Bishop calls on all to use unique gifts to build a culture of life, love

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

It is hard to believe that this month marks the first anniversary of the historic Supreme Court decision in the case of Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization which overturned Roe vs. Wade and returned the abortion issue back to the states. This goal had been in the works for so long that it seemed at times like the day would never come, but here we are a year later.  

I always remember our dear St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s words about abortion from when I was a seminarian: “Any country that accepts abortion, is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what it wants.”  

At least this cannot be said about our country as a whole now! However, even though since the Dobbs decision many states have enacted strong pro-life protections, other states, including New Jersey, have expanded and protected abortion access while some even pursue legalizing abortion up until the moment of birth. While the anniversary of the reversal of Roe is reason to celebrate, much work is still needed to achieve national protection for babies in the womb and their mothers, promoting a culture of life and love. 

As Catholics, we believe that God is the author of all life, and hence we are called to promote life in many ways. We believe that each human life is sacred and deserves respect and protection regardless of its stage or condition. In the wake of Dobbs, we are being presented with new opportunities and responsibilities to continue to build a culture of love that welcomes and celebrates new life.  

Thankfully, many people in our diocese are accepting the challenge to do more. For instance, in our four counties, we are blessed to have numerous pregnancy help centers staffed by volunteers who reach out with compassion to accompany pregnant moms in need and help them to choose life. I have been so impressed with their work! Many of our parishes take part in the U.S. Bishops’ Conference “Walking with Moms in Need” initiative (www.walkingwithmoms.com) by running baby bottle drives and hosting baby showers to help provide financial and material assistance to these centers.  

Our local Knights of Columbus councils work hard to ensure that each of these centers is equipped with ultrasound machines so that expectant moms can see their babies growing in the womb. For women and men who suffer after an abortion experience, our Catholic Charities counselors offer confidential help and healing through Project Rachel ministries (https://hopeafterabortion.com). 

In addition to reaching out to those in need, many of our parishioners practice faithful citizenship by sending emails, making phone calls and attending rallies to urge state and federal legislators to support public policies that promote life. Our diocesan Office of Human Life & Dignity sponsors conferences, workshops and school programs to help promote a culture of love in our society and educate our fellow Catholics about the life issues helping to share the Church’s beautiful teachings on the dignity of the human person (https://diometuchen.org/humanlifeanddignity). 

Of course, as in all things, prayer is the foundation of all our efforts in defense of life and promoting a culture of love. Our work, whether pastoral, legislative or educational will be less than fully fruitful without prayer, and prayer has guided us along the way to this first anniversary of the Dobbs decision. Many have participated in programs for communal and personal prayer offered throughout the year including our Life Chain, 40-Days for Life, Novena for Life, Spiritual Adoption and Rosary for Life.  Through prayer, fasting and the Sacraments we can call on God to change hearts and put an end to the violence of abortion. 

Indeed, it is only through the prayers, hard work and generosity, especially on the part of those in our parishes across the diocese and the nation, that much has been accomplished and we can rejoice that abortion on demand is no longer the law of the land. As we commemorate this first anniversary of Dobbs, as we grow in our listening to and accompanying of those in need through the synodal process our Church is undergoing and during this period of our National Eucharistic Revival, let us draw close to Christ’s Sacred Heart and the Eucharist and ask Him to show us anew how He is calling each of us to use our unique gifts for continuing to build a culture of life and love.  

May St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s encouragement to be a country of love grow stronger! Know of my prayers, love, and gratitude for all of you. God bless you all and our nation. 

 

God bless,

Most Reverend James F. Checchio,
JCD, MBA
Bishop of Metuchen