needs. Three different approaches for integrating the message of "Be Not Afraid," drawing from the readings of October 1, are provided. You are welcome to pull individual points, use one approach in its entirety, combine aspects from multiple approaches, condense all three approaches into a single message, or any other variation that is useful to you.
When do I use them?
The notes are suggested for use on October 1, 2017 (Respect Life Sunday), but you are welcome to use them at any time—during Respect Life Month (October) or otherwise.
Anything else?
Yes! Take a look at the 2017-18 Respect Life Clergy Kit for other resources and ideas for sharing the life-giving message of "Be Not Afraid"! (Customized toolkits for other Catholic leaders are also available at www.usccb.org/respectlife.)