Issue 64
July 2016
In this issue: 

Take Action Today!
Respect Life Parish Ministry Educational Overview Training - Español
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship 
Life Issues Forum: Independence And Interdependence
Gianna Center of Long Island
 Post Abortion Ministry
Bulletin Inserts
Word of Life
CHS's Gianna Center and Pregnancy Support Website

Catholic Health Services (CHS) now offers a dedicated, interactive website section for the Gianna Center and its pregnancy support services. The Gianna Center based at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center offers highly specialized restorative reproductive medicine in accordance with Catholic teaching, under the medical direction of Paul Carpentier, MD, CFCMC. Also, assistance is available for anyone with unexpected or crisis pregnancy through a one-call outreach program connecting to community resources.

The confidential, dedicated telephone number for this program is 1 (855) 301-4CHS, supported by the availability of multilingual interpretive services. Anyone of any faith may call or refer to this support line, including representatives of parishes, colleges and crisis pregnancy centers, to facilitate safe, nonjudgmental companioning for women and couples in a crisis pregnancy. To speak to someone about pregnancy options immediately between 7:00 pm and 7:30 am Monday to Friday or on the weekend, please call 1 (800) 712-HELP (4357).




Respect Life Parish Ministry Educational Overview Training

Now available online for Respect Life Parish Ministry Educational Overview Training. Please go to our website to start your training and gain insightful knowledge on Respect Life Issues or Concern's.

New Respect Life Training 
Now Available in Spanish

Educación en línea  construyendo una cultura de vida, Educación y Formación General Para el Ministerio Parroquial de Respeto a la Vida

El entrenamiento en línea de Educación y formación general para el Ministerio Parroquial del Respeto a la Vida, está ahora disponible. Por favor, vaya a nuestra página del internet para empezar su entrenamiento y obtenga conocimiento profundo sobre asuntos del respeto a la vida y otros asuntos.


action
TAKE ACTION TODAY!
Action Needed on HHS Decision
Date:              July 6, 2016
From:             Greg Schleppenbach, Associate Director

On June 21 we received the shocking news that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared, contrary to the plain meaning of current federal law, that the state of California can continue forcing all health plans under its jurisdiction to cover elective abortions.

The California Department of Managed Health Care began requiring health plans to cover abortion in 2014.  This action prompted religious employers in California that offer group health plans to their employees to lodge an objection with HHS.  On June 21, HHS sent the State and the objecting sponsors a letter stating that HHS refuses to take any action because the insurance companies have no moral or religious objection to abortion coverage.

At least one other state, New York, has already followed California's lead and this action by HHS will only prompt more states to follow suit.

In response to this outrageous decision by HHS, Archbishop William Lori and Cardinal Timothy Dolan issued a news release in their respective capacities as chairmen of the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty and USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities.  Fact sheet | Read more

An amendment to the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by Congressman Steve Russell (R-OK) would
Recommended Actions
to take immediately:
  • Send emails through the USCCB Action Center
  • Contact your Representative or Senator by phone. Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 or call his or her local office.
  • Members' mailing addresses may be found at www.house.gov and www.senate.gov.
  • Follow us on Twitter @usccbfreedom and retweet our posts. Repost the link to this alert on your Facebook page or other social media platforms

main2Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt (June 27, 2016)

June 29, 2016

Background:
On June 27, the Supreme Court, in a 5-3 opinion penned by Justice Breyer,struck down a Texas law that had required abortion clinics to meet the safety standards of ambulatory surgical centers, and had required doctors performing abortions to have hospital admitting privileges. This law was enacted to protect women's health. Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, No. 15-274 (U.S.). Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Alito and Thomas dissented. 

USCCB, Texas Catholic Conference And Other Christian Groups File Amicus Brief To Support Regulations Protecting Women's Health And Safety In Abortion Clinics
February 2, 2016
WASHINGTON-The Office of General Counsel of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) filed an amicus curiae brief in the U.S. Supreme Court, February 1, on behalf of USCCB, the Texas Catholic Conference and several Christian partners in support of a Texas law mandating health and safety standards protecting women who undergo abortions. Other groups joining the brief include the National Association of Evangelicals, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. 
electionForming Consciences For Faithful Citizenship

Catholics Care. Catholics Vote.





"We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern."
- Pope Francis, 9/16/13
The Catholic bishops of the United States are pleased to offer once again to the Catholic faithful Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (en Español), our teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics. This statement represents our guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy. 


  
LifeIssues
LIFE ISSUES FORUM
Independence And Interdependence 
July 8, 2016 | En Español
By Caitlin Thomas  


As a nation, we recently marked the 240th anniversary of our independence and our beginnings as a sovereign country. Amid festivities celebrating our history, enjoying the fellowship of family and friends, and praying for our country, Independence Day is also a time for us to reflect on our cherished ideals about freedom, as well as to consider what it means to be a part of a union-an alliance of diverse states, yes, but also a country that guarantees and protects the freedoms of all faiths, peoples, and communities: E pluribus unum.

In his letter to the Galatians, St. Paul reminds us that independence cannot be separated from our natural interdependence; Christian freedom is always tied to the common good: "For you were called for freedom, brothers. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love" (Gal. 5:13). For Paul, freedom does not begin and end with the individual; rather, it is a gift from God with which we build up the Kingdom of Christ on earth in love.

When one member or group of our society is oppressed or denied one of their fundamental freedoms, it is more than just one party who suffers. When nurses or doctors are penalized for conscientiously objecting to participation in abortion, our society is deprived of caring, compassionate healers. When adoption agencies are forced to cease their charitable activities because of commitment to the true nature of marriage, children awaiting loving homes must wait even longer for a family. When women religious like the Little Sisters of the Poor face burdensome government mandates forcing them to provide abortion-inducing drugs in their health plans, the sick and the elderly that they serve face possible neglect. Read More
My Grace Is Sufficient For You 
June 24, 2016 | En Español
By Greg Schleppenbach  


I was privileged to attend the 2016 National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C.  The keynote speaker was His Eminence Robert Cardinal Sarah who currently heads the Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments.  The Cardinal's talk and life story can inspire all who work to spread the Gospel of Life. 

In 1979, at the age of thirty-four, Fr. Sarah was appointed by Pope John Paul II as Archbishop of Conakry, in the West African nation of Guinea. Eighty-five percent of the people were Muslim and the Church was oppressed by a Marxist dictator, Sekou Toure, who had imprisoned the sitting Archbishop.
Feeling troubled and unprepared to carry out this important role, Father Sarah expressed his desire to decline the appointment.  But that was not an option for Pope John Paul II. Read More
assistGianna of Long Island
Center for Women's Health & Fertility

Comprehensive, Cooperative: A Unique New Approach to Women's Health and Wellness
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Our highly skilled team is delighted to offer an exciting approach to women's health care. We provide preventive and specialized obstetrical and gynecologic care to women, honoring their dignity and the sanctity of human life. While we are successfully able to address male infertility as well, we are uniquely qualified to care for women of all ages and at all stages of life.

Named after St. Gianna Beretta Molla, the Gianna of Long Island Center for Women's Health & Fertility is pleased to feature two unique women's health services-the Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System and NaProTECHNOLOGY™, both of which allow us to provide women with a natural, restorative, scientifically-based approach to improving health and respecting fertility.
retreat
POST-ABORTION MINISTRY

Project Rachel Hope After Abortion 


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.
Entering Canaan Day of Prayer and Healing for Women 


Prayer and Healing Retreats, help those suffering the effects of abortion. We offer a safe place, a way out of the pain, in a non-judgmental atmosphere. All retreats are led by the Sisters of Life and women who have experienced both the suffering of abortion and the joy of healing in Christ. 

For more information visit our website
Entering Canaan
DAYS OF PRAYER & HEALING
for women

Saturday, October 29, 2016 
(Long Island)
For more information or to register contact 

 Sisters of Life 
866.575.0075 (toll free) hopeandhealing@sistersoflife.org

or 
 Theresa Bonopartis 
877.586.4621 (toll free) 

Entering Canaan
DAY OF PRAYER & HEALING
for Men

Saturday, October 29, 2016
Contact Lumina 
877.586.4621 (toll free) 
The Culture Project   

The missionaries are available to present inspiring talks on Human Dignity and Chastity to programs and schools in the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

For 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 and pray in community, receive formation and are sent out on mission nationally and internationally, giving presentations to youth about dignity and sexual integrity.

We are anticipating the Culture project will provide Parent Sessions  this year along with their presentations on human dignity and sexual integrity for Students and Catechistis.

When: October 1 - October 15, 2016 more  information to follow.
Cost : $250.00 donation
If you have any questions contact:
Ellen Zafonte:  (516) 678-5800 x 506 |  ezafonte@drvc.org
National NFP Awareness Week - JULY 24 - JULY 30, 2016
theme:  Love, Mercy, Life
Natural Family Planning,
Opening the Heart of Marriage

"Celebrate and reverence God's vision of human sexuality."
Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy
Merciful Like the Father - 
December 8, 2015 - November 20, 2016


As we continue into this Year of Mercy, let us show to others the mercy that God has shown on us so that our actions can authentically reflect God's mercy.
Below are a  few different ways that you can live out that mercy every day!
Amoris Laetitia - 
The Joy of Love




WASHINGTON-Archbishop Joseph E.
Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, welcomed Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia,  on love in the family. Pope Francis' "love letter to families" invites everyone to grow as members of the family of God.
Suggested Summer Reading 
Relax by the pool, beach or on the patio with a good book from our reading list.
UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDARcal
JULY
4
Independence Day - 
"To be Catholic and American should mean not having to choose one over the other." 
24
National NFP Awareness Week
"Love, Mercy, Life"

25
26
Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

28
30
Summer Specialties for Catechists, Westhampton Beach


PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR BREASTFEEDING BABY SHOWER

COME HANG OUT WITH OTHER MOMS  AND LEARN ABOUT BREASTFEEDING!

WE WILL HAVE GAMES, GOODIE BAGS RAFFLES, GIFTS AND LITE REFRESHMENT

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016
1:00 P.M. TO 3:00 PM

CATHOLIC CHARITIES WIC PROGRAM
38 ST JOHNS PLACE, FREEPORT NY 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Sandra Michel Outreach Coordinator 516-377-0157 ext. 306

Suggested donations: 
Diapers
Baby clothes
Baby bedding
Baby sleep kit
Baby bath gear
Baby monitor
Baby carrier
Gifts cards...
Anything New for babies and postpartum women are welcome

WORD OF LIFE | PALABRA DE VIDAword
Word of Life - English                            
                                  
 
Including a Prayer for a Mother Before Childbirth and Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary for an Expectant Mother 
Please include these in your Sunday Bulletin.   
BULLETIN INSERTS - FOR PARISH RESPECT LIFEinserts
Additional Respect Life Informational Websites

DEUS CARITAS EST ...  GOD IS LOVE
Allison O'Brien, Director
S. Elizabeth A. Geraghty, CSJ Project Rachel Ministry Coordinator
Diana Tellis, Ministry/Dept. Assistant
______________________________________

Ashley Foster, Media Specialist
Nicole Quaranto, Respect Life Office Intern
CONTACT US
RESPECT LIFE OFFICE
50 North Park Ave.
F: (516) 536-3473
Rockville Ctr., NY 11570
P: (516) 678-5800
Exts.626 & 381
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR CONTINUED MISSION TO SERVE LIFE! 
STAY CONNECTED: