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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The new eight-part "Life Matters" series, covering life issues from conception to death, is the centerpiece of the 2011-'12 Respect Life program that begins with Respect Life Sunday, Oct. 2 this year.

Note: Check out the list of Respect Life Sunday observances across the Diocese of Charlotte.

The theme of the yearlong observance is "I came so that all might have life and have it to the full," from the fourth chapter of the First Letter of John.

The "Life Matters" series, available in English and Spanish, is "designed to offer a clear and compelling defense of Church teaching from primarily secular sources," according to a news release from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Pictured above: This poster is included in the materials for the U.S. bishops' 2011-'12 Respect Life Program, which is distributed by the pro-life secretariat and has as its theme: "I came so that all might have Life and have it in full." The yearlong program begins Oct. 2, Respect Life Sunday.

Covered topics include abortion, contraception, the death penalty, persons with disabilities, embryo research, end-of-life issues, reproductive technologies, and love and marriage.

The Respect Life packet for the coming year also features a liturgy guide that offers intercessions for life, homily helps for preaching on Respect Life Sunday and on Roe v. Wade commemorative events in January 2012, rosary intercessions for husbands and wives, and a Holy Hour for life based on reflections by Blessed John Paul II about the elderly.

Pamphlets and two-sided bulletin inserts may be downloaded at no cost for use by parishes or schools or in RCIA, marriage preparation or other educational settings at www.usccb.org/respectlife. The website also contains free printable versions of the cover images, poster, fliers, liturgy guide, program models, recommended resources and memorable pro-life quotes and artwork, in both English and Spanish.

The full-color glossy pamphlets and other printed materials are available for sale through USCCB Publishing at www.usccb.org/respectlife or from the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities by calling (866) 582-0943or by faxing orders to (301) 779-8596.

Begun in 1972, the Respect Life program combines all four aspects of the U.S. bishops' "Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities" – education, prayer, service and advocacy. It kicks off each year on Respect Life Sunday, the first Sunday in October, which is observed in nearly all of the 195 Catholic dioceses in the United States.

— Catholic News Service