In a 2013 message for the Day of Life, Pope Francis reminds us of the "inestimable value" of all human life. Emphasizing the need to care for life in all its stages from conception to its natural end, the Holy Father writes, "Even the weakest and most vulnerable, the sick, the old, the unborn, and the poor are created in his own image, destined to live forever, and deserving of the utmost reverence and respect."
Our parish ministries seek to provide opportunities for parishioners to participate in activities that support the dignity of life from natural conception to natural death. This Christian work for justice asks that we respect the life of every human person according to the "seamless garment," caring for individuals from "womb to tomb." While we work to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, we must not forget those who are suffering injustice at the beginning and end of life. These issues include abortion, euthanasia, and the death penalty.
Our parish community is fully committed to promoting the dignity of the human person and the preferential option for the poor and most vulnerable among us. Listed below are some of the many ways that Christ the King is involved in supporting the sanctity of human life.
“God so loved the world that he sent his only Son that we might have life and have it abundantly. In the fullness of time the Lord Jesus came among us anointed by the Spirit to inaugurate a kingdom of justice, love, and peace. His rule would be no mere earthly regime: it would initiate a new creation in every land. His power would be within and without, rescuing us from the injustice we suffer and also from the injustice we inflict.” —Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross (2.9)
We ask parishioners to donate specific amounts to go towards cribs for the Women's Care Center. Each donation comes with a Mother's Day card to give to the woman in whose honor you are making the donation. This is a wonderful way to assist young women and new mothers in need who feel alone and unsupported.
In addition, we sell carnations after Mass every year before Mother's Day, the proceeds of which go to support Right to Life Michiana.
Every October for Respect Life Month, Christ the King sponsors a Diaper Drive to collect necessary items for young mothers and their families. The diapers, wipes, and other supplies are donated to the Women's Care Center. Volunteers are always appreciated to help transport donations from the parish to the Women's Care Center facilities. Please contact Elizabeth Sain for more information.
In addition, the parish adds pink envelopes to the pews and asks that a special donation be made to organizations in the area that work specifically with young women who are considering abortion. These groups are Hannah's House, Women's Care Center, and Right to Life Michiana.
It is important to remember that truly being pro-life includes care for the mother as much as the child. We pray that women feel supported during their pregnancies as well as after the birth of their children. Christians must help them rejoice at the gift of life by offering the aid they need to find peace with the new responsibility God has given them. Let us always have an attitude of joy and thanksgiving to support all life.
If you know of anyone in a crisis pregnancy situation who needs material support, emotional accompaniment, and spiritual guidance, please feel free to recommend the following resources in our community.
- Hannah's House
- Women's Care Center
- HerMichiana
- Walking with Moms in Need
- Apostolate of Divine Mercy in Service of Life, Marriage, and the Family
- Bridge of Hope
In addition, the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend sponsors several additional initiatives for parents facing challenging situations around the issues of fertility, pregnancy, and childbirth.
- Miriam's Blessing provides comprehensive support to parents who receive a poor prenatal diagnosis.
- Ava's Grace offers spiritual, emotional, and practical support to families who suffer a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss.
- Hope for the Journey offers spiritual, emotional, and practical support for couples who are experiencing infertility or secondary infertility.
- Project Rachel ministers to and counsels women seeking healing and reconciliation following a past abortion.