Respect Life Ministry

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew  you"
 Jeremiah 1:5  

Field of the Innocent: St. Mary’s Respect Life Ministry has displayed 117 white crosses to represent the 117 babies that are killed by abortion every hour of every day in the United States. Sadly, that number rose from 110 per hour. According to the Guttmacher Institute (a pro-abortion organization), the number of abortions in 2023 was 1,026,690 compared to 930,160 in 2020. In Maryland, those numbers are 38,420 in 2023 and 30,750 in 2020. Reasons for the increase include availability of the abortion pill via telehealth and state protections of abortion providers with “shield” laws that protect the businesses from litigation.  Women and girls need the option of support for choosing motherhood. Motherhood is a gift, and the response to women in need must be to provide emotional, spiritual and practical support for the greatest chance at a healthy pregnancy and birth outcome. Donate to Choose Hope Women’s Center at ChooseHopeToday.org. 

Each year, thousands of babies lose their lives to abortion. Many more parents face fear, pressure, and uncertainty as they carry new life. To respond with love, our parish invites you to take part in the Spiritual Adoption Program.
When you spiritually adopt a child, you commit to praying daily for nine months for an unknown baby in danger of abortion, asking God to protect that child and to give strength and courage to the parents. Though you may never meet this child on earth, your prayers can make an eternal difference.
Throughout the coming months, we’ll share updates on your “adopted” baby’s growth in the womb. Together, let us entrust these little ones to the care of our Blessed Mother and celebrate the precious gift of life.
Month 1 – Conception
 A tiny new life has begun! At the moment of conception, a unique human being with his or her own DNA came into existence. Let us pray for this little one, that God will protect and nurture them as they grow in the womb.
Month 2 – Heartbeat
 By the second month, the baby’s heartbeat is strong, and arms and legs are forming. Though only about an inch long, this child is already wonderfully made by God. Pray that the parents may have the courage and support they need to choose life.
Month 3 – Movement
 The baby is now about 2 inches long and can move tiny arms and legs. Fingerprints are forming—completely unique and unrepeatable! Let us continue to pray that this child will be welcomed with love.
Month 4 – Growing Stronger
 At four months, the baby’s body is rapidly growing, and the mother can often feel movement. The child can now suck their thumb! Pray for continued health and for God’s grace to sustain this family.
Month 5 – Senses Developing
 This baby can hear sounds, including the mother’s voice, and may respond to music. The baby is about 10 inches long and gaining weight quickly. May our prayers strengthen this little one and bring peace to the parents.
Month 6 – Eyes Open
 At six months, the baby’s eyes begin to open, and they can respond to light. The lungs are developing, and with care, the baby could survive outside the womb. Let us pray for trust in God’s providence for this child and family.
Month 7 – Growing in Awareness
 The baby is now able to recognize the mother’s voice and is practicing breathing movements. This little one is growing stronger each day. Pray for a safe remainder of the pregnancy and for the parents’ hearts to be filled with love.
Month 8 – Almost Ready
 The baby continues to grow and put on fat, preparing for life outside the womb. Every system is nearly ready for birth. Pray that this child may be welcomed joyfully and that the family may be surrounded by support.
Month 9 – Birth!
 The time has come! The baby is fully developed and ready to be born. We thank God for the gift of this new life. Let us continue to pray for all children, born and unborn, and for their families, that every life may be cherished.

Abortion is the most significant human rights abuse of our time.
“As our country continues to advance along the path to a more just society, we cannot ignore the discrimination that is taking place against vulnerable unborn babies who some view as “less than” others. In order to create a more just society, we must recognize that equality begins in the womb.”

The March for Life is an inspiring, peaceful, vibrant, and joy-filled rally of women, men, young people, and children from all across the country. Every year, tens of thousands of pro-lifers converge on the National Mall and march on Capitol Hill on the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling which legalized abortion in all 50 states. It’s the largest annual human rights demonstration in the world. But this is not just a protest… TOGETHER, WE GATHER TO CELEBRATE LIFE. We celebrate each and every life, from the moment of conception. We envision a world where every life is celebrated, valued, and protected.

God, Our Father, Giver of Life,

We entrust our nation to your loving care.  You are the rock on which this nation was founded.  You alone are the true Source of our cherished rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  Reclaim this land for Your glory and dwell among Your people.

Send Your Spirit to touch the hearts of our nations's leaders.  Open their minds to the great worth of human life and the responsibilities that accompany human freedom.  Remind Your people that true happiness is rooted in seeking and doing Your will.

Through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, Patroness of our land, grant us the courage to reject the "culture of death."  Lead us into a new millenium of life.  We ask this through Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.

Hail Guardian of the Redeemer, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to you God entrusted His only Son, in you Mary placed her trust, with you Christ became man, blessed Joseph to us, too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life.  Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage and defend us from every evil.
  Amen.