Catholic youth invited to be leaders for life

Published: June 8, 2018

"Building a culture of life isn't something we just do one month of the year, or with one event or initiative; it's essential to who we are." — Cardinal Timothy Dolan, chairman, U.S. bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, Respect Life Statement 2017

The diocesan Respect Life Office is hosting its first Leaders for Life Youth Conference for high school youth July 13-14 at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. The goal is to educate and empower young Catholics to consider what it means to develop a consistent ethic of life and explore how they can build a culture of life in their own families, parishes, schools and communities.

Focusing on the theme: "Be Not Afraid" from this year's national Respect Life Program, participants in grades 9-12 will be invited to engage in the pro-life work of the Church and discover how to boldly proclaim respect for the inherent dignity of all human life from the moment of conception until natural death.

This event will include presentations, activities and hands-on workshops and be held from 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 13 to noon on Saturday, July 14. The cost is $25 per person. Scholarships are available. Space is limited. The deadline to register is July 1. For more information, please e-mail Catherine Phillips, or call her at (501) 664-0340, ext. 326.

The Leaders for Life Conference is also an optional, additional ending to the annual Catholic Charities Summer Institute (C²SI). Youth may attend both events, but if they do, they need to register through the Catholic Youth Ministry Office. To do so, download and return the summer institute registration form with fees to the address provided by June 18. For more information, e-mail Tricia Gentry, or call her at (501) 664-0340, ext. 418.