Bishop Kulick Issues First Pastoral Letter Following Supreme Court Ruling

GREENSBURG – JUNE 24, 2022 – Addressing the Supreme Court ruling on the Dobbs v. Jackson Health case, Bishop Larry J. Kulick, JCL, released his first pastoral letter on June 24, 2022, to teach and to remind the faithful of the Diocese of Greensburg the Church’s teachings on right-to-life issues and to call for an increased response at the Diocesan and parish levels in support of women and families facing unexpected pregnancies. The pastoral letter, “Donum Vitae: The Gift of Life,” was released at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greensburg.

Bishop Kulick writes that from its beginning, the Catholic Church has consistently upheld the sanctity of human life. “Although our language has evolved as science and technology have developed, the Church’s moral foundation on the issue of life, from conception to natural death, has never changed.”

He states that new scientific discoveries clearly demonstrate the Church’s teaching that every human life is a unique gift. “As Bishop, and as a successor to the Apostles, asserting these teachings with clarity and without ambiguity is one of my most important pastoral responsibilities. I must clearly convey those teachings so that they are known and understood and so there is no confusion on the part of the faithful when forming and informing conscience, in order to advocate for truth in the world.”

The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines human life as sacred because “from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end.” (CCC2258). Bishop Kulick writes that opposing this teaching clearly contradicts Sacred Scripture, the tradition of the Church, and the will of God. “As Bishop, I will not remain silent. Silence is a fast track to a continuation of policies against human dignity and an implicit acceptance of the evil of abortion.”

Bishop Kulick points to his episcopal motto, “Christ is the Truth,” to illustrate the teaching of the Church on pro-life issues. “We must proclaim the truth as Christ did, and always with his compassion and love,” he writes. “We see the same face of Christ in the unborn child, in the child’s mother, and in the abortion activist. We must always be ready to love in the face of anger.” 

In the United States, the Catholic Church is the largest non-governmental funder of human service support. Parishes, schools, hospitals, and food banks continue their constant work to support many who struggle, including mothers and young families in need. “Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg provides clothing, food, housing and utility assistance regardless of an individual’s religious affiliation,” Bishop Kulick writes.

Bishop Kulick is also calling for a greater response to those who face unexpected pregnancies and an increase in support for mothers and families at both the Diocesan and parish levels. “If someone has been affected in any way by abortion, we want to walk with them on their journey with the love, compassion and mercy of Christ,” he writes.

He calls on the faith community in the Diocese of Greensburg to redouble efforts to change hearts and minds. “We must continue to expand the available resources and support those in need, spiritually, emotionally, and financially, and welcome them with the mercy and compassion of Christ,” Bishop Kulick writes.

He concludes: “May our actions be a sign to the world of the sacred truth of ‘Donum Vitae: The Gift of Life’.”

The entire pastoral letter, “Donum Vitae: The Gift of Life,” can be read at here or at  DioceseofGreensburg.org.