Our Social Concerns Committee's Pro-life Subcommittee works promote the dignity of life at all stages. They organize our parish's presence at the 40 Days for Life campaign each October and sponsor other pro-life events throughout the year. If you would like more information about the Pro-Life Group at St. Matthew, please fill out the form below or contact Jeff Solinger at jksolinger@aol.com or (614) 506-2382.

This coming Monday, July 26, we celebrate the feast day of Sts. Anne and Joachim, the parents of the Blessed Mother, and the grandparents of Jesus.  Tradition holds that Anne and Joachim struggled with infertility for much of their marriage and were barren for many years. Despite years of sorrow, Anne and Joachim continued to place their trust in God. Finally, Joachim went into the wilderness to fast and pray for a child. During this time an angel appeared to both he and Anne, promising that they would give birth to a child, despite their old age. This child was Mary, the Mother of God. Sts. Anne and Joachim are the patron saints of married couples struggling with infertility.

The National Institute of Health estimates that 10% of couples in the childbearing years experience infertility. The Church has very specific teachings on what is and isn’t morally acceptable for medically addressing this condition. The short version of the Church’s teaching is that procedures that introduce a third party into the process (such as surrogates or sperm/egg donors) are not morally acceptable. Additionally, substituting a laboratory action, such as artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF), is also not morally acceptable. However, treatments that help facilitate conception through marital union are morally ethical. See this article for a good summary of the Church’s position and guidance on infertility.

Upcoming events: Tuesday, July 27th, at 7:00 pm in the main Church the Rosary for Life. The 1st Saturday prayer vigil in front of the Planned Parenthood on 3255 E. Main will be August 7th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

If you are interested in learning more about St. Matthew’s Pro-Life group, please contact Jeff Solinger at jksolinger@aol.com or (614) 506-2382.