SPX PARISH: YEAR OF RENEWAL

Life and Dignity

of the

HUMAN PERSON

Our focus for the month of October in the Year of Renewal is the Life and Dignity of the Human Person. In 1995, Saint John Paul II wrote one of the most influential documents on this theme, Evangelium Vitae, or the Gospel of Life. Saint John Paul II put this encyclical together after soliciting information from bishops and dioceses around the world on the state of human life and dignity. It was meant to be a “precise and vigorous reaffirmation of the value of human life and its inviolability” while also encouraging everyone to “protect, love, and serve life, every human life!” (Evangelium Vitae no. 5). Saint John Paull II encourages us to do all we can to create a “Culture of Life” and work against a “Culture of Death.”

As we think about our current world, more than twenty-five years later, I encourage you to ponder a few lines from Evangelium Vitae below, and think about how you can help contribute to creating a “Culture of Life”:

“It is possible to speak of a war of the powerful against the weak: a life which would require greater acceptance, love and care is considered useless or held to be an intolerable burden, and is therefore rejected in one way or another” (Evangelium Vitae no. 12). Do I know anyone who is viewed as “less than” others? How can I help create a world where people are valued for who they are, and not what they can do?
“The dignity of this life is linked not only to its beginnings, to the fact that it comes from God, but also to its final end, to its destiny of fellowship with God in knowledge and love of him” (Evangelium Vitae no. 38). Each person has dignity because they were made in the image of God, and each of us hopes for eternal life with God in heaven. How does this shape our view of others? What actions should this cause us to take or reevaluate?
“In this mobilization for a new culture of life no one must feel excluded: everyone has an important role to play” (Evangelium Vitae no. 98). What is my role in promoting the Culture of Life? What role does my family have?

Fr. Bill Lies

Fr. Bill Lies, C.S.C. spoke to parishioners recently, about the many ways in which we are called to renew our families, parish, and community, focusing on our patron's motto to renew all things in Christ. You can view the recording of his talk is below, and hear his personal stories of hope and faith.

35th Annual Bishop's Appeal

The Annual Bishop’s Appeal is an opportunity for all of us to participate in the Church’s mission of witnessing to the hope of Christ’s Love. The ministries, activities, and services funded by the Appeal bring His love and mercy, truth, and life to others. These services and ministries include educating the future priests of our diocese, operating our Catholic Schools Offices which supports our 43 diocesan Catholic Schools, supporting our local branch of Catholic Charities and providing financial support for the retired priests of our diocese.

The Annual Bishop’s Appeal can also support our parish and our activities. When we exceed our parish fundraising goal for the Appeal (doing our part), we keep 100% of the the funds we raise that are beyond our goal. This year our parish goal is $405,506.

Watch the video below to learn more and support our Diocesan and Parish family today:

DioceseFWSB.org/ABA