Information available at our Catholic Charities page.  Please click here.

Theme: "Mary Mother of Life"

Each October, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month. We are called to cherish, defend and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning of life to its end, and at every point in between. 

The Program begins a new the first Sunday of October and continues through the following September.  New Materials are designed each year to assist parishes, schools and families celebrate Respect Life Month.

Respect Life Month Novena _ October 22-30


The annual Respect Life Month Novena is held from October 22 -30 to pray for the protection of human life, from conception to natural death. Each day of the novena features a different pro-life prayer intention which is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. 

Respect Life Parish Leader Email List

USCCB
USCCB Pro-Life Action Alerts
USCCB Newsroom
USCCB Respect Life Program

NEW

A new series of videos feature encouragement and support for Walking with Moms in Need.  We encourage you to watch the videos and hear what the bishops are saying about Walking with Moms in Need.

As followers of the crucified Christ, victim of state supported death penalty, we pray for an end to the death penalty.  Iowa is one of a growing number of states that does not have a death penalty.  The links below lead to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishop's Campaign to End the Death Penalty and provide a wealth of information and action ideas. 

USCCB  Death Penalty and learn what you can do to protect the dignity of life.

The Catholic Mobilizing Network to End the Use of Death Penalty

Iowa Catholic Conference _ Death Penalty - The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has for many decades opposed the use of capital punishment.

40 Days for Life begins Sept. 23

IOWA CITY —The 40 Days for Life campaign is an opportunity for Christians worldwide to come together and pray outside abortion clinics.

Iowa City-area participants try to maintain a constant presence outside the Emma Goldman Clinic from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the campaign, which begins Sept. 23 and concludes Nov. 1. Participants take shifts to pray, hand out brochures and/or hold signs. Pro-life advocates who cannot stand outside the clinic are encouraged to participate from home through prayer and fasting, especially on Monday afternoons and Thursday mornings when Emma Goldman offers abortion appointments, said local 40 Days coordinator Paul Breitbach.  Click here to read complete article.

St. Joseph Adoption Novena: March 10-18, 2026

• The Action Guide for the Sunday of Divine Mercy includes a sample timeline, simple steps, sample announcements, homily helps, and an activity to help you bring Christ’s message of mercy to your parish community.
• Homily Considerations
• Click here for additional resources
  

• Religious Freedom Week to be Observed June 22-29.  Resources

•  40 Days for Life

• October: Respect Life Month
  
  
• October: Respect Life Novena: 

• November: Solemnity of Christ the King, Click here for the Novena 
  
  
• Annual Pro - Life  Events

• Every January -  March for Life In Washington DC

• National Prayer Vigil for Life in January: This is an annual all-night pro-life prayer vigil held on the eve of the March for Life.  It is held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.  For more details click here. 

Social Action Upcoming Event page