Respect Life

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” – Jeremiah 1:5

The Respect Life Ministry at Our Lady of Mercy is dedicated to promoting the dignity and sanctity of every human life, from conception to natural death. Guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church, we strive to foster a culture of life through prayer, education, compassionate outreach, service, and advocacy.

Whether you feel called to defend the unborn, support mothers and families, pray for those facing difficult circumstances, or simply want to learn more about the Church’s teachings on the dignity of human life, there is a place for you in our ministry.

We invite you to pray with us, serve alongside us, and receive ministry updates about opportunities to help build a culture of life in our parish and community.

Join Us In Prayer!

We believe deeply in the power of prayer.

Through prayer, we entrust mothers, fathers, unborn children, families, abortion workers, and all those affected by abortion to the mercy and providence of God. We trust that God hears our prayers and can soften hearts, change minds, heal wounds, and save lives.

On the First Friday of every month, members of Our Lady of Mercy gather for peaceful prayer and loving witness outside Planned Parenthood in Aurora.

Our presence is not one of anger or condemnation. We come in faith, hope, and love, praying that every mother will know that she is not alone, that every father will have the courage to choose life for his child, and that every unborn baby will be welcomed as the precious gift from God that he or she is.

Why We Pray

The Planned Parenthood facility in Aurora, located just one mile from Our Lady of Mercy, spans approximately 22,000 square feet and is one of the largest Planned Parenthood facilities in the United States. It is estimated that 300 to 400 unborn babies lose their lives there each month through abortion.

And yet, there is tremendous hope.

We believe in a God who changes hearts and transforms lives. When faithful people are present in peaceful prayer and loving witness outside an abortion facility, as many as 75% of women may choose not to go through with their scheduled appointments.

Every prayer matters. Every life is precious. And every mother deserves to know that she is not alone and that there is loving, practical support available to help her choose life.

We have witnessed the fruit of prayer firsthand. Women have changed their minds after seeing people gathered in prayer outside Planned Parenthood and have instead chosen to visit Waterleaf Women’s Center, where they can receive a free ultrasound, compassionate support, and resources for themselves and their babies.

Come pray with us and be a witness to the hope that only God can give.

Know someone facing an unexpected pregnancy?

No woman should ever feel that she has to face an unexpected pregnancy alone.

There is hope. There is help. And there are people ready to walk alongside her and her baby.

We are blessed to have Waterleaf Women’s Center nearby, where women and families can receive free and confidential pregnancy services, ultrasounds, options consultations, and ongoing support in a compassionate and caring environment.

Hope in Action

Since opening its doors in 2009, Waterleaf has provided more than 14,000 ultrasounds to women facing unexpected pregnancies, offering compassionate care, resources, and life-affirming support. Waterleaf has confirmed that 3,169 babies’ lives have been saved as mothers and fathers chose life for their children after receiving care and support.

And their mission continues to grow. Later this year, Waterleaf will begin offering prenatal care as they welcome a pro-life OB-GYN to their team, allowing them to accompany mothers and their babies even further along their journey.

Waterleaf also welcomes visitors to tour the center and see firsthand the incredible work being done to support women, babies, and families right here in our community.

Volunteer at Waterleaf

Waterleaf is currently seeking bilingual volunteers who are native Spanish speakers to serve as Patient Advocates, offering compassionate, one-on-one support to women facing unexpected pregnancies.

If you have a heart for walking alongside women and families with compassion and truth, prayerfully consider becoming part of Waterleaf’s care team.

Interested in volunteering?
Contact Michele Gonzales at micheleg@waterleafwc.org.

Waterleaf Women’s Center

Healing After Abortion

If you or someone you love is carrying the pain of a past abortion, please know that God’s mercy is greater than any sin or wound.

Jesus Christ desires healing, forgiveness, and freedom for every one of us. No one is beyond the reach of His mercy, and no one needs to carry the pain of an abortion alone.

Confidential, compassionate help is available through the Catholic Church for women and men seeking healing after abortion.

Pray • Serve • Stay Informed

There are many ways to participate in the mission of Respect Life at Our Lady of Mercy:

• Pray with us during our monthly First Friday prayer.
• Participate in parish Respect Life events and service opportunities.
• Support mothers, fathers, children, and families in need.
• Help educate others about the God-given dignity and sanctity of every human life.
• Pray for mothers and fathers facing unexpected pregnancies and for all those affected by abortion.
• Receive Respect Life Ministry communications and stay informed about upcoming opportunities to pray and serve.

As Catholics, we are called to uphold the God-given dignity of every human person, from the child in the womb to those who are elderly, disabled, vulnerable, or approaching the end of earthly life.

Whether you can serve regularly, participate occasionally, or simply commit to praying with us, your prayers and your witness matter.

The Church Teaches

“Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end. No one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being.” Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2258

Questions or Want to Get Involved?

Have questions or feel called to become involved? Contact Michelle Nelson to learn more about the Respect Life Ministry at Our Lady of Mercy.