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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In this issue:
Take Action below on current legislative alerts!
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The Ascension of the Lord
May 10, 2018
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Jesus said to his disciples:
"Go into the whole world
and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.
These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere,
while the Lord worked with them
and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.
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And the Winners Are...
2018 Respect Life Contest
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The Diocese of Rockville Centre's Respect Life Office held its annual Youth Awards Ceremony to honor participants in the Respect Life Contest at Holy Trinity High School on May 2, 2018.
Students from across Long Island in grades 7-8 (Level One) and grades 9-12 (Level Two) created entries on the theme "Be Not Afraid
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50th Anniversary of
Humane Vitae
Encyclical letter by Paul VI
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"The transmission of human life is a most serious role in which married people collaborate freely and responsibly with God the Creator. It has always been a source of great joy to them, even though it sometimes entails many difficulties and hardships."
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25th Anniversary of
Veritatis Splendor
Encyclical letter by John Paul II
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"The splendour of truth shines forth in all the works of the Creator and, in a special way, in man, created in the image and likeness of God (cf. Gen 1:26).
Truth enlightens man’s intelligence and shapes his freedom, leading him to know and love the Lord."
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Gaudete et Exsultate
“Rejoice and Be Glad”
( Alegraos Y Regocijaos)
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In this new apostolic exhortation from Pope Francis, Rejoice and Be Glad, the pope looks at the call to holiness in today’s world, with wit, insight, and encouraging counsel.
1. “REJOICE AND BE GLAD” (
Mt
5:12), Jesus tells those persecuted or humiliated for his sake. The Lord asks everything of us, and in return he offers us true life, the happiness for which we were created. He wants us to be saints and not to settle for a bland and mediocre existence. The call to holiness is present in various ways from the very first pages of the Bible. We see it expressed in the Lord’s words to Abraham: “Walk before me, and be blameless” (
Gen
17:1).
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OCTOBER 13, 2018
8:30AM- 4:30 PM
The Mirenda Center for Sport,
Spirituality and Character Development
NEUMANN UNIVERSITY
One Neumann Drive
Aston, PA 19014
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50 YEARS AGO Blessed Paul VI prophesied to the world that marriages and the society would suffer if the use of contraception became widespread. This conference will highlight the fulfillment of these prophecies in the world today and offer a reflection as to how selflessness, love, self- mastery and moral responsibility can reverse this trend.
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A Prayer for Mothers
All-loving God,
we give you thanks and praise
for mothers young and old.
We pray for young mothers,
who give life and count toes and tend to our every need;
May they be blessed with patience and tenderness
to care for their families and themselves with great joy.
We pray for our own mothers
who have nurtured and cared for us; May they continue to guide
in strong and gentle ways.
We remember mothers who are separated from their children because of war, poverty, or conflict; May they feel the loving embrace of our God who wipes every tear away.
We pray for women who are not mothers but still love and shape us with motherly care and compassion.
We remember mothers, grandmothers, and great -grandmothers who are no longer with us but who live forever in our memory
and nourish us with their love.
Amen.
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St. Gianna’s Feast Day Mass
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On Saturday, April 28, the Feast of Saint Gianna Molla, Bishop John Barres celebrated the 5 p.m. Mass at St. Agnes Cathedral, Rockville Centre, and included a blessing in thanksgiving for those celebrating the gift of child, those planning now or in the future for a child, and those who are expecting a child.
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After Mass there was an opportunity to venerate relics of St. Gianna, a 20th century Italian physician, wife and mother who is the patron of mothers and unborn children. The Diocesan Respect Life Office and Catholic Health Services sponsored a reception in the Parish Center with information on the Long Island Gianna Center for Women’s Health and Fertility.
View photos
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A Duty to Die
by: Tom Grenchik
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Those who peddle death as the answer to every social problem will bend over backwards to look reasonable and compassionate.
Take, for example, the issue of assisted suicide. The so-called "right" to take one's own life is heralded as a compassionate answer to a disability, a terminal illness, a degenerating health condition, depression, or simply a desire to not want to go on any longer. We who oppose suicide for those most in need of real compassion are accused of trying to limit the rights of others. And so, showing love and true concern for the neighbor in need is now labeled as extremism. But who are the true extremists?
A handful of U.S. states and our Canadian neighbors have now codified assisted suicide as a legal "right." Who has benefitted from this new found "right?" Rather than increasing options for those facing illness or disability, the lower cost of assisted suicide seems to be influencing the amount of medical care given to those in need, especially those most dependent on government assistance.
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My Experience in the Respect Life Office
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This spring, I have had the opportunity to intern at the Respect Life Office of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. My name is Brigid Lynn and I am currently a sophomore in the Honors College at Adelphi University, where I’m studying sociology. Working in an office which focuses its energies on a mission so close to my heart has been both informative and fulfilling. I’ve had the opportunity to learn about the many different elements that fall under the umbrella of “Respect Life.”
I had the pleasure of sitting in on the annual Deanery Coordinator meeting, during which representatives from parishes all over Long Island come together to stay up to date on Respect Life efforts and issues. They also have the chance to voice their comments and concerns, or share success stories from the work of their parish’s Respect Life ministry.
Read more
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Conspiracy Against Life
by: Chelsy Gomez
May 4, 2018
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In recent weeks, the eyes of the world were drawn to Liverpool, England as the life of 23-month-old Alfie Evans hung in the balance.
Despite drawing support from across the world, including from Pope Francis and the Italian and Polish governments, Alfie's ventilator was removed against his parents' wishes on April 23. Alfie suffered from an undiagnosed neurological condition and was not expected to survive long after the removal of the ventilator. However, Alfie surprised doctors as he breathed on his own for minutes, then hours, and then days, until he ultimately passed away on April 28.
Pope St. John Paul II warned that, "A person who, because of illness, handicap or, more simply, just by existing, compromises the well-being or life-style of those who are more favored tends to be looked upon as an enemy to be resisted or eliminated. In this way a kind of 'conspiracy against life' is unleashed" (Evangelium vitae, 12).
This "conspiracy against life" has a long history that runs deep and, over the centuries, has risen to the surface in many different forms. It is unleashed when a society equates human dignity with human ability, when we no longer focus on the burdens experienced by a person, but rather view the person as a burden.
The forced removal of Alfie's ventilator happened to take place on the same day that the royal family and the British people rightly welcomed and celebrated the birth of a new little prince.
Read more
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+ ADVOCACY & PUBLIC POLICY
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USCCB Religious Liberty Chairman Announces Religious Freedom Week from June 22-29, 2018
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Catholics across the United States are encouraged to pray and act in support of religious liberty at home and abroad during Serving Others in God's Love: Religious Freedom Week 2018, which begins on June 22, the Feast of Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher, and ends on June 29, the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul.
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Maintain the Ban on Surrogacy
Last Updated: 2/1/2018
Legislation which would undo New York's longstanding ban on surrogate motherhood for profit just got a boost with a new government report recommending the practice. This would enable the buying and selling of children, exploit women and undermine their dignity, intentionally divide families by separating children from at least one of their biological parents, and lead to an increased reliance on IVF (in vitro fertilization) and the destruction of more human embryos. Please let your elected officials know that you oppose this bill because it would do much more harm than good.
Take action now.
Tell Congress to reinstate DACA
Last Updated: 2/1/2018
Since the announcement that the Trump Administration is rescinding the Obama-era Executive Order known as DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), the issue has become a political football, with the future of nearly 800,000 beneficiaries of the program (including an estimated 42,000 of our fellow New Yorkers) hanging in the balance. While the federal government has the right and duty to protect and secure our borders, the individuals who benefitted from DACA have done nothing wrong. The Dreamers were brought to this country as children by their parents; for many, they have known no other home.
Take action
Oppose Doctor-Assisted Suicide
Last Updated: 2/1/2018
On September 7, 2017, the New York State Court of Appeals ruled unanimously that there is no Constitutional right to assisted suicide in our state Constitution. The judges said there are legitimate and important reasons for maintaining a ban on the practice. While this is a tremendous victory for life, it will not stop the proponents of physician-assisted suicide from pushing their agenda with the Legislature in 2018. Please let your Senate and Assembly representatives know that you strongly oppose the legalization of assisted suicide, and urge them to vote "no" should the bill come before them for a vote.
Send the email below to your elected officials now!
Express Disappointment to Congress About Its Failure to Enact the Conscience Protection Act
Last Updated: 03/29/2018
Passage of the Conscience Protection Act (CPA) has been and remains a high priority of the Catholic Bishops. Unfortunately, the U.S. Congress failed to enact the CPA as part of the 2018 omnibus spending bill, as we hoped. We urge you to contact Congress over their failure to act
Take Action!
Last Updated: 02/28/2018
On January 26, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published in the
Federal Register (Vol. 83, pp. 3880 et seq.)
a proposed rule to enforce 25 existing statutory conscience protections for Americans involved in HHS-funded programs, which protect people from being coerced into participating in activities that violate their consciences, such as abortion, sterilization, or assisted suicide.
TAKE ACTION: Tell Congress to reinstate DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
Last Updated: 1/24/2018
Since the announcement that the Trump Administration is rescinding the Obama-era Executive Order known as DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), the issue has become a political football, with the future of nearly 800,000 beneficiaries of the program (including an estimated 42,000 of our fellow New Yorkers) hanging in the balance. While the federal government has the right and duty to protect and secure our borders, the individuals who benefitted from DACA have done nothing wrong. The Dreamers were brought to this country as children by their parents; for many, they have known no other home.
Take Action Today!
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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Pentecost Sunday
May 20, 2018
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When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together.
And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were.
Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language.
They were astounded, and in amazement they asked,
"Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans?
Then how does each of us hear them in his native language?
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We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia,
Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs,
yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God."
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Call
the 24-hour for National Hotline 1-800-712-HELP (4357) or
visit
OPTIONLINE.ORG
for Pregnancy Options & Resources
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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, June 9, 2018
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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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Gianna Center of Long Island
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.
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If you or someone you know of is pregnant Catholic Charities and Catholic Health Services, can provide assistance please contact 1 (855) 301-4CHS or visit
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Gabriel's Courage - Catholic Health Services
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A program for families expecting a child with a life limiting illness. Gabriel's Courage is a family-centered perinatal program, offering a multidisciplinary team approach and continuum of care for families who choose to continue a pregnancy after receiving a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis. A program of Catholic Health Services (CHS) and Good Shepherd Hospice, Gabriel's Courage works in collaboration with the Diocese of Rockville Centre's peer ministry initiative to provide care to families.
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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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Join us in prayer to celebrate nurses with Most Reverend John O. Barres, S.T.D., J.C.L., D.D. Bishop of Rockville Centre
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The Ascension of the Lord
Go and teach all nations, says the Lord;
I am with you always, until the end of the world. MT 28:19
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Pentecost Sunday
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
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Happy Mother's Day
You formed my inmost being;
you knit me in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13
(NABRE)
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Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle
I chose you from the world,
to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord. JN 15:16
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Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, who believed That what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled. LK 1:45
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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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For more information
For more information
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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
______________________________________
Ashley Foster, Media Specialist
Bridget Lynn, Respect Life Intern
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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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