St. Mary-St. Mark Respect Life Ministry helps parishioners understand the issues and the importance of meeting the needs of those who are most vulnerable—especially mothers and their unborn children, and those who are seriously ill or dying and their families. Efforts can often overlap with other parish programs. The four-fold objective, being in line with the USCCB guidelines and per specific intentions of the pastor or parish community, are done through:
Education: Fostering awareness of the need to restore legal protection to the lives of unborn children and to safeguard in law the lives of all including of those who are chronically ill, disabled, or dying;
Public Policy: Informing parishioners of upcoming important legislation; and, at the direction of the diocesan prolife director, organize letter-writing, postcard campaigns, or similar appropriate activities;
Spirituality: Sponsor programs of prayer in the parish to pray for mothers and their unborn children, those who are disabled or dying, prisoners on death row and those they have harmed;
Pastoral Care: Support comprehensive maternity support services, as well as post-abortion counseling and reconciliation programs