Issue 51
June 2015
Greetings,

 

Are you or someone you know of suffering abortion loss? Abortion loss touches many and sometimes someone might not even realize the feelings they are experiencing are related to a past abortion or involvement with an abortion.

 

Project Rachel, the Catholic Church's ministry to those who have been involved in abortion, is a diocesan-based network of specially trained priests, religious, counselors, and laypersons who provide a team response of care for those suffering in the aftermath of abortion. In addition to referring for Sacramental Reconciliation, the ministry provides an integrated network of services, including pastoral counseling, support groups, retreats and referrals to licensed mental health professionals.

 

Pope Francis has declared a Holy Year of Mercy,Misericordiae Vultus:  "We need constantly to contemplate the mystery of mercy. It is a wellspring of joy, serenity, and peace. Our salvation depends on it. Mercy: the word reveals the very mystery of the Most Holy Trinity. Mercy: the ultimate and supreme act by which God comes to meet us. Mercy: the fundamental law that dwells in the heart of every person who looks sincerely into the eyes of his brothers and sisters on the path of life. Mercy: the bridge that connects God and man, opening our hearts to the hope of being loved forever despite our sinfulness."


 

Take time to learn about Project Rachel for your community, help share the message of mercy that brings hope and healing to those who are suffering abortion loss...


 

Kindly pray for the success of the Project Rachel Ministry

 

Father, source of healing and forgiveness, we pray for all parents overwhelmed by grief and sorrow at the loss of their son or daughter to abortion:

You never abandon those who hope in you; so we pray that the hearts of those wounded by their abortion might be open to your Divine Mercy that they would know the grace of repentance and so experience the embrace of the Father.
We pray that Jesus, the Good Shepherd,
so rich in love and compassion, may hear the cry and see the tears of each of these mothers and fathers so He may heal their broken hearts and restore them to life.
Give these grieving mothers and fathers the consolation of believing and trusting that her child is now living in the Lord that this may soothe the terror of their soul.
We pray that the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Mother of all tenderness and our Mother,
may strengthen their faith in You.
We ask this through Christ our Lord,
who conquered sin and death,
and who lives with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.

 

"I would now like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion... do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope...the Father of mercies is ready to give you His forgiveness and His peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation." (Evangelium Vitae no. 99, Saint John Paul II)

 

For more information, visit the Project Rachel Hope After Abortion website, En Español:  Esperanzaposaborto.org or call the Respect Life Office's confidential hotline: 1-888-456-HOPE (se habla Español) to begin healing after abortion loss.   


A Prayer for Fathers

God our Father,
we give you thanks and praise
for fathers young and old.
We pray for young fathers,
newly embracing their vocation;
May they find the courage and perseverance
to balance work, family, and faith in joy and sacrifice.
We pray for our own fathers
who have supported and challenged us;
May they continue to lead in strong and gentle ways.
We remember fathers around the world
whose children are lost or suffering;
May they know that the God of compassion
walks with them in their sorrow.
We pray for men who are not fathers
but still mentor and guide us
with fatherly love and advice.
We remember fathers, grandfathers,
and great-grandfathers who are no longer with us
but who live forever in our memory
and nourish us with their love.
Amen.


Respect Life Upcoming Events



Untaming the Gospel of Life to Find the Treasure in the Joy of the Gospel

Immaculate Conception Parish, Westhampton Beach
August 13, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The Gospel of Life provides a foundation of understanding for all to live the Joy of the Gospel. Join us for spiritual enrichment as we discover how both the lives of Catherine Doherty and Dorothy Day reflected this understanding with courage and fortitude. Brother Richard Contino will guide us through this enrichment as we look to live each day in faith, hope and love.

More information or to register
Back to Basics  Respect Life Ministry Training - Summer and Fall 2015

Summer training starts June 1, 2015


The Culture project is Coming to the Diocese. 
Presentations are given to youth on human dignity and sexual integrity.

October 25 - 31, 2015

Religious Education Programs, High Schools, Youth Ministry, College Campuses, Parish Communities, Ministries and Catholic Schools.


The Culture Project International is an initiative of young people set out to restore culture through the experience of virtue. Members of the team enter into a program where they live, pray in community, receive formation and are sent out on missions nationally and internationally. Presentations are given to youth on human dignity and sexual integrity.

More information or to register

Establishing The Culture Of Life                                                         

By Anne McGuire

 

En Español

 

 

In the midst of the many attacks on human life these days, we are called to help establish a "culture of life" that has at its heart the understanding that each of us is deeply loved by God, created to be with him, and offered redemption through Christ's death and Resurrection. We can vote in a way consistent with respect for life, take part in Respect Life Month observances each October, and participate in events like the March for Life each January. But is there anything else we can do?

 

Establishing a culture involves more than occasional prayers, practices, or participation in events and cannot be reduced to isolated actions or private beliefs. Our understanding of each person as created in the image and likeness of God must inform our day-to-day lives. Building up a culture of life requires sacrificial, life-affirming acts every day.

First and foremost, we can turn to God in prayer. We may be tempted to brush past this, thinking, "I know I can pray, but what can I do to effect change?" But as St. John Paul II wrote in his encyclical on building the culture of life, "Jesus himself has shown us by his own example that prayer and fasting are the first and most effective weapons against the forces of evil (cf. Mt 4:1-11)" (Evangelium Vitae, no. 100). The U.S. Catholic bishops invite us to pray for the protection of life throughout the year.Read More

 

 

Religious Liberty is Under Attack in the Nation's Capital!

From: National Committee for a Human Life Amendment, Inc.

The window is closing and we again request you help stop two dangerous pieces of legislation recently passed by the Council of the District of Columbia and signed by the mayor. Because of D.C.'s unique character as a federal district rather than a city or a state, the Constitution grants Congress the authority to legislate in D.C. So, even though a law may only affect the District of Columbia, it is a matter of oversight for Congress.
These acts, the "Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act" (RHNDA) and the "Human Rights Amendment Act" (HRAA) are unprecedented threats to everyone's religious liberty. Congress should be urged to rescind these laws.

Please act immediately on the NCHLA Action Alert found at: nchla.org/actiondisplay.asp?ID=316

We are now encouraging people to participate in a social media campaign as well. Post messages on FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and other outlets. See suggested messages on the Action Alert link.

On March 20, Cardinal Donald Wuerl, the Archbishop of Washington along with the chairmen of five committees of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops sent letters to the House and Senate urging Congress to block RHNDA and HRAA. For the text of the US bishops' letter see http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/upload/ADW-USCCB-letter-DC-bills-3-20-15.pdf

We will keep you posted on developments. Thank you for raising your voices in support of life and liberty!

 

Fortnight For Freedom
Fortnight 2015: Freedom to Bear Witness 
For more information click here or visit our website

"Keeping the spirit of the Gospel means that Catholic institutions are to bear witness in love to the full truth about the human person by providing social, charitable, and educational services in a manner that fully reflects the God-given dignity of the human person." -  Archbishop William E. Lori, Chairman, Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, on the "Freedom to Bear Witness". . . 


 

The Fortnight for Freedom: Freedom to Bear Witness will take place from June 21 to July 4, 2015, a time when our liturgical calendar celebrates a series of great martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution by political power-St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher, St. John the Baptist, SS. Peter and Paul, and the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome. The theme of this year's Fortnight will focus on the "freedom to bear witness" to the truth of the Gospel.

 


 

Resources for your use

 

14 ways to Celebrate Fortnight for Freedom

Dignitatis Humanae - (Declaration on Religious Liberty 50th Anniversary ) Reflections for Fortnight for Freedom 

( En Español )

Litany for Liberty

Prayer for the Protection of Religious Liberty

Maria Immaculada - Patrona de Nuestro Pais 


Pro-Life Perspective: Joy Is The Fruit Of Mercy
By: Mary McClusky


"I felt I'd committed the unforgiveable sin." 

So many women with abortion in their past have said things like this. They often feel deep shame, regret, loss, or despair. They may have a hard time accepting that God loves them, and so stay away from the spiritual and psychological help offered by the Church and the healing balm of the sacraments. 

Pope Francis has a message for these suffering mothers-and all others who have been involved in an abortion: Great joy can be found in Christ's unfailing mercy and love for us sinners. He recently called for the celebration of a Jubilee Year of Mercy from December 8, 2015 to November 20, 2016. In the announcement, he said, "I am convinced that the whole Church will find in this jubilee the joy needed to rediscover and make fruitful the mercy of God, with which all of us are called to give consolation to every man and woman of our time." 

In his Easter Vigil homily, Pope Francis reflected on the challenge of finding joy despite the experience of sin. He described how the women who entered Jesus' tomb that Easter morning entered into the mystery of Christ's suffering, death, and Resurrection. They came face to face with the reality of death and of their own existence as sinners in need of God's forgiveness. At the same time, they encountered His love, which is greater than the greatest of sins. The power of the Resurrection gives us the courage to face our sins, confess our mistakes, and then humbly receive God's forgiveness and accept the joy that comes with new life in Christ. 

 

  
I would now like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion... do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope...the Father of mercies is ready to give you His forgiveness and His peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation." (Evangelium Vitae no. 99, John Paul II)

Project Rachel Hope After Abortion website or call the Respect Life Office's confidential hotline: 1-888-456-HOPE (se habla espanol) to begin healing after abortion loss.
Project Rachel Materials

Prayer for the Ministry of Project Rachel

Father, source of healing and forgiveness, we pray for all parents overwhelmed by grief and sorrow at the loss of their son or daughter to abortion:

You never abandon those who hope in you; so we pray that the hearts of those wounded by their abortion might be open to your Divine Mercy that they would know the grace of repentance and so experience the embrace of the Father.
We pray that Jesus, the Good Shepherd,
so rich in love and compassion, may hear the cry and see the tears of each of these mothers and fathers so He may heal their broken hearts and restore them to life.
Give these grieving mothers and fathers the consolation of believing and trusting that her child is now living in the Lord that this may soothe the terror of their soul.
We pray that the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Mother of all tenderness and our Mother,
may strengthen their faith in You.
We ask this through Christ our Lord,
who conquered sin and death,
and who lives with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. 

 Amen.

  • Project Rachel Prayer - Printable Prayer 8.5 x 11. Printable Prayer Card
  • A Prayer To Our Lady Of Guadalupe (En Español)
  • Post Abortion book-list resource



    • Book Resources
    • Generation Roe: Inside the Future of the Pro-Choice Movement, by Sarah Erdreich
    • Pro: Reclaiming Abortion Rights, by Katha Pollitt
    • Every Third Woman in America: How Legal Abortion Transformed Our Nation by David A. Grimes M.D. with Linda G. Brandon

    Maggie's Story
    Maggie's Story

    Maggie was diagnosed with brain cancer and strongly opposes assisted suicide. Hear this story of a strong woman with much left to give to her family and society. She has a powerful story of hope and courage - and that no doctor can put a timetable on anyone's life.
    For more information visit: patientsrightsaction.org/maggies-story
    In the Spotlight

    Assisted Suicide Legislation


    A Letter from Most Reverend William Murphy


     

    Catholics in the State of New York, particularly those in our Diocese, should be very alarmed by
    movements promoting assisted suicide legislation. As we are doing now with the Education Investment Tax Credit and have done in the past about important issues regarding life, we must work together to
    educate, inform and encourage our people to engage actively in pushing back any legislation which compromises the gift of life. 

    While we do not expect this issue to come to the forefront until after the budget is settled, it is important to raise awareness and encourage appropriate action now. 

     

    First, I ask each of you to reach out to all in your parish and entity encouraging their active involvement in this issue. I have enclosed a brief list of "talking points" that can serve as a good basis for an e-mail or notice from you to your parishioners, employees, etc. In your writing, please encourage parishioners to visit www.catholicendoflife.org as solid information and resources can be found here. We also need Catholics throughout the Diocese to contact the Governor's office and the Long Island delegation of assembly members and senators. This is easily done through the Catholic Action Network at www.nyscatholic.org. The Respect Life Office has provided additional resources to assist you.
     

    Second, please utilize the enclosed ads, or some version of them, in your parish bulletin, parish website, entity website or in any upcoming e-mail communication. Three versions of the ad have been attached for your convenience. These are general and can be placed in the bulletin any time in the next few weeks. We must make sure this information is extended as far and wide as possible in the upcoming days. We will provide additional resources in the weeks ahead. 

     

    Read or download full letter

     

    Further resources

    Read or download resources


     

    TAKE ACTION NOW at the NYSCC Catholic Action Network to oppose assisted suicide legislation in New York State.

     
    Letting Mercy Himself  flow through and heal our hurting souls.


    Days of Prayer and Healing

    from abortion. for those suffering 

     

    Please e-mail the Sisters of Life at hopeandhealing@sistersoflife.org or call toll-free at 866-575-0075 for more informationtion.  

     

    June 6, 2015

     

     
    Spiritual Adoption Program

    The Purpose of the Spiritual Adoption Program is threefold:

    • Encourage parishes, schools and other communities to pray for babies in danger of abortion.
    • Educate adults and children about the development of the pre-born child.
    • Provide mothers in need with assistance at a 'baby shower' of donated baby gifts, or simply celebrate with a 'birthday party' at the conclusion of the program. In some schools a crib was bought with monetary gifts and the children filled a crib with gifts for expectant Mothers.

    This is done by encouraging people to "spiritually adopt" an unborn baby, and to follow their baby along the path to being born. read more

     

    Please add these to your bulletin announcements. 

     


    		 If you would like more information on Gabriel's Courage visit our website, www.respectlife.drvc.org
    Now and at the Hour of Our DeathCatholic Guidance for End-of-Life Decision MakingBulletin Announcements

    For more information on Now and at the Hour of Our Death Catholic Guidance for End-of-Life Decision Making visit www.respectlife.drvc.org or www.CatholicEndofLife.org 
    DEUS CARITAS EST ...  GOD IS LOVE

    THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR CONTINUED MISSION TO SERVE LIFE! 

       

    Allison O'Brien, Director

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

    Diana Tellis, Ministry/Dept. Assistant

    ______________________________________

     

    Ashley Foster, Media Specialist

        
     WORD OF LIFE
      
    Word of Life Palabra de Vida 

    English                                Español

                                      

    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.   
    CONTACT US

     

    RESPECT LIFE OFFICE

    50 North Park Ave.

    F: (516) 536-3473

    Rockville Ctr., NY 11570

    P: (516) 678-5800

    Exts.626 & 381

     



     

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    Bulletin Inserts - For Parish Respect Life
     

        


    Suggested Summer Reading 

    From The Respect Life Office 

     

    Summer has come and we are blessed with this warmth and wonderful weather.  Enjoy this time by reading while your relaxing by the beach, pool or outdoors. 

    Check out our recommended list for 

    great summer reading. 

    View List

     

      
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