Montana Bishops Call to Defend Life From CI-128
Created in the image of God with a dignity not of our own making, each person is a unique and unrepeatable masterpiece of God’s creation. Every person is entitled to the right to life and human dignity. When those rights are threatened, the Church must speak up with clarity and boldness.
Through the ministry of the Montana Catholic Conference, the Bishops of Montana have a long history of speaking out on issues, especially as a voice for those most vulnerable and those who cannot speak for themselves. This is the appropriate voice of the Church in public affairs, not endorsing a candidate or party, but focusing on issues of grave importance to our Church, our State, and our people.
Join our Montana Bishops in defense of babies, mothers and families against the abortion initiative CI-128. Decline to sign the petition to place CI-128 on the November ballot, learn about what is at stake, and share the Bishops’ Message as we pray and work together against this initiative.
Read the new statement from Montana’s Bishops, released on August 24th from MCC Social Advocacy
Learn More About CI-128
Past Messages From Montana’s Bishops
Watch the Bishop’s Video Message – May 2024
Read the Bishops Initial Joint Letter – May 2024
Life Affirming Resources
–––––––– Wednesday Abstinence ––––––––
Along with prayer in our families and after each Mass, our Montana Bishops are now inviting all the faithful to adopt some form of abstinence on Wednesdays. Giving up meat for the day is the traditional form of abstinence, but prayerfully sacrificing a comfort or pleasure of one’s own choosing is in keeping with the observance as we seek God’s mercy and His special protection for the unborn. This optional observance will continue until the threat of CI-128 is addressed, possibly until voting in November.
Fasting & Abstinence Guide
[Taken from Diocese of Helena Guide to Lent & Lenten Observances]
Through fasting and almsgiving, we interrupt our routines, prodding ourselves awake where we may have grown complacent, and open our eyes to what has taken our time and energy away from placing Christ first in our lives. When we give something up for Lent, we are denying ourselves, saying no to the things that distract us or keep us from Christ, so that we can say a greater yes to His abundant grace. Here are a few thoughts on fasting/almsgiving:
Make it Personal
What can you give or offer up right now that will help you the most in re-centering or deepening your relationship with Christ?
Make it Challenging, but Attainable
Our observance should make us a little uncomfortable. We should feel it! However, taking on too much all at once can sometimes be difficult to hold to. Start with what you know you can commit to and build from there if needed.
Make it a Prayer
We walk alongside Jesus in the desert and unite our sufferings with His, letting God purify our hearts and minds to receive Him more readily. Offer a prayer to the Lord to draw you deeper into relationship through your fasting, especially when it is difficult.
Abstinence Guidelines
–––––––– Video Resources ––––––––
– Sisters of Life –
Episode 06 – Exodus from Fear: Accompanying Her to Life
Watch Episode 01 – Summoned to Life: Spiritual Foundations
Watch Episode 02 – Seeing Reality: The Contemplative Outlook
Watch Episode 03 – This is God’s Work: The Power of Prayer
Watch Episode 04 – Vulnerability: An Identity Crisis
Watch Episode 05 – Hope & Fear: Understanding the Heart of a Pregnant Woman
– Montana Catholic Conference –
Episode 06 – Voting Through the Lens of Catholic Social Teaching
––––––– Catholic Social Services of Montana –––––––
Catholic Social Services of Montana (CSSM) has been a pillar in building and supporting Montana families for over 70 years. Chartered in 1953, the organization has served as a statewide licensed adoption agency that has helped build thousands of families, and in recent years adding on services such as a Baby Boutique for new mothers/parents, and a Mental Health Services program. Though they are affiliated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, CSSM is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, not under the umbrella of any other organization.
Click on a tab below to learn more about the services offered.
An expecting mother or parent can chat with a social worker about their options, with no obligation to to make an adoption plan.
Call (406)-442-4130 and select ‘1’ for adoption/expectant parent counseling,
or click here to contact them online.
CSSM’s adoption service helps expectant parent(s) who have decided to make an adoption plan by assisting them through the process and work with them to choose an adoptive family.
The service also works with families who have decided to adopt through the process of adoption.
Call (406)-442-4130 and select ‘1’ for adoption/expectant parent counseling,
or click here to contact online.
Catholic Social Services of Montana counselors are here to listen, talk, and help navigate through the complications we can encounter in our lives. Counselors utilize time-tested, successful methods to ensure consistent progress can be made towards living a healthier life. All counselors are licensed in the state of Montana to provide these services. Catholic counselors are available, but It is not required that faith be a part of the conversation and counselors work with you from whatever place you are at in your life.
There is no cost for the first session, and any counseling regarding grief surrounding an abortion is offered at no cost.
For other situations, additional sessions accept insurance and private pay. As a charitable organization, we keep costs affordable for all and have a sliding fee scale for some services and situations.
Click Here to see more information on CSSM’s Mental Health Services
To schedule a session, you can call (406)-442-4130 and select ‘2’ for mental health/grief counseling.
CSSM currently offers two diaper banks in the State: one in Helena and one in Great Falls. These diaper banks distribute diapers, wipes, clothing, and other essentials to families with young children in need at no cost, with no barriers.
Click Here for more information and Boutique details and hours.
––––––– Montana Pregnancy Centers –––––––
Pregnancy Centers | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
Miles City
Outreach Clinic
516 Pleasant St. Miles City, MT 59301
406.233.3098
Outreachclinicmc.org
Havre
Hi-Line Pregnancy Resource Center
315 1st Street Havre, MT 59501
406.265.3255
www.hilineprc.com
Sidney
Sunrise Pregnancy Resources & Family Outreach
203 14th St SE, Sidney, MT 59270
406.433.7772
Sunrisepregnancy.org
Great Falls
Echoz
1323 9th Ave S. Great Falls, MT 59405
406.727.1850
www.echoz.org
Lewistown
Inspire Pregnancy Outreach Center
108 6th Ave N. Lewistown, MT 59457
406.535.3511
Facebook: @InspirePregnancyOutreachCenter
Billings
LaVie Heath
2501 4th Ave. Billings, MT 59101
406.652.4868
www.laviebillings.org
Billings
Love & Sonshine Ministries
PO Box 23174, Billings, MT 59104
406.534.1063
Loveandsonshine.org
Pregnancy Centers | Diocese of Helena
Bozeman
ZoeCare Bozeman
2251 W. Kagy Blvd. #2 Bozeman, MT 59718
(406) 586-9444
https://www.gotozoe.org/index.php
Butte
New Hope Pregnancy Center
320 S Idaho Street, Butte, MT 59701
(406) 723-7144
https://newhopebutte.com/
Libby
Pregnancy Care Center
113 W 10th St, Libby, MT 59923
(406) 293-9435
https://libbypcc.com/
Missoula
Care Net
1515 Fairview Ave. Ste. 250, Missoula, MT 59801
(406) 549-0406
https://www.carenetmissoula.org/
Helena
Options Clinic
1005 Partridge Pl STE 1, Helena, MT 59602
(406) 422-1011
https://www.optionshelena.org/
–––––––– USCCB Online Resources ––––––––
Pro-Life Information & Education
Pro-Life Prayers & Devotions
–––––––– Further Reading ––––––––
Evangelium Vitae (Gospel of Life), Pope John Paul II – Encyclical
Absolute Autonomy, A Violent Religion, Matt Brower – Column