About the Respect Life Ministry
Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person — among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life.” — CCC #2270
Created in the image and likeness of God from the very beginning of time, human life begins its journey on earth from conception till natural death. We are called to be proper stewards over the gift of life that has been given. This ethic of life is the thread that unites all efforts to uphold the dignity and quality of life at all stages of existence. Let us embrace this teaching with consistency as we continue our efforts in proclaiming the good news of life in our time and place.
The Respect Life mission is to promote respect for the dignity of each human person from conception until natural death. Our purpose is to educate St. Joseph parishioners on the full spectrum of life issues and to provide opportunities to advance a greater respect for life both locally and nationally.
Respect life issues include concerns such as:
- Abortion
- Assisted Suicide
- Capital Punishment
- Human Cloning
- Conscience Rights
- Contraception
- Disabilities
- Embryo / Fetal Research
- End of Life Issues / Euthanasia
- Health Care
- IVF / Reproductive Technology
- International Issues
- Stem Cell Research
- Unborn Victims of Violence Act
To understand more about Catholic teaching on these and other life issues, please visit the Diocese of Cleveland's Office of Human Life or the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Pro-Life Committee.