ROCHELLE—In keeping with the centerpiece of the day, with a quote from Pope Francis, the Vitae conference offered a fully dressed table of information for Pro-life workers and advocates.

“Each of us is a masterpiece of God’s creation” was the theme of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Respect Life Program this year and for the annual diocesan conference held Oct. 18 at St. Patrick Parish, here.  

The conference began with social time for pro-life workers and was followed by presentations from two important ministries of Catholic Charities.  

Cathy Weightman-Moore, director of the Long Term Ombudsman Program spoke on “Preserving and Protecting Dignity” and Janet Biljeskovic, director of the Refugee Resettlement Program, gave a presentation on “Advocating for the Vulnerable.”

 Both presentations illustrated the work needed and being delivered through pro-life efforts in the diocese that revolve around the Holy Father’s call to give reverence, respect and dignity to the poor, sick, unborn and all who are vulnerable.

Bishop David Malloy celebrated Mass for conference participants and commissioned about 25 Parish Respect Life Coordinators for the Rockford Diocese.

Father Jeremy Trowbridge, Spiritual Director for the Office of Life and Family Evangelization,  gave the closing address for the conference using the very words Pope Francis used to theme the month of Respect Life.

“We are stewards of life,” Father Trowbridge said.  “We must guard ourself from thinking that our role as Coordinator of Respect Life Activities in our parish is one-dimensional. The one dimension of immigration, the one dimension of abortion, the one dimension of domestic violence, the one dimension of euthanasia … if we limit ourself to one passion them we are being contraceptive in our service to life. Let us live in service to Christ and neighbor giving witness and encouraging activity for the support of every aspect of life in its richness and dignity,” he said.

To find out more about pro-life activities in the Rockford Diocese call director Jennifer Collins at 815-399-4300.replace