May 2020
Visit our website respectlife.drvc.org
Dear Friends for Life,

I pray that you and your families are all well. In the last few weeks, there is no question our mettle has been tested on so many fronts – physical, emotional and spiritual. So much seems to be driven by fear, but we should not allow ourselves to become paralyzed or discouraged. It is said that some version of “Be not afraid” is found in the Bible 365 times, implying a divine directive for every day of the year.

God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress. Thus we do not fear, though earth be shaken and mountains quake to the depths of the sea, 
Though its water rage and foam and mountains totter at its surging.  
The Lord of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob. Psalm 46: 2-4

A few words on the Rosary

Before I began this monthly letter, I prayed a Rosary for all of you for courage and perseverance during these challenging and unprecedented times. May is the Month of Mary, and I know no better way to honor and invoke her motherly charity towards us, than to lean on this most powerful weapon against all that afflicts us.   Read complete letter
+ IN WORD AND DEED
An Essential Prayer Warrior
"I don't pray because I am holy, but because I want to become holy and I need Jesus to teach me." Sister Briege McKenna often shared that response with people who tried to "pigeonhole" her as a "holy-roller." We pray in front of Planned [de]Parenthood not because we are "holy" or "judgmental" or "don't have day jobs" or... the list goes on. We pray in front of that place because it is a modern-day Calvary where Jesus suffers in His people, we go to bring a glimmer of light to darkness.
Fr. Liam McDonald 
I stood there by myself praying the Rosary and Divine Mercy chaplet and was continually reminded of the current climate in society as my glasses fogged up from breathing through a mask... yes, I was reminded continually, Covid-19 is dangerous. It is deadly. I leave it to doctors to quantify how deadly it is, but as I stood there taking everything in I was reminded how two living humans go into that place and one comes out alive the day they are doing abortions. Death rate: 100%. Recovery 0%. And so I along with others find myself stopping by to stand and pray at the foot of the cross. I pray that they may choose life or at least accept the resources I offer. I pray that God's Divine Mercy flows into the void that abortion leaves in mothers and fathers that have abortions. I pray for conversion of those that work there, including the abortionists themselves. Nobody is beyond God's mercy, nobody is beyond the witness of the love of Jesus Christ. Simply put: it is essential work.

We approach Pentecost. A life of prayer with radical obedience to the Holy Spirit’s promptings during these times, especially during these times, will only lead us out to the essential work God is calling us to. We find ourselves in interesting times... this is the year of the Lord (every year belongs to Him) and this is the month of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Every year and every season is interesting when we recognize the absolute Lordship of Jesus Christ over everything. I pray that in the year of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the month of the Blessed Virgin Mary we may promptly obey the Holy Spirit and continue God’s essential work.

McKenna, Briege. Miracles Do Happen: God Can Do the Impossible (Servant Publications: Ann Arbor, Michigan, 2002).
Blessing of USA & World, Fr. Liam McDonald 
Always Be Prepared!
Five things not to say when discussing abortion.
Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe Extends Her Maternal Care
+ PRAYER & WORSHIP
Renewal Of Consecration Of The United States To Our Blessed Mother 
On May 1 st , thousands of Catholics across the United States and Canada tuned in to participate in a liturgy as Archbishop José H. Gomez celebrated a Renewal of Consecration of both countries to the Blessed Virgin Mary from the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles.

Archbishop Gomez reminded Catholics that Mary is the first model of courage: “Mary was the first person to consecrate herself to Jesus Christ, the first to offer her whole heart to do his will.” He prayed that she would grant the same strength to everyone suffering from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Following the consecration, the archbishop echoed Pope Francis’ request that Catholics pray the rosary during this month of Mary. “This is a beautiful suggestion to unite us spiritually in this time when we are still in quarantine in our homes,” he said.
“Maybe we can all offer this little gift to Mary in the month of May, finding time to come together every day, to pray the rosary in our families and in our homes.” 
St Joseph the Worker Teaches Us the Dignity of Work
Fr Rob teaches us about St Joseph the Worker and how we must appreciate the worker.
St Joseph shows us to the value and dignity of the human person in relationship to work. In his work he was co-creating with God and St Joseph gave work dignity because of who he was.

“Never say my work is my prayer!” Bishop Murphy
TAKE ACTION 
Take action on public policy matters in New York State through the New York State Catholic Conference's Catholic Action Network (CAN) .
See below for a list of current issues for you to learn more and to take action.
Take action on legislative issues through the The National Committee for a Human Life Amendment (NCHLA)
Assisted Suicide Update
JJ shared with his wife Kristen, " We have to share this to help other people, they need to know it's ok for this to happen. Don't be afraid." As St John Paul II tells us: “ Be Not Afraid, these three simple words dignify the triumph of hope over death.”
Kristen, said “If we had listened to others about assisted suicide, if we would given up hope we would have missed out on so much.” She states, " I take care of him with joy, because that is what love is called to do."
“Every day is a gift and you can't let go of that.”
New York uses budget bill to legalize commercial surrogacy during coronavirus
CNA Staff, Apr 3, 2020 / 05:00 pm MT (CNA)

The state of New York legalized commercial surrogacy as part of a budget bill passed on April 3. The law was condemned by the state Catholic conference. There are now just three states where commercial surrogacy is not legal.

“The action by the legislature and governor to legalize monetary contracts for surrogate motherhood stands in stark contrast to most other democratic nations across the globe,” Kathleen Gallagher, director of pro-life activities for the New York State Catholic Conference said in a statement Friday.

“[Other countries] have outlawed the practice because of the exploitation of women and commodification of children that inevitably results from the profit-driven surrogacy industry,” she said.

The New York State Catholic Conference represents the bishops of New York state in matters related to public policy.  Read complete article

+ CARE AND SERVICES
Respecting Our First Responders
“A Reflection Of Our Lord Within Us”
by: Lorraine Petrucci, Respect Life Leader, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Rocky Point, NY
 With so many of our first responders, Police, EMS, nurses, doctors, fire departments putting their own lives at risk to help others during these unprecedented times, we are again in awe of their bravery courage and fortitude, as they put aside their own safety and their very lives to save others. We offer them our respect, and our thanks.  We are also mindful of how we receive our gifts of strength. We respect the many gifts that God has given us, with one of the greatest gifts being the compassion to help our fellow man.

After all, what is it about these wonderful people that allows them to run into the fire and the danger disregarding their own welfare? Strength such as this surely comes from the Lord, and it brings to mind (John 15:13), “Greater love hath no man than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends”. Read complete article
POST-ABORTION MINISTRY
Project Rachel Hope After Abortion
Do you know someone who is suffering abortion loss? Project Rachel is a ministry about finding hope and healing after abortion.

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) 1-516-766 2538, email   projectrachel@drvc.org  to begin healing after abortion loss. 
En Español:   Esperanzaposaborto.org
Next Opportunity for Prayer and Healing
Day of Prayer and Healing for Women

Saturday, November 7, 2020
All reservations and information will remain confidential.
If you need help please call our help line and someone will be happy to give some counsel over the phone to calm any fears or anxieties.
The Gianna Center of Long Island and New York City. Providing care for women's and families via Telehealth during coronavirus outbreak.
For more information:
631-376-3232
An Unexpected Outcome  
“A Witness to the Benefits of the Creighton Model of Fertility Care”
by Jamey Hutchinson, BSN CFCP CFCE
Like many women, Christina* began searching for a new doctor after experiencing frustration with the women’s health care she received. At the recommendation of a friend, Christina visited the Gianna Center, where she began charting her cycles using the Creighton Model System. She found the Creighton Model relatively easy to learn and appreciated the regular contact with her FertilityCare Practitioner.

Christina said she had a basic understanding of reproductive health, but was very surprised by the vast additional insight she gained into her personal reproductive health through charting. This enhanced understanding led Christina to feel much more empowered about her personal health circumstances.  Read complete article
Gabriel's Courage
Catholic Health Services 
Is your doctor recommending a abortion or termination due to adverse prenatal diagnosis? You are not alone. We are here to help. Abortion is not your only option. 
 
Support, information & encouragement for carrying your baby to term with an adverse prenatal diagnosis. There are few things more frightening in life than finding out your baby may not be healthy. The fear of the unknown and the pressure to terminate can be intense. You are not alone. More information
Perinatal Mood Disorders
Catholic Health Services 
Supporting mothers who are coping with depression or anxiety during pregnancy or after the birth of her birth. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorder is the leading medical complication related to childbearing.
For more information contact
(631) 376- HOPE or email circleofhope@chsli.org
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Contact Us
Lisa A. Honkanen , M.D. – Director
lhonkanen@drvc.org , 516-678-5800 Ext. 381
 
Donna Crean – Assistant Director/Program Coordinator
dcrean@drvc.org , 516 678 5800 Ext. 626

Patricia Fox – Project Rachel Coordinator
pfox@drvc.org , 516-678-5800 Ext. 222
50 North Park Ave. Rockville Ctr., NY 11570
Additional Informational Websites
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR CONTINUED MISSION TO SERVE LIFE!