This is a natural question to ask upon hearing about our organization. There are several dimensions to the answer, and we present them to you here. In this issue, we also show you some of the wider aspects of the Priests for Life mission, which includes seminarians, deacons, and strong ecumenical ties.

In regard to our name, first of all, the title Priests for Life is intended to convey the truth that being for life is integral and essential to the life and ministry of every priest.

This is not an association that seeks to be some sort of separate and elite group of priests who claim to be more pro-life than all the rest. Rather, it seeks to celebrate the dedicated efforts, so often hidden and unknown, of priests who heroically promote the culture of life across the nation.

Secondly, there are many orders and groups in the Church that highlight a facet of the Gospel to which all the rest of the Church is also called. Such highlighting is meant to be a stimulus to all to respond to a call that belongs to all. Therefore, the Sisters of Charity are not the only ones called to practice charity, nor is that what their name implies. The Blessed Sacrament Fathers do not pretend to be the only ones who worship the Blessed Sacrament. Examples can be multiplied. Priests for Life is another such example. It is precisely because all priests and all others as well, are called to be for life that this association exists.

It is helpful to reflect on the fact that there are groups called Doctors for Life, Nurses for Life, Pharmacists for Life, Lawyers for Life, Students for Life, Cops for Life, and countless others. But why, one might ask, should we need such groups? Aren't all doctors supposed to be for life? Yet the very reason we have a pro-life movement at all is because we have an immense tragedy on our hands, and need the skills of every profession to restore protection to all human life. In that light, it would be strange indeed if there were not a "Priests for Life!"

The purpose of Priests for Life is not to add another structure or organization to the pro-life effort. Its purpose, instead, is to infuse a structure that already exists, the Church, with the vigor, enthusiasm, and very best resources to carry out its mission of defending life. Working in a positive spirit of collaboration with the hierarchy, we seek to spread their teachings and strengthen the pro-life effort in accordance with the Pastoral Plan for Pro-life Activities. We trust that in carrying out this mission, you will feel free to call upon us. Our five full-time staff priests are ready to travel to your diocese or parish, or to assist you in other ways. Know that you are always in our prayers.