Denver Catholic

28 OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2024 | DENVER CATHOLIC Men, women and children of many generations, cultures, faiths, com- munities and abilities gathered to witness to the gift of life as lawmak- ers looked down from the Capitol's balcony. Since the March for Life, Pro-Life Colorado has continued its efforts to stand up for life, especially with the so-called Right to Abortion amend- ment heading to ballots. Through member organizations' daily efforts in pregnancy resource centers, pro-life ministries, parishes and faith commu- nities, a culture of life is slowly being built across the state. "Building a culture of life in our communities and parishes involves creating an environment in which the dignity and sanctity of human life is respected and protected in all stages," said Jeannine Duffield, direc- tor of Respect Life Denver, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Denver. "It involves ensuring that every person can have a dignified life regardless of their age, condition or circumstances. Once we start remembering that every person is a precious gift from God that deserves loving care, the culture of life becomes a place for all of us." Building such a culture is a tall order. It cannot be done by one person, group or community; it requires everyone. Though many are already engaged in the work for life, all are called to join in God's work of building up a culture of life, Castillo shared. "I always tell people that we open up our Bibles, and we get to the end, and we know that the Lord and his plans are triumphant," Castillo continued. "So, to enter into this movement, everyone in the pro-life movement should know that God is on our side, and if he is with us, who can be against us? It doesn't mean that it's not hard here, and it doesn't mean that we don't have stuff against us. Everyone has a role to play in this movement in Colorado." Though the landscape might appear bleak and the challenges steep, it's important to remember the "why" of the pro-life movement in Colorado – and everywhere – Duffield said. "First and foremost, it's living out our faith," she said. "Our faith calls us to love and serve others, especially the most vulnerable among us. So, engaging in respect life activities is how we are to be Christ's hands and feet in the world. Secondly, it helps to create a supportive society. We all want to live in a place where there is a compassionate and just society for everyone, and we have to help create that. Lastly, we're called to inspire future generations. When we commit to these causes, we set an example for future generations who learn from our actions." No matter the "why" that res- onates with each, all are called to engage in building a culture of life from the ground up. That is, all Chris- tians and people of goodwill are called to work so that "every person can have a dignified life regardless of their age, condition or circum- stances," as Duffield said. Recognizing the different ways that individuals can participate in the work of building a culture of life, Cas- tillo recommended each discern how they are being called to engage in the work of life. "It doesn't have to look the same for everybody," she said. "God made us as individuals, and maybe some are called to step into activism, prayer and fasting, public witness, building the infrastructure, engaging in legis- lative work, community engagement or education. It really boils down to committing to take one action for life this Fall." "Everybody has a part to play in this, and God's work won't be done if anyone is missing," Duffield added. "We're all needed in the Body of Christ. So, your role, whether you believe it's big or small, is important. It's vital to getting this work accom- plished. It's only by all of us doing this together that we can make any sub- stantial change in this world that we live in. The small things do matter." REASONS TO VOTE NO ON 79 PARENTAL NOTICE If a boyfriend or school counselor is pressuring a 15-year-old girl to have an abortion, her parents have a right to know. But 79 outlaws parental notice. L ATE ABORTION Even reasonable limits such as prohibiting abortion in the 9th month on healthy mothers and healthy babies would be illegal under 79. TA XPAYER- FUNDED ABORTIONS 79 would force taxpayers to cover the cost for abortion in Colorado for in-state and out-of-state women – costing the state millions annually.

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