"The new evangelization calls for followers of Christ who are unconditionally pro-life: who will proclaim, celebrate and serve the Gospel of life in every situation."
- John Paul II, St. Louis, 1999
Office of Life & Family Ministry
The Office of Life & Family Ministry is the union of Respect Life Ministry and Family Life Ministry.
All these ministries are one - thus, the Office of Life & Family Ministry is comprised of a number of ministries that protect and defend human life at every stage, offer post-abortion outreach and healing programs, have a variety of educational programs for all ages, provide programs for crisis pregnancies, offer support groups for Separated & Divorced, those who are Widowed, and other counseling and support opportunities.
For more information, click on the ministry topics and programs at the right, or contact Carol A. Owens, coordinator, 401/421-7833, ext. 118 or email rl.outreach@dioceseofprovidence.org.
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EVENTS CALENDAR: For the latest events - including Project Gabriel, Human Life Guild, Respect Life Masses, Bereavement Support & more - visit the the Diocesan Events Calendar.
Human Life Guild
The Respect Life Office falls under the umbrella of the Human Life Guild, an organization that Bishop Thomas J. Tobin founded in the Diocese of Providence in fall of 2005. The purpose of the organization is to encourage membership of those who are willing to accept the invitation to be “People of Life,” to have an unconditional commitment to human life and to be willing to promote and defend human life at every stage, in every condition, through thought, word, deed and prayer. There are four major areas of the Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities, under which the Human Life Guild is implemented, as instituted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: Education, Pastoral Care, Public Policy, and Prayer.
Contact: Carol A. Owens, Life & Family Office Coordinator
Phone: 401-421-7833 x 118
E-Mail: rl.outreach@dioceseofprovidence.org More.
Post-Abortion Ministry
A variety of outreach and healing programs for women and men who have experienced abortion are available, including: Project Rachel, Rachel’s Vineyard, Healing a Wounded Heart Support Group.
Phone: 401-421-7833
E-mail: rl.education@dioceseofprovidence.org More.
Educational Programs
A number of educational programs are offered through this office for all ages, including, but not limited to, the topics of chastity, God’s gift of life, disability awareness, living the Gospel of Life, end of life issues, and more.
Phone: 401-421-7833
E-mail: rl.education@dioceseofprovidence.org More info here.
Project Gabriel
A parish-based program that recruits and trains volunteers at a parish level, to work with women and families facing problem pregnancies, delivering a message of hope and support. The Project Gabriel message is a profound commitment, not only to the unborn, but also to their mothers.
Contact: Carol A. Owens, Life & Family Office Coordinator.
Phone: 401-421-7833 ext. 118
E-mail: rl.outreach@dioceseofprovidence.org More info here.
The Elizabeth Ministry
The Elizabeth Ministry is a parish-based outreach to women in special times of motherhood. It is scripturally grounded in the relationship between the Blessed Virgin Mary and her cousin Elizabeth (the Visitation passage). The purpose of the ministry is to affirm, support, encourage and assist women in response to their needs during the childbearing years.
For more information contact Carol A. Owens, Life & Family Office Coordinator
Telephone: (401) 421-7833, ext. 118
E-Mail: rl.outreach@dioceseofprovidence.org More info here.
For the Support Programs below, please call 401/421-7833, ext. 117, or e-mail mailto:pmagnotta@dioceseofprovidence.org.
Crisis Pregnancy Counseling – offers a pregnant or parenting woman and her family the opportunity to review options and receive parenting support prior to or after the birth of the child.
Separated & Divorced Support Groups – offers the opportunity to share with others who have similar life experiences. Groups run throughout Rhode Island, and facilitators receive training prior to initiating a group.
Widowed Support Groups - offers grieving persons the opportunity to share with others who have experienced similar losses. Groups run throughout Rhode Island, and facilitators receive training prior to initiating a group.
Parenting Workshops - provides workshops for schools and parishes on topics such as Bullying, Harassment, and School Safety; Murder, Sex, and Video Games; Communicating With Your Teen; etc.; as well as limit-setting and boundaries, negative behaviors, and ways to make effective and healthy changes within the home, school, and community.
Counseling - offers referrals to therapists and physicians whose therapeutic basis offers a Catholic/Christian perspective.
For more information, please peruse the pages at the left.
Any questions, ideas or more just contact coordinator of the Office of Life & Family Ministry, Carol A. Owens at 401/421-7833, ext. 118,
or email her at rl.outreach@dioceseofprovidence.org.
