A Prayer for Mothers
All-loving God,
we give you thanks and praise
for mothers young and old.
We pray for young mothers,
who give life and count toes and tend to our every need;
May they be blessed with patience and tenderness
to care for their families and themselves with great joy.
We pray for our own mothers
who have nurtured and cared for us;
May they continue to guide
in strong and gentle ways.
We remember mothers who are separated
from their children because of war, poverty, or conflict;
May they feel the loving embrace of
our God who wipes every tear away.
We pray for women who are not mothers
but still love and shape us
with motherly care and compassion.
We remember mothers, grandmothers,
and great -grandmothers who are no longer with us
but who live forever in our memory
and nourish us with their love.
Amen.
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My understanding ofthe Year of Mercy is God's forgiveness, compassion, and love for all. According to Mar Munoz-Visoso's article, from the USCCB website, Pope Francis "has compared the Church to a field hospital that must welcome and tend to the wounded and the dying in the daily battlefield oflife." Pope Francis is referring to a battlefield for mercy.
Personally, I can take this quote and apply it to my life, due to my pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, where I volunteered for 10 days this summer. Lourdes, France is the place where Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette, telling her to bring the sick to bathe in the springs. There people have been miraculously healed from physical, mental, and spiritual sicknesses. Today people from all over the world who are sick or looking for healing go to Lourdes. This summer I experienced God's mercy first hand. There I met physically, mentally, and spiritually sick people, many of whom showed me what God's mercy was. While working at the baths, assisting people in wheelchairs and stretchers, another teen and I, made rosaries in between jobs.
We handed rosaries to people waiting on the lines, so they could have a rosary to pray with. While we were working, we met two Irish women in wheelchairs. Speaking to us saying they came to Lourdes to receive God's healing, and mercy, and they have been coming for many years. Stating how proud they were seeing us work so hard, they offered to pray for us. Hearing this helped me feel God's mercy through these women. They truly showed me what mercy is- compassion and love for all.
As Pope Francis has said, "we are called to show mercy because mercy has first been shown to us." In Lourdes, I was shown mercy by the people I encountered. I was able to act on a corporal work of mercy; by visiting the sick. As well as, two of the spiritual works of mercy; comforting the sorrowful, and praying for the living and dead. What was most rewarding, was the gratitude we felt from those who were suffering. Many were sorrowful and unhappy upon arrival, and we were able to share with them God's love for all people. In this "battlefield of life" they taught me what mercy is, and how to be merciful. In Lourdes, I was moved by mercy.
Essay Level II 1st Place Winner
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Bookmark Level II - 1st Place Winner |
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The Purpose of the Spiritual Adoption Program is threefold:
- Encourage parishes, schools and other communities to pray for babies in danger of abortion.
- Educate adults and children about the development of the pre-born child.
- Provide mothers in need with assistance at a 'baby shower' of donated baby gifts, or simply celebrate with a 'birthday party' at the conclusion of the program. In some schools a crib was bought with monetary gifts and the children filled a crib with gifts for expectant Mothers.
This is done by encouraging people to "spiritually adopt" an unborn baby, and to follow their baby along the path to being born.
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Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Bishop Robert Barron, Jonathan Reyes, and Helen Alvaré discuss respect for the life and dignity of the human person in this three-and-a-half minute video.
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RESPECT LIFE PROGRAM ARTICLE
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Caring For Loved Ones At Life's End
An old Irish proverb says, "It is in the shelter of each other that the people live." Indeed, we are created to depend upon one another and walk together in suffering. But when family members or friends approach life's end, we may not know how best to "shelter" them. Here are some concrete ways we can compassionately care for them.
- Invite God In: Pope Francis has said that "praying in difficult situations is like opening the door to the Lord, in order that he might enter."1 The dying process is a sacred time-a final season to seek closure in this life and prepare for the next in the hope of sharing in Christ's Resurrection. As you enter into this season with your friend or family member, ask God to accompany both of you.
- Listen: Try to discover your loved one's values and how best to honor his or her wishes. This requires true empathy. It can be hard not to assume he or she wants the same thing you think you would want if you were in the same situation. Listen with a non-judgmental ear so your loved one feels free to speak openly.
- Inform Yourself: Be aware that wishes for refusing ordinary or proportionate treatment2-or for pursuing assisted suicide-are usually rooted in fears of dependency, helplessness, or pain. Make yourself available to discuss these or any concerns. Know that hospice care focuses on alleviating pain and other symptoms, meeting basic needs, and providing comfort. Seek to understand the Catholic Church's teaching on end-of-life care, which can help you provide authentically loving support that respects life.* Read more
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The eleven disciples went to Galilee,
to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them.
When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.
Then Jesus approached and said to them,
"All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."
MT 28:16-20
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The Ascension by Dosso Dossi
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Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
May 31, 2017
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| The Visitation Domenico Ghirlandaio |
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Mary set out
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
"Most blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled."
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And Mary said:
"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever."
Mary remained with her about three months
and then returned to her home.
LK 1:39-56
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LIFE ISSUES FORUM
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Going To Battle Against Assisted Suicide
By Greg Schleppenbach
The campaign to legalize doctor-prescribed suicide has been wisely rejected by most policymakers in our society. Most people, regardless of religious affiliation, know that suicide is a terrible tragedy, one that a compassionate society should work to prevent. They realize that allowing doctors to prescribe the means for any of their patients to kill themselves is a corruption of the healing art.
But assisted suicide proponents like the deceptively-named group "Compassion & Choices" (C&C) have renewed their aggressive nationwide campaign through legislation, litigation, and public advertising, targeting states they see as most susceptible to their message. So the battle against doctor-assisted suicide continues to rage on many fronts.
In 1994, Oregon became the first state to legalize doctor-assisted suicide. The assisted suicide campaign has since advanced to legalize the deadly practice in Washington, Vermont, California, Colorado, and the District of Columbia. Montana's highest court, while not officially legalizing the practice, suggested in 2009 that it could be allowed under certain circumstances.
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New legislation has been introduced in the State Assembly that would increase late-term abortions in the state, empower non-doctors to perform abortions.
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Opposition to
Doctor-Assisted Suicide
Legislation to legalize doctor-assisted suicide for the terminally ill has now been introduced for the 2017-2018 Legislative Session. Please let your Senate and Assembly representatives know that you strongly oppose this dangerous proposal.
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Urge Congress to Enact the Conscience Protection Act of 2017!
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CHS's Gianna Center and Pregnancy Support Website
Catholic Health Services (CHS) now offers a dedicated, interactive website section for the Gianna Center and its pregnancy support services. The Gianna Ce
nter based at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center offers highly specialized restorative reproductive medicine in accordance with Catholic teaching.
The confidential, dedicated telephone number for this program is
1 (855) 301-4CHS
, supported by the availability of multilingual interpretive services. Anyone of any faith may call or refer to this support line, including representatives of parishes, colleges and crisis pregnancy centers. To speak to someone about pregnancy options immediately between 7:00 pm and 7:30 am Monday to Friday or on the weekend, please call
1 (800) 712-HELP (4357).
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Do you know someone who is suffering abortion loss, their is hope and healing after abortion.
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The Day of Prayer and Healing for Women
is an opportunity to experience the loving
mercy of God in a safe and sacred space.
Sunday, June 17, 2017 Long Island Location
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Project Rachel Hope After Abortion
I would now like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion... do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope...the Father of mercies is ready to give you His forgiveness and His peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation." (Evangelium Vitae no. 99, John Paul II)
Project Rachel
Hope After Abortion website or call the Respect Life Office's confidential hotline:
1-888-456-HOPE (se habla espanol) to begin healing after abortion loss.
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Entering Canaan Day of Prayer and Healing for Women
Prayer and Healing Retreats, help those suffering the effects of abortion. We offer a safe place, a way out of the pain, in a non-judgmental atmosphere. All retreats are
led by the Sisters of Life and women who have experienced both the suffering of abortion and the joy of healing in Christ.
For more information visit our website
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Entering Canaan
DAYS OF PRAYER & HEALING
for women
Saturday, May 20, 2017
Saturday, June 17, 2017
(Long Island Location)
Saturday, December 9, 2017
(Long Island Location)
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For more information or to register contact
Sisters of Life
or
Theresa Bonopartis
877.586.4621 (toll free)
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Entering Canaan
DAY OF PRAYER & HEALING
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Join our Mission to Serve Life!
"You are the salt of the earth. . . You are the light of the world. . . your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father" (Matthew 5: 13, 14, 16)
The Respect Life Office helps support young mothers in maternity homes on Long Island who have chosen life.
Your generous donation will help maternity Homes on Long Island:
- Regina Maternity Services
- Mother of Good Counsel Home
- Momma's House
- Bethany house
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UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR
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An Afternoon of Prayer & Enrichment for all involved in Ministry of Consolation & Bereavement Ministry. Come Renew, Refresh, Learn, Share, & Pray
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The Good Shepherd Hospice is sponsoring a Mother's Day Workshop for those who are grieving.
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This workshop series builds on Liturgy I for understanding the specific principles of Liturgy .
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Mother's Day
You formed my inmost being;
you knit me in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13
(NABRE)
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Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles
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The Ascension of the Lord
Go and teach all nations, says the Lord;
I am with you always, until the end of the world. MT 28:19 (NABRE)
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The Good Shepherd Hospice is sponsoring a Mother's Day Workshop for those who are grieving.
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Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.
LK 1:39-56
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Bishop Gregory Mansour of the Eparchy of Saint Maron and
The School of Evangelization of the Diocese of Brooklyn
cordially invite you to
A seminar on the Creighton Model FertilityCareTM System and NaProTECHNOLOGY
A Unique System of Fertility Regulation A New Woman's Reproductive Health Science Based on over 40 Years of Research
presented by
Paul Carpentier, MD, CFCMC
Director of the Long Island Gianna Center at Good Samaritan Hospital
Date: Tuesday May 30, 2017, 7 - 9 pm (Optional Dinner at 6 pm)
Location: Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral
113 Remsen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Cost: $30 Suggested Donation (No charge for religious, seminarians and clergy)
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Bring in the spring season with our recommended reading list.
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WORD OF LIFE | PALABRA DE VIDA
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Please include these in your Sunday Bulletin. |
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BULLETIN INSERTS - FOR PARISH RESPECT LIFE
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Additional Respect Life Informational Websites
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DEUS CARITAS EST
... GOD IS LOVE
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Allison O'Brien, Director
Patricia Fox,
Project Rachel Ministry Coordinator
S. Elizabeth A. Geraghty
Diana Tellis, Ministry/Dept. Assistant
______________________________________
Ashley Foster, Media Specialist
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CONTACT US
RESPECT LIFE OFFICE
50 North Park Ave.
F: (516) 536-3473
Rockville Ctr., NY 11570
P: (516) 678-5800
Exts.626 & 381
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THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR CONTINUED MISSION TO SERVE LIFE!
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