SALT LAKE CITY — Catholics in Utah are preparing to participate in events in late September and early October to observe Respect Life Month. These include a 40 Days for Life prayer vigil outside the Planned Parenthood office and a bilingual rosary at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Salt Lake City. 
In October, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month “to help Catholics understand and value the gift of human life and help build a culture that cherishes and protects it,” according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The first Sunday of October is designated as Respect Life Sunday.  
A list of local events follows.
40 Days for Life Campaign 
The 40 Days for Life campaign in Salt Lake City is scheduled to run Sept. 23 through Nov. 1 on the public sidewalk right-of-way outside the Planned Parenthood Metro Health Center. Peaceful prayer shifts are held daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Those who are interested can sign up for one-hour slots with a prayer partner directly on the official 40 Days for Life Salt Lake City Campaign Page, https://dioslc.org/events/40-days-for-life-vigil. 
Local Catholics who are unable to attend the vigil could devote an hour a week of Adoration in their parish to pray for the end of abortion, said Barbara Granja, the vigil coordinator. 
“Many of us want to do something to help,” she said.  “By conversing with God and standing for truth, we can be a light in this dark world. Doing nothing can be a sin of omission. So, I am asking people to feel compelled to do their small part in this matter of abortion, to pray to Our Lord and ask for forgiveness, for themselves and for the world. God will give the graces that are needed. He is merciful.”
To sign up visit the official 40 Days for Life Salt Lake City Campaign Page, https://dioslc.org/events/40-days-for-life-vigil or scan the QR code at left.
For information, contact coordinator Barbara Granja at [email protected] or call/text 385-799-5433. Note: There is no kickoff event this year. 
Bilingual Rosary  
On Respect Life Sunday, (Oct. 4) at 2 p.m. the Diocese of Salt Lake City will host a bilingual rosary in front of the Monument for the Unborn at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 275 U St., Salt Lake City. In case of inclement weather, it will be held in the mausoleum. 
USCCB Resources 
The USCCB offers a 2026 Respect Life poster featuring the image of the Virgin of the Lilies by William-Adolphe Bouguereau, which may be downloaded at https://www.respectlife.org/respect-life-month.   
“The message, ‘Mary, Mother of Life,’ reflects on Our Lady’s distinguished role as mother of all the living,” the Respect Life website says. “The life of the Blessed Mother teaches us to respect each human life in every stage and circumstance. We ask her intercession in helping us to recognize the gift of human life, even when that gift is unexpected or calls us to make sacrifices.” 
Respect Life Reflection/Litany 
The USCCB also provides a downloadable reflection that “unpacks this year’s theme, ‘Mary, Mother of Life,’ demonstrating how the life of the Blessed Mother teaches us to respect each human life in every stage and circumstance,” the website says. Also available is a litany that seeks the intercession of the Blessed Mother in her role as mother of all the living and highlights various Marian titles to pray for Respect Life intentions and themes. The reflection is found at https://www.usccb.org/resources/respect-life-reflection-mary-mother-life and the litany is at https://www.usccb.org/resources/litany-blessed-virgin-mary-mother-life.   
Respect Life Month Novena 
This novena, which runs Oct. 22-30, prays for the protection of human life from conception to natural death. Each day of the novena features a different pro-life prayer intention that is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. The novena is available at https://www.usccb.org/resources/respect-life-novena
Participating in any or all of these activities is “a wonderful opportunity once a year to just really highlight the gift of life and the beauty of our teachings of life from conception to natural death,” said Crystal Painter, director of the Diocese of Salt Lake City’s Office of Marriage & Family Life.