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People of Life E-NewsletterJanuary 2012

Greetings!

I have plenty to share with you this month as we commemorate the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Be sure to pray on Monday for an end to abortion, and to "Send a Pro-Life Message to Congress" in the link below.

   Sincerely,
 TomGrenchikSignature
US Bishops Vow to Fight HHS Edict
Cardinal-designateDolan
Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan, President, USCCB
  • Unconscionable to force citizens to buy contraceptives against their will
  • No change in limited exemption, only delay in enforcement
  • Matter of freedom of conscience, freedom of religion

WASHINGTON-The Catholic bishops of the United States called "literally unconscionable" a decision by the Obama Administration to continue to demand that sterilization, abortifacients and contraception be included in virtually all health plans. Today's announcement means that this mandate and its very narrow exemption will not change at all; instead there will only be a delay in enforcement against some employers.

       "In effect, the president is saying we have a year to figure out how to violate our consciences," said Cardinal-designate Timothy M. Dolan, archbishop of New York and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops . . . more!

 National Prayer Vigil for Life 2012
 
National Prayer VigilThe National Prayer Vigil for Life is an all-night pro-life prayer vigil held on the eve of the March for Life each January since 1979. Over 20,000 pilgrims from across the nation pray through the night for an end to abortion and a greater respect for all human life. It is held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.  The opening Mass will be at 6:30pm.

 - Can't join us in Washington in January for the National Prayer Vigil for Life? Hold your own Holy Hour for Life. 

January 22 Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection
of Unborn Children
Roman Missal COVER             In all the Dioceses of the United States of   America, January 22 (or January 23, when January 22 falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion. 
          The liturgical celebrations for this day may be the "Mass For Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life," celebrated with white vestments, or the Mass "For the Preservation of Peace and Justice" , celebrated with . . . more."
Life Issues Forum

"Loving Children Resulting from Rape"

  

One-hundred-year-old Minka Disbrow recently began sharing her story in the news of how she was raped at the age of 17 and became pregnant. Despite the violence inflicted upon her, Minka developed a great love for her unborn child and placed her in a loving home a month after birth. A woman in Minka's situation today is perhaps more likely to seek an abortion, given the current legal status and increased acceptability of abortion. Her story provides an opportunity to reflect on the Church's teaching on abortion in cases of rape.... . . . read on.
 
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Respect  Life  Program
Monthly Featured Article
This month's featured article is "Reproductive Technologies"

      The 2011-2012 Respect Life Program continues throughout the year with the theme "I Came So That All Might Have Life, and Have It to the Full."

     In addition to the eight pamphlets in the new "Life Matters" series, the packets also include a liturgy guide, clip art, bulletin inserts and more information for your parish or organization. Spread the Gospel of Life by ordering packets or packet items separately. 

     This month's featured article is "Reproductive Technologies" which reflects on how these technologies put the lives of women and children at risk and the responsibility we have to stand for the dignity of every human life as a gift from God, not as a product to be manipulated or mistreated even with the best of intentions 

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In This Issue
National Prayer Vigil 2012
Day of Prayer
Life Issues Forum
Featured Article: Reproductive Technologies
Prayer Corner
Send a Pro-Life Message to Congress!
Join With Marchers
in DC
January 22, 2012 marks the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Around the country many events are being held calling for the end of Roe.
 
In conjunction with these events, you can send a pro-life message to your representatives in Congress. The message urges Members of Congress to work to end Roe and support the protection of all unborn children. Click here for link.
 
Tell others to make their voices heard! 

 

Meet the Staff
Richard Doerflinger

 Richard Doerflinger is Associate Director of the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, where he has worked for over 30 years. Among his duties is the preparation of policy statements, educational materials and congressional testimony on abortion, euthanasia, conscience rights in health care, embryo research, and other medical-moral issues for the bishops' conference. Among other honors he has received a Life Prizes Award from the Gerard Health Foundation (2009), and the first Evangelium Vitae Medal from the University of Notre Dame Fund to Protect Human Life (2011). Richard and his wife Lee Ann live in Silver Spring, MD; they are the parents of four children and have one grandchild.

Prayer Corner
"Only with prayer - prayer that storms the heavens for justice and mercy, prayer that cleanses our hearts and souls - will the culture of death that surrounds us today be replaced with a culture of life."
 -Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities, U.S. Catholic Bishops
 
Check out Pro-Life Prayers and Blessings on our web site!
Mark Your Calendar
  • January 22-23:  National Prayer Vigil for Life
  • February 7-14           National Marriage Week USA
  • February 12         World's Marriage Day
  • February 12-15 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering, Washington, D.C. Learn more and register here!
  
JOIN People of Life
 

 People of Life is the pro-life action campaign

of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Our mission is to promote respect and legal protection for all human life, from conception to natural death.

 

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