'Brothers and sisters: You know the time; it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand.'

— Romans 13:11-12

HOW WE ARE HONORING LIFE 

Celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception — A Special Mass for Migrant & Refugee Communities ⛪

On Monday, December 8 at 5:30 p.m., the Archbishop will celebrate Mass for Migrant and Refugee Communities at the Cathedral in observance of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the United States. This Mass is open to everyone — and all are warmly invited to attend.

In light of his recent call for compassion and justice, as reported by Denver Catholic, this celebration takes on added significance. In his November remarks outside the ICE facility in Aurora, Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila urged Catholics and people of goodwill to defend the God-given dignity of migrants — calling out failures in the immigration system and reminding us that “every human being is created in the image and likeness of God.”

Join us on December 8 as we gather in faith, solidarity, and hope — celebrating Our Lady and standing in prayerful support for migrants, refugees and all who seek mercy, welcome, and justice.

New from USCCB — Understanding IVF Through a Catholic Lens 🔬

The USCCB recently released updated guidance in their resource A Catholic Primer on In Vitro Fertilization, helping Catholics understand the Church’s teaching on IVF and assisted-reproductive technologies. The primer outlines why the Church considers IVF morally problematic — especially concerns about the dignity of embryonic human life, the separation of procreation from the marital act and the treatment of human life as a commodity.

At the same time, USCCB offers compassionate support and encourages couples facing infertility to explore morally acceptable alternatives — such as restorative reproductive medicine or Natural Family Planning — and to consider adoption or other life-giving options when fertility treatments are not viable.

We value all honest questions, curiosity, and dialogue about infertility and reproductive technology. Our office stands ready to support and guide anyone seeking clarity or pastoral care on this sensitive matter.

📣 📣 Seeking a 40 Days for Life Coordinator for the Stapleton Location 📣📣

Our office is grateful for the continued growth of pro-life outreach across the Archdiocese. With an increase in school presentations, parish invitations, and community involvement, we remain fully committed to supporting 40 Days for Life—but we need additional leadership to keep the Stapleton location strong for future campaigns.

We are prayerfully seeking a 40 Days for Life Site Coordinator who feels called to serve in this life-affirming ministry. This vital role helps organize prayer vigils, coordinate volunteers, and ensure a peaceful, prayerful presence at the clinic.

If you feel the Holy Spirit nudging your heart—or if you simply want to learn more—please reach out to us at life@ccdenver.com. We would love to share how you can serve and help this mission continue to thrive.

Together, we can build a culture of life, one prayerful witness at a time.

✨ Celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe 🌹

On December 12, the Church honors Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas and protector of the unborn. Her powerful intercession reminds us of the dignity of every human life and calls us to defend and cherish life from conception to natural death.

Here are several meaningful ways to celebrate:

• Attend Mass or a Prayer Service

  • Participate in a Feast Day Mass at your parish or a nearby church honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe. Many parishes have special liturgies with traditional songs and prayers.

• Pray the Rosary or Novena

  • Dedicate a rosary for life, praying for mothers, babies, and families. Consider praying the Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe in the days leading up to December 12.

• Teach & Share Her Story

  • Share the story of Juan Diego and the miraculous tilma with children, family, or your parish community, emphasizing her care for the vulnerable and unborn.

• Light a Candle or Create a Prayer Space

  • Set up a small altar with her image, light a candle, and offer prayers for life, families, and those in need of hope.

• Acts of Service

  • Honor her by supporting mothers and babies in need: volunteer at a pregnancy center, donate diapers, or help local pro-life ministries 

As we celebrate her feast, let us pray for mothers, children, and all those working to build a culture of life, following the loving example of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Start the New Year United: Weeks for Freedom 💙

During Weeks for Freedom, we invite every parish to adopt one dedicated day of prayer in support of religious liberty and the protection of our fundamental freedoms. By uniting our communities in intentional prayer, reflection and solidarity, we bear witness to the enduring dignity of every person and the vital role of faith in public life.

Choose a day, gather your parish family and stand with Catholics across the nation in prayerful commitment to freedom.

🎙️ Tune In to Respect Life Radio!

Stay informed and inspired with weekly conversations that explore the dignity of human life, current pro-life issues, and the hope found in faith. Each episode features compelling guests—from medical professionals to ministry leaders—offering insight, testimony, and encouragement for living out a culture of life.

New episodes are released each week, so there’s always something inspiring to listen to. Listen and share with others who are passionate about defending life at every stage.

 🎧 Listen here: https://respectliferadio.podbean.com

Respect Life Round Up: Events & Tools to Take Action

   Holiday Update: The Need for Diapers in Our Community Remains Urgent 👶

As we enter the holiday season, the need for diapers continues to weigh heavily on many families in our community. Too many parents are forced to miss work or school simply because they cannot afford the diapers their children require—putting their baby’s health and their family’s stability at risk.

Every diaper donated directly supports parents who are struggling and helps ensure babies stay clean, healthy, and cared for.

The need is real and urgent:

• Babies need 8–10 diapers every day, yet diapers cannot be purchased with Food Stamps, WIC, or Medicare.

• Nearly half of U.S. families with young children cannot afford enough clean diapers.

• The most needed sizes right now are 5, 6, and 4T–5T pull-ups.

As many families face increased hardship this fall and winter, your generosity can make an immediate difference.

Your donation—whether diapers or dollars—keeps babies healthy, supports parents, and strengthens our community.

For more information or to donate, please contact:
📧 mhoutsma@marisolservices.com
📞 720-799-9528

Join us for a delightful morning of fellowship at our Women’s Tea on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Englewood. Enjoy sweet and savory treats, flavorful teas, an inspirational speaker, and the joy of sisterhood.

This elegant event supports Marisol Health, a ministry of Catholic Charities providing comprehensive women’s healthcare—from gynecological and prenatal services to counseling and family support.

Reconnect with friends, meet new ones, and take part in our Hat Contest for a chance to win a prize!

✨ Tickets are almost sold out—be sure to reserve yours soon!
✨ If you’re interested in volunteering at the event, please reach out to Mary.

For tickets, volunteer opportunities, or additional information, please contact:
📧 MHoutsma@marisolservices.com
📞 720-799-9528

📅 Save the Date: Colorado March for Life

Stand with us in solidarity for life and justice at the Colorado March for Life on Friday, April 17th, 2026. Join fellow believers for a peaceful, powerful demonstration of dignity, respect, and advocacy for the most vulnerable.

Stay tuned for more details — route, schedule, gathering points — coming soon.

For info now and to register, visit the official March for Life Colorado website: marchforlife.org/colorado

Let’s march together to affirm the value and dignity of every human life.

A Few Words from the Respect Life Duo 

As we continue into this Advent season, our little office is stunned by the Lord's generosity in allowing us to learn first hand His love for all, especially those who are most vulnerable. Know that we both pray for you and your intentions daily and hope this time of reflect and waiting brings about great consolation for you and your families!