The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Respect Life Program begins anew each year on Respect Life Sunday, the first Sunday in October. The program is highlighted in liturgies and marked by special events in dioceses throughout the nation and in the Diocese of Sacramento.

Begun in 1972, the Respect Life Program stresses the value and dignity of human life. In addition to new prayers and other resources, the 2018-19 Respect Life Program features six articles highlighting the respect due to each person as a “masterpiece of God’s creation.” The Respect Life Program is a nationwide effort to help Catholics understand, value and become engaged with building a culture that cherishes every human life.

When 27 new permanent deacons made their vows in the sacrament of holy orders on June 30 to be witnesses to the Gospel through a life of service, it culminated four years of discernment, formation and training as part of their journey to ordination.

Becoming a deacon involves a vocation from God. A man becomes deacon not just out of personal desire or interest, but for the common good of the church as determined by the bishop.

For these reasons the selection, discernment and formation of deacon candidates are rigorous efforts. The entire formation process, in fact, is a journey of discernment, says Uli Schmitt, director of the diocesan Office of Clergy Formation since 2013.