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Respect Life
Respect Life Office Homepage
“The Church ...is called to proclaim the gift of life, to serve life, and to promote a culture of life... The proclamation of life, life in abundance, must be the heart of the new evangelization. For true life – our salvation – can only be found in the reconciliation, freedom and love which are God’s gracious gift.”
What’s Happening
Welcome to the Web pages of the Respect Life Office. In these pages you will find valuable information and resources regarding the major areas of Respect Life: Catholic teaching on various topics including abortion, human embryonic stem cell research, and euthanasia;services for those in need;public policy issues; and prayer and worship. These pages will be continually updated and will also provide important information on Respect Life news and events in the Diocese of Manchester. We hope that these Web pages will be your trusted source for Respect Life information and that you will regularly visit these pages.
Items Not to Miss:
- March for Life 2010 Information and Registration (pdf)
- Benedict XVI’s new encyclical Charity in Truth
- Cardinal Rigali Criticizes Final NIH Guidelines for Destructive Stem Cell Research(USCCB Release)
- Life Issues Forum - "Pro-Life America"(pdf)
- Resources - Recent Advances in Adult Stem Cell Research(pdf)
- Statement from Bishop McCormack, "Inconsistent Choices"
- Diocese of Manchester Expresses Deep Disappointment in Stem Cell Executive Order
- Pregnancy Support & Adoption Services in New Hampshire(pdf)
- Dr. Peter Cataldo’s testimony on SB 179 on the expansion of gaming operations in the north country and at pari-mutuel locations.(pdf)
- Get the facts on the ‘Freedom of Choice Act’
Three Beliefs: A Catholic Guide on Durable Power of Attorney for Heath Care in New Hampshire
Three Beliefs is a document from the Diocese of Manchester that gives valuable assistance to Catholics and others on end-of-life issues. Three Beliefs explains Catholic teaching on life-sustaining treatment and care and includes the New Hampshire Advance Directive form modified in such a way to make it consistent with both Catholic teaching and New Hampshire law. Three Beliefs also contains a helpful FAQ section and wallet cards that include important information for health care providers.
MISSION STATEMENT
Human life is a precious gift from God the Creator. God creates the human person in his image and likeness, and because of this human life has a dignity with an inestimable value. We are all called to be good stewards of God’s gift and have the responsibility of respecting human life and its inviolability from conception to natural death.
The mission of the Respect Life Office is to assist the bishop, clergy, religious, and the laity of the Diocese of Manchester in the great effort of deepening respect for the life of every human being and building a culture of life. The work of the Respect Life Office is guided by the four major areas of the Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB): Public Information and Education,Pastoral Care,Public Policy, and Prayer and Worship.
WORK OF THE RESPECT LIFE OFFICE
Acting on behalf of the bishop, the Director of Respect Life coordinates the activities of the Pastoral Plan within the diocese and provides parishes, individuals, and organizations with pertinent information regarding all life issues based on Catholic teaching.The Director of Respect Life also plans annual diocesan Respect Life events and provides continuing education for Respect Life Parish Representatives and others on Respect Life issues.
RESPECT LIFE CONTACT INFORMATION
Peter J. Cataldo, Ph.D.
Director of Respect Life
Diocese of Manchester
153 Ash Street
P.O Box 310
Manchester, NH 03105-0310
603-669-3100
pcataldo@rcbm.org
www.catholicnh.org/respectlife