Issue 66
September 2016
In this issue: 
The 2016-17 Respect Life Program is Here

The 2016- 2017 Respect Life Program is here! Featuring six new articles that will guide and illustrate to us God's Mercy and the compassion we give to one another.



Each person "has a place in God's heart from all eternity" (AL 168). Within this context, Pope Francis reminds us, "we are called to protect our humanity, and this means, in the first place, accepting it and respecting it as it was created" (AL 56). Like the Good Samaritan, may we always treat each person with merciful love and respect that affirms the gift of his or her life.



To view the 2016- 2017 Respect Life Program click here | Espa�ol
RSPEVENTS
Upcoming Respect Life Events

Respect Life Contest 2017

Contest Theme - MOVED BY MERCY

The Diocesan Respect Life Office is excited to announce the 15th Annual Youth Respect Life Contest for grades 7-8 (Level ONE), and grades 9-12 (Level TWO.) We welcome all Catholic youth in the Rockville Centre Diocese attending Catholic elementary, high schools or parish programs including religious education, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, youth groups and youth choirs to participate. We encourage children with special needs to also participate.



Informational Contest  Video

Respect Life Month -
October 1, 2016 - October 31, 2016


Beginning October 2, Respect Life Sunday, our nation's Catholics will be called to renew their personal commitment to defend all human life, especially the most vulnerable members of the human family. 

Rosary and Adoration for Life

October 1, 2016 -  October 31,2016 



The Respect Life Office invites all parishes in our diocese to unite in prayer and participate in this special program for life.






The program consists of having three parishes each day - one in each vicariate - offer Eucharistic Adoration and Rosary for Life beginning on October 1st through October 31st.
Please register your parish by September 16, 2016.




"You are the salt of the earth. . . You are the light of the world. . . your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father" (Matthew 5: 13, 14, 16).



This campaign raises funds to support maternity residences in our diocese. The economic requirements of this ministry are substantial and your active assistance would be greatly appreciated.



The Respect Life Office's annual Advent program helps support young mothers in maternity homes on Long Island who have chosen life.



Your generous donation will help maternity Homes on Long Island:

  • Regina Maternity Services
  • Mother of Good Counsel Home
  • Momma's House
  • Bethany house
March For Life 2017





Join us on January 27, 2017 as we come together to support Life. For more information or to download registration forms visit our website.

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).



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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



Educaci�n en l�nea  construyendo una cultura de vida, Educaci�n y Formaci�n General Para el Ministerio Parroquial de Respeto a la Vida


El entrenamiento en l�nea de Educaci�n y formaci�n general para el Ministerio Parroquial del Respeto a la Vida, est� ahora disponible. Por favor, vaya a nuestra p�gina del internet para empezar su entrenamiento y obtenga conocimiento profundo sobre asuntos del respeto a la vida y otros asuntos.




citz
FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP
Forming 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 Espa�ol), 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.  For more information visit  our website.


You will also find


action
 TAKE ACTION



A New Website for Human Life Action 
National Committee for a Human Life Amendment, Inc., (NCHLA)








National Committee for a Human Life Amendment, Inc., (NCHLA) has updated their website allowing information to be simple to find and is clearer for new viewers.


"
Human Life Action believes in the inherent dignity of every life and the power of every American to raise his or her voice in defense of the vulnerable. When thousands upon thousands of people of good will raise their voices as one we are heard on Capitol Hill.
We can--and must--help shape a public policy that protects life and liberty. Together we will be heard!- Human Life Action Website


LifeIssues
LIFE ISSUES FORUM
Praying For Our Communities And Our Nation

September 9, 2016 | En Espa�ol
By Caitlin Thomas




September 9 was important for two related reasons. First, the Church celebrated the memorial of Saint Peter Claver, a Spanish priest devoted to serving African slaves in the New World. And this year, it was designated by the U.S. bishops as a day of prayer to end race-related division and violence. A July 21 press release announced the day of prayer: "[I]n light of recent incidents of violence and racial tension in communities across the United States, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has invited all dioceses across the country to unite in a Day of Prayer for Peace in Our Communities." Even if you're hearing of this a little late, please join in prayerful solidarity with all who prayed for peace that day. 


Also in light of current national events, all Catholics are invited to participate in another bishop-led prayer effort: a simple nine-week novena for the local and national elections in November. 


Many who have already heeded the bishops' Call to Prayer for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty are familiar with fasting and praying every Friday to build a culture of life, love, and peace. From September 16 through November 11, the weekly intentions will focus on interceding for the many needs surrounding the political process. The bishops are asking Catholics to pray one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for each week's special intention, as well as for our current and future civic leaders.


  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 8, 2016

Saturday, October 22, 2016 
(in Spanish)

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Saturday, January 14, 2017

Saturday, February 4, 2017 
(in Spanish)

Saturday, March 18, 2017

Saturday, April 8, 2017

Saturday, May 20, 2017




For more information or to register contact 


 Sisters of Life 
866.575.0075 (toll free) [email protected]


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 |  [email protected]


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 Back to School Reading 

Relax by the pool, beach or on the patio with a good book from our reading list.
UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDARcal
September
6


20
8
Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
"Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,

and they shall name him Emmanuel" Matthew 1:23


21
Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
"Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners." Matthew 9:13
14
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,

but that the world might be saved through him." John 3:17

29
Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels
"Bless the LORD, all you angels,

you ministers, who do his will." 

PS 103:21






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


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:





Diocese of Rockville Centre | Respect Life Office | Diocese of Rockville Centre | P.O. Box 9023 | Rockville Centre | NY | 11571-9023