The Respect Life Apostolate (RLA) of the Archdiocese of St. Louis provides leadership for all respect life activities within the Catholic community of St. Louis under the direction of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Recognizing the inherent dignity of each human person from conception through natural death, the RLA strives to build a Culture of Life through spiritual support, pastoral care, education and public policy. RLA programs are designed at the diocesan level to serve parishes and the local community, reaching their fullest potential through the collaboration of the pastor and parish respect life coordinator.   

(Click on the graphic above to register for the Conference and learn more!)

 Programs, Events, Prayer Campaigns & Service Projects 

• Gabriel's Retreat Ministry Weekend for Pregnant and New Moms, 9/22-24
• 40 Days for Life (Fairview Heights, IL), 9/27 - 11/3
• Respect Life Month Events (October 2023) 
• • Click here to download the 2023 Archdiocesan Respect Life Month flyer.
  • Respect Life Month Resources for Parishes and Schools
  • Life Chain Locations in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Respect Life Sunday, 10/1
  • Rachel Healing Garden Rededication, 10/5
  • Naming & Commendation Rite (St. Monica's), 10/8
  • USCCB Respect Life Month Novena, 10/13-10/21
  • Archdiocesan Respect Life 50th Anniversary Conference, 10/15
  • Archdiocesan Celebration of Life Mass, 10/21

Archdiocesan, Missouri Catholic Conference (MCC) & USCCB Pro-Life Updates:

• USCCB Pro-Life Chairman's Address for Respect Life Month (October 2023)
• MCC: Attorneys Challenge Constitutionality of MO's Death Penalty Law (September 2023)
• ArchSTL: St. Louis Review Article on Abortion Healing Ministry (September 2023)
• ArchSTL: Missouri Ballot Initiative Update and Explanation as Presented at RLA Parish Coordinator Meeting (August 2023)
• USCCB: Webinar Recording for Parishes on How to Celebrate Respect Life Month (August 2023)
• MCC: Pro-Lifers See Early Post-Dobbs Wins in MO Courts (July 2023)
• ArchSTL: New 2024 Ballot Initiative Could Upend Missouri Pro-Life Legislation (July 2023)
• USCCB Pro-Life Chairman's letter on the first anniversary of the overturn of Roe v. Wade (June 2023). 
• ArchSTL: Respect Life Creative Writing Contest results (May 2023)

History Of Respect Life In St. Louis

50th Anniversary: Celebration Of Life  

On March 25, 2023, the Respect Life Apostolate celebrated 50 years of service to the Archdiocese of St. Louis in promoting the Gospel of Life. It was founded by John Cardinal Carberry in 1973 within weeks of the tragic Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions which legalized abortions throughout the United States. Cardinal Carberry opened the first diocesan office in the nation dedicated to protecting and advocating for the preborn child and helping pregnant mothers. Known as the archdiocesan pro-life committee, the ministry became the blueprint for similar ones in dioceses through the nation, as well as the national pro-life pastoral plan and vision of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

How we've served over the past 50 years!

Photos from the Respect Life Golden Gala (Courtesy of Cori Nations Photography)

Forgiveness, hope & Healing After Abortion

The Abortion Healing Ministry of the Archdiocese of St. Louis offers a wide network of support for those wounded by abortion. Project Rachel (for women), Project Joseph (for men), and the Catholic Renewal Center (for women, men and couples) provide healing and hope. No matter what your experience was or how long it has been since the abortion, hope, healing, and forgiveness are available. 

Wounded by abortion? Click here for help and resources.