Issue No. 29June 2013
Greetings, 
As the weather is getting warmer and it has finally started to feel like summer, in between the BBQ's and beach days, it is important for all of us to know that we are invited to stand with our country and protect religious freedoms. As our favorite summer holiday, Independence Day, approaches we urge everyone to answer the invitation to take part in Fortnight For Freedom from June 21st to July 4th. We eagerly invite you to join us, as Catholics and Americans, to stay informed and defend our liberty. Along with this country-wide effort there is also a threat to our very own state of New York with Gov. Cuomo's "Women's Equality Act" which would make abortion more expansive and accessible. You can take action against this bill and continue to oppose any expansive abortion bill in NY. Take a look at a statement from the New York State Bishops and remember to stay informed and updated as there are only three weeks left in the legislative session. The New Yorkers For Life are hosting a "Stop the Abortion Expansion Act" Advocacy Day in Albany, NY. We encourage all to participate in this effort to show our state officials that New Yorkers are pro-life and will not stand for an expansion of abortion.
While defending our religious liberties is essential to living our Catholic identities, there are also celebrations and practices to take part in during the next month. Fathers Day is very near, and as we prepare to celebrate fathers and the gifts that they bring to a family - Life Runners give a nice insight to the Dignity of Fatherhood as explained in 1 Timothy 3:4-5. And as families are celebrated, don't miss out on a chance to attend a NFP seminar, on July 12th hosted by our very own diocese, to learn how to responsibly limit or expand family size while allowing couples to fulfill duties to one another, their family, and to God.
  
by Danielle Natorski
Respect Life- Intern
     
Join us for a bus trip to Albany and be a pro-life witness in opposition to Abortion Expansion Legislation in NYS.
 
   
The Diocesan Respect Life Office will be sponsoring a bus trip to Albany on Wednesday, June 12, to join New Yorker's for Life for a peaceful pro-life presence in the capitol in opposition to Governor Cuomo's Abortion Expansion Legislation. More at DRVC.ORG
  
Please contact the Respect Life Office for Registration and further details.
516 678 5800 ext 626 or [email protected]
  
There will be no cost for the bus, however participants are responsible for their own food. Registration is required and should you wish to travel separately please contact the office as well.
Passenger Pick Up/drop off:
7:00 a.m. -  Ronkonkoma - St. Joseph's Church Parking Lot, Ronkonkoma
7:30 a.m. -  Exit 49 Park and Ride Lot, Huntington North Service Rd. of L.I.E. East of Rt. 110.
8:15 a.m. -  Notre Dame Church,  New Hyde Park Rd., New Hyde Park  
                   about 2 miles south of L.I.E. Exit 34  
    
2013 Fortnight for Freedom:
June 21 to July 4
The U.S. bishops have called for a Fortnight for Freedom, a two-week period of prayer and action, to address many current challenges to religious liberty, including the August 1, 2013 deadline for religious organizations to comply with the HHS mandate;  Supreme Court rulings that could redefine marriage in June, and religious liberty concerns in areas such as immigration and humanitarian services.  (See more)
  

Your Action is Needed Now!  (Please put info from the Advocacy bulletin)

To be young and pro life - it is more than possible, it is essential. Actually to be pro-life is rather an innate characteristic I believe. Those of us that recognize this desire to protect and defend the lives of all people are called to muster up the courage and determination to keep this pro-life movement going strong. As a young woman in her early twenties, I am very passionate about this movement and have much confidence in the direction that we are going. While at times the struggle is great, we know that the grace of God through the power of the cross is greater. I strongly and eagerly encourage young people to be sure that they are involved and informed in all issues that are pro-life. Our voices can be so strong, and our efforts so important. Remain close to prayer, always stay up to date on current news, and talk about it with everyone around you. We, as young adults, are not only the future but we are the now. As I end my time working in the Respect Life Office I intend to stay active and strong in the pro-life movement. I look forward to continually walk with people, young and old alike, who have dedicated themselves to protecting and defending the dignity of all human life.

 

God Bless,

Danielle Natorski

"Approach all things in

        life with love first"

  

  I'm that Girl Who Chose Life

I'm a single mom, and I used to be "that girl who got pregnant." After my crazy conversion story of scheduling an abortion, choosing life, choosing God, and choosing healing, I thought some of you might like an update as well as some insight on being pro-life. So, here it goes:

 

Yes, I chose life, and I gave birth to the most perfect little girl, AvaMarie Rose, on October 23, 2012 (right in the heart of "Respect Life Month" how perfect). She entered the world at 9:56 pm, weighing 6.8 lbs. and measuring 20 inches. She was, and still is, perfect in every way. I never knew how much I could love someone. It totally gives perspective on just how much God loves us. (read more)

  
Upcoming Events
Community Celebration Event
7:00 PM August 20 2008
  
Theology of the Body Trainning
August 28 & 29, 2013- Huntington
CONTACT US

 

RESPECT LIFE OFFICE

50 North Park Ave.

Rockville Ctr., NY 11570

P: (516) 678-5800

F: (516) 536-3473

Exts.626 & 381

 

www.drvc.org/respectlife
  
CALENDAR
 

June

12

DRVC goes to Albany

16

Father's Day

18 

 

RL Deanery Coordiantors Meeting - RVC

21-4

 

26

Fortnight for Freedom

 

Catholics For Freedom of Religion

29

Religious Freedom RALLY, West Islip

July

9

The Marriage Journey Continues

13

Bereavement Facilitator Enrichment Series

15

 

 

21-27

NFP Overview Workshop - Dix Hills

 

National NFP Awareness Week

 

 

Quick Links
 
VIDEOS 
March for Life 2013
March for Life 2013
  
WORD OF LIFE

            
             Word of Life
                                                                            Palabra de Vida
 

 

               English                                                                                   Espa�ol      

                                  

Liturgical Prayers for Life  - Including a Prayer for a Mother Before Childbirth and Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary for an Expectant Mother "Blessing for a Child in the Womb" to buy (click here)

Please include these in your Sunday Bulletin.  

DEUS CARITAS EST ...  GOD IS LOVE

 

THANK YOU VERY MUCH! 

 
Allison O'Brien, Director

S. Elizabeth A. Geraghty, CSJ Project Rachel Ministry Coordinator

Haylee Greenwood, Respect Life Office Volunteer

Danielle Natorski, Part Time Assistant

Diana Tellis, Ministry/Dept. Assistant 

  
  
OUR OFFICE