Greetings!
Thanks for reading the People of Life e-newsletter! We bring you the latest on pro-life issues, events, and the bishops' efforts to promote a culture of life. Get involved, meet our staff, find new prayers, and more! In this issue, we continue our focus on keeping abortion out of health care. Take action here.
Sincerely,
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ABORTION IN HEALTH CARE - URGENT NATIONWIDE BULLETIN INSERT
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USCCB Nationwide Bulletin Insert
WASHINGTON - As introduced by a cover letter to all bishops from the President of the Conference and the Chairmen of the 3 major USCCB committees engaged in health care reform, the US bishops have asked that the USCCB Nationwide Bulletin Insert on health care reform be printed or handstuffed in every parish bulletin and/or distributed in pews or at church entrances as soon as possible. While the U.S. House passed a health care bill that prevents the federal government from funding elective abortions, the U.S. Bishops remain deeply concerned about Senate action, especially as it will affect abortion funding and conscience rights. Please encourage parishioners to pray for this effort. More information can be found at the USCCB health care page.
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2009-2010 Respect Life Program
Parishes Nationwide Participate
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WASHINGTON-The 2009-10 Respect Life Program is now
available. This
year's theme-"Every Child Brings Us God's Smile"-comes from a homily of
Pope Benedict XVI. The Respect Life flyer explores this theme and provides a fascinating
timeline of fetal development along with photos showing the humanity of
unborn children. Topics addressed in this year's Respect Life Program reflect the diversity of pro-life concerns:
- the way ahead in building a culture of life (by Cardinal Justin Rigali)
- the essence of human dignity
- assisted suicide
- facts about contraception
- infertility
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same-sex marriage
Begun in 1972, the Respect Life Program brings Church teaching on the
value and dignity of human life to the Catholic community and the wider
public. The program combines education, prayer, service and advocacy. Virtually all of the 195 Catholic
dioceses in the United States observe the Respect Life Program. Articles are available as printed pamphlets, on the web site of the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities
and on the CD included in each packet. In addition to the articles,
poster, and flyer, the CD contains a liturgy and prayer guide, program models,
memorable pro-life quotations and more, in both English and Spanish. Call toll-free 1-866-582-0943 to place your order today, or visit here to browse our full catalog.
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About People of Life
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People of Life is the pro-life action campaign of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Our mission is to promote respect and legal protection for all human life, from conception to natural death.
"We are a People of Life because God, in his unconditional love, has given us the Gospel of Life, and we are called to act accordingly." Pope John Paul II, The Gospel of Life
For more information, visit here.
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Staff Profile: Celebrating 35 Years!
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The Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities recently honored office manager Teresa
Mutchler for her thirty-five years of work dedicated to the pro-life efforts of
the bishops. She has seen the department through several reorganizations, every Respect Life Program since 1974, and countless educational campaigns and
events. A native of Maryland, she and her husband have four children and two
grandchildren. Teresa, congratulations on your remarkable contributions promoting
the dignity of life. You are truly a People of Life!
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Prayer Corner
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NEW! Prayer of the Faithful for Health Care Reform
"That Congress will act to ensure
that needed health care reform will truly protect the life, dignity and health
care of all and that we will raise our voices to protect the unborn and the
most vulnerable and to preserve our freedom of conscience. We pray to the Lord." For more pro-life petitions, visit the Word of Life Series.
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Upcoming Events
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November 21, Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- January 21-22, 2010, National
Prayer Vigil for Life, Washington, D.C. (Important Time Change: January 21 Opening Mass begins at 6:30 p.m.)
- February 7-10, 2010, Catholic Social Ministry Gathering, Washington, D.C. Visit here for more information and to register.
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Help Us Spread the Message to Congress!
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Be sure to click on the blue "Forward this e-mail to my friend" link at the bottom to help us encourage others to make their pro-life voice heard in Congress!
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