Mission
Deacons in the Service of Life seeks to
- unite, encourage, and provide ongoing training to deacons who
give a special emphasis to the "life issues", especially abortion
and euthanasia, in their ministries;
- instill a sense of urgency in all clergy to teach about
these issues and to mobilize their people to help stop abortion
and euthanasia;
- assist clergy and laity to work together productively for the
cause of life;
- provide ongoing training and motivation to the entire pro-life
movement.
The primary purpose is simply to provide deacons a forum by
which they can network with each other across the nation to
share information and encouragement in carrying out those aspects
of their ministry related to the defense of human life from abortion
and euthanasia. Some practical avenues whereby this would occur
would be:
- Clergy seminars would be offered in local communities. These
seminars deal with various aspects of preaching, counseling, and
organizing activities on "life issues." We are also happy to present
seminars and retreats for groups of deacons-only.
- A deacons' newsletter will be prepared and offered to dioceses,
free of charge, for their deacons. We will communicate with the
diocesan diaconate directors, the national office for the diaconate
at the USCCB, as well as with the national associations and publications
for deacons.
- The website, deaconsforlife.org, will provide helpful information.
- We can provide consultation to deacons, their pastors and their
bishops regarding suggested respect life activities. This can
include organizing prayer initiatives on behalf of life, assistance
in strengthening local efforts to provide alternatives to abortion,
sponsoring educational seminars, and assisting the laity to take
an active and responsible role in building up community respect
life efforts. The existence of a "Deacons in the Service of Life"
network across the nation will make it easier for deacons to communicate
with each other to share ideas and encouragement specifically
on this theme.
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