Issue 75
June 2017
In this issue: 

"Nothing could better express the pride and emotion a father feels when he understands that he has handed down to his child what really matters in life, that is, a wise heart." - Pope Francis

 
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.

Lent
We are called to follow Christ as missionary disciples by seeking the truth, serving others, and living our faith in all that we do. Let us take a few moments each day from June 21, the vigil of the Feasts of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More to July 4, Independence Day. to pray, reflect, and take action on religious liberty, both here in this country and abroad.

The Right to Religious Freedom
The Right to Religious Freedom

Fortnight Rally for Religious Freedom

Come spend an evening sharing Bishop Barres' reflections on religious liberty.

Date: June 28, 2017
Where: Holy Trinity Diocesan High School 98 Cherry Lane, Hicksville, NY 11801

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Bishop John O. Barres
  • 6:00 p.m. Public Witness Rosary in front of auditorium facing Newbridge Rd.
  • 7:00 p.m. Fortnight Rally for Religious Freedom in auditorium
  • Light refreshments will be served
No ticket or reservation required - For more information: 631.896.8331
Co-sponsored by the Diocese of Rockville Centre and Catholics for Freedom of Religion

View flyer
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RESPECT LIFE ART SALE
About the Artwork

Title: Isaiah 11:6

Medium:  Hand drawn using colored pencil to create realistic strokes

Size with Custom Frame: 18 x 12

Description: Isaiah 11:6 is the artist's visual portrayal of the verses mention of the wolf and the lamb

About the Artist

Jennifer Breidenbach is currently a teacher in the Diocese of Rockville Centre. She holds degrees in American Sign Language, Fine Art, and Education. Her hope is for her art to be used to glorify God and inspire and support a Culture of Life.

Proceeds from this sale will be used for Pregnancy Support services on Long Island.
Please support this cause.
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On the evening of that first day of the week,  when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,  for fear of the Jews,  Jesus came and stood in their midst  and said to them, "Peace be with you."  When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.

The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.  Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you.  As the Father has sent me, so I send you."  And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,  "Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,  and whose sins you retain are retained."

JN 20:19-23


The Pentecost by Bernard van Orley


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Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
June 24, 2017

Solemnity of 
Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles 
June 29, 2017




When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child  she gave birth to a son.
Her neighbors and relatives heard
that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her,  and they rejoiced with her.

When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child,  they were going to call him Zechariah after his father,
but his mother said in reply,
"No. He will be called John."

But they answered her,  "There is no one among your relatives who has this name."  So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called.
He asked for a tablet and wrote, "John is his name,"  and all were amazed.
Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed,  and he spoke blessing God.

Then fear came upon all their neighbors,
and all these matters were discussed
throughout the hill country of Judea.
All who heard these things took them to heart, saying,  "What, then, will this child be?"  For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.  The child grew and became strong in spirit,  and he was in the desert until the day  of his manifestation to Israel.

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi  he asked his disciples,
"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"

They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,  still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."  He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"

Simon Peter said in reply,
"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."  Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.
For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.

And so I say to you, you are Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my Church,  and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.  I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. 
Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;  and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." 
lifeissues LIFE ISSUES FORUM
Catholic Campaign
To End The Use Of The Death Penalty
It is time for U.S. Catholics to come together to work
to end the use of the death penalty in our land.


Catholic teaching offers a unique perspective on crime and punishment. It begins with the recognition that the dignity of the human person applies to both victims and offenders. It affirms our commitment to comfort and support victims and their families. It also acknowledges the God-given dignity of every human life, even those who do great harm.

What You Can Do

Pray for victims of crime and their families, those who have been wrongly convicted, and those awaiting execution.

Learn about Catholic social teaching, criminal justice policies, and the policies in your state. 

Educate people in your parish or community about Catholic social teaching and the criminal justice system. 

Advocate by contacting your elected officials. Share with them Catholic teaching on the death penalty and urge them to take steps at the state and national level to curtail or end its use. 

Read more
action
Urge the  American Medical Association (AMA) to Oppose Assisted Suicide

The American Medical Association (AMA) is considering changing its decades-long position against doctor-prescribed suicide to one of "neutrality." Opposition by such national and state professional associations has been critical to preserving laws against physician-assisted suicide. The retreat from opposition to "neutrality" by the state medical association in California was a key factor in the legalization of doctor-prescribed suicide in that state. Therefore, it is critically important that the AMA be urged to maintain its opposition to assisted suicide and euthanasia. 


New legislation that would expand late-term abortions in our state was introduced and passed through the Assembly on the third day of the 2017 Legislative Session. This bill would empower non-doctors to perform abortions, eliminate protections against unwanted abortions, and even jeopardize live-born children who survive abortion attempts.   Read the full Action Alert  |  TAKE ACTION
Opposition to  Doctor-Assisted Suicide

Legislation to legalize doctor-assisted suicide for the terminally ill has now been introduced for the 2017-2018 Legislative Session. Please let your Senate and Assembly representatives know that you strongly oppose this dangerous proposal. 
Urge Congress to Enact the Conscience Protection Act of 2017! 

Now is the time to contact Congress and advocate for the protection of life and freedom of conscience. To ensure that those who provide health care and health coverage can continue to do so without being forced by government to help destroy innocent unborn children.  Read the full Action Alert |  TAKE ACTION
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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.  Read More
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 Ce
nter based at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center offers highly specialized restorative reproductive medicine in accordance with Catholic teaching.

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 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).

retreat
POST-ABORTION MINISTRY
Do you know someone who is suffering abortion loss, there is hope and healing after abortion.

The Day of Prayer and Healing for Women
is an opportunity to experience the loving
mercy of God in a safe and sacred space.

Sunday, June 17, 2017 Long Island Location

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.

Join our Mission to Serve Life!

"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)


The Respect Life Office 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
UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR cal
JUNE
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An Afternoon of Prayer & Enrichment for all involved in Ministry of Consolation & Bereavement Ministry. Come Renew, Refresh, Learn, Share, & Pray

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Each year dioceses around the country arrange special events to highlight the importance of defending religious freedom.
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24
Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
You, child, will be called prophet of the Most High,  for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way.  
5
Memorial of Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr

28
Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr
Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord; whoever remains in me will bear much fruit.
JN 15:4A, 5B
 (NABRE)


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28
19
HAPPY FATHERS DAY!
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. Psalm 103:13 (NABRE)
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Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
All scripture taken from the USCCB Daily Readings http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/
SUGGESTED SUMMER READING
Bring in the summer fun in the sun with our recommended reading list.  View List
WORD OF LIFE | PALABRA DE VIDA word

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 LIFE inserts
Additional Respect Life Informational Websites
DEUS CARITAS EST ...  GOD IS LOVE
Allison O'Brien, Director
Patricia Fox,  Project Rachel Ministry Coordinator
S. Elizabeth A. Geraghty
Diana Tellis, Ministry/Dept. Assistant
______________________________________

Ashley Foster, Media Specialist
Salvatore Giorlando, Respect Life 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! 
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