The room was filled with warmth, laughter and a shared sense of mission as more than three dozen advocates gathered for Respect Life Denver’s Gospel of Life Workshop on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The day offered not only formation but also a renewal of heart for those seeking to live out Christ’s love in the pro-life movement.
Participants at the annual Respect Life Denver event, a ministry of Catholic Charities, were joined by the Sisters of Life and Chelsy Gomez from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Walking with Moms in Need initiative. Together, they explored what it means to encounter others with the heart of the Father—especially mothers facing crisis pregnancies—through a lens of authentic hope and courageous love.
The theme of the workshop centered on knowing ourselves as beloved sons and daughters of God and then carrying that same love outward to others. “Hiddenness does not negate fruitfulness,” said Sister Catherine Joy, reminding attendees that faithfulness—not visible success—is the true measure of a disciple’s life.
For many who came, the day offered practical direction for living out their desire to serve. Tom Wanzeck, a parishioner at Our Lady of Loreto and longtime Respect Life advocate, shared, “It was the perfect flow of teaching us how to approach and accompany a woman in a crisis pregnancy, followed by how we can start doing it with the Walking with Moms in Need presentation from the USCCB staff.”
Throughout the morning, participants reflected, prayed and shared conversation with others who feel the same tug to bring light into a culture that often misunderstands the Church’s pro-life mission. A small group of women said they were especially moved by the Sisters’ reflection on reverencing one’s own dignity before going out to love others.
“The attendees of the Gospel of Life workshop were inspired in their Catholic pro-life mission,” said Mimi Eckstein, former Director of Respect Life Denver. “The presenters were guided by the words of St. Pope John Paul II to preach and work in their Catholic faith in and out of season.”
The workshop closed with prayer and commissioning, as attendees were encouraged to trust that every “yes” to love—no matter how hidden—bears fruit in the kingdom of God. The Respect Life Denver team of Emma Ramirez and Jennifer Torres expressed hope that this day will spark continued renewal across the Archdiocese of Denver, “It can be hard to persevere when it feels like every battle is being lost, but we have to remember that Jesus has already won the war and our small daily yeses are all he needs.”
In the words of St. John Paul II’s Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), “The Gospel of life is at the heart of Jesus’ message. Lovingly received day after day, it becomes the radiant light that illumines the Church’s way.”
May the light of this workshop continue to shine through all who were present, inspiring each person in the Archdiocese of Denver to respond with courage, tenderness and faith to the call of protecting every human life.