BULLETIN ARTICLE - FATHER CARL'S CORNER - OCTOBER 24, 2026

A most important question for us to reflect on as Christians and Catholics is, what does it really mean to respect life?

Respect for life is not limited to the unborn. Certainly, those lives are precious and deserving of protection; however, a consistent respect for life also means recognizing the dignity and worth of every human being who is alive now - those who are right in front of our eyes. It is respect for life from the womb to the tomb.

Respect life means caring for the elderly who feel forgotten, the homeless who have no place to call home, migrants seeking safety and a better future, families struggling to keep food on the table, those who suffer discrimination because of orientation, creed or color and, even those on death row. If we believe that every person is created in God’s image, then no life can be dismissed. No one can be treated as disposable, and no one should be forgotten.

As people of faith, we must bring these values into the public square, especially as we consider what kind of society we choose to help build. Our faith should not only shape our prayers, but also our priorities, our conversations, and our choices when we vote. We should ask ourselves: do our leaders protect human dignity? Do their policies help the vulnerable, promote peace, care for creation, and provide opportunities for families and individuals to live with dignity? While I know no political party or candidate perfectly reflects the gospel, we have the responsibility to form our consciences prayerfully, look beyond slogans, and examine how policies effect real people, especially those whose voices are rarely heard.

I feel strongly that as people of faith, to respect life is not simply a political position, but a way of living the Gospel. Jesus never asked us to love only those who agree with us, look like us, or share our beliefs. He calls on us to love our neighbor, welcome strangers, feed the hungry, care for the sick, and recognize His presence in the least among us. This is not a political message; IT IS THE GOSPEL. We should let the Gospel guide us on the kind of society we hope to build, and a society that truly respects life, does not pick and choose whose life matters. It makes room for everyone at the table. That is what it means to build a culture of life - and that is the responsibility every one of us shares.

I always think of something Saint Teresa of Calcutta said: “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

What beautiful weather we have had. Enjoy these fall days and be safe and well.

With you a Christian, for you, a priest.

Father Carl Morello
Pastor
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish

PLEASE NOTE - Father Tom Unz has asked me to thank everyone for their prayers and concern after his accident and during his time of recovery. He is now living at Joseph House - 1515 Ogden Ave. in La Grange Park, IL 60526. Feel free to drop him a note and thank him for his ten years of service to our community. He lived and served at Saint Giles but also said Mass at Saint Edmund weekly. I am grateful for his priesthood and service.