Respect Life
There are many different ways to be involved in Respect Life activities at the Church of St. Mary. If you have questions about any of the ways listed below, please contact our Respect Life Coordinator Terry Darraugh.
Prayer
Each morning after the 8:00am Mass, a group of parishioners gathers to pray the memorare to end abortion and invite those united to the cause to pray daily.
Remember O most gracious virgin Mary, that never was it known, that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired by that confidence we fly unto you, oh virgin of virgins, our Mother. To you do we come, before you we stand, sinful and sorrowful. Oh mother of the word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in thy mercy, hear and answer us. Amen.
Each Wednesday, the Church of St. Mary offers Eucharistic Adoration in the Church (following 8:00am Mass until 7:30pm). On Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm, a group of parishioners prays the pro-life rosary in front of the Blessed Sacrament in the Church. All are welcome to join!
Mass for Life
Each year our Parish celebrates a special Mass at the end of January, near the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, the supreme court decision which legalized abortion in our country. We continue to pray for those who have been affected by, participated in or are contemplating an abortion.
March for Life in Washington, DC
Each year the Church of St. Mary takes a bus of teens, families, and adults to the March for Life in Washington, DC. The March for Life began as a small demonstration and rapidly grew to be the largest pro-life event in the world. The peaceful demonstration that has followed on this somber anniversary every year since 1973 is a witness to the truth concerning the greatest human rights violation of our time, abortion.
The March takes place on Thursday, January 22, the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade.
If you or a family member is interested in joining us, please contact Terry Darraugh with questions. Or simply download the appropriate application and return it to the Parish Center! We look forward to having you join us to stand up for those most vulnerable!
Drives & Donations
Baby Bottles in October : Respect Life Month
In October, the Respect Life committee distributes Baby bottles for Heather's House. Parishioners are invited to collect spare change throughout the month, fill their baby bottle and return it to St. Mary's where it will be donated to Heather's House.
Heather's House, located in Des Plaines, is a service provided by Aid for Women. The mission of Heather’s House is to support women in difficult and unplanned pregnancies by offering them a safe and secure home where they can live with their babies. More than just a shelter, Heather’s House offers mothers an opportunity to develop the life skills, education and job skills necessary to become God-dependent, financially-independent and loving mothers. To learn more, please visit their website.
Lent Diaper and Formula Drive
Each Lent, our parish collects diapers and formula for Aid for Women of Northern Lake County. These items can be very costly for families as they are raising children and, yet, are essentials for most households. Aid for Women provides them to women and families in need. To learn more about Aid for Women of Northern Lake County, please visit their website.
Springtime Baby Shower
Springtime brings a baby shower for Aid for Women's Heather's House and Aid for Women of Lake County organized through St. Gerard's circle of the Guild of St Mary's. We encourage ongoing collection of new infant layettes and baby items for those interested. If you would like to help plan a shower with a group of friends or volunteer with St. Gerard's Circle, please contact Terry Darraugh.
Mother's Day Rose Sale
Each May in celebration of Mother's Day, volunteers host a rose sale benefiting Lake County Right to Life. We are always in need of volunteers to help sell roses after each Mass. This is a simple, yet tangible way to have teens, children and family members support the Right to Life! To learn more about Lake County Right to Life, please visit their website.
Teen Mom's Choice Group Ministry
A group of women from St. Gerard's Circle of the Guild of St. Mary, supports a Teen Mom's Choice Group. This group which helps single moms to stay in school and finish their studies, through bringing dinners during their sessions. To learn more about this ministry and how to volunteer, please visit their website.
Respect Life Speakers
Our Respect Life group has also brought in a variety of educational speakers, has traveled to Springfield to support traditional marriage, and has distributed legislative postcard and voting guides. Please watch the bulletin for upcoming speakers and events!