Prayer is the foundation of all that we do in defense of human life. Our efforts—whether educational, pastoral, or legislative—will be less than fully fruitful if we do not change hearts and if we do not ourselves overcome our own spiritual blindness. Only with prayer—prayer that storms the heavens for justice and mercy, prayer that cleanses our hearts and our souls—will the culture of death that surrounds us today be replaced with a culture of life.
The ministry should organize and implement opportunities for parishioners to pray on behalf of a culture of life as a community by encouraging participation in diocesan, regional, or parish prayer services and events.
The Respect Life Ministry Coordinator should work closely with the pastor to see to the needs of the parish. By being aware of the needs of the parish and the gifts available among its parishioners, the ministry will flourish.
- Young Saint Cards will be distributed encouraging prayer for young people so that they are safe and make good life decisions.
- Eucharistic Adoration Novena
- Encourage participation in the 40 Days for Life vigils throughout the diocese.
- Providing a space for Healing After Abortion (Rachel Vineyard) and Spiritual Retreat
- Helping Families with Miscarraiges and having a moment to remember their unborn (Holy Innocents)
- Preachers are encouraged to preach the Gospel of Life during the Sunday Masses.
Pro-Life Eucharistic Adoration Novena 2025
January 14-22, 2025
Let us take some time to pray for the unborn, their mothers & fathers, and pray for state & federal laws that harm those most vulnerable. Each day, a new parish will lead prayer and offer special intentions. Stay tuned to this page for the coming listing of parishes that will participate in the Pro Life Eucharistic Adoration Novena.
40 Days for Life Fall Campaign
September 25 - November 3, 2024 PRAYER VIGILS
Sacramento
Vigil location: Planned Parenthood, 201 29th St, Sacramento, CA 95816
Vigil hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday
Local Contacts
Deacon Danny Patterson
dpatterson@scd.org / 916.733.0133
Website: 40daysforlife.com/sacramento
Redding
Vigil location: Women’s Health Specialists, 1901 Victor Avenue, Redding
Vigil hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Daily
Local Contacts
Paul Henke: (530) 870-4325 • Redding40Days@yahoo.com
Anna Palmer: (530) 515-9638
Website: 40daysforlife.com/redding
Chico
Vigil location: Women’s Health Specialist, 1469 Humboldt Road, Suite 200, Chico (across from the police station)
Vigil hours: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM Daily
Local Contacts
Mary: (530) 345-88638 • 40DaysChico@gmail.com
Diane: (530) 519-9749
Website: 40daysforlife.com/chico
Yuba City
Vigil location: Planned Parenthood, 430 N. Palora Ave. Yuba City
Vigil hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday
Local Contact
Maureen: (530) 673-1437 • mm@guthchangaris.com
Website: 40daysforlife.com/yubacity
Fairfield
Vigil location: Fairfield Planned Parenthood, 1325 Travis Blvd, Fairfield
Vigil hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily
Local Contact
Maria: (707) 718-1356
Website: 40daysforlife.com/fairfield
Vallejo
Vigil location: Planned Parenthood, 303 Sacramento St, Vallejo
Vigil hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday
Website: 40daysforlife.com/vallejo
Neighboring Dioceses
- Reno, NV: 40daysforlife.com/reno
- Find a nearby vigil: 40daysforlife.com/vigil-search.aspx
Post Abortion Care
Rachel Ministry
The Diocese of Sacramento Rachel Ministry offers special Rachel's Ministry Retreats several times a year in both English and Spanish. Rachel's Vineyard is the world's largest ministry for healing after abortion.
Rachel's Ministry Retreat Weekends
Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreats are a beautiful opportunity for any person who has struggled with the emotional or spiritual pain of an abortion. The retreat is a very specific process designed to help an individual experience the mercy and compassion of God. It is also an opportunity to surface and release repressed feelings of anger, shame, guilt, and grief. There are many exercises to help someone grieve the loss of his or her unborn child and to receive and accept
God’s forgiveness. The retreat concludes with a Memorial Resurrection Service. The weekend will help individuals find their souls and transform the pain of the past into love and hope.
Upcoming 2024-2025 Retreat Dates:
November 15-17, 2024 (In English)
February 28-March 2, 2025 (In Spanish)
June 6-8, 2025 (In English)
If you would like to speak with a priest or counselor, please contact us! All inquiries are confidential.
(916) 733-0161 or 888-456-HOPE or projectrachel@scd.org
Can you help?
We are always in need of your prayers and financial support. Please consider making a donation that will provide ongoing ministry support and retreat scholarships for those who otherwise would not be able to attend. Thank you for your generous support!
Donate Here: https://catholic.formstack.com/forms/projectracheldonate
Miscarriage Ministry
Holy Innocents
Ministry to Families Who Have Lost Children to Miscarriage
In this time of grief, come to the Church. In these days following your loss, let us help you bury your child and offer you comfort, hope, and peace. Know that your child is with God.
"A Light Illuminates our Darkness"
It is an opportunity for mothers and fathers to heal from a miscarriage because experiencing the loss of an unborn can leave you in darkness. 'A Light Illuminates our Darkness" allows mothers and fathers to honor their unborn by providing a process of healing, naming their child, and having a mass of remembrance.
Locations: TBD (2022)
If you have questions about Miscarriage Ministry please give us a call at: (916)733-0133 or email us at: mdeleon@scd.org
BOOKS
Pregnancy Loss
And Then You Were Gone: Restoring a Broken Heart After Pregnancy Loss by Becky Avella
Safe in the Arms of God: Truth from Heave about the Death of a Child by John MacArthur
Perinatal Care
I Will Carry You by Angie Smith
Waiting with Gabriel by Amy Kuebelbeck