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Greetings,
May the Joy of the Christmas Season remain in your heart always. Wishing peace and joy for a happy and peaceful New Year,
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Celebrating Advent
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The Advent season is a time of preparation directing our hearts and minds to Christ's second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary of the Lord's birth on Christmas. Below is a list of things you can do to make Advent a wonderful time for all in your family or parish.
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- Blessing Of An Advent Wreath - The use of the Advent Wreath is a traditional practice which has found its place in the Church as well as in the home. The blessing of an Advent Wreath takes place on the First Sunday of Advent or on the evening before the First Sunday of Advent.
- Blessing Of A Christmas Tree - Christmas light or candle that symbolized Christ, the Light of the world. According to custom, the Christmas tree is set up just before Christmas and may remain in place until the Solemnity of Epiphany.
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December 8:
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the
Blessed Virgin Mary
The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end." But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" And the angel said to her in reply, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God." Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.
LK 1:26-38
Gospel taken from the USCCB
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It is not too late to help!
Women in Maternity Homes through 2017
Act of Kindness Program
As we prepare for the coming of Jesus this Advent season, we are reminded of the precious gift of the Holy Family. Many of today's young mothers face the same challenges as the Holy Family, and are in dire need of shelter, basic amenities, love, and prayer.
WE NEED YOU!
Please support the Maternity Advent Project providing pregnancy care to women and families across Long Island.
Please make your donation online at
www.respectlife.drvc.org
Or make checks payable to: THE DIOCESE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE
Kindly return your gifts by December 25
Thank you for your support!
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Respect Life Website Donation Page
Join our Mission to Serve Life!
The Respect Life Office enunciates and promotes the principle that human life, at all stages from conception to natural death, is a gift from God, worthy of respect and protection. You can now make an online donation to the Respect Life Office.
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Project Rachel Hope After Abortion
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Do you know someone who is suffering abortion loss, there is hope and healing after abortion.
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Diocese of Rockville Centre Day of Prayer and Healing for Women
The Day of Prayer and Healing for Women is an opportunity to experience the loving
mercy of God in a safe and sacred space.
Saturday, December 9, 2017 Long Island
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For more information, visit the Project Rachel Hope After Abortion website , call the Respect Life Office's confidential phoneline: 1-888-456-HOPE(se habla espanol) or email projectrachel@drvc.org to begin healing after abortion loss.
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No One Should Be Forced to Participate in Abortion
By: Chelsy Gomez
NOVEMBER 3, 2017
In early November, three brave nurses came to Washington, D.C. to tell their disturbing stories of coercion to members of Congress and the public-about how they were forced to choose between participating in abortion and losing their jobs.
Cathy DeCarlo came to the U.S. from the Philippines in 2001 to advance her nursing career. In 2004, the New York City hospital that hired her assured her that she would never have to compromise her conscience by participating in an abortion. But on May 24, 2009, the hospital tricked Ms. DeCarlo into serving a patient having a late-term abortion. If she didn't assist, she would lose her nursing license, destroying her career.
"I'll never forget that day as I watched in horror as the doctor dismembered and removed the baby's bloody limbs, and then I had to account for all the pieces," Cathy said at a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol. "I still have nightmares about that day."
Fe Vinoya is a nurse in a same-day surgery unit in New Jersey where she and twelve other nurses were told they had to be trained to assist in abortions. Their jobs were threatened if they refused. "After years of working as a critical care and emergency room nurse, I never imagined that the hospital I worked for would force me to choose between taking the life of an unborn child and losing my job," Fe said. "[W]hen the government denies or coerces healthcare providers' conscience[s], it not only hurts patients and those of us committed to serving them, it also deters others from joining the profession," Fe added.
Read more
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We all are God's children, made in his image and likeness, and that wherever life was threatened - violence, poverty, hunger, discrimination, abortion - God's People defend it.
Join us in Washington D.C on Friday, January 19, 2018 at 11:15 a.m as we march for life. Learn more
IMPORTANT RALLY LOCATION UPDATE:
Due to National Park Service regulations, the rally and march starting point will be in a new location.
The rally stage will be at 12th St on the National Mall, between Jefferson Drive and Madison Drive.
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Understanding Conscience
NEW USCCB RESPECT LIFE PROGRAM
2017-18 ARTICLE
Sister Agnes Walsh, a Daughter of Charity, is remembered for her heroism in France during World War II. In 1943, when France was occupied by German Nazis, the search for Jews began. In the face of grave peril, Sister Agnes convinced her mother superior to open their convent and offer refuge to a Jewish family. The sisters did the right, but very challenging, thing when many would have told them to take the easy way out.
Most of us won't face the extreme circumstances these women faced, but we all have our own challenges. What do I do if my boss gives me a task I believe is wrong? How do I make ethical decisions about medical treatment in times of serious illness?
In the life of following Jesus Christ, both great heroes and ordinary saints alike need the same thing: a well-formed conscience.
What is conscience?
God creates us with a capacity to know and love him, and we have a natural desire to seek the truth about him. Fortunately, we don't search for God unaided; indeed, he calls us to himself and writes his law on our hearts to help us draw closer to him.
Conscience helps us hear the voice of God; it helps us recognize the truth about God and the truth about how we ought to live. Conscience is "a judgment of reason" by which we determine whether an action is right or wrong.
Read more
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TAKE ACTION
| Call for Public Comments on the HHS Contraception / Abortifacient Mandate
Last Updated:
11/21/2017
On October 6, 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued two interim final rules that, together, create a broad religious and moral exemption from the HHS contraceptive Mandate. Although this action does not rescind the Mandate itself, it does give religious and moral objectors immediate relief from its onerous burdens. Learn more.
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| Urge Senators to Pass the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
Last Updated: 10/18/2017
Your help is urgently needed to protect unborn children and women from late-term abortion. The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act passed the House on October 3. Attention now turns to the Senate. Please contact your Senators immediately and learn more about this Action Alert.
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| Assisted Suicide is Not Healthcare
Last Updated: 10/04/2017
Cardinal Dolan, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities and Bishop Dewane, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development have expressed their strong support for H. Con. Res. 80, a resolution expressing the sense of Congress that assisted suicide is a "deadly, discriminatory and non-compassionate practice."
Learn more about this Action Alert.
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| Urge Congress to Enact the Conscience Protection Act of 2017!
Last Updated: 09/19/2017
Now is the time to contact your members of Congress and advocate for the protection of life and freedom of conscience. The Conscience Protection Act of 2017 (H.R. 644) has been included in appropriations legislation, H.R. 3354, Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 which was approved by the House on September 14. The Senate is also encouraged to include it in must-pass, end-of-year FY '18 appropriations legislation.
Learn more about this Action Alert
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Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
O God Our Creator, from your provident hand we have received our right to
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. You have called us as your people
and given us the right and the duty to worship you, the only true God, and
your Son, Jesus Christ. Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit,
you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world, bringing the light
and the saving truth of the Gospel to every corner of society.
Printable Prayer |
en Español
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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.
More Information
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Pray for Life: Supporting Expectant Mothers
For an expectant mother whose pregnancy is marked by challenging circumstances, the time before the birth of her child can be full of uncertainty and fear. In this period of anticipation, the future can seem threatening, and even a woman who identifies as being pro-life might consider abortion. Without a community of support from friends and family, a new mother's pregnancy can be more painful than joyous.
As Catholics, we have a duty to respond with life-affirming love for both an expectant mother and her child. If someone shared with you she was pregnant and hadn't ruled out abortion, would you know how to respond?
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9 Days For Life: January 18-26, 2018
The ideal setting for this "One Night of Prayer, Penance, and Pilgrimage" would be a youth or young adult program.
The goal of the program is to introduce young people to the 9 Days for Life novena.
A short guide that suggests ideas for youth or young adult ministries seeking to incorporate the novena into their parish programming in January 2018.
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+ EDUCATION
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2018 Respect Life Youth Contest!
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Introducing a New Category,
the Student/Senior Video Interview!
Contest Theme
" BE NOT Afraid "
for
Level ONE - grades 7-8 &
Level TWO -grades 9-12
DEADLINE DECEMBER 15, 2017
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We welcome all Catholic youth in
grades
7 - 12 who live in the Diocese of Rockville Centre and/or attend Catholic elementary schools, high schools or parish programs including religious education, youth groups and youth choirs, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to participate. We also encourage children with special needs to participate.
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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.
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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 empeza su entrenamiento y obtenga conocimiento profundo sobre asuntos del respeto a la vida y otros asuntos.
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"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."
Luke 2:14.
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This is how we answer our missionary call. This is how we build a culture of life, a culture that joyfully proclaims the truth of God's love, purpose, and plan for each person. Changing the culture is a process of conversion that begins in our own hearts and includes a willingness to be instructed and a desire to be close to Jesus-the source of joy and love.
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UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR
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3
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First Sunday of Advent
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12
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Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
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Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.
LK 1:28
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15
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Respect Life Contest Deadline
All entries postmarked by
December 15, 2017, f
or more information visit our
website
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9
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The Day of Prayer and Healing for Women is a opportunity to experience the loving mercy of God in a safe and sacred space.
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15
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Fourth Sunday of Advent
The virgin shall conceive, and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel. MT 1:23
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10
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Second Sunday of Advent
Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths:
All flesh shall see the salvation of God. LK 3:4, 6
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17
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A Christmas Concert of Music, Movement, & Majesty
Stay Awake! Watch! Make Ready the Way of the Lord!
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12
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A free workshop for those who are grieving offering support during the holiday season.
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24
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Fourth Sunday of Advent
& Christmas Eve
Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word. LK 1:38
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25
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Christmas
The Nativity of the Lord
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,
which means "God is with us."
Matthew 1:23
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28th Annual National Night of Prayer for Life 2017
COME PRAY WITH US!
Join in Unity of Prayer across America and the entire world to restore:
LIFE, FAITH, FAMILY & PEACE.
December 8 - 9, 2017 | 9:00 pm - 1:00 am
To c
ontact or print and mail your response to:
National Night of Prayer for Life
P.O. Box 97
Greenlawn, NY 11740
or
Call:
Mary:
717-533-4846
| Mrs. Frank:
631-422-3055
Fax
:
631-224-1089
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National Night Of Prayer For Life 2017
Long Island Participants, December 8/9
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Below is a list of parishes in the Nassau and Suffolk Counties that are participating in the
National Night Of Prayer For Life 2017.
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WORD OF LIFE | PALABRA DE VIDA
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Please include these in your Sunday Bulletin. |
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BULLETIN INSERTS - FOR PARISH RESPECT LIFE
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Additional Respect Life Informational Websites
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DEUS CARITAS EST
... GOD IS LOVE
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Allison O'Brien, Director
Patricia Fox, Project Rachel Ministry Coordinator
S. Elizabeth A. Geraghty
Diana Tellis, Ministry/Dept. Assistant
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Ashley Foster, Media Specialist
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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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THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR CONTINUED MISSION TO SERVE LIFE!
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