Dear Friends for Life,
Embracing the Value of Redemptive Suffering
In a world of uncertainty and troubling times it can be difficult to entrust ourselves to the will of God, yet that is exactly what we must do. Whether it is a personal crisis at home or at work, a financial difficulty that threatens the security of one’s family, a life-threatening illness or effects of the pandemic-related upheaval in our lives, we all endure suffering in some way.
In his apostolic letter, Salvifici Doloris, Pope St. John Paul II emphasized that “…suffering seems to be, and is, almost inseparable from man’s earthly existence.” In some ways, it can feel like a double dose these days!
In this beautiful letter, Pope St. John Paul II reminds us that suffering, the result of evil in the world, brings us to solidarity. However, it can also put us at odds with God, or it can bring us to conversion.
Suffering will always remain a mystery, but through it we can enter into a deeper consciousness of the “sublimity of divine love.” Christ, Himself, entered fully into the experience of human suffering through His ministry on earth (healing the lame, curing the blind, etc.). But this was most profoundly realized in the ultimate sacrifice on the Cross, through which Human suffering reached its culmination and paid the price of our redemption. Read more
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Introducing Our Pillars of PEWS
(Prayer, Education, Witness, Support/Service)
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The framework of our initiatives will continue to follow the traditional approach of the former Respect Life Office. But now, these four pillars are updated with the aid of the mnemonic, “PEWS” which represents our focus on Prayer, Education, Witness and Support & Service.
It acknowledges that our greatest resource to build a culture of life is the lay faithful—all of us, you and me, in the pews.
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+ PRAYER
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Th. 5:17
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Giving God Our Yellow Dandelions
Redemptive Suffering
by: Fr. Charles Mangano
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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Our merciful and good God has given all of us the priceless gift of life. As Catholics we know that every life is sacred because Jesus died for every soul. The desire of the Lord’s heart is that every life, every soul be saved. With that said, what do we do to assist the Lord in His desire for the salvation for all? How can I help those I don’t even know come to salvation?
In the scriptures, Colossians 1:24, St. Paul says: “I am glad I can suffer for you. I am pleased also that in my own body I can continue the suffering of Christ, for His body the Church.” What is St. Paul referring to? Redemptive Suffering!! Read more
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Rosary Coast to Coast 2020 |
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August 15 to Oct. 7, 2020
The Novena will begin on August 15th, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and will end on October 7th, the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary.
We will have two intentions: For the protection and provision for the USA and the world. Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us!
In the United States, we continue to live in peace-less times with laws and court rulings in conflict with God’s laws; especially the disregard for the rights of the unborn, elderly and weak in our society and the attacks on marriage and family values.
Society and many levels of government continue to demonstrate intolerance towards biblically-based religious belief and practice. In conflict with First Amendment constitutional rights, persecution of traditional religious expression has reached historically high levels.
Whether it’s our country or our Church, this is a spiritual battle of historic proportions!
We now need to implore graces from Almighty God, to lead all people to follow sound doctrine and tradition, and firmly reject modernist interpretations of the priesthood, religion, and inculturation. For more information visit rosarycoasttocoast.com
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Consecrating Our Parish To The Holy Family
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On the morning of July 26th, the parish of St. Frances Cabrini R.C. Church made the Consecrations to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and to St Joseph with a special Entrustment of St Frances Cabrini parish to Our Lady of Guadalupe. It was beautiful.
Fr. Gilbert Lap had unveiled Our Lord in the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament immediately following the Mass and lead us in prayer. We had the Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe with the Divine Mercy Image off to the side. And there in the sanctuary were images of the Holy Family: Jesus, crucified, along with a picture of the Blessed Mother and one of St. Joseph. How we need the Holy Family to lead us by their holy example in this world that has a confusing ideology about redefining the family.
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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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A Bit of Bioethics:
ON JUDGING, JUDGEMENTALISM AND FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP
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JUDGING
Up to this point we have established that conscience is a rational judgment that determines an act to be right or wrong. For a human act to be right, and not wrong, the act itself, its purpose and the circumstances must all be morally good. By using our reason and intellect, ordered towards God, we can know what is morally good and ought to behave in that way.
The Catechism is very clear:
The dignity of the human person implies and requires uprightness of moral conscience. Conscience includes the perception of the principles of morality (synderesis); their application in the given circumstance by practical discernment of reasons and goods; and finally judgment about concrete acts yet to be performed or already performed. The truth about the moral good, stated in the law of reason, is recognized practically and concretely by the prudent judgment of conscience. We call that man prudent who chooses in conformity with this judgment. Read more
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Catholic Health Care: Ethics Seminar |
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Two-Day Bioethics Seminar: Diocese of Rockville Centre, NY
Friday, September 11, 2020 at 8:00 AM
Saturday, September 12, 2020 at 5:00 PM
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Hello friends!
My name is Victoria Hamilton, and I’m a senior at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. This summer, I was offered the great opportunity and privilege to work in the Office of Human Life, Family, and Bioethics as an intern (which I graciously accepted!). As a double major in Theology and Catechetics, I take such great joy out of witnessing to the Gospel of Christ in any ways I can, so when I was given the opportunity to curate this catechetical project for the Office, I was overjoyed!
It has truly been an honor and a blessing to prayerfully put these videos together, and I pray that the Lord blesses you abundantly through this little series!
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“Vaccines: What you need to know”
by Lisa A. Honkanen, M.D.
Vaccines have played an important role in reducing the impact of devastating diseases on the health of people worldwide. However, some vaccines are produced using cell lines derived from aborted fetuses. Learn more about what you need to consider | View PDF
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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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“We Are One”: The Heart and Soul of the PBFL
Interview with Thomas M Upshur OFS, President of the Pro-Bikers for Life
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Part Three
Thomas M. Upshur, O.F.S. is the President of the Pro-Bikers for Life, an international Pro-Life organization whose mission is “to preserve human life” at all costs through sidewalk counseling, through prayerful witness outside abortion clinics, and through evangelization efforts using social media as well as in-person events. At the crux of their mission, the Pro-Bikers “do everything [they] can to support the Pro-Life cause.” Mr. Upshur took some time recently to answer questions about his organization and how their work serves to foster a culture of life at home and abroad.
This final series of questions will focus on how the PBFL first met the CFRs and the Sisters of Life in New York City, and how their witness of trust in the Lord has inspired and encouraged the PBFL in their ministry.
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From your various social media accounts, I’ve seen that the PBFL works closely with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in New York City. How did you get involved with the Friars?
My son, Billy, invited me to a Youth 2000 Conference led by Joseph Campo, O.F.S at Sacred Heart Parish in Island Park 20 years ago (when Monsignor John J. Tutoné was the Pastor). My wife Susan and I did the gardening at the CFR homeless shelter in the city, and the Franciscan Friars became like family to us. They loved my Polish stuffed cabbage...BAM!!! Grandma’s recipe (I lived in a Polish neighborhood in Detroit growing up).
Then, in the Spring of 2009, Mike Drozdick and I would often ride into NYC and meet the CFR’s at the Margaret Sanger Planned Parenthood to join with them in prayer. This later evolved into a monthly prayer vigil led by the Sisters of Life, which is now guided by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal.
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Pro life Rosary with Our Lady of Guadalupe
“Let the little children come to Me!” (Mt19:14)
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I have always been Pro-life but after seeing images of my own babies in my womb. Truly understanding how a baby’s heart begins to beat and their little body parts are so perfectly and intricately formed and created by God, our creator, I feel it must be such an abomination for God to see what is done to His children in the womb.
I want my children to understand it does not matter if the law says it ok. It is not ok for God! For this is his most precious gift to us. It is such an honor to bring my three little girls to pray outside of Planned Parenthood each week and such an important petition, probably the most important prayer petition we have for our family of seven to pray the Rosary to end abortion.
Each of my pregnancy terms were the most special times in my life and I am so thankful and blessed for my five healthy children.
God’s Blessings,
Maria Magdalen and my little girls
Sophia, Lucia and Maria Magdalen
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Michele Mason is the 2020 40 Days for Life Leader of the Year!
A near tragedy in her family inspired Michele Mason to launch a 40 Days for Life campaign in her community. God used her willingness to step out in faith to save dozens of babies and transform her community.
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40 Days For Life Fall Campaign
September 23, 2020 to
November 1, 2020
Date: Saturday, September 19th
Opening Mass & Rosary Procession, Hempstead
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be concelebrated by Fr. Liam McDonald and Fr. Fidelis Moscinski, CFR.
Afterwards, there will be a short procession to the Hempstead Planned Parenthood to Witness for Life and pray the Rosary. (Please observe all social distancing regulations.)
Address: St. Ladislaus Catholic Church 18 Richardson Place Hempstead, NY 11801
Time: 9:00 AM
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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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Reflect
In Evangelium vitae, Pope St. John Paul II wrote that, “A mother welcomes and carries in herself another human being, enabling it to grow inside her, giving it room, respecting it in its otherness” (EV 99).
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Often the first and most basic way that a mother welcomes and cares for her child is by attending to her own health. In doing so, she ultimately contributes to the wellbeing of her child, as the health of mother and child are inextricably connected. After her child is born, a mother’s devoted care continues as she nurtures this new life and attends to her child’s every need.
As healthcare costs continue to rise, obtaining access to adequate medical care can be challenging, particularly for single women in poverty. According to 2014 statistics, 75 percent of women who chose abortion were low income.
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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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Next Opportunity for Prayer and Healing
Day of Prayer and Healing for Women
Saturday, November 7, 2020
All reservations and information will remain confidential.
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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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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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