How to be celibate and pro-life?

[ssancho]

How can someone be celibate and pro-life at the same time? It seems that in order to be pro-life, you must marry a have children. However, not all people are called to marriage; some are called to religious life, others are called to the priesthood, and still others are drawn to lay celibacy (such as singles and homosexuals). How can such people give pro-life witness?

 

[dshix]

How can someone be celibate and pro-life at the same time? It seems that in order to be pro-life, you must marry a have children. However, not all people are called to marriage; some are called to religious life, others are called to the priesthood, and still others are drawn to lay celibacy (such as singles and homosexuals). How can such people give pro-life witness?

lol.

To be pro-life does not mean to bring children into the world. It means to stand up in the world for those who cannot speak for themselves, namely, the unborn, and to fight for their rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

ANYONE can be pro-life.

 

[1ke]

How can someone be celibate and pro-life at the same time?

I don’t think I understand the question.

It seems that in order to be pro-life, you must marry a have children.

Where did you get this idea?

However, not all people are called to marriage; some are called to religious life, others are called to the priesthood, and still others are drawn to lay celibacy (such as singles and homosexuals). How can such people give pro-life witness?

Let me count the ways…

Seriously, do you not see the pro-life ministry and witness of single, consecrated religious, and priests all around you?

 

[PatriceA]

Being pro-life isn’t just about abortion and having babies. It means you protect life at all stages, from the moment of creation until death. You fight against assisted suicides/euthanasia, for the rights of the mentally handicapped, for the proper care of the elderly in nursing homes,etc, as well as the unborn.

 

[kkollwitz]

The nuns who schooled me were probably the most pro-life people I’ve ever known.

 

[RedSparklyShoes]

I think you’re confusing “pro-life” and “open to life” that all married couples are called to. As a married person, I am both. As a single person, I was only pro-life.

 

[ssancho]

Seriously, do you not see the pro-life ministry and witness of single, consecrated religious, and priests all around you?

I just don’t understand how they do it, that’s all. What sorts of things are they doing to further the pro-life cause? Political action? Charity work? Monetary donation? Something else?

 

[dshix]

I just don’t understand how they do it, that’s all. What sorts of things are they doing to further the pro-life cause? Political action? Charity work? Monetary donation? Something else?

Yes.

 

[quiet52]

I just don’t understand how they do it, that’s all. What sorts of things are they doing to further the pro-life cause? Political action? Charity work? Monetary donation? Something else?

Yes, yes, yes, and yes.

Each of us share in the responsibility to defend and promote the dignity and sanctity of human life, however we are able to.

• Adopt a child whose parent(s) are unable or unwilling to raise.
• Coordinate a fundraiser, or a collection drive (diapers, baby items, maternity clothes, etc.) for your local pregnancy crisis center.
• Thank a harried mother for choosing life for her children.
• Thank a devoted father for being a devoted father.
• Testify against anti-life bills in your state Legislature or in the U.S. Congress.
• Vote for politicians who will promote the protection of human life, marriage, family and religious liberty. Phone or email pro-life legislators and tell them you appreciate them.
• Teach what we believe about the sanctity of human life to others.
• Live a chaste lifestyle (be a model of dignity).
• If you’re married, don’t use contraception.
• Pray in front of Planned Parenthood or other abortion mill.
• Pray a rosary for the pro-life causes.
• Attend the March for Life in January.
• Educate yourself.

 

[Iheartcoffee]

You have SO many opportunities to be pro-life because you are celibate! Whereas many pro-lifers may not have the time or the resources to take on certain roles in the pro-life ministry, you can jump in there and do it because you don’t have kids to take care of. We are all called to different lives, some will marry, some will join religious orders, and others will be called to serve God as a single person. Every vocation has its pros and cons. There are many pros to being a celibate person in the pro-life movement. You have a lot of time and freedom to do some of the things others cannot do when committed to spouses, children or religious orders.

I recommend learning more about the pro-life opportunities in your area and look for the roles that are hard to fill. Why are they hard to fill? Is there something you are able to offer as a single person? I am certain there is a perfect place for you in the pro-life movement, you just need to search a bit more.

Keep in mind that being celibate does not mean you are exempt from being a “parent” of sorts. We can all be mothers and fathers to others without being their biological parents. For instance, I knew of a couple that could not have children. They became very involved in supporting a Catholic group on a college campus so that they could lead the students and nurture their faith - much like a parent would. It actually helped that they weren’t any of the students’ biological parents. There is something about NOT being a person’s mom or dad that makes them infinitely more credible to an 18 year old, even when they are saying the same thing the 18 year old’s parent would say.