Monthly Focus: Mercy
Each year, on the Second Sunday of Easter, the Church celebrates the Sunday of Divine Mercy. In the 1930s, Jesus appeared to a humble Polish nun, St. Maria Faustina Kowalska. As Jesus continued to appear to St. Faustina, she recorded His messages in her Diary. On one such occasion, Jesus said to St. Faustina, “My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners” (Diary, no. 699).
When recalling our sins, we may feel discouraged or fearful of approaching God; however, we can cling to the truth that Christ's Passion on the Cross did not end in death, but in the joy of the Resurrection. The miracle of Easter gives us the courage to face our sins, confess our mistakes, and then humbly receive God's forgiveness and accept the joy that comes with new life in Christ. In His infinite love for us, God desires nothing more than to wash away our sins and offer us His mercy. He has a prepared place in His merciful heart for each of us, and no sin is bigger than His power to forgive.
No matter how we have fallen, the Resurrection of Christ is an assurance of hope. Christ’s mercy is constantly available to us, if only we reach out to Him in faith and confidence through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The words Christ revealed to St. Faustina, He also speaks to us: “Lay your head on my shoulder, rest and regain your strength. I am always with you” (Diary, no. 498).
Opportunities to get involved
We provide year-round opportunities, for individuals and families, looking to serve in the Respect Life Ministry. If you have any questions, please contact Bev Osterbur at
respectlife@saintlaw.org.
Respect Life Baby Shower 2025
The Respect Life Ministry hosts an annual baby shower for Georgia Wellness Clinic (formerly Obria) to support pregnant moms in the Gwinnett area. The shower is scheduled for Saturday, February 1 at 10AM, and all are invited.
Baby Layette item suggestions:
• Bodysuits - “Onesies”
• Pants with footsie
• Long footed (one-piece) pajamas
• Sleep gowns
• Rompers - with short or long legs
• Comfy stretch hats
• Socks with a cuff to stay on!
• Light weight baby blankets
• Burp Cloths & Bibs
• Sleep sack for cold weather
• T-Shirts with fold-over fabric (for mittens)
• Baby washcloths & towels
• Soap/ lotion for sensitive skin
• Sweater / Jacket
Please return gifts by January 25-26 (to the Narthex) or bring with you to the Baby Shower! All are welcome!
Diapers & Depend Drive
October, Each Year
The Respect Life Ministry will be collecting diapers, depends and feminine products for young girls to be donated to Mending the Gap, Obria and Nothing but the Truth.
The purpose of this drive is to bring awareness of the needs of the community, as we support moms with diapers, support our underprivileged seniors with Depends, and our young teenage girls who need feminine products so they can continue to go to school.
Collection of Easter Baskets
The Respect Life Ministry collects Easter Gift Bags to donate to Catholic Charities each year. Collection of items for bags and/or completed bags will take place next March (at the beginning of Lent).
Baby Bottle Campaign
This campaign taken up annually, beginning Mother's Day weekend and ending on Father's Day weekend, seeks to raise funds to support the Georgia Wellness Medical Clinic for the needs of pregnant moms that have chosen life but are struggling financially. These moms need support with medical care and supplies for their baby.
CASA Pajama Drive
This pajama/sweats collection for C.A.S.A. (Court Appointed Special Advocate) supports the youth in the Division of Family and Children Services in Gwinnett County. Information and sizes will be available on a weekend in August 2025.
The children that C.A.S.A. works with are displaced and transitioning from very difficult and often dangerous situations. Any contribution is appreciated.
2025 Mass for the Preborn
Please join us on January 25, 2025, as Bishop Shlesinger celebrates our annual Mass for the Preborn, in special memory of babies lost to abortion since 1973. Rosary begins at 9:30 am and Mass begins at 10 am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (4465 Northside Drive, NW, Atlanta, GA 30327).
2025 Georgia March for Life
Ready to join?
Join us Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Liberty Plaza outside the state capitol.
