Pro-Life Committee

Chariman: SK Anthony C Perea

Activities: White Rose Bishop's Pro-Life Dinner Tomb of the Unborn Sign for Sidewalk Counselors (800BabyDue) (((Ultrasound Program Chairman - I don't think this is an annual effort. Done as needed. It can be removed but included as a responsibility of the Pregnancy Center Support Chairman.))) Information from Supreme for this committee:

• Join the Knights of Columbus Day of the Unborn Child observation held annually on the Feast of the Annunciation (March 25). In this event Knights, Squires and their families should pray, fast and work to restore respect and protection to the child before birth. Also consider sponsoring events to support pro-life organizations.
• Organize a council pro-life program under the direction of the pro-life chaircouple.
• Send letters or personally contact your chaplain, pastor and members of the clergy offer- ing whatever assistance they request in the fight against abortion.
• March for Life. Each year, in conjunction with the January anniversary of the Roe v. Wade deci- sion of the U.S. Supreme Court legalizing abortion, thousands of pro-life supporters March for Life in Washington, D.C. Since 1973 the Knights of Columbus have been visible participants in this demonstration to demand legislative protection for the unborn. Send a delegation from your council to the March for Life in Washington. If you live too far away, organize or participate in a pro-life demonstration in your state capital or your own community on that day.
• Promote and support the Order’s pro-life efforts by displaying materials featuring the theme “Defend Life.” A billboard (#1938) and poster (#4238) are all available at no cost from the Supreme Council Supply Department. The billboard consists of 30 sheets and measures 21 1/2´ x 9 1/2´. Allow 4 weeks for delivery. Other pro-life materials are described in the Supply Catalog (#1264).
• Distribute the Church’s teachings on the sanctity of life as outlined in the Study Guide to Evangelium Vitae (#2914). The guide has been prepared by the Knights of Columbus for groups and individuals who wish to become more familiar with the Church’s teaching on the respect due human life as presented by Pope John Paul II in his 11th encyclical, Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life). Copies can be obtained for 25 cents per copy from the Supply Department.
• Contact right-to-life committees or other pro-life organizations in your area. Work to coor- dinate your programs with those already in existence. Volunteer support, manpower, finances.
• Create a public display of pro-life support. Place small white crosses in the lawn of your council home or parish, representing the number of lives lost to abortion locally each year.
• Promote letter-writing campaigns to the state and provincial legislatures. Bring stationery to council meetings and have members write letters on the spot. Letters should express your views clearly, firmly and courteously; ask questions and demand answers.
• Raise funds for BIRTHRIGHT and similar pro-life organizations which help convince pregnant women to carry their babies to birth rather than to abort them. Volunteer manpower and servic- es. For more information call: BIRTHRIGHT Inc., (800) 550-4900. Other pro-life groups that pro- vide assistance to women facing crisis pregnancies include: The Nurturing Network, (800) 866-4666, and National Life Center, Inc., (856) 848-1819.
• Carry the pro-life message to youth through the CCD, high schools, colleges, Squires, Scouts, etc. Deliver speeches, distribute literature and sponsor pro-life essay and poster contests. Arrange for a showing of pro-life films at council meetings, family events, community meetings.
• Criticize any and all pro-abortion programs sponsored by radio and television stations and ask for equal time dedicated to pro-life arguments.
• Erect a memorial to children killed through abortion.
• Arrange petition-signing campaigns. Set a goal for signatures and keep working until that goal is attained.
• Give gifts of thanks and congratulations to women who have “chosen life” by carrying their babies to term. On behalf of your council present new mothers with something as simple as the Knights of Columbus Congratulations Card (#2087, E, F, S, available at 25¢ each from the Supply department),or provide other practical gifts like diapers, food, blankets or clothing. Consider donating Christmas gifts to newborns and their single mothers temporarily housed in shelters. Work with local social serv- ice agencies or programs that counsel women to keep their babies or place them for adoption.
• Sponsor a “Tree for Life’’ program to collect baby items and supplies for unwed mothers and crisis pregnancy service centers.
• Demonstrate publicly your pro-life stance by presenting savings bonds or other gifts to the first child born at your local hospital on Columbus Day or New Year’s Day or the January anniversary of the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion. Consider pre- senting roses from the council to all mothers attending Mass on Mother’s Day.
• Pray the rosary to end abortion. This simple, yet effective act can have enormous impact. A poster urging the recitation of the rosary as a weapon against abortion (#2073) and a prayer card with a pro-life prayer by Pope John Paul II on the back (#2072) are available at no charge from the Supply Department.
• Offer your rosaries publicly outside abortion clinics. Individuals or groups peacefully pray- ing the rosary outside such facilities are highly visible and effective.