Respect Life

Life, Marriage & Family

The mission of the Office of Respect Life Apostolate is to inform and promote the principle that human life, at all stages from conception to natural death, is a gift from God,
worthy of respect and protection.

The Office of Respect Life is a resource for finding the latest updates on upcoming events, facts, and statistics on life issues. Join us in the many opportunities to show our commitment to the sanctity of life an the dignity of every human person.

On this site you can find resources and information of how to help respect life, both in prayer and action, for the following topics:

Recent Events

Respect Life Conference - November 15, 2025

Hope and Healing after Abortion (Project Rachel)

“I finally feel like I have the support I’ve been needing, and I am so grateful!” ~ current Project Rachel Ministry client

Chances are that if you are visiting this page, you have had an abortion or know someone who has.

Abortion is a life-changing event that affects individuals emotionally, spiritually and physically. You may have experienced the need to seek healing right after your abortion, or it may have taken many years for you to come to this place.

The truth is that you are suffering from a traumatic loss—and that loss is real.

With abortion, society doesn’t provide a public way to grieve this loss. With no way to process this loss, the wound caused by abortion often remains unhealed and becomes a secret sorrow carried alone…and without support.

You may be suffering from guilt, sadness, isolation, nightmares, addictions, eating disorders, anxiety and other negative emotions and behaviors. Many women and men are surprised at the emotions they experience after abortion which can include, but certainly are not limited to those mentioned above.

It is most important for you to know that you are not alone! We want to reach out to you with the mercy and love of Christ and help you be at peace with yourself and God. While abortion is part of your history, it doesn’t need to define your future.

There is hope. There is help. If you or someone you know is suffering after abortion, please contact Project Rachel through the Diocese of Belleville in Illinois at 618-722-5031. The help line is answered live Monday and Thursday, 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. If you reach the voicemail, please leave a message and we will call you back when it is a good time for you.

Project Rachel also organizes “Mass of Hope,” Day of Prayer and Healing, and works in collaboration with the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois in offering healing retreats for those suffering from abortion. Please call our helpline for more information and to talk to someone who is sensitive to what you are going through. Hope is here and peace starts now.

“We have created a web-based healing study, as an option for you to begin your healing process. We have posted the first two chapters here to begin your journey. Why not give them a try? After you have completed these first two chapters, you may then contact me for Chapter 3. It will remain confidential. This is for you- decide to make a positive change in your life.

Lesson 1-Does God Really Care? ( PDF )

Lesson 2-Does Anyone Else Feel Like Me? ( PDF )

Coordinator
Mrs. Molly King
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Program Director, Project Rachel
Diocese of Belleville in Illinois

Pregnancy Resource Centers in Southern Illinois

Click here to download Metro-East Vicariate Resources

Click here to download North Central Vicariate Resources

Click here to download West Vicariate Resources

Click here to download South Vicariate Resources

Click here to download East Vicariate Resources

St. Anne Cradle of Hope, Carbondale, IL

St. Anne Cradle of Hope is a nonprofit Catholic organization that provides material and spiritual assistance to pregnant women and families with young children. We seek to save lives and strengthen families by helping a mother know that she and her baby are loved and valued. We strive to work with other Christians in the community, and together provide material assistance to anyone in need by distributing diapers, wipes, formula, bathing necessities, clothing, and other items for mother and child. We seek to help pregnant women in the community choose life for their babies by providing practical assistance and emotional support while sharing God’s love and plan for their lives. We are committed to upholding the Sanctity of Human Life and demonstrating the love of Christ.

View our latest video about the work of St. Anne Cradle of Hope: