Since 1973, the Catholic Church in the United States has observed October as Respect Life Month, and the first Sunday of October is observed as Respect Life Sunday. As Catholics, we are called to cherish 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 and gift of every human life.

Here are some ideas for participating in Respect Life Month!

1. PRAY

Pray the Respect Life Month Novena!

October 22-30, 2026

Join thousands of Catholics across the country praying for the protection of human life from conception to natural death. Each day of the novena features a different prayer intention, as well as a short reflection, ideas for building a culture of life, and more. Sign up to get the daily prayers delivered straight to your inbox from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops!

Get the Novena

2. REFLECT

This short reflection unpacks this year's theme, "Mary, Mother of Life," demonstrating how the life of the Blessed Mother teaches us to respect each human life in every stage and circumstance.

Read

3. STAY CONNECTED

Help build a culture that welcomes, cherishes, and protects human life.

When you sign up for Respect Life Prayer and Action from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, you will receive:

prayers
invitations to webinars
action alerts to contact Congress and government leaders
ways to strengthen a culture of life in your community

Join thousands of Catholics as we seek to transform our culture!

Sign Up

For more Respect Life prayers, reflections, and information from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, please visit usccb.org/prolife and respectlife.org.

Blessings and peace to you as we pray together for life this month, Annette