St. Jude crosses on display for Respect Life Month

Throughout Respect Life Month in October, St. Jude the Apostle Church in Lewes, with the help of Knights of Columbus Council 13348, will display a cross made up of smaller crosses to depict the number of abortions since the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion. Each cross represents 1,000,000 babies lost to abortion.

The exact number of abortions is known only to God, since some states do not provide accurate information on the number, and within some states reporting is voluntary. While the total number of abortions reported exceeds 65,000,000 babies since 1973, that number is likely understated. The large cross on the parish campus will therefore be made up of 65 smaller crosses.

One of the differentiating factors of the early church community in the first century AD, as noticeably remarked on by non-Christians of that time, was the high regard for the preservation of the life of the child. This distinction has continued uninterruptedly throughout the history of the Catholic Church. Since the church believes and teaches that all life is sacred from conception through natural death, it recognizes abortion and any assistance in its procurement as a grievous sin.

The church also recognizes that those who are faced with an unexpected pregnancy often feel pressure to abort their child. With compassion, charity and concern for the well-being of the mother and the child, the Catholic Church seeks to accompany the mother to assist her throughout the pregnancy as well as to offer support after she gives birth.

Anyone concerned about an unexpected pregnancy can contact the parish office at 302-644-7300 to be referred for assistance or more information.