September 2022

Visit our website www.drvclife.org

Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest  Youtube  Instagram  

Highlights of this newsletter:

  • Speaking Truth
  • Upcoming Respect Life Month Activities
  • Pray Always

September 2022

Dear Friends for Life,

SPEAKING TRUTH

It has been three months since the Dobbs v. Jackson decision was announced, and in that time many misleading or untrue claims have been made to persuade audiences that the overturning of Roe v. Wade has harmed women, stripped rights, and even represents the end of American civilization. There is a desperate attempt to convince the unsuspecting that there is not in the womb a unique, unrepeatable human being who exists from the moment of fertilization, unfolding in a magnificently choreographed opus, and having the same rights as a person—most especially the inviolable right to life.  But we know that is not true.  Concurrently, technology companies are placing general warning labels on crisis pregnancy center listings to tarnish their reputations, “cancel culture” prevails on social media platforms, and demands for media censorship of prolife voices are made openly.  To be truly informed can take a lot of effort because of this bias.  


As Christians, though, we are commanded by Jesus Christ to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Mt 28: 19-20) We are called to speak the Truth: we must preach the Gospel and teach the Faith. But sometimes, because of the distortion of the information most readily available, we have to clarify and correct the “general understanding” to reclaim what is genuinely true—if we don’t challenge the imbalance, no one will. (Do not underestimate the perilous advantage held by Planned Parenthood, Teen Vogue and other social influencers.) In this, we should not be afraid to enlighten others, but “be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves” (Mt 10:16) and know Jesus promised, “I am with you always.” (Mt 28:20) To underscore this duty, in his message for the celebration of World Day of Peace in 2011, Pope Benedict XVI stated: . Read more

Checkout New Resources on Our Website: 


Same Sex Attraction/Gender Identity Discordance: Same Sex Attraction & Gender Identity Discordance Educational Resources

Supreme Court Decision Roe v Wade Overturned and Bishops Statements: Dobbs v. Jackson  

+ PRAYER
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Th. 5:17 

PREPARING FOR OCTOBER

RESPECT LIFE MONTH


www.respectlife.org/celebrate


Statement by Archbishop William E. Lori Chairman, USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities

Building a Culture of Life in a Post-Roe World


Click here

We pray for human life throughout the month of October

For all Catholics:

That on this Respect Life Sunday

our resolve may be strengthened

to uphold the dignity

of every human life;

We pray to the Lord:

That during this Respect Life Month

our resolve will be strengthened

to cherish and protect

the gift of every human life;

We pray to the Lord:

That the life of every person,

from conception to natural death,

will be protected in our laws

and cherished in our hearts;

We pray to the Lord:  


For those nearing the end of life:

May they receive care that respects their dignity

and protects their lives

as they place their hope

in the promise of eternal life;

We pray to the Lord:

For women and men suffering after abortion:

May the Church’s abortion healing ministry, Project Rachel, help them find peace and healing

through Christ’s endless mercy;

We pray to the Lord:


May God grant us the wisdom and courage

to lovingly protect His gift of human life at every stage, in sickness and in health;

We pray to the Lord:

Profiles in Courage

By Msgr. Ellsworth R. Walden, Pastor, St. Patrick Smithtown

Profiles in Courage was a book written by John F. Kennedy in 1955, five years before he was elected president in 1960. In his book he spoke about eight people who were unsung heroes at different points in our nation’s history. We call to mind the celebration of the feast of the Passion of John the Baptist, a well-known saint and true man of faith. He had the courage to live and speak the truth. Some of the lines from the Gospel for that day (Mark 6:17-29) said, “Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak, he was very much perplexed, yet liked to listen to him.” Sadly, when Herod was given an opportunity to see the light of truth, he closed his eyes and had John beheaded because of a promise he made to give his wife’s daughter anything she wanted. 

 

In the Gospel of Luke (14:25-33), Jesus challenges us to see how seriously we take Him and how much He is a part of our lives and we are a part of His life. To follow Him and to be part of His life is to have the courage to sacrifice, forgive, apologize, seek and live the truth and to love no matter what. Herod refused to be guided by anyone but himself and sought to control others who opposed him, and as result gave in to sinfulness. Herod has his successors and supporters in today’s world. We see them whenever truth is denied and evil defended. We are grappling with many issues at this time in our national history. How do we deal with sex change operations for children, same sex marriages, people seeking to enter our country illegally, and abortion? The question is not only how to see the truth, but also how to live it out. Abortion is the key issue. Once we can legally take the lives of the defenseless, everything and everyone else is fair game. 

Read more

You can call in or sign on zoom: 
Zoom Ink
Meeting ID: 856 4708 7922
Passcode: 677757

Call In Number: 1 (646) 876-9923 (New York)

Join in whenever you can.
+ EDUCATION
“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

A Bit of Bioethics

Homosexual Men and

Chaste Friendships 

May 2022

Catholic men facing same-sex attractions often struggle with how they are supposed to handle their homoromantic feelings. Some clearly understand that the Church invites them to order their feelings and attractions through a life of chaste continence, but they also wrestle with a strong desire for same-sex friendship and bonding.


In the midst of an escalating gay culture that actively promotes and celebrates homosexual sex, even in its most promiscuous forms, how can young men hope to encounter friends with whom they might cultivate healthy and chaste relationships? What role does the Church play in supporting and encouraging this?


A group called Courage offers outstanding spiritual support for those who are struggling with same-sex attraction and desiring to live chastely according to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church. Founded by Father John Harvey, Courage held its first meeting in 1980 in New York City. Since then, it has expanded into an international ministry. This important apostolate deserves broad recognition and support for its vital work, yet regrettably, resistance still arises at times in some quarters of the Church when Courage seeks to promote clear Catholic teaching on chastity and homosexuality.

Read more

NEW UPDATED RESOURCES:
NEW!
FAQ on COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Exemptions
TAKE ACTION 
Take action on legislative issues through the No Taxpayer Abortion Website

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)
+ WITNESS 
“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  

This fall, we embark upon one of the largest mobilizations of pro-lifers in history, as 622 cities worldwide join the September 28-November 6 40 Days for Life campaign.


Get fired up to end abortion where you live by watching the official Post-Roe 40 Days for Life promotional video. 


Shawn Carney, President/CEO

HELP SAVE LIVES ON LONG ISLAND!

Join our 2022 Fall Campaign of Prayer and Fasting!

Your prayers can save lives and change hearts. 40 Days for Life is a life-saving prayer campaign that will take place throughout our Diocese across Long Island starting on September 28th and concluding November 6th. 40 Days for Life is a peaceful initiative consisting of 40 days of prayer and fasting, peaceful vigil at abortion facilities, and educational outreach with the goal of protecting mothers and their children from abortion. More than 18,000 unborn children have been saved from abortion during 40 Days for Life campaigns. To learn more about the 40 Days for Life campaign, in your area visit: www.40daysforlife.com.   Sign up for hours for each campaign.


CONTACT LEADERS FOR CAMPAIGNS ON LONG ISLAND:

 

Hempstead: Thomas Upshur (PBFL) (516) 410-5983; Hempstead40DaysforLife@aol.com; 40daysforlife.com/Hempstead

 

Brentwood: Paul Arena (516) 848-1562; paul.arena29@yahoo.com

40daysforlife.com/brentwood

 

Patchogue: Bob Williams (631)-615-1735; WaverlyAvenueRespectLife@gmail.com

40 Days - Opening Events

Hempstead: 


Saturday, September 24th

9:00am  Holy Mass

St Ladislaus, RCC

18 Richardson Pl

Hempstead, NY 11550

 

Fr. Conrad Osterhout CFR, Fr. Terry Messer, CFR,

Fr. Piotr Rozek



Brentwood:

Kick Off

Saturday, October 1st

at Vigil Location



Patchogue:

Saturday October 1st

11AM Holy Mass with Bishop Coyle  

St Francis De Sales

7 Amity St, (Off So Ocean Ave)                                                   Patchogue, NY 11772

Dove Release after Mass in honor of the unborn

Rosary Procession to Vigil Location to follow

 

VIGIL LOCATION:

Planned Parenthood

Public right-of-way outside

540 Fulton Ave Hempstead, NY 11550






VIGIL LOCATION:

Brentwood Gynecology Center

42 First Ave, Brentwood, NY 11717


 


                            

Eucharistic Procession at 2 PM from Home Depot Parking Lot, 10 Gateway Blvd to Vigil Location


VIGIL LOCATION:

Planned Parenthood

450 Waverly Avenue, Patchogue                                         Monday thru Saturday 8AM-7PM                                       



Short Video and Bishop Barre’s letter about 40 Days for Life

Bishop Barre's letter 

+ SUPPORT AND SERVICE
"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

PRAY

Our Father, 3 Hail Mary’s, Glory Be


REFLECT

Through the prophet Jeremiah, the Word of the Lord is proclaimed to us: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you” (Jer. 1:5). The life of each human person is carefully knit together by God himself. And whether an earthly life lasts moments, days, months, or decades, each person is created out of love to share eternal life with God.

It is estimated that as many as one in four pregnancies heartbreakingly ends in miscarriage. Many times, it occurs very early, before a couple even knows their child exists or before they have shared the news with family and friends. So, these profound losses may be unknown and unacknowledged by others. Because such losses tend not to be public, the many families who bear this cross may experience a lack of support. A couple whose baby has passed away may not know how to reach out for support or may be unaware of available diocesan miscarriage ministries. Miscarriage touches the lives of many people, yet often it remains unaddressed.


When someone shares this sorrow with us, although we may be unsure how best to comfort them, we are called to be present to them in their time of grief. We may even have the opportunity to suggest that a couple contact a diocesan miscarriage ministry where one is available. 

When someone shares this sorrow with us, although we may be unsure how best to comfort them, we are called to be present to them in their time of grief. We may even have the opportunity to suggest that a couple contact a diocesan miscarriage ministry where one is available. When we address the loss of a child through miscarriage, we give witness to the fact that each person, from conception onward, is a cherished, precious, and unique gift. As members of the Church, let us comfort those who mourn and honor the lives of their dear children, entrusted to the Lord. Together, we look with hope to the time when all our tears are dried, and our families are united in the joy of heaven.

ACT (choose one)



  • Choose one day this week to go without screen time spent on entertainment as an offering to the Lord in solidarity with those grieving a child’s passing through miscarriage.


  • Offer some other sacrifice or prayer that you feel called to do for this month’s intention.​



ONE STEP FURTHER

Learn more about the sorrow of miscarriage and how you can support families who experience this profound loss: bit.ly/miscarriage-solace


Monthly Prayer Guides

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 treating, monitoring, and maintaining their health.
  • 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

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

www.chsli.org/gianna-center

POST-ABORTION MINISTRY

Project Rachel is a ministry about finding hope and healing after abortion.

It’s normal to grieve a pregnancy loss, including the loss of a child by abortion. It can form a hole in one’s heart, a hole so deep that sometimes it seems nothing can fill the emptiness.


You are not alone…

COME BACK TO LOVE AND MERCY! JESUS AWAITS YOU!

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Please Call For Information About The Next Rachel’s Vineyard Healing Retreat!

This retreat is not only for women. Men, grandparents and siblings are welcome to come and receive God’s Grace, Mercy and Healing!

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
LinkedIn Share This Email
Contact Us
Lisa A. Honkanen, M.D. – Director
lhonkanen@drvc.org, 516-678-5800 Ext. 381
 
Donna Crean – Assistant Director/Project Rachel Coordinator
dcrean@drvc.org, 516 678 5800 Ext. 626

Jamey Hutchinson BSN CFCP CFCE Educational Liaison to
Gianna Center for Women's Health & Fertility

992 No Village Ave . Rockville Ctr., NY 11570

www.drvclife.org

Additional Informational Websites

Pregnancy Resource Centers

Prayers

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR CONTINUED MISSION TO SERVE LIFE!