Young Catholic’s Steady Commitment to Life Reflected in Years of Service and Media Work

By Staff Writer | The Criterion
Published June 2015

In recent years, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis has witnessed a growing number of young people placing their creative gifts at the service of the Church. Among them is Branden J. Stanley, a young adult whose involvement in pro life ministry began early and has continued to develop through steady service, public witness, and consistent use of media to communicate the dignity of human life.

As his role in Catholic media grows, a look back at several key moments reveals how this commitment took shape long before adulthood.

Recognized in 2009 for Pro Life Media Efforts

In October 2009, the archdiocese honored young Catholics who had shown notable dedication to defending life. Among the honorees was Stanley, then a teenager from Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish.

In its coverage, The Criterion announced:

“Alea Bowling … and Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary parishioner Branden Stanley of Danville, will be recognized with Our Lady of Guadalupe Pro Life Youth Awards.”
(Source: The Criterion, Oct. 2, 2009)
https://www.archindy.org/criterion/local/2009/10-02/prolifehonors.html

The profile noted that he was “the oldest of three children. His two siblings were adopted from Russia,” and introduced readers to his early efforts in media through a small production project that focused on faith based and pro life storytelling.

For a young Catholic still learning the craft of filmmaking, the award provided early encouragement and affirmed that creative work could contribute to the Church’s witness to life.

Documenting the National March for Life in 2010

Only a few months later, Stanley joined the archdiocesan pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. for the 2010 National March for Life, volunteering as a videographer. His role allowed him to capture the witness of hundreds of young people who traveled from Indiana to stand for the unborn.

Coverage of the pilgrimage appeared in several 2010 editions of The Criterion, including:
https://www.archindy.org/criterion/local/2010/02-05/march.html

For Stanley, the experience strengthened the connection between faith, media, and advocacy. It also broadened his understanding of the national pro life movement and the importance of communicating its message clearly.

Speaking at the 2013 Indianapolis Roe Commemoration

By 2013, Stanley’s involvement had expanded beyond media work. On January 25, during the archdiocese’s local commemoration of Roe v. Wade, he was invited to speak at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral following the march along Meridian Street.

In its February 1, 2013 issue, The Criterion reported:

“Following the march, pro life and chastity presentations were given in the cathedral by Jason Adams … Gabrielle Neal … and Branden Stanley, a young adult member of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Indianapolis.”
(Source: The Criterion, Feb. 1, 2013)
https://www.archindy.org/criterion/local/2013/02-01/roe.html

The event drew hundreds of participants and emphasized the important role young adults play in offering a public witness to the dignity of every person. Stanley’s presentation reflected both his ongoing involvement and the trust the archdiocese placed in him to communicate the Church’s message clearly.

A Consistent Pattern of Witness

Viewed from 2015, these three moments form a clear pattern. What began as a teenager’s early media project grew into years of pilgrimage, service, and speaking opportunities. Each step was marked by a desire to use creative gifts in defense of life.

Today, Stanley continues to build on that foundation through ongoing work in Catholic media. Yet the early chapters remain significant. They show a young Catholic whose commitment to life did not begin recently, but has been lived steadily and consistently for more than half a decade.

The story serves as a reminder that the call to defend life often begins quietly, in the small decisions made by the young, and grows through the encouragement and support of a faith-filled community.