Our "Message"
What does a St. Bernard have to do with ending abortion?
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The obvious answer is the common image of a St. Bernard as a rescue dog, and that is definitely an appropriate response, especially when you consider the role our faithful sidewalk counselors often play as loyal and loving companions who battle the freezing cold to save the most vulnerable. However, this response falls short because it focuses almost entirely on the pre-born child.
According to The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms (1997), the saying, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions", is thought to have originated with St. Bernard of Clairvaux who wrote (c. 1150), "L'enfer est plein de bonnes volontés ou désirs" (hell is full of good wishes or desires). |
St. Bernard of Clairvaux would likely agree that the space outside the abortion facility is no place for misguided "good intentions" such as graphic images, condemnation and judgmental comments or even casual socializing.
Vitae Foundation, our faithful partner and "bearer for pro-life media both nationally and internationally", has helped us understand why the traditional approach to sidewalk-counseling and pro-life apologetics has also had so little effect, and what can be done to change things. This must start with a new understanding of the trauma of abortion that is based in love and compassion, not condemnation.
The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph Respect Life Office is proud to partner locally with the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas Pro-Life Office, Sidewalk Advocates for Life, Kansas City Coalition for Life , our local Pregnancy Care Centers, and most importantly, faithful volunteers like you to serve Him in defense of the sanctity of all lives and the dignity of all persons -- mother and child.
In addition to pastoral care on the front lines, we need opportunities to provide prayer, education, and public policy advocacy within our parishes and local faith-based organizations.
“There are those who seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge; that is Curiosity.
There are those who seek knowledge to be known by others; that is Vanity.
There are those who seek knowledge in order to serve; that is Love.”
St. Bernard of Clairvaux
Vitae Foundation recently completed an in-depth study involving dozens of women who went to Planned Parenthood for services including birth control and abortion. By investigating current marketing messages of the abortion advocates, the results of the study by Vitae can help us better articulate the pro-life message in a more effective and persuasive manner.
Vitae Foundation, our faithful partner and "bearer for pro-life media both nationally and internationally", has helped us understand why the traditional approach to sidewalk-counseling and pro-life apologetics has also had so little effect, and what can be done to change things. This must start with a new understanding of the trauma of abortion that is based in love and compassion, not condemnation.
The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph Respect Life Office is proud to partner locally with the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas Pro-Life Office, Sidewalk Advocates for Life, Kansas City Coalition for Life , our local Pregnancy Care Centers, and most importantly, faithful volunteers like you to serve Him in defense of the sanctity of all lives and the dignity of all persons -- mother and child.
In addition to pastoral care on the front lines, we need opportunities to provide prayer, education, and public policy advocacy within our parishes and local faith-based organizations.
“There are those who seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge; that is Curiosity.
There are those who seek knowledge to be known by others; that is Vanity.
There are those who seek knowledge in order to serve; that is Love.”
St. Bernard of Clairvaux
Vitae Foundation recently completed an in-depth study involving dozens of women who went to Planned Parenthood for services including birth control and abortion. By investigating current marketing messages of the abortion advocates, the results of the study by Vitae can help us better articulate the pro-life message in a more effective and persuasive manner.
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The findings from this study are divided into three main areas:
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Please prayerfully consider whether the Holy Spirit may be calling you to share the gifts with which you have been blessed! To learn more, please contact the Respect Life Office.
