In October, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month, and the first Sunday of October is designated as Respect Life Sunday.
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father; from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
Amen.
For parents facing an unexpected pregnancy, that they lovingly accept the precious life God has entrusted to their care.
That the family and friends of expectant parents might reach out and support them as they prepare to meet their child face to face.
That the love of the Blessed Mother and the Christ Child may be a source of strength for every expectant mother, especially mothers living in poverty, and that they both will be surrounded by joy and love.
That fathers of young children will model St. Joseph in devoutly practicing their faith, so that they lead their children to God by their words and example.
For all children who have been lost and forgotten, that they may be led to a place where they are treasured, protected and loved.
For all who are suffering from abandonment or neglect, that compassionate individuals will come forward to offer them comfort and aid.
That the victims of violence, torture and slavery will be delivered from their suffering, find healing and know that God is close to them.
That the persecution of Christians will end in a new era of tolerance and respect for the religious freedom and conscience rights of all.
For all who labor under burdens that seem too great to bear—due to illness, age, poverty, cruelty or injustice—that our prayers and aid will lighten their crosses.
For an end to the death penalty and for the release of all prisoners of conscience and all who have been wrongfully convicted.
For all who have lost loved ones, and especially for parents of a child who was miscarried, aborted or stillborn, that they will find peace in the promise of the Resurrection.
For all who struggle with addictions, that through Christ’s triumph and ascent into glory, they may triumph over their temptations, and gain strength and peace.
That the Holy Spirit will open the minds and hearts of those who now reject the Gospel of Life and allow them to be convinced of the truth and goodness of all that the Church professes concerning human life.
For mothers who have died at the hands of abortion providers, that they may experience reconciliation and together with their children know God’s peace.
For all mothers, that they might come to know the wonder of their vocation.
That all baptized Christians will be open to the Holy Spirit and bear witness to the sanctity of life.
For all husbands and wives, that they treasure the priceless gift of married love by generously accepting children through procreation and adoption.
That those who pray and work for greater respect for human life will be guided by the Beatitudes and reveal the face of Christ to others.
That our world will be transfigured by the witness of faithful Christians so that all may understand the priceless value of every human being.
That through our worthy reception of the Eucharist and frequent Eucharistic Adoration, Jesus will teach us to love sacrificially the least and neediest among us.
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears! Turn, then, O most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray: O God, whose Only Begotten Son, by his life, Death, and Resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech thee, that while meditating on these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray: and you, O prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast down to hell Satan and the other evil spirits, who prowl through the world for the ruin of souls.
Amen.
To you, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our tribulation, and having implored the help of your most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke your patronage also. Through that charity which bound you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the paternal love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities. O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ; O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be kind to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness. As once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God's Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live piously, to die in holiness, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven.
Amen.
