Respect Life Month

Maddye Cavanagh, News Assistant Editor

Every year, many events are held to raise money and awareness for unborn children within the community and at Xavier High School. The month of October is Respect Life Month. Findings from NPR state there are 14.6 abortions per every 1,000 women. This is the lowest rate since 1973.

Catholics believe that all life is sacred from conception to natural death. “Respect Life Month is important because if life is not important, we are not important. We are called to take care of the vulnerable, the sinners, and those who are rejected. If we don’t take care of them, then no one will,” Father Dustin Vu said. Xavier has multiple events to remember and respect the lives lost to abortion. Four hundred white crosses are placed in front of Xavier to represent the 4,000 lives that are taken by abortion each day. It serves as a reminder that all life is sacred.

Along with the crosses, Xavier celebrates Respect Life Week on October 9-13. During this week, school Mass is held on Friday 13. “The Respect Life Mass is a way to bring everyone together. Oftentimes, we all have our own intentions but during that Mass we all are praying for the same thing,” Father Vu said. A collection is offered during Mass for Bridgehaven and Birthright. Both of these organizations benefit mothers or caretakers who need financial help or moral support. These clinics offer free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds ,and help mothers look into other options besides abortion. Bridgehaven and Birthright are both non profit organizations.

During Respect Life Week, a day is set aside allowing students to dress in all black. This day commerates all those whose lives were taken by remaining silent throughout the school day. However, Respect Life Month is not just about protecting the unborn lives, it is about raising awareness for all life. This includes, but is not limited to, suicide and euthanasia. While October is labeled as Respect Life Month, Catholics are striving to respect life each and every day.

Maddye Cavanagh

News Assistant Editor