December 2021
CHRISTMAS EDITION
Visit our website www.drvclife.org
Highlights of this newsletter: 
  • Advent
  • Dobbs v. Jackson
  • Upcoming Activities
Dear Friends for Life,

 
Advent

As we mark these final days of Advent, we are reminded: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” (Luke 3:4) We are not just tidying up our homes, but more importantly, preparing our hearts and souls as we anticipate the celebration of the coming of our Lord in Bethlehem. And so, we ready ourselves with Confession, prayer and fasting (some individuals still recognize this in the practice of Ember days). As well, this is a time in which we anticipate the Second Coming when He will come to judge the world, with love and mercy, but also in accordance with His Commandments. We cannot separate the Mystery of the Incarnation from the Mystery of the Passion by which our Salvation was purchased—and this should be an integral part of our focus these days. 

Dobbs v. Jackson

A few weeks ago, oral arguments for Dobbs v. Jackson were heard by the Supreme Court of the United States. Ed Mechmann, J.D. elaborated on a few legal points from the proceedings here and Grazie Pozo Christie, M.D. shared her medical insights here. But from a personal, human perspective, the crux of the argument—ending life in the womb—seemed especially incongruous with the start of the Advent season—a time during which we look with fervent anticipation to the birth of the Christ Child. At the same time, it seemed to highlight (and sometimes reject for what could only be ideological reasons) some of the most noteworthy observations that any parent would make—human life is a precious gift and it begins in the womb. Technology today provides undeniable proof for that. To believe “not much has changed” is just not defensibleRead more
+ PRAYER
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Th. 5:17 
MARY THE MOTHER OF JESUS CHRIST:
OUR MODEL OF PRO-LIFE
By Fr Vitus Ezeiruaku, Chaplain at Stonybrook Hospital
Christmas marks the birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ who is the Savior of the World. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn, 3: 16). The period of Advent and the entire Christmas season presents us with a double invitation. One is to reflect on the meaning of Christ’s birth and the other is the responsibility it posits on us as God’s children. Many a time, our reflection centers only on the son born to us without much thought about the mother of the child. Nevertheless, the Church in her wisdom knows that Mary significantly stands out in the story of Christmas. In lieu of this, she dedicated the Fourth Sunday of Advent to this purpose. In year A, the Gospel is taken from Matthew 1: 18-24, year B is culled from Luke, 1: 26-28 and year C is read from Luke, 1: 39-45. Reading these periscopes, few thoughts stand out. Firstly, is the Motherhood of our Blessed Virgin Mary, secondly is the clear understanding of her Motherhood as a divine mandate and thirdly is her total surrender to the will of God as to when she said: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Lk. 1: 38).
Mary was aware of the difficulty of explaining the source of her pregnancy without knowledge of a man and yet she surrendered to God’s word. She understood her divine mission to bring the Son of God into the world. She was aware that the child is not only hers but that of God and that she is a custodian of this precious gift of God. She knew from the moment of conception that she was carrying the Son of God in her womb. She was absolutely docile to the will of God and did not involve herself in anything that will endanger the life of the baby. The fear of being rejected by Joseph, the public spectacle and the consequent social stigma and even death by stoning did not deter her from observing God’s will. Read more
NATIONAL NIGHT OF PRAYER FOR LIFE
We thank all of the parishes that held National Nights of Prayer for Life on December 8, 2021. 

Our prayers united for Life and Unity raised up to the Lord through Our Lady are pleasing to them.

We had a very prayerful, peaceful and beautiful Night for Life here at Notre Dame in New Hyde Park. We had the Blessed Sacrament exposed to start off by Deacon Tom Lemme.

We then had a small prayer service lead by our Respect Life Group. The Magnificat With Mary written by the Sisters of Life was read by an 8th grader at our parish school, the Litany of Trust read by a boy scout from our parish sponsored Troop 544 and the Rachel Rosary again lead by members of our Respect Life Group.

For the hour of unity we prayed the joyous, luminous and glorious mysteries of the LIFE rosary lead by members of our Rosary Society and the Legion of Mary. In between prayer times, we played Marian hymns from a CD and had silent periods as well. We also had an intentions box set up before our Lady for private intentions.

Overall, it was an amazing, uplifting experience for us all in honor of our Blessed Mother. We know our prayers were united and heard that night. Let us continue to pray to Our Mother for her loving intercession and protection.

God bless us all,
Mary Ann Wolert-Zaromatidis, Respect Life Leader
Blessing Before a Christmas Stable
By Father Peter John Cameron, o.p.
No one, whether shepherd or wise man, can approach God here below except by kneeling before the manger at Bethlehem and adoring him hidden in the weakness of a new-born child. (CCC 563)

Lord Jesus, as I kneel before your manger in adoration, let my first Christmas word be: thank you. Thank you, Gift of the Father, for coming to save me from my sins.
Without you I do not know even how to be human. The characteristics of your human body express the divine Person of God’s Son. And in that wondrous expression, Lord, you reveal me to myself. Thank you for that saving revelation in your sacred humanity. As the Christmas liturgy proclaims, in Christ we experience “the holy exchange that restores our life”. Thank you for coming as one like myself to save me from myself.

You come as a baby because babies are irresistible and adorable. You come as a baby because you want our first impression of God Incarnate to be that of one who does not judge. How I long to be united with you in every way. May I never be attracted to the allurements and charms of the world. May I love you always, at every moment, with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. May the tenderness, the dependency, and the mercy that you reveal in your infancy become the hallmarks of my life.

Newborn Savior, the very silence of your Incarnation proclaims that the answer to the misery, the strife, and the meaninglessness we often experience in life cannot be found within us. You alone are the Answer. As I kneel before you, eternal King, I surrender to you all my selfishness, self-absorption, self-indulgence, self-righteousness, self-assertion, and self-exaltation. Even as I adore you on this night of your Birth, rid me of the nagging desire to be adored. Read more
+ 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
New Cures from Embryonic Stem Cells?

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  
We invite you to pray and fast for the upcoming Supreme Court case Dobbs v Jackson on the 22nd of each month for the next nine months as part of a nationwide prayer campaign! 
In 2018 Mississippi passed a law protecting unborn children after 15 weeks of gestation. The law was challenged and the case, known as Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization, is being heard by the Supreme Court. This is truly a landmark case that could potentially overturn the decision of Roe v Wade. The possibility for future laws protecting the unborn hangs in the balance. The oral arguments will be heard on Dec 1, 2021 but the decision is expected in June 2022.

For the past 49 years, the infamous date of January 22 has been one of solemn prayer and remembrance for the tragedy of legalized abortion in this country.

 In these next crucial 9 months
October 2021 until June 2022
 let us make the
22nd of each month
a special day of prayer and fasting for the Dobbs case
in the hopes that on its 50th anniversary (Jan 22, 2023)
Roe v Wade will have been finally overturned!
Prayer for the Supreme Court: 
Holy Trinity, Source of Life and Truth, we entrust our nation to You. We ask for mercy for the decades of legalized abortion that has been permitted in our land. We ask that the sacredness of every human life would be protected and upheld both in law and in culture. In a special way we commend to you the Justices of the Supreme Court. Please grant them clarity, wisdom, and courage to judge according to truth and right reason. Overthrow, at last, by Your power, the scourge of abortion in our land and usher in a new era of protection for the unborn. By the power of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection, may Your perfect justice be established on earth.
Amen
Bridge Event
On December 1st, the Waverly Ave Respect Life Team had a "Bridge Event" to create awareness of our Ministry for Life and for the Dobbs vs Mississippi Case. This event was supported by volunteers who braved the cold during both rush hours and led by Barbara Renner who organized and bought the signs necessary for the Event. This was done facing the East and West Traffic of the Sunrise Highway at the Waverly Avenue Overpass.  Many acknowledged with honks from the drivers and waves by the passengers
Patchogue 40 Days for Life
Praying for Dobbs Case
As we finished up one of our final weeks of Witnessing for 2021 we had a lot going on: 
People driving by went out of their way to purchase and come back and give us gift cards and to thank us for our being Witnesses for LIFE. 
We had a great Pray-Eat-Witness Event on Saturday, December 4th to Pray for Dobbs vs Jackson Case. 
We had a heartfelt and wonderful testimony from our Brave Young Witnesses who are the FUTURE of the Pro-Life Movement 
Special thanks to Fr Henry of Our Lady of Mount Carmel for letting Fr Kline say the Mass in the Chapel and Rosary for the success of Dobbs vs Mississippi Supreme Court Case.
We presented Fr Kline with a Baseball Cap with a Cross on it. He said he will be trying out for a new Baseball Team "The Long Island SAINTS"........Batter up !
Hempstead 40 Days for Life
Praying for Dobbs Case
The Pro Bikers for Life would like to thank all who participated in the Overturn Roe Prayer Rally at the Hempstead Planned Parenthood on December 1st. We had over forty prayer warriors present at the location.
Of course, the prayers recited by Fr Fidelis, cfr, that day were powerful, but so was the presence of so many people witnessing for Life. I’m sure it made an impact on the employees of Planned Parenthood and the Hempstead community.
MARCH FOR LIFE 2022
  Get ready for January 21, 2022

For the second year, the March for Life is going local/virtual for 2022!  Please visit this site regularly to keep up with events scheduled across the Diocese of Rockville Centre and ideas for planning your own pilgrimage.

If you are a interested in hosting an event, Mass, Adoration, Rosary, Prayer or Witness at your parish please email Donna Crean at [email protected]
+ 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 Marys, Glory Be

REFLECT
Each year during Advent, we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Christ our Savior at Christmas. As we anticipate this joyful celebration, we recall the
journey of the Holy Family from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Far from home, poor, and in great need, Mary and Joseph find refuge in a simple stable. But this humble setting among the livestock soon welcomes the heavenly host of angels and the infant
Jesus, himself.

Today, women in our own communities are pregnant, poor, perhaps without a home, and in great need. They may feel alone, scared, and overwhelmed, not
knowing where to turn. In challenging circumstances, expectant mothers need a refuge of their own. Like the Holy Family, they may be reliant on the kindness of others. May the story of the first Christmas inspire us to reach out to mothers in need.
May we proactively seek to offer loving support and encouragement as they prepare to welcome their children. By answering this call, may we help
mothers experience the joy, hope, and peace of the Christ Child.

ACT (choose one)

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
POST-ABORTION MINISTRY
Please Contact Us For Information About The Next Day Of Prayer And Healing!
Advent & Christmas Seasons

The seasons of Advent and Christmas may be very difficult for women and men who have participated in abortion. As we focus on the birth of a baby, as well as getting toys and gifts for other children, it often speaks to the pain of the child not there.
If you are feeling along and are hurting, please call our Post Abortion Ministry phone line. We would love to help you to bring the focus to the joy of this time of year and its meaning in your healing, We have Days of Prayer and Healing to help you begin your journey back to Christ’s Mercy.
These days allow those who attend to focus on the birth of Mercy, and what it means in your healing. Christ, who came to earth to save us from our sins, even the sin of abortion.
Project Rachel confidential phoneline:  1-516-766-2538 (se habla espanol)
Toll Free number: 1-888-456-HOPE
Email:  [email protected] 
En Español:  Esperanzaposaborto.org
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.
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
Contact Us
Lisa A. Honkanen, M.D. – Director
[email protected], 516-678-5800 Ext. 381
 
Donna Crean – Assistant Director/Project Rachel Coordinator
[email protected], 516 678 5800 Ext. 626

Jamey Hutchinson BSN CFCP CFCE Educational Liaison to
Gianna Center for Women's Health & Fertility
[email protected], 631-376-3232
50 North Park Ave. Rockville Ctr., NY 11570
Additional Informational Websites
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR CONTINUED MISSION TO SERVE LIFE!