St. Mary’s Respect Life Committee
The mission of St. Mary’s Respect Life Committee is to promote, through prayer and education, Catholic teaching on the sanctity of human life, from the moment of conception to the time of natural death. We speak for those who often cannot speak for themselves, by defending the inherent dignity of all human persons (made, as they are, in the divine image) at all stages of their earthly existence—whether born or pre-born, healthy or sick, young or old.
Our parish organization was formed over 20 years ago by Fr. Raymond Fournier, who established the long-lasting link between our committee and the prayer ministry of Eucharistic Adoration. Every month, the parish offers a Respect-Life Mass, where we pray specifically for this intention.
Other activities that have continued through the years include an annual baby shower for new mothers, the annual Mother’s Day rose sale to help fund various pro-life causes, an annual essay contest awarding scholarships to college students, and an annual sign-up drive for the weekly rose memorial in the upper and lower church (started by Fr. David Goodrow). We also participated for approximately 10 years in the St. Rocco Festival by sponsoring a booth that offered many pro-life items, along with special raffle prizes. A highlight of our history was the spectacular Dana pro-life concert in the spring of 1997 (successfully supported by a prior bake sale to raise money for this huge event). In addition, we have had the privilege of hearing some distinguished invited speakers. On their own, individual members have “walked for life” in both Boston and Washington and have prayed the Rosary near abortion clinics.
We consider this issue one of the most important, if not the most critical, in our time. When we carry this message to others, we do so with love—the love of Christ for all humanity. We welcome everyone to join us in advancing the Church’s “Gospel of Life”!
Name of ministry or group: St. Mary’s Respect Life Committee
Meeting days and times: 2nd Monday of each month, 7:30 p.m.
Location of meetings: St. Mary Rectory
Total number of members: 6 active
Examples of activities or ministry’s work: Promoting, through prayer and education, the Catholic teaching on the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death / monthly Respect-Life Mass / fundraising for pro-life causes, example: parish baby shower / Mother’s Day rose sale / essay contest scholarship for college students / Respect-Life red rose memorial, weekly, upper and lower church / Walks for Life—Boston, Washington, D.C.
Time commitment for a member: 1 meeting monthly, 1½ hours / volunteer, as available, assisting in fundraisers
Who is eligible to join: Interested pro-lifers
Contact person: Jeanne Monahan or M. Elizabeth Ranieri
Title / Position: Co-chairpersons
Email: Jeanne Monahan: starofthesea333@yahoo.com
M. Elizabeth Ranieri: br576@msn.com
Phone: Jeanne Monahan: 508-528-5478
M. Elizabeth Ranieri: 508-528-3812