Pro-life Teaching Resources

2021 THEME: Together, We Can Make A Difference.

Each year, in conjunction with the anniversary of Roe v. Wade (January 22) in which the Supreme Court ruling legalized abortion in all 50 states, a Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children is held and will be January 22nd.   Religious Education Programs and Catholic Schools are encouraged to conduct a simple prayer vigil so that all might participate in this prayer occasion. This date is also designated as a particular day of penance in the Roman Missal.

Prayer is the foundation of all that we do in defense of human life. Our efforts will be less than fully fruitful if we do not change hearts and if we do not ourselves overcome our own spiritual blindness. Only with prayer—prayer that storms Heaven for justice and mercy, prayer that cleanses our hearts and our souls—will the culture of death that surrounds us today be replaced with a culture of life.

“A great prayer for life is urgently needed, a prayer which will rise up throughout the world. Through special initiatives and in daily prayer, may an impassioned plea rise to God. . . . Let us therefore discover anew the humility and the courage to pray and fast so that the power from on high will break down the walls of lies and deceit: the walls which conceal from the sight of so many . . . the evil of practices and laws which are hostile to life.” —Pope John Paul II, The Gospel of Life, no. 100

This year, due to the pandemic, the March for Life will be virtual and will be held January 29th. Go to marchforlife.org for details.  Watch the livestream of the March for Life beginning at 10 a.m. CT. The live broadcast will include inspiring speeches from pro-life leaders, information on how to stay involved in the pro-life movement all year long, and a performance by Christian singer and songwriter Matthew West.

Resources to mark the 48th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade!

The unique fingerprint that each of us has – distinguishing us from any other human on the planet, is determined by that DNA at day one! Right from the beginning of life, you are becoming the unique, incredible, unrepeatable person that you are!   One person can make a difference in the world, whether in the life of one person or many. Sadly, in the U.S. alone, 1 million babies are not even given the opportunity to live and change the world each year. Building a culture of life and ending abortion takes each and every person. Starting with your family or neighborhood, our collective efforts will change hearts and minds, save lives, and build a culture of life.

1)  The Meaning of Life – “God Knew Your Name” – This short YouTube by James Likens provides a general overview of the sanctity of human life in all stages told through beautiful lyrics and music. I would suggest that for pre-school through 5th grade, show the students the last 3 minutes and 5 seconds.  Total time is 5 minutes 38 seconds.  Click on the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWtU95yBIx8

2)  Chris Stefanick presents an excellent 4 minute YouTube video entitled “Pro-Life”:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buvFoY1ehPY   Excellent for Middle and High School

3)  One of the best Pro-life speeches EVER! Gianna Jessen abortion survivor Full video-– 15 min. excellent video along with other pro-life videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOWMmx6eBjU

4)  From the US Bishop’s website: Sign up for a nationwide novena for life from January 21-29 at www.9daysforlife.com. Download planning, programmatic, and promotional resources.

5)  Tips for Creating a Respect Life Classroom Setting – bring the “respect for life” message into the classroom and cultivate a positive atmosphere towards new life.

  • Provide students with and invite them to wear precious feet pins.
  • Ask students to write their own prayer for life.  Pray each student’s prayer throughout the year.
  • Create a bulletin board with a respect life theme.
  • Teach current events lessons on specific life issues.
  • Invite a pro-life speaker to class.  For suggestions, please contact alankford@diolc.org
  • Plan fundraisers for a local pregnancy center or to put up a pro-life billboard through Pro-life across America.
  • Organize a field trip to a local nursing home to visit the elderly.
  • Show the DVD “Unplanned” for age-appropriate students and with parent’s permission

6) On Pro-Life Wisconsin’s website, there is a simple Chronology of A New Life.  Scroll down on the main page at this link: https://www.prolifewi.org/chronology-of-a-new-life

7)  See the Diocesan Religion Curriculum:  In the Scope section, refer to the Dignity of the Human Person; In the Life in Christ section for each grade, see the first few entries regarding human dignity.  https://diolc.org/catechesis/religion-curriculum/grade-school-religion-curriculum/

8) Other helpful websites and resources

9.  Organize a Holy Hour for Life
Working with the pastor, host a Holy Hour for Life on or around January 22nd which is the National Day of Penance and Prayer for Life.  This day coincides with the tragic anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion.

When God created each of us, He did so with precision and purpose, and He looks on each of us with love that cannot be outdone in intensity or tenderness. Moreover, the Lord invites each of us to behold ourselves and each other with the same wonder and awe. No matter how the world might view us or others, let us treat each person as the masterpiece that he or she is.  “How can there be too many children?  That is like saying there are too many flowers.”  – Saint Mother Teresa of Kolkata

Join with the students in asking how God is calling your parish / religious education program / school to serve the Culture of Life.