Every human life is precious, created uniquely by God. St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church invites you to proclaim Christ through our Respect Life Ministry. From regular prayer to public demonstrations to service and giving opportunities, we hope your whole family will find a way to support a greater respect for life from conception to natural death.
January is Sanctity of Human Life Month! Use the menu below to browse activities to promote a greater respect for human life.
Join the St. Stephen the Martyr Respect Life Committee in the world’s largest grassroots movement to end abortion during 40 Days for Life!
In this internationally coordinated 40-day campaign that aims to end abortion locally, you are invited to prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses.
Each parish in the Archdiocese commits to a day praying and witnessing in front of our local abortion providers.
Join our St. Stephen the Martyr Respect Life Ministry on October 22nd at the Planned Parenthood on 93rd & Maple to pray & witness.
We need someone signed up for every hour between 8 AM – 8 PM. Thank you!
Join thousands of Catholics across Omaha and the nation to prayerfully stand for God’s unborn children on Sunday, Oct. 4th from 2-3 PM. St. Stephen parishioners and school families are asked to gather on the south side of Dodge from 84th-87th streets. Meet at 1:15 PM in the Gathering Space to carpool. Signs will be provided.
Join in praying during the 9 Days for Life, a novena for the protection of human life held Jan. 16th – 24th. Each morning at 7:45 AM (8:30 AM on Sunday), the Knights of Columbus will lead the prayer in the Worship Space. Can’t attend in person? Use the link to receive daily prayer reminders to pray the Novena at home.
Every October, we host a Diaper Drive to assist mothers in need.
Please join us in collecting diapers for local women and families in need.
Needed Items:
Diapers (sizes: 4, 5 and 6, and pull ups are most needed)
How to Donate:
The U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities is inviting Catholics to join a focused effort of prayer and action to stop the spread of abortion pills. The initiative will take place August 18 through October 31, which includes the month-long commemoration of Respect Life Month observed each October by the Catholic Church in the United States.
“Every abortion involves the death of a child and harm to the mother,” said Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the USCCB, and Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, in a joint invitation announcing the initiative. “Now with easier access to abortion pills, the abortion rate is tragically climbing, along with increased health risks.”
In addition to invoking the intercession of St. Joseph, Defender of Life (English)), participants can learn about the danger of abortion pills which have become accessible through telehealth appointments and at pharmacies, leading to increased risks to women, and the abortion rate tragically climbing. Participants of the initiative are encouraged to share information about the dangers of abortion pills, and sign up to send messages to pharmacies, distributors, and pharmaceutical companies at Respect Life Prayer and Action
Join the St. Stephen the Martyr Respect Life Ministry Flocknote group to stay connected with the Ministry’s work and all of the latest Respect Life news.
Complete the form below to sign up!
Since Fall 2024, our prayer campaigns have continued to grow in both participation and impact. In Fall 2024 at Planned Parenthood, a total of 52 individuals participated, including 20 who prayed from where they were, 15 in the Adoration Chapel, and 17 who joined in on-site prayer. In Spring 2025 in Bellevue, 51 participants took part, with 25 praying remotely, 17 in the Adoration Chapel, and 9 on-site. By Fall 2025 at Planned Parenthood, participation increased to 67, including 37 praying from home, 16 in the Adoration Chapel, and 14 on-site. Most recently, in Spring 2026 at Planned Parenthood, 44 prayer warriors participated, with 26 praying where they were, 10 in the Adoration Chapel, and 8 on-site, covering a total of 16 hours of prayer. Since July 2023, these efforts have helped bless 109 mothers, reflecting the continued dedication and faith of everyone involved.
Above: Deacon Denny Blesses Expectant Mothers
Support the ‘One Rose, One Life’ annual fund-raising campaign conducted by the Nebraska Knights of Columbus, for the Knights of Columbus Culture of Life Foundation of Nebraska. A second collection will be taken up at all Masses on Jan. 17th & 18th. Over 96% of funds raised by the Foundation support various pro-life causes, events and organizations. A portion of these funds were also used to help purchase and install sixteen ultrasound machines throughout Nebraska, through the K of C Supreme Council Ultrasound Initiative.
EPS Baby Bottles is a community-wide fundraiser, and its proceeds help inspire women to choose life for their babies and a bright future for themselves! While filling baby bottles with coins, cash, or checks to benefit women who are experiencing unexpected and under-supported pregnancies, the fundraiser can also serve as an opportunity to teach your children about the value of all human life (born and unborn), as well as how their efforts make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Pick up your bottle after Masses in the Gathering Space on Jan. 18th & 19th and return them the weekend of Jan 25th & 26th.
Friday, March 4th
Join us for the 12th Annual Catholics at the Capitol on Friday, March 4th from 8:30 AM – 3 PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in downtown Lincoln! This is your chance to live out your faith in action, learning how to advocate effectively for policies that protect life, uphold family values, and promote justice for the common good.
Join Catholics throughout the country on Wednesday, Jan. 22nd as the Church in the United States observes the annual “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.” This day is set aside to pray for the legal protection of human life and to do penance for the violations to human dignity through abortion. We are called to observe this day through prayer and penance. Learn more at: respectlife.org/january-22.
School & RE students in grades 3-6: submit your “Culture of Life” themed artwork to the state-wide Knights of Columbus Pro-Life Art Contest! Information was sent home with your student, or visit nebraskakofc.org/programs/culture-of-life-art-contest.html.
Congratulations to this year’s Knights of Columbus Pro-Life Art Contest winner, Eva G.! Her artwork was chosen as the state-wide winner. Prayer cards featuring this artwork are available.
Sarah F. was named the winner of the Knights of Columbus Pro-Life Essay contest. Congratulations!
Join Catholics throughout the country on Thursday, Jan. 22nd as the Church in the United States observes the annual “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.” This day is set aside to pray for the legal protection of human life and to do penance for the violations to human dignity through abortion. We are called to observe this day through prayer and penance.
Learn more at: respectlife.org/january-22.
Join fellow Nebraskans for the annual Nebraska Walk for Life on January 31. The day begins with the Bishops’ Pro-Life Mass at 9 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lincoln, with Archbishop Michael McGovern as homilist.
The Walk for Life starts at 10:00 AM and will feature Nick Freitas along with state and federal representatives.
Learn more at lincolnrighttolife.org/walkforlife.
Help us shape culture and law in Nebraska at Catholics at the Capitol, a day of legislative advocacy on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in downtown Lincoln. Hosted by the Nebraska Catholic Conference, you’re invited to bear the light of Christ in the public square by advocating for policies that protect life, uphold family values, and promote justice for the common good. This year, we’ll be joined by our Bishops, Governor Jim Pillen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, State Auditor Mike Foley, a lineup of State Senators, Nebraska Catholic Conference staff, and more public policy experts. You’ll watch live legislative debate, meet your State Senator, network with like-minded advocates, and you’ll learn how to advocate for your issues for years to come. Wear red to show Catholic unity! Tickets are $15, covering breakfast, lunch, and refreshments. Seats are limited. Register and learn more at NEcatholic.org.
Pregnant and parenting moms in need are in our parishes and our neighborhoods. As Pope Francis reminds us, our parishes need to be “islands of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference.” Everyone in the parish community should know where to refer a pregnant woman in need.
The 25th anniversary of Evangelium vitae gave us a wonderful opportunity to begin to assess, expand, and communicate resources to pregnant moms and families in need. Parishes are invited, through the support of their bishop and pastor, to join this nationwide effort entitled, Walking with Moms in Need.
October 25th at Noon | Dining Room
Fr. Scott Hastings will present on Catholic teaching regarding migration, local demographics, and the personal stories of immigrants. Join us for an opportunity to learn more about the Catholic perspective on migration and the experiences of those in our community.
Nebraskansembracinglife.org website contains a comprehensive directory of pro-life organizations and resources. Click here to view the Nebraska Pro-Life Directory
Click here to view the Pro-Life Directory hosted at Spirit Catholic Radio.
When facing an unexpected pregnancy, women deserve accurate information about all their options, including parenting, adoption, and abortion.
Private adoption offers women the opportunity to choose an adoptive family for their child, receive support throughout pregnancy, and determine the level of involvement they wish to have in their child’s life.
However, misconceptions about adoption remain common. Private adoption and foster care serve different purposes, and private adoption is a regulated process designed to protect the best interests of the child. Prospective adoptive parents undergo extensive screening to demonstrate their ability to provide a safe and loving home.
Adoption.Is is a resource dedicated to educating the public about private adoption, addressing misconceptions, and helping women understand the options available to them.
Learning more about adoption and sharing accurate information can help ensure that women facing unexpected pregnancies are aware of the support and choices available to them.