Respect Life Office Mission Statement

The Respect Life Office of Orlando functions as the advocacy arm of the Diocese of Orlando, serving the community through education, legislative advocacy, pastoral care, and prayer. Our many programs integrate issues in the areas of aging, disabilities, pro-life, and social justice within a Consistent Life Ethic (CLE) framework that permeates the fabric of the parish and the local community, and which empowers church members and respect life advocates with knowledge and the necessary tools to take effective action.

The Respect Life Framework

The CLE model, created by Joseph Cardinal Bernadin, explains Church teaching within a consistent moral construct. We use this model in our work for the Respect Life Office because it supports the concept that all life and justice issues, issues that affect human dignity, have distinctive characteristics that lend themselves to a coherent moral vision. These characteristics are based on the body of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) whose fundamental principle is the sacredness and dignity of all human life.

This fall from September 24 to November 2 the Diocese of Orlando is participating in the 40 Days for Life campaign. Please visit our website: www.40daysforlife.com/orlando for more information or to sign up to pray.

CHAIN OF LIFE

For full details on this weekend's Chain of Life, download this pdf document.

Respect Life Packet now available, click here for more information.

The Campaign to Ban Torture was founded by the National Religious Campaign against Torture, Evangelicals for Human Rights and the Center for Victims of Torture. These three nonprofits share the vision that our nation’s fight against terrorism must reflect our character and values as Americans. Through the Declaration of Principles, this broad coalition seeks to preserve America’s ideals and regain our moral leadership by creating a national consensus to reject torture and cruelty.  Bishop Wenski will serve on a panel with other religious leaders in our community to discuss this very important issue. For more information call the Office of Advoacy and Justice (407) 246-4819 or go to www.campaigntobantorture.org.

ROSARY PROCESSION

The Helpers of God's Precious Infants Mass and Rosary Procession will be held October 4, 2008 at the Basilica of St. Paul Catholic Church during the morning Mass at 9:00 am. It will be led by Rev. Tim Daly. Download the flyer with full details in pdf format here (English and Spanish versions)..

ALZHEIMER'S SEMINAR

Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias Educational Seminar:"The University of Florida is coordinating a program sponsored by the Dept. of Elder Affairs for caregivers (and others) of persons with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.  They are looking for opportunities to speak to the community, especially Hispanics, about Alzheimer's disease & other dementias, and how to access services and obtain information and support.   Presentations are in English & Spanish.  They are asking for your assistance in reaching out to families and elders, especially Hispanics."  To find out how to have one of these presentations at your parish please contact the Respect Life Office at (407) 246-4819 or email respectlife@orlandodiocese.org.

FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP

We are pleased to announce the launch of an exciting new 2008 Faithful Citizenship Web Site (www.faithfulcitizenship.org) with lots of resources for individuals, parishes, and other groups. We hope you will find it helpful as you share the message of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship in your parishes, schools, dioceses and other organizations. 

You will find a wide range of resources for prayer and worship, educational programs, family discussions, social concerns and pro-life committees, and many other groups and ministries.

The Faithful Citizenship web site will regularly be updated as new materials are added.  In particular, the temporary Spanish page will soon be replaced by a complete Faithful Citizenship web site in Spanish. The temporary “young Catholics” page will be replaced by a lively section specifically for youth and young adults that will have interactive activities, podcasts, streaming videos, and other resources and activities.  We will keep you informed as these changes are made.

Thank you for all you are doing to help spread the word about Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.

2008 FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOPS

2008 Workshops are available. Please download the pdf flyer of the schedule here...