The Respect for Life Committee at St. Henry's Catholic Church, centered in Jesus Christ, is dedicated to witnessing to our parish and all of God's Kingdom the sancity of all human life from conception until natural death. 

The United States Conference of Bishops observed the week of July 25th as Natural Family Planning Week. Natural Family Planning (NFP) is the general title for the scientific, natural and moral methods of family planning that can help married couples either achieve or postpone pregnancies. NFP promotes openness to life, and recognizes the value of the child. By respecting the love-giving and life-giving natures of marriage, NFP can enrich the bond between husband and wife. We are blessed to have a local resource for NFP. Contact Holy Family Catholic Clinic at 503-810-2034 or https://holyfamilyclinic.com.

Unhealed effects from abortion experiences do not have to compound the extraordinarily massive stress in countless lives right now. The power to resolve abortion-related trauma and grief are found in an upcoming Project Aurora sponsored Rachel's Vineyard Retreat weekend. "If you are suffering after abortion, no matter how long ago it was, experience a Rachel's Vineyard healing weekend sponsored by Project Aurora. The weekends are for women, men, and anyone impacted by abortion regardless of faith background. Each retreat starts on Friday at 2:00 pm and ends Sunday at 5 pm. Participation at the retreats is strictly confidential and offers a beautiful opportunity to experience God's love, forgiveness, and compassion. If you have a financial burden, assistance is available.

The cost is $250 for meals, room, and all retreat materials.  Let this retreat be the beginning of life-changing healing from abortion.  The next English retreat is in Portland, April 14-16, 2023.  For this retreat, call Lori at 541-350-7859 or email [email protected]    The retreat scheduled for the Medford area has been cancelled.  There is however, one scheduled for Eugene, October 17-19, during the week.  For this retreat, call Alyson at 541-350-6960 or email [email protected]. www.Project-Aurora.org.

Respect Life - Walking with Moms in Need: A Year in Service 

Archbishop Sample, in line with a program of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops called Walking with Moms in Need: a Year of Service, is encouraging parishes, and all parishioners, to be welcoming to expectant mothers in need. The idea is for all of us to know how to refer expectant mothers to services that might assist them. 

The Unites States Conference of Catholic Bishops remind us that pregnant and parenting moms in need are in our parishes and our neighborhoods. Similarly, Pope Francis reminds us our parishes need to be “islands of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference.” The bishops are inviting parishes, through the support of their bishop and pastor, to join a nationwide effort from March 25, 2020 to March 25, 2021 entitled: Walking with Moms in Need: A Year of Service. It is hoped that everyone in the parish community know where to refer a pregnant woman in need.

The St. Henry Respect Life Committee plans to announce a number of resources to assist parishioners in this regard. One resource to assist moms is called Baby Blues Connection (Phone# 800 -557-8375). The mission of Baby Blues Connection is to support parents and their families coping with pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders with information, resources, and community; and connect and support the volunteers, staff, and professionals who serve them.

The Madonna Center for Life is located at 13800 SE Webster Rd. in Milwaukie (97267).  Phone# 503-653-1595.  Website: madonnacenterforlife.org.  The center’s mission is to help parents care for their children.  Their main focus is on women who find themselves left without any support and cannot afford the care of their children.  Often these women lack means of transportation.  The all-volunteer staff respond to calls for assistance left on their 24/7 voice mail.  Volunteer opportunities include praying, sewing hand-made items, office work, and transportation.  The center is staffed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and volunteers meet Saturday mornings.    Check their website for items needed.  Currently Similac baby formula (blue lid) is in high demand.  Though not a crisis pregnancy center or maternity home, the Madonna Center for Life provides services intended to fill in the gaps of other resources. 

Please call the parish office and ask to speak with Jerry McAfee of the St. Henry Respect Life Committee to get involved at (503)-665-9129.