November 2024 Newsletter
Featured Article
by Matthew Belyea
The Beauty of Life
Do we talk about the beauty of humanity enough? It’s clear in the Scriptures that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (cf. Psalm 139:14), created in the image of God (cf. Genesis 1:27). The Renaissance Humanists celebrated this truth, portraying humanity in art as God intended—radiant with dignity and divine purpose. Yet in today’s cultural debates, particularly concerning the rights of mother and child, one crucial element is missing: the beauty of humanity and, more importantly, the sanctity of life.
God created humanity in His image, yet with a profound diversity—unique noses, eyes, and fingerprints, all testifying to the sacred individuality of each person. This uniqueness is what makes humanity extraordinary. Saint John Paul II’s Theology of the Body invites us to rediscover this beauty through a celebration of life that emphasizes the imago Dei. Such a celebration is neither the self-idolatry of modern culture, with its impossible standards, nor the self-loathing often intertwined with it. Instead, it is a reverent acknowledgement of our divine origin and purpose.
What, then, is a healthy celebration of the body? It honours life as a divine masterpiece. This perspective transforms how we see others, emphasizing their inherent dignity regardless of stage, status, or circumstance. The Renaissance artists understood this, crafting works that reflected humanity's physical and spiritual dimensions. Michelangelo’s David is not merely a statue but a testament to human potential and divine craftsmanship. Today, we must move beyond superficial admiration to a deeper reverence for life.
Yet, this reverence is often drowned out in the noise of modern discourse. Life becomes a talking point, not a sacred truth. A proper understanding of the imago Dei invites us to rise above division and embrace a holistic view of humanity—one that values both body and soul. Every heartbeat matters every soul is cherished, and every individual reflects the Creator’s handiwork.
In celebrating life, we reaffirm that humanity, with all its diversity and complexity, is a divine masterpiece—worthy of awe, reverence, and protection. This is the beauty of humanity: a living testament to the Creator’s boundless love.
Prayer: Radical Solidarity
O Blessed Mother, at the angel’s word you went in haste to the aid of your cousin Elizabeth. Although pregnant yourself, you placed her needs before your own.
By your example of radical solidarity, teach us to reverence and protect those in need, without conditions or expectations. Ask your Son to give us unfailing determination to witness to the profound dignity of every person, at every stage and in every circumstance.
In that first Eucharistic procession, you carried Jesus to Elizabeth in her time of need. Obtain for us the grace to bring Christ to any expectant mother who is alone and afraid.
May our support help them to find hope and strength in the Lord. Amen.
Source: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (https://www.respectlife.org/prayer-for-radical-solidarity)
Pro-Life Quotes
"I do not believe the promises of the Declaration of Independence are just for the strong, the independent, the healthy. They are for everyone-including unborn children. We are a society with enough compassion and wealth and love to care for both mothers and their children, to seek the promise and potential in every life."
- President George W. Bush
"What man of sound mind, therefore, will affirm, while such is our character, that we are murderers? . . . [W]hen we say that those women who use drugs to bring on abortion commit murder, and will have to give an account to God for the abortion, on what principle should we commit murder? For it does not belong to the same person to regard the very fetus in the womb as a created being, and therefore an object of God’s care, and when it has passed into life, to kill it; and not to expose an infant, because those who expose them are chargeable with child-murder, and on the other hand, when it has been reared to destroy it"
- Athenagoras of Athens
News
Despite several pro-life losses in Colorado, New York, Missouri, and Arizona, voters in Nebraska approved enshrining the state's 12-week abortion ban into the state constitution. Meanwhile, in Florida and South Dakota, voters rejected amendments aimed at expanding abortion access, with South Dakota's measure being defeated by a resounding 17-point margin.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/florida-reject-abortion-protections-amendment-4-rcna173900 (Florida)
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/06/us/nebraska-abortion-ballot-measure.html (Nebraska)
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/south-dakota-voters-defeat-abortion-rights-ballot-measure-rcna177402 (South Dakota)
Upcoming Events
Monthly Pro-Life Rosary: December 3 at 7PM Eastern Time. Reminder: this event occurs on the first Tuesday of every month.
Monthly Meeting: December 16 at 6:30PM Eastern Time.
Apologetics Night: December 10 at 7pm Eastern Time.
SPECIAL NOTE FROM BRENNA THIESSEN (VP):
I am announcing my resignation as Vice President this coming January. I have graduated high school and will be moving to Texas in January, to join a religious community of Catholic Sisters. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time serving as Vice President, over this administration and the past one. Working with our wonderful team has been a privilege, and I would like to wholeheartedly thank Paulina Ostrander and Elizabeth Boda (current and former presidents, respectively) for the work they have done for the group during my tenure. That all being said, we are now searching for a new Vice President! The elections will take place next month, on December 16th, at 6:30pm. Click this link for the form, and you may nominate for Vice President anyone, yourself, or another. You do not have to have any experience, or be on the leadership team to be nominated, as you will be mentored for the position, if you receive it. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions, we will get back to you as soon as possible. Please fill out this form, and let your voice be heard in our upcoming elections.
Sincerely,
Brenna Thiessen
Vice President
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If you want to submit anything from the above categories, or you simply want to provide feedback or suggestions, please email us at hscstudentsforlife@gmail.com and we will get in touch with you shortly.
