Nearly fifty years after the unjust decision in Roe v. Wade, our country draws closer to a society that recognizes the God-given right of life for all persons, at any stage or in any condition. While today’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that overturns Roe is a cause for joy, we must remember that life is and always will be a gift from our Creator; it cannot be given or taken by governmental structures, judges, or elected officials.
We are saddened by the fear and anger that has reverberated across our land since a draft of this opinion was leaked to the public. In light of these concerns, we wish to make clear that no woman should face pregnancy alone. With safe-delivery laws, adoption, pregnancy resource centers, and assistance from Catholic and other agencies that provide necessities for mom and baby, every pregnant woman should know there is a community of compassion and support waiting to help her and her unborn or infant child. We empathize with women who struggle with daily challenges that may affect their decision to carry their baby to term: financial insecurity, food insecurity, medical care, lack of relationship and/or family support, coercion, and homelessness, just to name a few.
The pro-life movement must redouble its efforts to ensure every woman has the support she needs throughout her pregnancy and beyond, whether she chooses to parent or create an adoption plan. We affirm that the Church must prioritize this work, through our Catholic Charities and parish-based support networks, to meet the physical needs of mothers and children as well as offer the emotional support and love new mothers need. We also implore men to be respectful of women and responsible when they father a child. We are all called to walk with moms in need, and we encourage all Michiganders to join us in this effort.
Today’s momentous decision would not have occurred without fifty years of prayer, action and witness from innumerable women and men who promote the sanctity of human life. These people of goodwill laid the foundation for a future of love, compassion, and support toward women and their unborn or newborn children. Though Roe is no longer relevant to abortion policy, we must remain vigilant against future attempts to promote abortion as help for women, which in reality are attacks on human life itself. Some of those attacks have already started here in Michigan through the legislative process, at the ballot box and in the court room, signaling that the work to build up a social order that respects human life is not finished.
Let us, as the Body of Christ here on Earth, pray for all pregnant women and continue to proclaim that human life is sacred from conception to natural death and at every point in between, and to commit ourselves to building a society grounded in that essential God-given right.
Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron Archbishop of Detroit
Most Reverend Earl A. Boyea Bishop of Lansing
Most Reverend Robert D. Gruss Bishop of Saginaw
Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak Bishop of Grand Rapids
Most Reverend Jose Arturo Cepeda Escobedo Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit
Most Reverend Donald F. Hanchon Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit
Most Reverend Paul J. Bradley Bishop of Kalamazoo
Most Reverend John F. Doerfler Bishop of Marquette
Most Reverend Jeffrey J. Walsh Bishop of Gaylord
Most Reverend Gerard W. Battersby Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit
Most Reverend Robert J. Fisher Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit
Featuring Northern Ireland. Highlights: Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Blarney Castle, Boat Tour, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Farm Visit, Galway, Donegal Town, Derry, Giant’s Causeway, Glens of Antrim, Belfast, “Titanic Experience.” For more information, please visit this link: https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1166428
Seasons of Hope: coping with our losses is a support group for the bereaved that is held in the St. John Family Center.
“The Most Holy Gift Shop” is located off the Gathering Space in St. John Catholic Church
It has long been a Catholic understanding that when circumstances prevent one from receiving Holy Communion, it is possible to make and Act of Spiritual Communion which is a source of grace. Spiritual Communion means uniting one’s self in prayer with Christ’s sacrifice and worshipping him in his Body and Blood. The most common reason for making an Act of Spiritual Communion is when a person cannot attend Mass. Acts of Spiritual Communion increase our desire to receive sacramental Communion and help us avoid sins that would make us unable to receive Holy Communion worthily.
If you have been abused or victimized by someone representing the Catholic Church – 
Did you know that we have a Parish App? If not, now’s the time to download it! The App includes Mass times, daily readings, bulletins, homilies, and more! Messages are sent out from Fr. Andrew and the Parish staff regarding important events or notices to help keep you informed of the goings-on at St. John and Blessed Sacrament.