Respect Life Sunday invites faithful to prayer, action and a deeper love for life
By Allison Mosier10/05/2026
As Catholics across the Diocese of Erie begin Respect Life Month, Bishop Lawrence Persico is asking the faithful to look beyond a single Sunday and consider how God may be calling each person to cherish and protect the lives of others.
Bishop Persico celebrated the diocesan Respect Life Sunday Mass Oct. 4 at St. Joseph Church/Bread of Life Community in Erie, joined by Father Steve Schreiber, pastor, who concelebrated the Mass. Bishop Persico thanked the parish community for welcoming the diocesan celebration and Elizabeth Slaby, director of the Office of Social Justice and Life, for organizing it.
Observed on the first Sunday of October, Respect Life Sunday begins a month during which Catholics throughout the United States are invited to reflect more deeply on the gift of human life and their responsibility to welcome, cherish and protect others, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
For Bishop Persico, that responsibility begins with recognizing something deeply personal: Every life begins in the love of God.
“God loved each of us into existence and continues caring for us, inviting us ever deeper into his friendship,” Bishop Persico said in his homily. “We draw closer to him when we follow his example and love one another as he loves us, even amidst difficulties or inconveniences.”
That love can become more difficult when families face fear, illness, unexpected circumstances or suffering. Bishop Persico acknowledged the realities that can lead people to question the value of their own lives or the lives of others. He pointed specifically to abortion and assisted suicide while reminding the faithful that the Christian response cannot be separated from prayer.
“Prayer is essential in all our efforts to build a culture of life in our world,” he said.
Throughout October, that prayer takes on particular significance. This year’s Respect Life Month theme, Mary, Mother of Life, places Mary before the faithful as a mother who received the gift of Christ with trust and faith. Her example offers a reminder that respecting life is not simply an issue to discuss, but a way of encountering people — especially those who are frightened, suffering, alone or vulnerable — with compassion and love.
The month provides an opportunity for individuals, families and parish communities to pray for mothers and fathers facing difficult pregnancies, unborn children, people with disabilities, those who are sick or nearing the end of life, caregivers and all whose dignity may be overlooked or threatened.
Prayer also finds expression in accompaniment. Through Walking with Moms in Need, parishes can help pregnant and parenting mothers facing difficult circumstances find support, friendship and connections to local resources. The Diocese of Erie’s Office of Social Justice and Life provides training and support to parishes interested in beginning the ministry.
Bishop Persico encouraged Catholics to allow those prayers to lead to action.
“We must persevere and work to protect the lives of those who cannot speak for themselves or who feel as if their lives are not worth living,” he said. “We are called to be set apart for the work of the Kingdom of God, proclaiming in word and deed the sanctity of every human life, from conception to natural death.”
Following the Mass, the celebration continued with a reception hosted by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Erie, offering those gathered an opportunity for fellowship as Respect Life Month began.
The bishop left the faithful with a question that can become a prayer throughout October: How is Jesus calling each of us to care for the lives of our neighbors, especially those who are most vulnerable?
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