Respect Life Ministry

Aaron Burkindine
sburkindine@gmail.com
443-417-0873

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

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 right to life is a human right. Our defense of that right is a joyful witness to the beauty and dignity of every human person.

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.
 

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.

June – 8th & 9th months 
St. Mary’s Respect Life Committee has placed the 8th “Little One” poster in the vestibule of the church.  This is the last in the series of “Little One” posters displayed during this most recent Spiritual Adoption Program.  We will celebrate the birth of our Spiritually Adopted babies in July with a Baby Shower for BirthRight Crisis Pregnancy Center.  Please watch the bulletin for information.  Meanwhile, don’t let up on your prayers for your personal “Little One.”  He/she is still in danger of abortion during these last weeks of his/her pre-born life!  

The following text is on the poster:

Eighth and Ninth Months (size: about 18 inches) 
In the last two months the baby continues to gain weight.  She is developing a layer of fat that will keep her warm after birth.  In the 9th month she will shift to a head-down position, preparing for birth.  Her lungs are now fully developed and capable of making the transition to breathing air.  After birth she will continue the human growth process for approximately the next 80 years.