A "Virtual Event" (Click here) took place from June 12-19. It was a blog conversation focusing on post-abortion symptoms and healing. The posts can still be viewed and comments are still welcome.
Project Rachel - Healing the Heart...(Click here to enter)
This is the internet home of the Catholic Diocese of Belleville Respect Life Office. The Diocese includes all of the southern 28 counties of Illinois. The Respect Life Office seeks to be a witness to the truth that the dignity of every person is inherent, simply by virtue of having been created in the image of God. Because of this dignity human life should be defended and celebrated, protected and nurtured, from conception to natural death, and all stages in between.
We hope you enjoy your visit and encourage you to check back often for updates.
If you would like to be included in the Friends of Respect Life distribution list for updates and alerts please fill out the "contact us" form on the left.
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The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has designated the week of July 19-25 as Natural Family Planning Awareness Week. It is promoted as a national educational campaign with the dates coinciding with the anniversary of the papal encyclical Humanae Vitae (July 25) which articulates Catholic beliefs about human sexuality, conjugal love and responsible parenthood. In recognition of the week, we will add a new page with more information about NFP, with links to USCCB articles (also in Spanish) and online courses. Click here to enter...For more information please callLaurie Edwards , 235-9601, ext. 133.
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Project Rachel - Healing the Heart...(Click here to enter)

This is the internet home of the Catholic Diocese of Belleville Respect Life Office. The Diocese includes all of the southern 28 counties of Illinois. The Respect Life Office seeks to be a witness to the truth that the dignity of every person is inherent, simply by virtue of having been created in the image of God. Because of this dignity human life should be defended and celebrated, protected and nurtured, from conception to natural death, and all stages in between.
We hope you enjoy your visit and encourage you to check back often for updates.
If you would like to be included in the Friends of Respect Life distribution list for updates and alerts please fill out the "contact us" form on the left.
*********************************
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has designated the week of July 19-25 as Natural Family Planning Awareness Week. It is promoted as a national educational campaign with the dates coinciding with the anniversary of the papal encyclical Humanae Vitae (July 25) which articulates Catholic beliefs about human sexuality, conjugal love and responsible parenthood. In recognition of the week, we will add a new page with more information about NFP, with links to USCCB articles (also in Spanish) and online courses. Click here to enter...For more information please call
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Pregnancy Support and Healthy Marriages are critical to reducing number of abortions....A New Study has found the Top Reason for Women's Abortions is No Supportive Partner, Father. Click here for the full story and recent study results. Marriage resources such as those listed below are needed now more than ever in the fight for healthier marraiges and families and reducing the number of abortions! While the legislation and social policy are crucial to the defense of the unborn, also fundamental is the task of renewing the understanding and appreciation of marriage and strengthening marriages. Respect Life includes recognizing and defending human dignity in all stages and against all assaults. The majority of people are called to live out the fullness of their dignity within marriage. Please click on any of the resources below for encouraging strong marriages!
(Click the image to enter :))- USCCB Marriage Resources
- Marriage Moments
- Ligouri Marriage Resources
- The Knights of Columbus have a great website for dads! Click here to visit!
We live in a world with many wounded…
when marriage goes wrong:
when marriage goes wrong:
Domestic Violence is a serious assault on marriage. Stress, including financial hardship, is a contributing factor. The current economic crisis presents many challenges, but one needs to be an increased vigilance to be aware of the indicators of domestic violence and to encourage help. Please click here and become familiar with Red Flags of Abuse and Hotline numbers. Additionally, click here where you can print a brochure with some of the same information that you can share.
Domestic Violence can also be prevalent in dating relationships - especially with teens. Click here for a helpful resource on Healthy Relationships.
Domestic Violence can also be prevalent in dating relationships - especially with teens. Click here for a helpful resource on Healthy Relationships.
***SAFETY ALERT: Computer use can be monitored and is impossible to completely clear. If you are in danger, please use a safer computer (for example a friend’s or at the library), call the Violence Prevention Center at (618) 235-0892 and/or call:
National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-SAFE (7233).
National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-SAFE (7233).
“Next Chapter” is a group that began in the diocese 15 years ago and continues to meet to encourage personal and spiritual growth in the aftermath of divorce. To receive information, call 235-9601, x146. Next Chapter is part of the network of Catholic Divorce Ministry, a USCCB sanctioned outreach to individuals and families effected by divorce.
Divorced and Separated Koinoinia is a retreat experience specifically for the divorced and separated and will take place May 29-31 at Todd Hall in Columbia, IL. Click here for the brochure.
Other important information and events include (click on the links below):
- Stem Cell Alternatives (new updates as of January, 2009!)
- Listing of Pregnancy Care Centers located throughout the Belleville Diocese
- Listing of Memorials to the Unborn in the Diocese of Belleville
We hope that you will join us in any and all of these initiatives and are very thankful for your continued support and prayers! If there are any questions or ideas that we can work on together please give me a call!!
Blessings,
God's Love Heals!

Project Rachel is a post-abortion healing ministry of the Catholic Church, available to anyone who needs to hear the truth that “God’s Love Heals”… even the wounds of regret, guilt, shame, grief, anger, and the harmful choices that frequently stem from trying to bury the wounds of being involved in abortion. Healing may be sought not only by a woman who had an abortion, but anyone (the boyfriend, husband, parent, or friend) who participated in the decision.... (more)
Please continue to be alert to any changes in The Freedom of Choice Act. This vigilance needs to include the individual issues that may be incorporated into other legislation! Check the Legislative Information section above for updates.Contact the White House
The new administration has expressed a comittment to listen to all Americans, but that can only work when everyone engages. People are encouraged to go to the new administration’s web site and be an active voice...
USCCB Survey Says...
WASHINGTON—A nationwide survey commissioned by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB - click here for the the press release) has found that four out of five U.S. adults (82 percent) think abortion should either be illegal under all circumstances (11 percent) or would limit its legality. Thirty-eight (38) percent ...









