Catholic Diocese of Austin
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Strategic Pastoral Plan of the Austin Diocese

Pro-Life Activities

Planning Objectives

  1. To implement the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities as adapted to the Diocese of Austin. The Pastoral Plan has four components: 1) Public Information and Education, 2) Pastoral Care, 3) Public Policy, and 4) Prayer and Worship.

The Pastoral Plan is directed to the Catholic community as well as the greater community. A wide spectrum of issues touches on the protection of human life and the promotion of human dignity, commonly called “a consistent ethic of life.” The challenge is to transform our society and culture to “respect, protect, love and serve life, every human life.” (The Gospel of Life, No. 5). In the Gospel of Life, Pope John Paul II states, ”In our present social context, marked by a dramatic struggle between the ‘culture of life’ and the ‘culture of death,’ there is need to develop a deep critical sense, capable of discerning true values and authentic needs. What is urgently called for is a general mobilization of consciences and a united ethical effort to activate a great campaign in support of life. All together, we must build a new culture of life.” The call to respect life is the new evangelization, and through the efforts of Catholics, the world will be transformed to recognize the image of God in every human person.

The most effective structures for pastoral action are in the diocese and the parish. Most Catholics relate to the local parish community when it comes to faith expression, community building, faith formation and growth in the spiritual life. The success of this Pastoral Plan depends in a special way on the support and encouragement given it by the parish priests.

Public Information and Education. A pro-life committee, led by a parish pro-life coordinator in every parish and mission of the diocese, will work to raise awareness and educate the faithful on the life issues. An attitude of respect and an openness to life as God’s sacred gift will be instilled within the hearts of Catholics. Through living the Gospel of Life, Catholics will evangelize others and bring a greater respect for all humanity to the greater community. Educational opportunities will be provided for the ordained, religious, laity and greater community. Knowledge of the life issues can lead to deeper understanding and commitment to promote the sanctity of human life at all of its stages.

Pastoral Care. Through pastoral efforts such as the Gabriel Project and Project Rachel, the love and good news of Jesus Christ will be brought to those in need. By offering help and healing, love and forgiveness through the goodness of the laity and the sacraments of the church, those crying for help will be brought to Jesus. Other efforts to be developed include care for those who are seriously ill and care for those who are incarcerated or victims of violent crime.

Public Policy. The Office of Pro-Life Activities will work with the National Committee for the Human Life Amendment, the State Coordinating Committee of the Texas Pro-Life/Respect Life Directors and the Texas Catholic Conference. A diocesan Respect Life public policy advisory committee will be established to facilitate this endeavor. This coordinated effort will work to bring about public policy that reflects those principles and moral values which are in conformity with a sound anthropology and advance the common good. The law is not the only means of protecting life, but it plays a key and often decisive role in affecting both human behavior and thinking. Our legal system can and must be continually reformed so that it will increasingly fulfill its proper task of protecting the weak and preserving the right to life of every human being, born and unborn.

Prayer and Worship. Our participation in the sacramental life of the church sustains us in our efforts for the cause of life. Prayer is the foundation of all that we do as a people of life. An emphasis on being a holy people who regularly and consistently tend to our spiritual needs is of utmost importance. Our efforts will be fruitful as it is through prayer that our hands and hearts become the hands and heart of Christ to others. Only the Holy Spirit can touch and change hearts. “A great prayer for life is urgently needed, a prayer which will rise up throughout the world.” (Pope John Paul II, The Gospel of Life, No. 100).