Respect Life Month Marked by Annual Prayer and Witness

October 17, 2025

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.

Catholics 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 the faithful to reflect more deeply on the dignity and gift of every human life.

Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, calls Catholics to be agents of hope in Respect Life Month.

“The gift of human life exists as a sign of hope to our world today, defying the powers of darkness and the culture of death,” he said. “It is of the utmost importance that we work to ensure that every life, in every stage and circumstance, is protected in law.”

Life Chain, held the first Sunday in October, is an opportunity to publicly witness for life. There were multiple Life Chains held in the Diocese.

In Urbandale, Father John Owusu-Agyemang, Beth Handeland, and Cindy Seymour stood witness for life on Douglas Avenue at St. Pius X Parish alongside other parishioners. 

In Des Moines, 75 participants gathered along University Avenue between 31st and 35th Streets in Des Moines including Karen Quiner, of Holy Trinity Parish in Des Moines, with Courtney and Ben Robey.

In Council Bluffs, four members of Council Bluffs Catholic Daughters Court St. Anthony #330 participated in the national Life Chain.