Washington D.C., Mar 1, 2010 / 23:12 pm
A lay Catholic group has asked the U.S. bishops to begin an annual collection for pro-life activities each weekend before the March for Life.
Catholic Advocate Vice President Matt Smith said creating the collection will “tangibly demonstrate the importance of building a culture of life in our society.”
“A consistent source of funds to national pro-life activities will open opportunities to promote the sanctity of life at all stages," he added.
Catholic Advocate has recommended to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) that the proposed collection support the programs of the USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities.
Deal Hudson, President of Catholic Advocate, said many positive pro-life activities are taking place at the local level. His organization believes a “National Collection for Life” would enhance those programs at a time when they are needed “more than ever.”
The group’s request came in a March 1 letter to Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Chairman of the Committee on Pro-life Activities, and Bishop of Dallas Kevin Farrell, Chairman of the Committee on National Collections.
“What better way to tangibly show the priority the Church places on advocating for life than with a collection to match the importance of the issue in our society?” the Catholic Advocate letter said.