Changing hearts and saving lives through respect life education is at the heart of the RLA's educational programming. Scroll this page for resources, events, and programs for a variety of ages from middle school students and teens to young adults and the adult faithful.
Annual Convention/Conference
Each October since 1976, during Respect Life Month, the RLA hosts an annual Convention or Conference to provide a forum for Catholics in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, our ministry partners, and other pro-life advocates to pray, fellowship and celebrate the Gospel of Life.
The 2023 Respect Life Apostolate 50th Anniversary Conference was held on October 15 at the Cardinal Rigali Center. Conference highlights included Holy Mass at 9 a.m., presentations on timely topics from local, state, and national Catholic and pro-life leaders, as well as fellowship, networking, and a ministry partner fair.
Recap of the 2022 Convention: Walking with Families in Dignity & Love:
To give you a window into what our annual celebration of the Gospel of Life looks like:
Pro-Life Parish Coordinator Network
The Parish Respect Life Committee Network, led by a respect life coordinator at each church, is a vital part of the Apostolate's success in serving the community. Not only does the network provide resources to their parishes on life issues, they also actively evangelize their fellow parishioners and support their pastors and priests in making life issues visible at the parish level.
Learn More
Word of Life Parish resource/E-Newsletter
The Apostolate sends out a monthly e-newsletter featuring Archdiocesan, pro-life and pro-family events, news, service and prayer opportunities, and public policy initiatives, as well as bi-monthly alerts on our largest events and programs.
SUBSCRIBE
Respect Life Teen Track Videos & Resources
Inspire the teens and young adults of your parish and school to proclaim the Gospel of Life! The Respect Life Teen Track includes two dynamic video presentations, discussion questions, and youth night activities. Together we can claim the culture for LIFE! These free resources are linked below:
Please preview videos and gain any applicable school and parish approvals before showing to youth under 18.
Eighth Grade Respect Life Creative Writing Contest
Since 1979, the Respect Life Apostolate has partnered with the Office of Education & Formation to sponsor an annual writing competition for 8th grade students in the Archdiocese of St. Louis to reflect, pray, research and write about the Gospel of Life. Results of the 2023 contest are posted at the link below, by clicking here, and the St. Louis Review.
LEARN MORE
School Pro-Life Clubs
The Respect Life Apostolate has a variety of prayer and educational resources available to support your existing middle school, high school, or college pro-life club, and are available for consultation and resources on getting a new one started, including in collaboration with their Catholic and pro-life ministry partners. Contact [email protected] or 314.792.7555 for more information.
Additional resources:
Internship Program
The RLA offers a summer internship to incoming college and graduate students. Interns engage in program and event planning; learning how to strategically accompany and help pregnant and parenting mothers; engaging in peaceful, public witness on behalf of life; marketing, social media and website efforts; conducting timely and topical pro-life research; and assisting with general office operations. Additionally, interns gain professional experience in an Archdiocesan agency setting and networking with Catholic and pro-life leaders.
To learn more, click the link below.
Learn More
Pro-Life Video Challenge
From 2015 to 2021, Archdiocesan youth and young adults 19-39 created short pro-life videos illustrating the Gospel of Life in conjunction with the Annual Respect Life Convention. Click below to learn more and access past winning videos!
Learn More