CHARLOTTE — The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to release its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson in June – potentially reversing the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in all 50 states and instead returning abortion legislation back to the states.
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization is a case that considers the constitutionality of a Mississippi state law limiting abortion after 15 weeks’ gestation. The Mississippi law presents a direct challenge to the legal rule established in Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992) that says states cannot ban abortion before a fetus is viable – that is, when the unborn child can survive outside the womb.
A leak of the draft of the court’s opinion was published by Politico May 2. The draft indicated that a majority of the Supreme Court justices will rule to overturn Roe v. Wade. This has caused a flurry of heated protests by pro-abortion advocates, including protests in front of the private homes of the justices who have reportedly signed on to the majority decision.
The Diocese of Charlotte Office of Family Life is asking clergy and the faithful of the diocese to give a pro-life “White Rose Witness” on Wednesday, June 1.
Everyone is encouraged to wear a white rose or an image of a white rose on their clothing that day, and to share their pro-life views when questioned about the symbol. Prayer and fasting that day for the legal protection of all human life – from conception to natural death – is also recommended.
Parishes are invited to offer Mass or a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration for the intention of legal protection of the right to life of all unborn children.
“This effort is a concrete way for our diocese to give prayerful pro-life witness as we await a decision from the Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson,” said Father Peter Ascik, director of the Office of Family Life.
“It is a response to recent calls from USCCB pro-life chairman Archbishop William Lori and USCCB president Archbishop Jose Gomez for increased prayer and fasting in light of the leaked opinion and increased demonstrations by pro-abortion forces,” he said.
Bishop Peter Jugis, in a recent letter to diocesan clergy, addressed current events surrounding the Dobbs decision and our responsibilities as Catholics.
“No matter what is decided, however, it is important to remember that the Church’s work to protect the dignity of all human life continues. To that end, we must redouble our efforts to assist women in choosing life for their unborn children,” he wrote.
Bishop Jugis encouraged clergy to consider strengthening and expanding parish efforts to assist pregnant and parenting women in meaningful ways.
He provided information from the Office of Family Life about the USCCB’s “Walking with Moms in Need” program, designed especially for parishes to find new ways to reach out and address the needs of struggling mothers in the community.
The nation’s Catholic bishops launched the nationwide effort in March 2020 with a yearlong initiative.
The “Walking With Moms in Need” program uses a template to guide a parish in creating a list of local resources for mothers in need in the community. The guide is shared with the parish, so everyone knows where to refer moms in need. Parishes determine how best to use their talents to “fill the gaps” and make a meaningful contribution toward building a culture of support for moms and families.
St. Matthew Church in Charlotte and St. Pius X Church in Greensboro already have active “Walking With Moms in Need” ministries.
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter. Catholic News Service contributed.
Learn more
Find detailed information about how your parish can assist mothers and children in need at www.walkingwithmoms.com. Questions? Contact the Diocese of Charlotte’s Office of Family Life at 704-808-4507 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..