With the recent passage of Amendment 79 in Colorado, the pro-life cause has much work to do to foster a culture of life. The new constitutional amendment allows for abortion through the ninth month, even on healthy babies and mothers, removes parental notification requirements and will clear the way for the Legislature to allocate millions of taxpayer funds to subsidize abortion for in-state and out-of-state women and families.

Though the landscape may seem bleak, there is much that each pro-lifer can do in their own lives, families, parishes and communities! In fact, fostering a culture of life requires everyone’s prayers and help, said Jeannine Duffield, director of Respect Life Denver, a ministry of Catholic Charities.

“Everybody has a part to play in this, and God’s work won’t be done if anyone is missing,” Duffield said. “We’re all needed in the Body of Christ. So, your role, whether you believe it’s big or small, is important. It’s vital to getting this work accomplished. It’s only by all of us doing this together that we can make any substantial change in this world that we live in. The small things do matter.”

How can I, individually, foster a culture of life?

1. Pray

Whether it’s going to Mass, praying a rosary or spending time in Eucharistic Adoration, spend time with the Lord to discern how he’s calling you to get involved and to intercede for the most vulnerable among us.

2. Get Educated

Dive a bit deeper and check out some of the many great resources out there to learn more about the pro-life movement and how to advocate for life! The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), EWTN, Love Unleashes Life and Live Action might be good places to start.

3. Take one action for life

Take the first step and get involved. It might not be the right step for you right away, but give it a shot! Sign up for a pro-life newsletter, participate in a prayer group, join a respect life ministry or volunteer with Catholic Charities. Whatever it is, take that first step and listen to the Holy Spirit.

How can my parish help foster a culture of life?

1. Pray

Dedicate time to praying for life as a parish community. Whether that’s a special Mass, Holy Hour or other prayer gathering, be sure to incorporate life into your parish’s prayer.

2. Engage

Invite parishioners to come together not only in prayer but also in action. Diaper, back-to-school and other drives are great ways to engage the community. Don’t be afraid to get creative and find new ways to bring people together for life!

3. Collaborate

Consider integrating pro-life efforts into each of your parish’s ministries. Maybe the youth group can visit a local nursing home to honor our elders. Perhaps a moms’ group can mentor women in difficult pregnancies through Marisol Health, a ministry of Catholic Charities. Maybe the bereavement group can volunteer with Mount Olivet’s Precious Lives ministry. However it looks, integrating pro-life efforts into the life of the parish will only strengthen a culture of life!