Summer Edition
July/August 2021
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Highlights of this newsletter:
- World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
- National Natural Family Planning Awareness Week
- News from our Office
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Dear Friends for Life,
WORLD DAY FOR GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY
Last month the intergenerational bonds within families and communities were highlighted in anticipation of the first annual World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly which is this upcoming weekend. Since then, we have launched the www.catholicgenerations.com microsite which we hope you have had some time to peruse. Please check back frequently as we are still adding new content daily to make this a helpful resource beyond July 25. It has been a labor of love, to help visitors nurture and share the most important love of all: love for God and His Church. When we love God and order our lives to Him, then our mission is naturally fulfilled: to defend and protect the sanctity of life, to uphold the importance of family, and to develop an appreciation of moral law, because all is of His creation and perfect design.
NATIONAL NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING AWARENESS WEEK
July 25th is also the 53rd anniversary of Humanae Vitae which instructs on the profound responsibility regarding the transmission of human life. Husband and wife cooperate with God through the total self-giving of the marital embrace to beget a new, unrepeatable, human life with an immortal soul. In Humanae Vitae, Pope St. Paul VI explained how contraception separates irreparably the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage, interferes with the “language of the body,” and ultimately, rejects God’s plan for human sexuality. With prophetic accuracy, he outlined the dangers to which contraception would lead: infidelity, immorality, loss of respect (for women), contraceptive mandates and a misguided sense of bodily dominion.
And so, it is fitting that this anniversary day also marks the beginning of National Natural Family Planning Awareness Week (July 25-31, 2021). Natural Family Planning (NFP) is also referred to as Fertility Awareness Based Methods (FABM). These are scientifically-based methods that may be used to achieve or postpone pregnancy (when there is a serious reason for the latter). Unlike contraception, when used as intended, NFP methods are considered morally licit because they respect the sacredness of the conjugal act. They do not utilize devices or drugs to interfere with God’s plan for marital love and in their practice these methods always remain open to life because every marital act is considered a total giving and receiving of self, including fertility and its fruits.
At first glance, National NFP Awareness Week may seem unconnected with World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, but it is not. First, we see there is the intentional proximity of each event to the Feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne. Moreover, National NFP Awareness Week is a direct reminder that grandparents play an integral role not only as bearers of life and caretakers of the extended family, but also in passing on the faith—including the importance of chastity and the vocation of marriage. Grandparents (and other older persons) do this through their lived examples as well as conversations geared to the age, maturity and relationship with their younger audience. For those with access to FORMED, you can see an example here. Read more
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The Wisdom of Grandparents and the Elderly
by Fr Michael Lombardi, St Patrick's
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“I am so grateful for their wisdom, their strong work ethic and their sense of duty to God, country and family.”
Today, as I celebrate my one-month anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood, I am amazed at how quickly the time has flown by. The most immediate challenges to my new life as a priest are getting used to saying the Mass, the rhythm of the liturgical schedule, administering the sacraments and of course getting used to life in the rectory. Now that I am living and working in a house with three other men, it has been quite an adjustment to deal with various personalities, changing schedules, and personal idiosyncrasies. Yet, this is all part and parcel of living out my new priestly life. And so far, I am happy to report that life together in the rectory has been going quite smoothly, and I am enjoying my life as a priest.
One of the priests in our rectory, a senior priest in residence, has been a wonderful mentor to me in my short time here. He has been very patient and supportive. Moreover, he has had a very calming influence on me, as I continue to learn the ins and outs of the rectory and the rhythm of the daily schedule. I consider him almost as a grandfather figure in many ways. This is because he has many of the qualities that a grandparent possesses. He looks out for the associate priests, he takes care of a lot of the duties related to the house, he cooks dinner several nights a month, he does a lot of baking, he makes sure things are in good order, and he runs a sizable and very productive vegetable garden in the backyard. Read more
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+ PRAYER
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Th. 5:17
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Feast Day of St Joachim and St Anne |
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The married couple traditionally honored as the parents of Mary, which makes them the grandparents of Jesus.
Grandparents and the Incarnation
How wonderful that Jesus has grandparents! St. Joachim and St. Anne remind us of the mystery of the Incarnation: God truly became man and entered into a human family that included not only his mother Mary and father Joseph but their parents, and their parents, and their parents, all the way back to Adam (and Eve) at the dawn of creation, according to St. Luke’s chronology (Luke 3:23-38). Like all of us, Jesus was born into a web of relationships, the “cradle of life and love” that is the family (John Paul II, Christifideles Laici, no. 40). Read more
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Pray
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be
Reflect
The feast of Saints Anne and Joachim is celebrated on July 26. As the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, they were also the grandparents of Jesus. Although there isn’t much historically verifiable information about their story, what we gain from custom and tradition can provide inspiration. Tradition holds that Anne and Joachim struggled with infertility for much of their marriage and were barren for many years. It is thought by some that they were treated poorly by their neighbors and that their childlessness prevented them from fully participating in the life of the community. As the story goes, despite long years of grief, Anne and Joachim continued to place their trust in God. In depths of such sorrow, Joachim went into the wilderness to fast and pray for a child. During this time an angel appeared to both he and Anne, promising that they would give birth to a child, despite their old age, who would be known throughout the world.
Today, many married couples also bear the cross of infertility. They often feel deep grief at their inability to welcome a child into their family. Yet each coupleis called, like Anne and Joachim, to continue to place their trust in God and His plan for their family. We pray for all married couples who so deeply long to welcome a child into their home. May God hear their prayers, console their hearts, and guide them on the path of peace.
Act
(Choose one.)
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Offer a novena of Faith and Perseverance to Saints Anne and Joachim for this month’s intention. (We recommend praying the novena from July 17–25 in preparation for their feast day.)
- Fast from television, social media, music, or electronics altogether for one day. Ask the Lord to use the quiet and stillness to bring you closer to Him.
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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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Challenging the Establishment on Childhood Gender Transitions |
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A 23-year-old woman named Keira Bell recently brought a pivotal lawsuit against the National Health Services Gender Identity Development Clinic in London, better known as the Tavistock Clinic. Keira experienced significant personal harm from puberty blockers, testosterone and an operation to remove her breasts. She claims the medical staff at the clinic failed to challenge her seriously about her decision as a teenager to transition to a male. In a landmark ruling delivered in December 2020, a British court upheld her claim that she’d been rushed through gender reassignment without proper safeguards.
Keira represents the leading edge of a new class of young people struggling with gender dysphoria who, as they become adults, are starting to push back against various “gender affirmation” interventions perpetrated against them, even, in some cases, seeking legal recourse and financial redress. As these intrepid individuals challenge the status quo, they are becoming known as “trans-desisters” or “detransitioners.”
When Keira was 16 and struggling with gender dysphoria, she was referred to the Tavistock Clinic and was almost immediately launched down the medical path. After three one-hour long visits to the medical facility, she was prescribed puberty blockers, powerful drugs that delay the development of signs of puberty. In an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation, she stated that there hadn’t been adequate investigation or therapy prior to that stage.
"I should have been challenged on the proposals or the claims that I was making for myself," she said. "I think that would have made a big difference."
Later she was prescribed the male hormone testosterone, to help her develop male features like a beard, moustache and a deep voice. A few years later she underwent a mastectomy.
"Initially I felt very relieved and happy about things, but I think as the years go on, you start to feel less and less enthusiastic or even happy about things.”
"You can continue to dig yourself deeper into this hole or you can choose to come out of it and have the weight lifted off your shoulders."
She stopped taking the cross-sex hormones at age 22 and says she has come to accept being female now. She remains upset, however, about what had happened to her over the last decade.
"I was allowed to run with this idea that I had, almost like a fantasy, as a teenager.... and it has affected me in the long run as an adult.”
Vulnerable young people, caught up in the pressure of the moment, have too easily been drawn into life-altering pathways involving medications and scalpels with their frequently irreversible effects. Puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and complex surgeries can all lead to permanent damage, even the destruction of a young person’s reproductive organs and fertility. 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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“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 big THANK YOU to everyone who came out on the Fourth of July to kick-start the Eastern leg of the LifeRunners A-Cross America Relay by walking across the Brooklyn Bridge as a peaceful and prayerful witness to the Unborn.
The day started with Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James, where Father Patterson's homily spoke of "going out of our comfort zone" to find and follow our "inner guidance system" or "awakening of our inner prophet", driven by the Holy Spirit.
(We even had a fellow LifeRunner from Philadelphia (Deb M.) use her "inner guidance system" (and GPS) to drive up that morning to join us in holy witness!)
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In fact, the readings for that Sunday seemed to be preparing us for our witness across the Brooklyn Bridge, in full view of NYC:
Hard of face and obstinate of heart are they to whom I am sending you. (Ez 2:4)
And whether they heed or resist—for they are a rebellious house they shall know that a prophet has been among them. (Ez 2:5)
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Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults,
hardships, persecutions, and constraints,
for the sake of Christ;
for when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor 12:10)
“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place
and among his own kin and in his own house.” (Mk 6:4)
Well, Amen to that!
But I'm also glad to say that our witness and message ("Remember the Unborn") was very peaceful and safe and relatively well-received.
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It was a GREAT day! Hopefully, we get to do this again next year!
Make sure to visit the LifeRunners Facebook page for more pictures:
All In Christ For Pro-Life!
God bless!
Bob Viscovich
LI Chapter Leader, Life Runners
Respect Life Leader
St Dominic’s, Oyster Bay
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SAVE THE DATES: SEPTEMBER 22 - OCTOBER 31 |
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Hempstead: 540 Fulton, Ave.
West Islip: 180 Sunrise Hwy.
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Smithtown: 70 Maple Ave.
Riverhead: 877 East Main St.
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Additional Campaign Site This Year
Patchogue:
450 Waverly Ave, Patchogue, NY 11772
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We will witness in the Public Area outside the Planned Parenthood Center at 450 Waverly Ave in Patchogue. Monday thru Saturday from 8 AM to 7 PM.
Hoping that neighboring Parishes will take one day a week, during the 40 Days.
This program can also generate interest to start or increase the Respect Life Ministry in the Parish.
Signs and Rosaries are provided.
See below for a short video and Bishop Barre’s letter about 40 Days for Life :
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Blessings,
Bob Williams
(631) 615-1735
Join us on Facebook
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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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CREIGHTON MODEL FERTILITY CARE
SYSTEM TRAINING
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The Gianna Center will be hosting a local Certificate Program for Creighton Model FertilityCare Systems. *Practitioners, *Instructors
Dates:
Education Phase I:
September 9-12, 2021, September 23-26, 2021
Education Phase II:
March 21-26, 2022
Place:
Seminary of the Immaculate Conception
440 West Neck Rd., Huntington, NY 11743
Deadline to Register is July 1, 2021
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Natural Family Planning Week
July 25 - 31, 2021
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Helping married couples to deepen conjugal love and achieve responsible parenthood is part of the Church's total pastoral ministry to Catholic spouses. Fulfillment of this ministry includes both education and pastoral care. This means "instilling conviction and offering practical help to those who wish to live out their parenthood in a truly responsible way" (Familiaris consortio, 35).
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From July 25–31, the Church in the United States observes National Natural Family Planning (NFP) Awareness Week.
The dates highlight the anniversary of the papal encyclical Humanae vitae (July 25)—which articulates Catholic beliefs about human sexuality, conjugal love, and responsible parenthood—and encompasses the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne (July 26).
NFP can sometimes help couples struggling with infertility to conceive a child. Learn more about NFP at usccb.org/nfp
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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 treating, 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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POST-ABORTION MINISTRY
Project Rachel Hope After Abortion
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Do you know someone who is suffering after an abortion experience?
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!
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Years ago, I had an abortion. By writing this I hope to reach anyone who may be suffering as I was, and to share with them my experience and healing.
I grew up in a Catholic home. Despite my refusal to accept many teachings of the church, I did believe in the sanctity of all human life. When I got pregnant during my first year in college, I felt my only choice was adoption. Although this was a most painful experience, it didn’t compare to the horror I went through a year later when I aborted my second child. Deep inside, I knew I was living immorally, the one who “accidentally” got pregnant. I wasn’t pressured by anyone. I just could not bear the thought of giving up another child and I was convinced I wouldn’t be a fit parent. What kind of parent was so irresponsible anyway?
By this time I had completely lost my faith. Living a way that contradicted what I knew in my heart to be true, made faith impossible. I proceeded to have the abortion, and so violated one of my most basic instincts. No one could tell me it wasn’t a child. I had been pregnant and given birth to my son a year earlier. I knew this was no “collection of cells.” I told no one and buried it deep inside. Read more
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Please Contact Us For Information
About The Next Day Of Prayer And Healing!
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DRVC Project Rachel confidential phoneline: 1-516-766-2538 (se habla espanol)
Toll Free number: 1-888-456-HOPE
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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
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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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