Respect Life Month
October is Respect Life Month
In October, the Catholic Church in the United States observes Respect Life Month, with the first Sunday of October designated as Respect Life Sunday.
See the drop down menu below for our parish’s Respect Life Month activities and collections.
Scroll down to read a letter from Bishop Walkowiak.
Diaper and Clothing Drive
All Month
Help provide diapers to families in need! Our Celebrating Life! Ministry will collect diapers throughout the month of October in honor of Respect Life Month. Bring a diaper donation to the pack-n-play in the Gathering Space at any time before the end of the month. All items will be delivered to St. Gianna’s No Cost Baby Boutique in Grand Rapids.
Knights of Columbus MI Drive
October 10 – 11
The Holland area Knights of Columbus Council 7115 will be conducting their annual MI Drive after all Masses on October 10 – 11. Purchase a Tootsie Roll as you leave Mass to support the mentally impaired, particularly benefiting Corpus Christi Catholic School and Special Olympics.
Respect Life Novena
October 22 – 30
This novena prays for the protection of human life, from conception to natural death. Each day of the novena features a different pro-life prayer intention which is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life.
Find the full list of daily prayers here.
Knights of Columbus Coat Drive
October 24 – 25
The Holland area Knights of Columbus Council 7115 will be conducting their annual Coats for Kids Drive on October 24 – 25! New and gently used coats that are clean with minimal flaws will be collected in the Gathering Space. All donations will be taken to our local St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry and Thrift Store for local distribution to those in need in our community.
A Letter From Bishop Walkowiak Celebrating Respect Life Sunday
Dear Friends in Christ,
There are many times in our lives that we need to trust where the Lord is calling us. When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to tell her that she would conceive and bear a son, Mary responded with her fiat, “May it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38). When Saint Francis of Assisi heard a voice calling, “Francis, rebuild my Church which is falling into ruin,” he immediately began construction. The lives of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Francis are examples of what can happen when we trust in the Lord, especially amid uncertainty, fear and suffering.
The saints are not only our role models of trust in the Lord’s providence; they are also an example of how we are to love, accompany and encounter others. Today’s Respect Life Sunday celebration falls on the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. There is a story in which Saint Francis meets a leper on the side of the road. He feels compelled to dismount his horse, kiss the man and offer him money. When Francis returns to his horse, the leper is nowhere to be found. Saint Francis presumes this leper was Jesus in disguise. How often have we found ourselves looking at ‘the lepers of today’ and riding by?
Like Saint Francis, we are called to stop and offer compassion. Through our conversations, advocacy efforts, and acts of service, we bear witness to God’s love and inspire hope for those whose hearts are burdened. All individuals are bearers of God. Each of us is a gift to others.
During this Respect Life Month, let us reflect more deeply on how we can respect life at every stage and in every circumstance. Through the intercession of Saint Francis may we “become a model of holiness of life and a constant witness of peace” (Decree for the Jubilee Year, January 16, 2026).
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak
Bishop of Grand Rapids
Mary, Mother of Life
This is a summary of a USCCB article by the same name and is reprinted with permission. Copyright 2026, USCCB, Washington, D.C. All rights reserved.
When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to tell her that she would conceive and bear a son, Mary responded with her fiat, “May it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38). In becoming the mother of Jesus, Mary becomes the mother of life. Mary’s acceptance in this unforeseen moment demonstrates how each of us must welcome the gift of new human life, even when that gift is unexpected or calls us to make sacrifices.
Mary’s role as the Mother of Life extends from the Annunciation all the way to the Crucifixion. The life of the Blessed Mother teaches us to respect each human life in every stage and circumstance. Mary is our model for upholding the sanctity of all human life.
Read the full version here.