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

Birthmothers Support

Are you a Birthmother who is seeking help and support? We offer one on one mentoring with a compassionate woman who is also a Birthmother. We acknowledging birth moms for their brave decision and celebrate their sacrifice. Please contact us if you would like to learn more. Counseling is available.

 

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.

Brave Love

https://www.bravelove.org/

Faithful Citizenship

Responsible citizenship is a virtue and participation in political life is a moral obligation.

Website  

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.

Website  

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.

Support and Materials 

Assistance Database

This is a resource for local St. Vincent De Paul Societies.

View Database

Word of Life Resource

Word of Life is a monthly resource for dioceses and parishes. It is available in both English and Spanish.

Website  

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.

Sidewalk Advocates for Life

Sidewalk Advocates for Life promotes a compassionate, peaceful, prayerful style of advocacy in front of abortion facilities.  The mission of Sidewalk Advocates for Life is to transform the sidewalk in front of every abortion facility in America and beyond into a place of real help and hope and end abortion.

The Office of Respect Life and Social Justice offers Sidewalk Advocates for Life trainings to equip men and women with the knowledge and resources necessary to effectively serve as advocates or prayer partners in front of abortion facilities.

Warming Souls

Seeking volunteers for February and March 2023

When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, Mt. 25:35

Warming Souls is a partnership between HumanKind Ministries and the Catholic Diocese of Wichita to provide food and shelter for the homeless and hungry in Wichita. The shelter opens on November 1st and closes on March 31st. The diocese is responsible for meals the months of February and March.

Warming Souls is an excellent opportunity for families and parish groups to minister to the less fortunate. For example, gather your family, parish group or friends and prepare and serve a meal. Provide breakfast items or snack items.

Seeing the face of Jesus in the men you serve is a moving experience.

There are many ways that individuals, families and groups can contribute to this special ministry:
1) Pray for the homeless and hungry, especially in our community.
2) Help prepare meals, or provide the ingredients
3) Serve meals at the shelter
4) Contribute financially to the Respect Life and Social Justice office

The weather outside – like the song says – may be frightful but let’s make it warm and friendly and provide a great meal for those who are homeless. Contact us below to volunteer.

First Saturday Rosary

The Respect Life and Social Justice Office sponsors a monthly rosary for life beginning at 9:00 a.m. at 5107 E. Kellogg Dr, Wichita.

2024 First Saturday Rosary
January 6
February 3
March 2
April 6
May 4
June 1
July 6
August 3
September 7
October 5
November 2
December 7

As a diocesan family, we join our hearts with Mary, praying with her for the conversion of all who provide or receive abortions, and for the establishment of a culture of life in our society. Join us in prayer and reflection.

Contact Us

Respect Life & Social Justice

Catholic Diocese of Wichita
424 N. Broadway
Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: (316) 269-3900