Defending Life

The Respect Life Committee promotes the Church's teaching on the value and dignity of all human life, from conception to natural death. It seeks to equip parishioners with the knowledge necessary to recognize violations to human dignity, and encourages active participation in efforts to build a Culture of Life. Regular activities include:

  1. Signature Ad Campaign: One or two weeks before the anniversary of Roe v. Wade (January 22, 1973), signatures and donations are collected for a full-page respect life ad in the La Crosse Tribune.
  2. Pilgrimage for Life: Each January, the Diocese of La Crosse organizes a pilgrimage to Washington D.C. Pilgrims participate in the annual March for Life, and related activities. All parishioners, but particularly high schoolers and young adults are encouraged to attend. Details can be found at www.dioceseoflacrosse.com (see Offices and Ministries/Youth Ministry/Teen Events).     
  3. Baby Bottles for Birthright: Parishioners are invited to take an empty baby bottle home, fill it with spare change, and then return it. All proceeds benefit Birthright of La Crosse, which provides counseling, assistance and encouragement for women who experience an unplanned pregnancy.
  4. Mothers' Day Rose Sale: Roses are sold after each mass; the $2.00 donation per rose is given to Wisconsin Right to Life.
  5. Life Chain - All parishioners are encouraged to participate in this silent, prayerful witness for life, which takes place each October. Participants gather along Losey Blvd. from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. to pray for an end to abortion.   

If you would like to participate in our parish's respect for life activities, please contact the parish office. Helpers of all ages are welcome.

Respect Life Resources
Birthright of La Crosse: www.birthright.org ; (608)782-0373; Hotline (800)550-4900
National Committee for a Human Life Amendment: NCHLA.org ; (202)393-0703
National Right to Life: www.nrlc.org  
Natural Family Planning: www.dioceseoflacrosse.com (see Offices and Ministries/Natural Family Planning)
Priests for Life: www.priestsforlife.org
Project Rachel (post abortion help and healing): www.hopeafterabortion.com  
ProLife Across America (The Billboard People): www.prolifeacrossamerica.org
ProLife Wisconsin: www.prolifewisconsin.org    
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: www.usccb.org/prolife
Wisconsin Right to Life: www.wrtl.org  
National Catholic Bioethics Center - www.ncbcenter.org


Contacting Government Representatives
The teaching of the Catholic Church obliges us to obey all legitimate authority, that is, authority that conforms to the laws of God. On the other hand, we are "obliged in conscience not to follow the directives of civil authorities when they are contrary to the demands of the moral order" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2242). Because current laws legalizing such practices as abortion, euthanasia and embryonic stem cell research are opposed to the fundamental rights of the human person and contrary to the laws of God, we are to do all in our power to change those laws. Parishioners are encouraged to stand up for the dignity of each human person by contacting the appropriate person/s when anti-life legislation is pending.  

President ____________
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Comments: 202-456-1111

To contact the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. A switchboard operator will connect you directly with the Senate or House of Representatives office you request.

U.S. Senators
Send correspondence to:
The Honorable ________________
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510


U.S. Representatives
Send correspondence to:
The Honorable ________________
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20510