Highlights of this newsletter:
- 40 Days for Life
- Down Syndrome Awareness
- Consecration of Russia & Ukraine
- Pray Unceasingly
|
|
40 DAYS FOR LIFE
As we reach the midpoint of Lent, so too, we find ourselves at the midpoint of the 40 Days for Life (40DFL) Spring Campaign. We are so grateful to all those who have been a part of this most important form of peaceful witness that brings a message of love and mercy, person to person, to those contemplating an abortion or involved in this destructive industry. We are especially thankful to Bishop Henning and Bishop Coyle for celebrating the Kick-Off Masses at Hempstead and Smithtown as well as the young adults who gave moving testimonies at the Patchogue Kick-Off event. It is not too late to join a campaign—just one hour a week could save a life! And remember:
My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you should stray from the truth and someone bring him back,
he should know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. --James 5:19
DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS
March 21 also marked World Down Syndrome Day. In the U.S., one in 700 children born have Trisomy 21 or Down Syndrome (DS), the most common chromosomal disorder. Estimates are that upwards of two-thirds (and in some places, like Iceland, up to 100%) of babies suspected to have DS on prenatal testing are aborted, despite a survey study published in 2011, that found most people with DS are happy and find their lives fulfilling.
Abortion does not eliminate DS, it merely eliminates the unique and unrepeatable person who has DS. Studies indicate that the best way to eradicate abortion as a default option for a DS prenatal diagnosis is with accurate information, positive stories, and personal interactions. This can make all the difference in dispelling parents’ fear and worry that a child with DS will have a life of burden. This witness can change lives, too. Please check out our website for information to help with this (under Support & Services). Read more
|
|
Adverse Prenatal Diagnosis Resources |
|
 |
+ PRAYER
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Th. 5:17
|
|
|
|
An Important Fatherhood Prerequisite
“St. Joseph’s Humility”
by Deacon Matt Yellico, St Joseph’s Ronkonkoma
|
|
I am a father to six children and was a foster father to one child. I can remember growing up hearing my mother say: “A child is a gift from God.” This reality was not fully realized by me until I began to have my own children. Each pregnancy gave me a clearer understanding of the beauty of the developing baby in my wife’s womb and a window to see the close relationship developing between my wife and our child in utero. In those nine months that my wife was blessed to share with each of our children, I observed a special bond growing between them, the effects of which were quite clear on my wife but were mysterious in relation to each child in utero. It wasn’t until our children were born that it became obvious how important their mother was to them. |
|
By observing the bonds that developed between a mother and child I was made aware of how important it is for a father to be a good husband. A child has a deep, tender, and special place in their heart for their mother. They are close to them from the beginning. The way a mother and child relationship develops it seems natural that what happens to a child’s mother affects the child intimately because of these unique bonds that are formed during pregnancy and through childhood. Read more
|
|
Meeting ID: 856 4708 7922
Passcode: 677757
Call In Number: 1 (646) 876-9923 (New York)
Join in whenever you can.
|
|
A Heart Open to God's Will
O Mary, Blessed Mother of God,
when the angel greeted you
you were surprised and fearful;
yet, in wonder you listened and
opened your heart to the divine message.
Your life had been ordinary,
like so many of Adam's children,
but your "yes" changed your life
and led to the salvation of us all,
because you invited Christ Our Lord
to grow inside of you.
Mother of Our Savior, help me to open my heart to the Father's will in my life.
Prayer for me to the Lord God as I pray to Him, O God, prepare my heart
for it is hard for me to trust in your will.
Give me clarity of vision,
that I may see your way.
Open my ears,
that I may hear your words.
Place your hand on my shoulder,
that I may feel your guidance.
Enlighten the darkness of my soul,
that I may be filled with your light.
|
|
Grant me wisdom as I ask (mention your requests here).
Generous and loving God,
like your daughter Mary,
help me to know and do your will
in this life and in the next.
Grant me a grateful heart and help me to always pray as Mary prayed.
|
|
“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
Too Much Morphine?
|
|
To help people navigate some of the complex decisions involved in end-of-life situations, the National Catholic Bioethics Center offers a free and confidential
consultation service via e-mail or phone. Often we are asked about the appropriate use of morphine and other opioids. Family members may be understandably concerned about the potential for overdosing their loved ones, as hospice workers appear to “ramp up” the morphine rapidly, especially in the last few hours of life.
What principles can guide us
in the appropriate use of morphine near the end of life? It can be helpful to summarize a few key points here.
Morphine and other opioids can be very useful — indeed, in- valuable — in controlling pain and reducing suffering for many patients near the end of life. Morphine is also used to alleviate anxiety and labored breathing. Opioids are highly effective pain management tools in the tool box of palliative care and hospice specialists.
These drugs need to be used carefully, since very high doses are capable of suppressing a patient’s ability to breathe, which can lead to death. Read more
|
|
"Careful attention to pain management is of paramount importance in end- of- life care and supports both the patient and the family in a dignified way during the dying process." |
|
NEW UPDATED RESOURCES:
NEW!
FAQ on COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Exemptions
|
|
See below for a list of current issues for you to learn more and to take action.
|
|
“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 |
|
Don't Waste Your Lent - YouTube |
|
We need to have a good Lent...and our culture needs us to have a good Lent. We are capable of great evil and great sanctity. This Lent, step out in faith and put your Christian love into action by joining pro-life Christians in 588 cities worldwide for the largest Lenten 40 Days for Life campaign in history at 40daysforlife.com/locations.
God can use you to save a life, convert an abortion worker, or even close your local abortion business. Or He might let you trust that He answers your prayers without apparent results. That was the case for Margaret in Helena, Montana, who thought her prayers were fruitless--until her vigil saved her own great-grandson from abortion! Meet Margaret and Baby Leo in this powerful video.
|
|
40 Days for Life Kick Off Masses |
|
Hempstead, St Ladislaus Church with Bishop Richard Henning |
|
On February 26th at St Ladislaus Church, the Hempstead 40 Days for Life Opening Mass was a great success. It was such an honor to have Auxiliary Bishop Richard Henning as the main celebrant and Fr. Fidelus cfr, Fr. Pilsner and Fr. Rozak, pastor of St Ladislaus as the concelebrants.
Approximately eighty people attended the mass and rosary procession to the Hempstead Planned Parenthood. It was such a powerful witness!
|
|
|
|
40 DAYS FOR LIFE KICK OFF-JESUS, HIS PRESENCE - YouTube |
|
Please go to the Hempstead 40 Days for Life website at
(The Hempstead campaign is from March 2nd to April 9th- Monday through Saturday - 8am to 5pm.) This will encourage other prayer warriors to join you.
|
|
Smithtown, St Patrick’s Kick off Mass with Bishop Robert Coyle |
|
The Mass at St. Patrick R.C. Church was also well attended, with about 90 participants. Aux. Bishop Robert Coyle was the lead presider, with Monsignor Walden, three other priests, and a deacon joining him on the altar. The Lord truly blessed us with His presence!
We would like to thank the approximately 95 volunteers who prayed with us this past Saturday at the vigil site for our Kickoff Event! It was so inspirational to see all of you!
|
|
Your prayers can save lives and change hearts. 40 Days for Life is a life-saving prayer campaign that will take place throughout our Diocese across Long Island starting on March 2nd and concluding April 10th . 40 Days for Life is a peaceful initiative consisting of 40 days of prayer and fasting, peaceful vigil at abortion facilities, and educational outreach with the goal of protecting mothers and their children from abortion. More than 18,000 unborn children have been saved from abortion during 40 Days for Life campaigns. To learn more about the 40 Days for Life campaign, in your area visit: www.40daysforlife.com. Sign up for hours for each campaign.
CONTACT LEADERS FOR CAMPAIGNS ON LONG ISLAND:
|
|
"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
In March, we celebrate both the Solemnities of St. Joseph and the Annunciation, just five days apart. These great feast days of the Church honor Joseph and Mary’s part in the work of our redemption.
We can only imagine how Joseph must have felt when he discovered Mary was with child. Yet he remained faithful to God, who was always with him. Through a series of dreams, God revealed to Joseph his role in bringing God’s plans to fulfillment. He told Joseph not to be afraid and to welcome Mary into his home. Even though he had a right to divorce Mary under Jewish law, Joseph obeyed God and welcomed her as his wife and raised a child that was not biologically his own.
Joseph is often considered the “silent” saint, but Scripture tells us that he was a just man. His love was shown through actions like protecting Mary and Jesus on the flight into Egypt and providing for and protecting God’s Holy Family throughout Christ’s childhood.
Sadly, many expectant mothers today do not have the support of their child’s father. The challenging realities of our fallen world lead us to ask ourselves how the Lord is calling each of us, personally, to imitate the sacrificial love of
St. Joseph.
|
|
In addition to supporting mothers with our prayers, we can consider financially supporting a maternity home, volunteering at a pregnancy care center, or accompanying mothers in need with the gift of our friendship.
How is God calling each of us to imitate St. Joseph’s care for expectant mothers and their children?
|
ACT (choose one)
-
Offer this Prayer to St. Joseph, Defender of Life for this month’s intention.
-
Contact a local pregnancy center, maternity home, or parish-based ministry. Ask about their greatest needs and what opportunities there are to volunteer, donate, or provide mentorship.
-
Offer some other sacrifice or prayer that you feel called to do for this month’s intention.
ONE STEP FURTHER
Meditate more deeply on St. Joseph’s role as the faithful protector of Mary and Jesus in this short reflection. Consider how Joseph’s example can inspire our own support and accompaniment of mothers in need.
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
Please Call For Information About The Next Day Of Healing!
ENGLISH RETREAT: Rachel’s Vineyard: June 10-12, 2022
|
|
This retreat is not only for women but men, grandparents and siblings are welcome to come and receive God’s Grace, Mercy and Healing! |
|
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! |
|
Project Rachel confidential phoneline: 1-516-766-2538 (se habla espanol)
Toll Free number: 1-888-456-HOPE
|
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. |
|
A Lenten Journey to Mercy |
|
Journeying through healing from abortion can often feel like our own personal passion whether it is as the mother, father, sibling, or someone else who has been harmed.
Join us as we walk with Jesus this lent, as women, men and siblings share their own personal experiences in healing. Move with them through the acknowledgement of their sin, and their need of God, to repentance, and the love and mercy of Christ who died on the cross for our salvation.
Jesus waits for us and longs to bring us His forgiveness. Accompany Him in His passion from March 2 – April 17th as we provide Meditations from the daily readings relating to healing from abortion.
|
|
Along with the women, men and siblings who will share their hearts we will be blessed with meditations by Bishop Joseph Strickland, leader of the Diocese of Tyler in eastern Texas, as well as priests who we are blessed to work with in the Entering Canaan Ministry, the Rev. Mariusz Koch, the Rev. Fidelis Moscinski, the Rev. Francis Mary Roaldi, and the Rev. Lawrence Schroedel, from the community of The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal.
|
|
Our journey will cumulate at the cross of Calvary with the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the ultimate act of love that conquered our sins. We will end immersed in the light of HIs Resurrection and promise of eternal life.
This beautiful season speaks of His forgiveness, love and mercy, listen and enter into it with us as He speaks to each of our hearts this Lent.
|
|
|
|
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! |
|
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
|
992 No Village Ave . Rockville Ctr., NY 11570
|
Additional Informational Websites |
|
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR CONTINUED MISSION TO SERVE LIFE! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
