Dear Friends for Life,
The tiny, vulnerable Baby in the manger is a beautiful Christmas image that reminds us of God’s endless goodness and His immense love for us despite our undeserving reality. He, the King of kings, humbled Himself to become Man of flesh, in the most unassuming way—a tiny, vulnerable baby born in a stable more fitting for beasts of burden. But in this way, we can dare to approach Him—not as a distant, uncaring Power—but as a gentle, loving Creator, Who, thirty-three years later, would die sinless on the Cross so that we might live in His eternal glory.
When we look at the mystery of the Nativity without faith, the seeming contradictions can be perplexing. Likewise, this year, when loss and hardship abound, without faith, it is difficult to see beyond our sorrow and fears. But, “The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.’” (New American Bible, Luke 2:10-11) What was true then, is true now: the good news of great joy is that God is with us, to save us, but also to be with us in every step, every breath we take—always! Read more
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+ PRAYER
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Th. 5:17
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Lordship of the Newborn King
By Fr Michael Plona, St Anthony HS Chaplain
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The Pharaoh of old, haunted by the presence and increase of the children of Israel, submitted them to every kind of oppression and ordered that every male child born of the Hebrew women was to be killed (cf. Ex 1:7-22). Today not a few of the powerful of the earth act in the same way. They too are haunted by the current demographic growth… Consequently, rather than wishing to face and solve these serious problems with respect for the dignity of individuals and families and for every person’s inviolable right to life, they prefer to promote and impose by whatever means a massive programme of birth control. -Pope John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, n. 16
The coming of the Christ Child presents us with a crisis that must be confronted. Like King Herod, we can see the Christ Child as a threat to our power, independence, and ultimately the self-deceiving reign of our lives or we can follow the Star of Bethlehem as the wise men once did and humbly lay our gifts as the feet of the Newborn King. Read more
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National Night Of Prayer For Life
We thank all of the parishes that held National Nights of Prayer for Life on December 8, 2020.
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Our prayers united for Life and Unity raised up to the Lord through Our Lady are pleasing to them.
We had a very prayerful, peaceful and beautiful Night for Life here at Notre Dame in New Hyde Park. We had the Blessed Sacrament exposed to start off by Deacon Tom Lemme.
We then had a small prayer service lead by our Respect Life Group. The Magnificat With Mary written by the Sisters of Life was read by an 8th grader at our parish school, the Litany of Trust read by a boy scout from our parish sponsored Troop 544 and the Rachel Rosary again lead by members of our Respect Life Group. Read more
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Blessing Before a Christmas Stable
By: Father Peter John Cameron, o.p.
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No one, whether shepherd or wise man, can approach God here below except by kneeling before the manger at Bethlehem and adoring him hidden in the weakness of a new-born child. (CCC 563)
Lord Jesus, as I kneel before your manger in adoration, let my first Christmas word be: thank you. Thank you, Gift of the Father, for coming to save me from my sins.
Without you I do not know even how to be human. The characteristics of your human body express the divine Person of God’s Son. And in that wondrous expression, Lord, you reveal me to myself. Thank you for that saving revelation in your sacred humanity. As the Christmas liturgy proclaims, in Christ we experience “the holy exchange that restores our life”. Thank you for coming as one like myself to save me from myself. Read more
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“Holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.” Tit. 1:9 |
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Must Catholics Refuse a COVID-19 Vaccine Made With a Cell Line from an Abortion? |
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In the wake of announcements from multiple pharmaceutical companies about safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, many are expressing ethical doubts about whether it is OK to take these vaccines. Do Catholics have a moral duty to decline an inoculation if it was unethically produced using a cell line that came from an abortion?
The short answer is “no.” This has been discussed and explained in several magisterial church documents in recent years.
In 2008, for example, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith reminded us in the Instruction Dignitas Personae that:
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“Grave reasons may be morally proportionate to justify the use of such ‘biological material.’ Thus, for example, danger to the health of children could permit parents to use a vaccine which was developed using cell lines of illicit origin, while keeping in mind that everyone has the duty to make known their disagreement and to ask that their healthcare system make other types of vaccines available.” |
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For a serious reason, therefore, Catholics may receive a COVID-19 vaccine having an association with abortion, and a serious reason could include a threat to one's health and well being. Read more
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See below for a list of current issues for you to learn more and to take action.
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See below for a list of current issues for you to learn more and to take action.
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See below for a list of current issues for you to learn more and to take action.
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“All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Col. 3:17 |
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A TRUE CHRISTMAS GIFT:
When Down is Up
Giving Thanks for an Unforeseen Gift from God
By Bob Viscovich
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I could tell there was something seriously wrong, the way the two nurses abruptly stopped their conversation as they saw me come out of the birthing room.
It was a Sunday morning, and just minutes before, my wife Donna gave birth to our second son, Nicholas, who seemingly was as perfect as can be. Now I was coming back with some fresh water for her, but I was feeling the blood drain from my head after seeing the look of concern on the two nurses’ faces.
When Donna saw me come back into the room, she immediately asked if I felt ok, since I looked white as a ghost. I didn’t mention anything of what just happened in the hallway outside. I was too busy going through a million different tragic scenarios in my head.
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I stared out the window. What was so wrong with our child that would cause that reaction from the nurses? Why wasn’t anyone congratulating us? Why did things appear so somber? What serious medical condition does our son Nicholas have? My head was spinning. The world around me was spinning. Very fast
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All of a sudden, a nurse we never met entered the room and announced that our Nicholas was indeed healthy, but that they needed to conduct some genetic tests as it appears he might have Down Syndrome.
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A huge relief came over me. Was that it? Phew! I could deal with THAT, especially after so many other horrible scenarios I just went thru in my mind. Then I realized Donna didn’t know any of this. What was her reaction to this new announcement? When I looked at her, she seemed concerned, but not upset. She immediately asked to see her baby so that she can see for herself. Read more
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Pro-Bikers for Life Welcome Nick!! |
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Get ready for January 29, 2021
The March for Life is going local/virtual for 2021! Please visit this site regularly to keep up with events scheduled across the Diocese of Rockville Centre and ideas for planning your own pilgrimage.
If you are a interested in hosting an event, Mass, Adoration, Rosary, Prayer or Witness at your parish please email Donna Crean at dcrean@drvc.org
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"The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.' Mt 25:40 |
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Pray
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be
Reflect
Each year during Advent, we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Christ our Savior at Christmas. As we anticipate this joyful celebration, we recall the journey of the Holy Family from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Far from home, poor, and in great need, Mary and Joseph find refuge in a simple stable. But this humble setting among the livestock soon welcomes the heavenly host of angels and the infant Jesus himself.
Today, women in our own communities are pregnant, poor, perhaps without a home, and in great need. They may feel alone, scared, and overwhelmed, not knowing where to turn.
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In challenging circumstances, expectant mothers need a refuge of their own. Like the Holy Family, they may be reliant on the kindness of others. This year, may the story of the first Christmas inspire us to reach out to mothers in need. May we proactively seek to offer loving support and encouragement as they prepare to welcome their children. By answering this call, may we help mothers experience the joy, hope, and peace brought by the infant Jesus. And may we, too, share in and bear witness to the miracle of new life.
Act
(Choose one)
- Witness to the joy of the Christ Child to those around you especially your family
- Offer some other sacrifice or prayer that you feel called to do for this month’s intention.
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Experience a new approach to women’s health care |
The Gianna Center is a medical practice dedicated to empowering women with a restorative, scientifically based method for monitoring and
maintaining their health.
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- Infertility
- Menstrual cycle abnormalities
- Endometriosis and painful periods
- Ovarian cysts
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Hormonal abnormalities
- Menopausal therapy
- Creighton Model FertilityCare System™
- (Natural family planning)
- NaProTECHNOLOGY™ medical
- and surgical consultations
- General gynecological care
- Women’s general medical care
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Gianna Center of Long Island
661 Deer Park Avenue
Babylon, NY 11702
631-376-3232
The Gianna Center, Rockville Centre
1000 North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
516-705-1148
Gianna Center of New York City
15 East 40th Street, Suite 101
New York, NY 10016
212-481-1219
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Ask a Fertility Educator
By: Jamey Hutchinson BSN CFCP, Women's Health Nurse, FertilityCare Practitioner
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Question: II notice that before my period, I start to feel really horrible. Symptoms like irritability and depression just take over and last for about a week. Is there anything I can do for this?
Response: The condition now referred to as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has a long and varied history among medical professionals. Some symptoms (both physical and emotional) prior to the onset of the menstrual period are common. These may occur in 50-75% of women. Moderate to severe PMS that disrupt a woman's lifestyle may occur in 20-30% of women and severe, debilitating symptoms are seen in 2-10% of women (Mezrow G, Shoupe D The Premenstrual Syndrome 1997). Symptoms of PMS can include: anger or irritability, anxiety, bloating or weight gain, breast tenderness, depression, decreased concentration, decreased self esteem, decreased interest in activities, fatigue, food cravings, headaches, impulsivity, mood swings, insomnia and tension (APGO 1998). It seems like a lot, right? Read more
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POST-ABORTION MINISTRY
Project Rachel Hope After Abortion
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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.
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Please Call For Information About The Next Day Of Prayer And Healing! |
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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. |
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Advent & Christmas Seasons |
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The seasons of Advent and Christmas may be very difficult for women and men who have participated in abortion. As we focus on the birth of a baby, as well as getting toys and gifts for other children, it often speaks to the pain of the child not there.
If you are feeling along and are hurting, please call our Post Abortion Ministry phone line. We would love to help you to bring the focus to the joy of this time of year and its meaning in your healing, We have Days of Prayer and Healing to help you begin your journey back to Christ’s Mercy.
These days allow those who attend to focus on the birth of Mercy, and what it means in your healing. Christ, who came to earth to save us from our sins, even the sin of abortion.
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If you would like to help support the programs of our ministry, please click here to make a donation online. All donations go directly to the work of the Office of Human Life, Family and Bioethics. May God reward you for your generosity. |
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Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! |
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Lisa A. Honkanen, M.D. – Director
Donna Crean – Assistant Director/Project Rachel Coordinator
Jamey Hutchinson BSN CFCP CFCE Educational Liaison to
Gianna Center for Women's Health & Fertility
631-376-3232
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50 North Park Ave. Rockville Ctr., NY 11570
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Additional Informational Websites |
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THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR CONTINUED MISSION TO SERVE LIFE! |
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