Respect Life & Social Justice
The Respect Life & Social Justice Office assists the bishop in proclaiming the dignity of human life created in the Image of God as the basis for the fundamental human right to life; and applying our Church's social doctrine to local situations.
More Information:
Birth Mother support
Political Life and Religious Liberty
Walking with Moms in Need
Assistance Database and Resources
End of Life Issues
Birthmother Gathering
Join us every second Tuesday of the month at the Spiritual Life Center from 6:30-8:00pm. Birth mothers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to attend this gathering as an opportunity to share your experience and find support. There is no cost or RSVP required.
After the Gift Retreat
A weekend retreat at the Spiritual Life Center, offers a celebration of the birth mom - honoring her decision to choose life, offering her compassion and understanding, addressing the unique grief of birthmothers, and providing ongoing support after the retreat.
Faithful Citizenship
Responsible citizenship is a virtue and participation in political life is a moral obligation.
Religious Liberty
The bishops have called the faithful to Get Informed, Advocate and Pray for Conscience Rights. Join in solidarity to protect the conscience rights of all.
Pregnant and parenting moms in need are in our parishes and our neighborhoods. As Pope Francis reminds us, our parishes need to be “islands of mercy in the midst of the sea of indifference.” The Respect Life and Social Justice Office is here to help and support parishes in this effort.
Assistance Database
This is a resource for local St. Vincent De Paul Societies.
Word of Life Resource
Word of Life is a monthly resource for dioceses and parishes. It is available in both English and Spanish.
Kansas Death Penalty
Kansas statute established the death penalty by lethal injection as a sentencing option for offenders 18 years of age and older who are convicted of capital murder (K.S.A. 21-3439).
A number of inmates have been convicted of capital murder but sentenced to life in prison (with a minimum term of 25 years to parole eligibility) instead of death.
Kansas does not have a separate “death row.” Inmates sentenced to death are typically housed in El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF), along with other inmates who are in administrative segregation.
In the event that a female inmate is sentenced to death, she will be held at the Topeka Correctional Facility (TCF), the only facility for female inmates in Kansas.
Kansas has not executed an inmate since 1965.
The average annual cost of incarceration at the El Dorado Correctional Facility for Fiscal Year 2016 was $25,596.
Value Them Both
The “Value Them Both” Constitutional Amendment initiative seeks to return to Kansas citizens, through their elected officials, the authority to determine public policy and to protect both women and preborn babies in the Great State of Kansas.
We seek passage of a clear and clarifying state constitutional amendment that simply and reasonably says abortion is not a “natural” constitutional right in Kansas. Passage of this amendment will once again allow restrictions and laws about abortion in Kansas to be enforced.
On Friday, February 7, 2020, the “Value Them Both” amendment failed to reach the necessary 2/3 majority vote in the House. It received 80 yes votes, but needed 84.
Thank you to everyone who prayed, fasted, and contacted their representatives in support of the amendment. We are disappointed that it did not pass and will continue to work to educate and change hearts of the representatives who voted no. Value them both will likely come up for another vote this year. Kansans deserve better than unlimited and unregulated abortion in our great state!
Homeless Outreach
Seeing Christ in those experiencing Homelessness by
Mission of RLSJ Street Outreach program is to establish a non-judgmental and non-coercive rapport and reduce harm by providing critical, life-saving resources
Street Outreach days and hours of operation
Wednesday 1pm – 4pm; Friday 9:30am – 12:30pm.
Through Christ’s love to change the hearts and minds of individuals who cannot see Christ in our homeless brothers and sisters.
Seeing Christ in those experiencing Homelessness by
1. Engaging with individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness.
2. Providing them with a list of local resources and encourage them to use all resources available to them.
3. Providing high protein snack foods
4. Providing cold water
5. Providing clothes – let the homeless know where to get clothes
6. Providing shoes – let the homeless know where to get shoes
7. Providing community – establishing rapport and trust through talking to the men and women and offering advice and assistance for their specific needs.
8. Providing transportation - (bus passes) to other agencies for necessary assistance
9. Speaking with Churches regarding blessing boxes on the premises for homeless and low income individuals and families.
10. Providing laundry assistance to low income families. So children can go to school in clean clothes.
Contact Us
Respect Life & Social Justice
Catholic Diocese of Wichita
424 N. Broadway
Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: (316) 269-3900