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Year of Faith Evangelium Vitae Days of Celebration
As part of the Year of Faith events, the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization has designated June 15-16 as days of celebration of "Evangelium Vitae," Blessed Pope John Paul II's encyclical on the Gospel of Life. Several events in Rome that weekend will provide the faithful the chance to gather with the Holy Father to affirm and celebrate the dignity of human life. The weekend concludes with a Papal Mass in St. Peter's Square on Sunday. in a Papal Mass in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on Sunday morning, June 16.
In his homily at the Opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life, Cardinal O'Malley, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued an invitation to those who work for a culture of life to attend a celebration of "Evangelium Vitae" in Rome this summer.
Pilgrims near and far can find more information regarding the Year of Faith and this day of celebration HERE. |
Renewed Attention on Conscience Rights
It is vital that we speak up for religious liberty and rights of conscience.
Under the new health care law, most health plans will be required to cover "preventive services for women," including items that many citizens find objectionable for moral and religious reasons:  sterilization, FDA-approved birth control (such as the IUD, Depo-Provera, 'morning-after' pills, and the abortion-inducing drug Ella), and "education and counseling" to promote these to all "women of reproductive capacity," including minor girls.
Congress should pass the Health Care Conscience Rights Act (H.R. 940), by including its provisions in upcoming "must-pass" legislation. Today, please urge your Representative to take action to protect conscience rights and religious liberty!
To voice your support of H.R. 940, visit the Action Center of National Committee for a Human Life Amendment, the bishops' pro-life legislative advocacy group. |
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Tom Grenchik |
Life Issues Forum
"Standing for Religious Freedom"
By Tom Grenchik
The recent death of Franziska Jägerstätter at the wonderful age of 100, and the various reflections on her life, reminded me of the loneliness she endured as the ostracized widow of a martyr. While many are now singing the praises of the Jägerstätter family, that was not always the case.
In 1943, Franziska's husband Franz was imprisoned and condemned to death for his refusal to serve in the German army. A military court rejected his claim that he could not be a Catholic and go to war to serve a Nazi regime. Franz realized quite clearly that he was not only putting his own life on the line, but also putting his family at great risk by standing up for his conscience rights and religious freedom, choosing to follow Christ rather than act against his Catholic faith.
While he was in prison, many colleagues tried to persuade him to "see reason" and recant his position. Friends, family members, even clergy, encouraged him to agree to serve in what he believed was an unjust and immoral war. They constantly reminded him of his obligations to his wife, children, family farm, and even his community...READ MORE |
| Respect Life Program
Featured Article: "Doctor Assisted Death by Science"
Professor William L. Toffler, MD explains how Oregon's assisted suicide law has harmed patients, degraded the quality of care and compromised the integrity of the medical profession. READ HERE!
The 2012 to 2013 Respect Life Program continues throughout the year with the theme, "Faith opens our eyes to human life in all its grandeur and beauty." |
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Mark Your Calendar
- April 25 - Feast of St. Mark
- May 12 - Mother's Day
- June 15-16 - Evangelium Vitae Day of Celebration
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