(OSV News) – The upcoming annual observance of Respect Life Month by the nation’s Catholics takes on new meaning amid the Jubilee Year of Hope, said the chair of the U.S. bishops’ pro-life committee.

“The gift of human life exists as a sign of hope to our world today, defying the powers of darkness and the culture of death,” said Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo, Ohio, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, in a statement included in a Sept. 18 USCCB press release.

Since 1973 — the year in which the Supreme Court rulings in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton legalized abortion nationwide — the Catholic Church in the U.S. has designated October as Respect Life Month, with the first Sunday of October as Respect Life Sunday.

An attendee holds a poster during the 52nd annual March for Life rally in Washington Jan. 24, 2025. (OSV News photo/Bob Roller)

The USCCB’s Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities provides a range of resources to help further an understanding of Catholic teaching, which holds that all human life is sacred from conception to natural death, and therefore must be respected and protected absolutely.

Since the first century, the Catholic Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. Catholic teaching also states that “intentional euthanasia, whatever its forms or motives, is murder,” with the Second Vatican Council condemning “euthanasia or willful self-destruction” among the moral “infamies” that “poison human society” and are a “supreme dishonor to the Creator.”

In his full statement — which was dated October 2025 and posted to the USCCB’s website — Bishop Thomas stressed that “the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation of our hope.”

“Through Christ, our sins are forgiven, death is overcome, and life is victorious,” he said.

However, he noted, “the daily headlines remind us of how desperately our world is thirsting for the hope that only God can provide.”

Bishop Thomas lamented that “every day we witness the overwhelming disregard for human life,” noting among other indicators “rising rates of abortion and assisted suicide.”

According to data from the Guttmacher Institute, which supports legalized abortion, the nation saw a surge in abortions during the 1970s and 1980s, with the latter decade seeing annual averages around 1.6 million.

Abortion rates steadily declined since 1990, but have increased slightly in recent years, even after the Supreme Court reversed its Roe and Doe rulings in 2022. In 2024, there were 15.4 abortions per 1,000 women ages 15-44, down 1% from 2023, but still a 7% increase from 2020. Guttmacher said the count “includes medication abortions”provided via telemedicine” by U.S. clinicians, with mifepristone and misoprostol pills mailed to patients in states without total bans or bans on telemedicine.

Currently, assisted suicide is legal in 11 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, with a number of other states considering legalization.

Bishop Thomas also pointed to other recent examples of disregard for the sanctity of life, such as “the killing of innocent school children, even at prayer” — an apparent reference to the Aug. 27 mass shooting at a Minnesota Catholic school liturgy — “the mistreatment of our immigrant sisters and brothers as they endure an environment of aggression; and political and ideological violence inflicted against unsuspecting victims.”

“These attacks threaten life precisely when it is most vulnerable and in need of protection,” he said.

For that reason, he said, “it is of the utmost importance that we work to ensure that every life, in every stage and circumstance, is protected in law.”

Those efforts have already achieved some success, said Bishop Thomas.

“Earlier this year, history was made when Planned Parenthood and other big abortion businesses were banned from receiving federal Medicaid dollars for one year,” he said. “I thank Catholics across the country who have embraced a nationwide call to prayer for the end of all taxpayer funding of abortion centers, and I ask that we continue those prayers throughout the month of October.”

Respect Life Month dovetails perfectly with the call of the Jubilee Year, in which “we are challenged to be agents of hope to those whose hearts are burdened by trial, difficulty, or suffering, offering them the hope that comes from Christ Jesus alone.”

He highlighted two examples of such outreach: Walking with Moms in Need, a USCCB-led initiative that helps parishes and communities to befriend and support pregnant and newly parenting women; and the Project Rachel Ministry, which provides post-abortion healing.

Both ministries “are just two examples of how the Church continuously reaches out with love, compassion, and mercy to those most in need of a message of hope,” said Bishop Thomas.

Quoting impromptu remarks Pope Leo XIV made to Jubilee pilgrims May 26, Bishop Thomas added, “How important it is that each and every baptized person feel himself or herself called by God to be a sign of hope in the world today.”

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – Ahead of the U.S. Catholic Church’s observance of its annual National Migration Week, taking place this year Sept. 22-28, the U.S. bishops reiterated their longstanding efforts to show solidarity with immigrants amid “fear and anxiety” prompted by current immigration enforcement efforts.

Catholic social teaching on immigration seeks to balance three interrelated principles – the right of persons to migrate in order to sustain their lives and those of their families; the right of a country to regulate its borders and control immigration; but also a nation’s duty to regulate its borders with justice and mercy.

“The U.S. bishops have consistently expressed solidarity with immigrants amid the fear and anxiety prompted by current immigration enforcement efforts,” said a statement issued Sept. 18 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Migrants seeking asylum in the U.S. walk into a temporary humanitarian respite center run by Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley in McAllen, Texas, April 8, 2021. (OSV News photo/Go Nakamura, Reuters)

“The bishops have called for, and continue to press for, ‘a more humane system of immigration, one that protects our communities while safeguarding the dignity of all.’ This includes encouraging bipartisan collaboration among policymakers,” it said.

For 45 years, “the U.S. Catholic Church has celebrated National Migration Week by reflecting on its history as an immigrant Church and the ways in which the country has been enriched by generations of immigrants, including the many Catholics who have adopted this land as their own. It is also an opportunity to grow in appreciation of the challenges faced by migrants and refugees, both in the United States and beyond, and to express solidarity through prayer, accompaniment, and advocacy.”

Typically, National Migration Week culminates in the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on the last Sunday in September, but this year the universal church will mark the World Day of Migrants and Refugees Oct. 4–5, to coincide with the Jubilee of Migrants.

In March, the late Pope Francis chose “Migrants, missionaries of hope” as the theme for the world day observance, linking it to the Jubilee message of hope, “underscoring a key hallmark of his pontificate and in recognition of the courage and resilience of migrants and refugees who bear daily witness to hope despite hardship,” the USCCB statement said.

In his comments for World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Leo XIV has continued to emphasize the dignity of migrants: “In a world darkened by war and injustice, even when all seems lost, migrants and refugees stand as messengers of hope. Their courage and tenacity bear heroic testimony to a faith that sees beyond what our eyes can see and gives them the strength to defy death on the various contemporary migration routes.”

“National Migration Week invites Catholics across the country to reflect on how hope can shape and inform our collective response to migration,” the USCCB statement said. “Catholic dioceses, parishes, schools, and organizations nationwide are encouraged to mark this observance with prayer services, educational programs, community outreach, and support for migration-related ministries.

The Justice for Immigrants website offers a 2025 National Migration Week toolkit, including resources to help communities “prepare spiritually and pastorally.”

(OSV News) – Pope Leo XIV turned 70 on Sept. 14, and more than 2 million prayers and works from 72 countries around the world were offered for him for the occasion through an OSV News-organized initiative, making up one very special “spiritual birthday bouquet” of prayer, love and support.

The effort resulted in 1,005,687 rosaries, 6,520 remembrances at Mass, 2,485 Chaplets of Divine Mercy, 1,777 Eucharistic Holy Hours, 693 novenas, 644 recitations of the Divine Office, and 1,000,866 acts of mercy or other prayers for the pope, for a total of 2,018,672 offerings.

In addition, the “Pizza and Prayer” spiritual bouquet encouraged participants, when possible, to pray together and then raise a slice of pizza in his honor, one of the Chicago native’s favorite treats.

Pope Leo XIV slices a cake for his 70th birthday Sept. 14, 2025, as cardinals, Vatican officials and ecumenical leaders look on after a prayer service at Rome’s Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

OSV News was joined in partnership by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; the Pontifical Mission Societies, USA; Relevant Radio; Hallow; the National Eucharistic Revival; the Daughters of St. Paul; Sing the Hours; Pray More Novenas; the Daily Nothings; and more to help spread the word.

The name of every person, group or family that participated in this spiritual bouquet was included on the card OSV News sent to the Vatican — making it a truly universal gift. The majority of the prayers were submitted from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Hungary, Australia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

“In a world where so much is tearing us apart, it was gratifying to work on a project where people could come together, united in prayer for Pope Leo on this milestone birthday — his first as pope,” said Gretchen R. Crowe, editor-in-chief of OSV News. “We are honored to be able to present this to him.”

Organizations and influencers throughout the Catholic world participated, with New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan giving a video endorsement that went viral, encouraging participation.

Playing another key role was the USCCB, whose communications department informed and encouraged dioceses throughout the country to join in. Those dioceses, in return, encouraged the local faithful to participate. As a result, numerous dioceses, churches, schools and families pledged prayers, along with many religious sisters and brothers, priests and deacons. The Diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida, added 1,000,000 works of mercy, a Jubilee Year initiative, into the bouquet.

Many groups posted videos or photos to social media of their efforts. Students from the Catholic campus ministry program at Indiana University in Bloomington shared a video greeting of more than 220 eating pizza in honor of the pope. Bishop William Byrne of Springfield, Massachusetts, prayed for Pope Leo and sent greetings from a local correctional facility, where two inmates had recently been confirmed — both with the patron “Leo.”

“I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to collect such a beautiful and large bouquet for the Holy Father’s birthday,” said Megan Marley, OSV News digital editor, whose idea first prompted the spiritual bouquet. “Thank you to everyone who helped surround him in prayer.”

 

Shown, from left: Mike Cianciotta, director, St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen; Katie Kemmerer, community affairs regional manager, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield; Chris Bedwick, president of the advisory board, St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen.

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield recently served as the presenting sponsor of St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen’s “Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.” Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield’s $3,000 donation covered the cost of the dinner, which served as a “thank you” to the many volunteers that help serve meals at the Kitchen throughout the year, as well as volunteers who assist at the Kitchen’s food pantry and free clothing store. 

For information on becoming a  “Sponsor for a Day” at St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen, or for information about volunteer opportunities, call (570) 829-7796.

September 19, 2025

His Excellency, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, announces the following appointments, effective October 1, 2025:

REVEREND THOMAS J. PETRO, J.V., J.C.L., to Judicial Vicar.  Father Petro will continue to serve as Pastor of Queen of the Apostles Parish, Avoca, and Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Dupont.  As Judicial Vicar, Father Petro will oversee all canonical processes related to marriage law, including marital annulments, dispensations and permissions.

REVEREND JEFFREY D. TUDGAY, V.E., J.C.L., from Judicial Vicar.  Father Tudgay will continue to serve as Pastor of Saint Peter’s Cathedral Parish, Scranton, and Immaculate Conception Parish, Scranton, and Episcopal Vicar for Canonical Services, directing all canonical processes related to clergy and to the Vision 2030 modification of parishes and churches. 

September 18, 2025

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I am writing this letter today to address a situation that has gotten significant attention both within Saint Patrick Parish, Milford, and throughout the wider community.

Earlier this summer, a parishioner made a request to use the Saint Patrick church hall for an event at the end of September. That request was received through the parish’s normal reservation process. However, it has since become clear that, at the time the request was made, there was an incomplete understanding of the true nature and scope of the event.

After promotional materials were shared on social media, it was brought to my attention that the gathering is being hosted by the Pike County Democrats as a political fundraiser honoring a former Congressman. The event also anticipated participation from other elected officials and/or political candidates. In short, it is clearly and unmistakably a partisan political event.

Considering this, I must be unequivocal: Parish buildings and facilities may not be used for partisan political purposes or meetings. This is not merely a guideline, but a long-standing regulation of the Diocese of Scranton, as outlined in our Diocesan Statutes (Diocesan Statue #43). This long-standing policy exists to protect the Church’s mission and our commitment to being a place of unity, prayer, and spiritual formation for all – regardless of political affiliation.

After careful consideration and prayerful discernment, I have made the decision that this event will not take place on church property. While I recognize that this may cause inconvenience to the organizers and regret any confusion that may have resulted from the initial approval at the parish level, I do not and cannot apologize for upholding policies that are long-established and essential to our identity as a church.

While our Diocesan policies on this matter are extremely clear, I want to acknowledge that there was, initially, discussion about whether to allow the event to proceed – particularly because it is now short notice for the organizers to secure an alternative venue. I fully recognize my decision may create a logistical burden. However, after careful reflection, it became clear that the Diocese cannot allow timing or convenience to override our established principles.

Let me be clear: The Diocese of Scranton, and by extension its parishes, do not endorse or oppose any political party or candidate. Our facilities are sacred spaces – and they must never be used in ways that could imply partisan alignment, whether intentionally or inadvertently.

This situation, which was just brought to my attention two days ago, underscores the importance of vigilance and prudence in reviewing all requests for use of parish facilities. We will continue working with all our parishes – including Saint Patrick Parish – to ensure that internal procedures are strengthened and that any future requests align clearly with diocesan statutes and the values of the Gospel.

I understand that all may not welcome this decision. Some may view it as overly strict; others may wish it had come sooner. It is important to know that this decision would have been the same regardless of which political party was involved. The policy must be applied consistently, without exception. We are not called to follow the path of convenience – we are called to remain faithful to the truth, even when it is difficult.

I ask for your prayers – for our parish communities, for our leaders, and for our parish and civic leaders. May we respond not with division or frustration, but with a renewed commitment to living our faith with integrity and charity.

Faithfully yours in Christ,

†Joseph C. Bambera

Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.

Bishop of Scranton

HARRISBURG, Pa. (OSV News) – Bishop Timothy C. Senior of Harrisburg said he was “deeply saddened” by a shooting in rural Pennsylvania that claimed the lives of three police officers and injured two others.

York County law enforcement officials were attempting to serve an arrest warrant to a man at a farm in North Codorus Township Sept. 17 when the man opened fire before being shot by an officer, officials said.

“At this difficult time, I entrust all those impacted to the loving care of our Lord,” Bishop Senior said in a Sept. 18 statement. “We recognize and honor the bravery and selflessness of law enforcement officers, who daily put their lives on the line to protect others. Their courage reflects the highest ideals of service and sacrifice.”

A police officer is loaded into a Medevac helicopter after a shooting incident in York County’s North Codorus Township, Pa., Sept. 17, 2025. Three police officers were fatally shot and two wounded in southern Pennsylvania, and the shooter was killed by police, authorities said. (OSV News photo/Paul Kuehnel, USA Today Network via Reuters)

“As a community, I call on all people of good will to join me in praying for healing for the two injured officers, and comfort for the families of the three officers killed,” he added. “May Christ, the Prince of Peace, bring comfort to those who suffer and guide our community to healing and unity.”

In a statement, the Northern York County Regional Police Department said, “We ask our community to keep these officers, their families, and their colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable grief.”

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro told reporters Sept. 17, “Our Commonwealth owes a debt of gratitude to our law enforcement officers and the three who sacrificed their lives today to keep us safe.”

Shapiro ordered U.S. and Pennsylvania flags “on all public buildings across the Commonwealth to be lowered to half staff in their memory,” he added.

The Diocese of Harrisburg said Bishop Senior was scheduled to celebrate a vigil for the fallen officers and the community Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. at Holy Infant Church in Manchester.

Dear Friends,

“Life: Our Sign of Hope!”

For over five decades, the Catholic Church in the United States has dedicated the month of October as a special season to promote a culture of life throughout our land. This year’s theme is linked to the great Jubilee Year of Hope and emphasizes the belief that every human life is a precious gift from God, especially the most vulnerable. It encourages us to promote and defend life, recognizing it as a sign of God’s promise and love.

Despite the hope that was generated with the overturning of Roe v. Wade three years ago, the challenge to protect human life has not diminished. It has merely shifted from being a national issue to a state issue. Sadly, because our world is so often hostile to the truth of the Gospel of Life that we embrace, proclaiming the sanctity of human life can be challenging at best. In many arenas, defense of unborn lives, the lives of those who are disabled or dying, or the lives of any vulnerable human population is met with resistance. Proclaiming the Church’s teaching on topics like abortion, assisted suicide, and the death penalty can provoke challenging and emotional responses from those who disagree. And often, we may find ourselves afraid to speak up about these issues in our families, among our coworkers, or with students in our school community. We may fear disagreement, judgement, confrontation, or misunderstanding.

But as our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, encourages us, “How important it is that each and every baptized person feel himself or herself called by God to be a sign of hope in the world today.”

Brothers and sisters, we bring hope to our world whenever we lift our voices in opposition to threats to our belief in the dignity and value of the human person – from abortion to euthanasia to the death penalty, human trafficking, and unjust immigration laws. We bring hope to our world not merely through self-righteous criticisms of those whose beliefs may be different than our own – but through the respect and dignity that we afford to every person we encounter, regardless of their lifestyle, their country of origin or economic status.

In anticipation of our commemoration of this cherished month devoted to respect for human life, I invite you to join me in traveling to our state capital of Harrisburg on Monday, September 22, 2025, where we will join with thousands of faithful souls from around our Commonwealth for the annual Pennsylvania March for Life. On that day, the message of countless numbers of faithful disciples of Jesus and brothers and sisters from different faith traditions will once again proclaim the value of human life as the treasured gift of God that it is.

Shortly after his election, Pope Leo shared these words to diplomats from countries around the world: “It is the responsibility of world leaders to work to build harmonious and peaceful civil societies.” He continued, “No one is exempted from striving to ensure respect for the dignity of every person, especially the most frail and vulnerable, from the unborn to the elderly, from the sick to the unemployed, citizens and immigrants alike.”

Therein, we discover our responsibility as disciples of Jesus as well as our true and lasting hope!


Faithfully yours in Christ,


Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
Bishop of Scranton

SCRANTON – The Catholic Church recognizes the month of October as Respect Life Month and the first Sunday in October is designated as Respect Life Sunday.

The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, will celebrate Respect Life Sunday Mass on Oct. 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton.

The Mass is open to the public. Faithful from across the Diocese of Scranton are invited to attend the Respect Life Sunday Mass and focus on God’s precious gift of human life and our responsibility to care for, protect and defend the lives of our brothers and sisters.

The theme for the 2025 Respect Life celebration is, “Life: Our Sign of Hope.” The theme reflects the ongoing Jubilee Year of Hope. Through the gift of our Baptism, Our Lord Jesus Christ calls us to be a member of His body thereby, demonstrating the invaluable dignity of the human person. This mystery invites us to be witnesses to the hope of the resurrection by promoting and defending the precious gift of life.

Catholics 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. During the month of October, the Church asks us to reflect more deeply on the dignity of every human life.

For those unable to attend in-person, the Mass will be broadcast live on CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton and the Diocese of Scranton’s YouTube Channel. The Mass will also be livestream on the Diocese of Scranton website with links provided on the Diocese of Scranton social media platforms.

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania March for Life is now just days away and several of the speakers who are expected to take the stage on Monday, Sept. 22 have been announced.

Among those expected to speak are the Most Reverend Nelson Perez, Archbishop of Philadelphia; Ryan Bomberger, founder, Radiance Foundation; Michael Geer, president, Pennsylvania Family Institute; Jennie Bradley Lichter, president, March for Life; Sarah Bowen, founding president, Pennsylvania Pregnancy Wellness Collaborative; Dr. Robby Waller, emergency medicine physician; along with numerous Pennsylvania lawmakers.

The events associated with the 2025 Pennsylvania March for Life will begin on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 12:15 p.m. as Saint Patrick Cathedral, 212 State Street, Harrisburg, will begin Eucharistic Adoration directly following their regular Mass. The Adoration will conclude with a Mass for Life on the day of the rally at 9:00 a.m., at which time a morning Mass for Life will be held.

At 10:00 a.m., pre-rally praise and worship will take place outside the Pennsylvania State Capitol.

The rally with speakers with all of the announced speakers will begin at 11:00 a.m., and the Pennsylvania March for Life itself will begin at noon.

Following the march, another Mass for Life will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Saint Patrick Cathedral.

Individuals planning to travel to the Pennsylvania March for Life are also encouraged to advocate for the unborn with their individual legislators while in Harrisburg.

Interested individuals can contact their legislator prior to the March for Life and set up a time to meet with them before or after the rally or can stop by their member’s office and leave a message for them with their staff.