The Rev. Kyle Sahd, pastor at St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church in New Cumberland, recently shared with the congregation insight regarding giving gratitude to God for the blessings He bestows and the stances taken by Catholics on important societal issues.

“We have much to be thankful for, even during this time of the pandemic,” Sahd wrote to parishioners. With the events of the past few months, including the pandemic, the election and civil unrest, Sahd said that he was approached over the holiday season by parishioners seeking guidance from the Church’s perspective, especially in regard to the election and abortion.

“The Church believes that abortion is a preeminent issue in the respect for life, as stated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops,” he wrote.

Citing the official stance of the Holy See, Sahd noted that the Church believes that human life is sacred and should be protected, even down to the embryonic stage.