The month of October is Respect Life Month. When we hear "respect life," most of us immediately think of the pro-life movement to end abortion. This is a key cause to support during October (and all year round!). But Respect Life Month is also meant to remind us of the issues of capital punishment, euthanasia, contraception, and respect for those with disabilities.
September 28 begins the 40 Days for Life campaign that coincides with Respect Life month and ends on November 6. The three components of 40 Days for Life are:
- Prayer and Fasting
- Peaceful Vigil
- Community Outreach
General Respect Life Month Teaching Resources:
USCCB Website
This list of resources includes the Respect Life Sunday Statement, pamphlets, bulletins, liturgy guide, posters, flyer, clip art, and additional program activities. Check out the old USCCB website for past Pro-life Activities.
TeenBreaks.com
This teen-friendly website provides great talking points for discussion in class. Have the students explore the resources on their own or in class. Have them create a mock conversation that they might have with a classmate considering abortion. How would they explain to them the resources that can be found on the site?
Right to Life Michigan: Teacher Resources
This collection of resources provides teachers with materials to use in class at many age levels.
Pro-life Activities
Great list of pro-life activities for children that may be useful for teens as well.
40 Days for Life Teaching Resources:
40 Days for Life Website This is THE home of the 40 Days for Life campaign. Explore the many valuable resources and share them with the students throughout the campaign. The resources include:
- A map of all local campaigns
- Daily Devotional
- 40 Days for Life Store
Teaching Resources from Ave Maria Press
Discussing President Obama's Embryonic Stem Cell Order
The Catholic response to the 2009 executive order that allows stem cell research using embryonic stem cells.
Prayer for the Holy Innocents
Background to the Feast of the Holy Innocents and a prayer for the unborn.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Prayer for the Unborn
Overview of the 36th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in the U.S. and a prayer for the unborn.
Living and Dying on Death Row Lesson
Short lesson plan for reading an article about living and dying on death row.
