Dear Friends for Life,
As Election Day draws near, we are dedicating the October newsletter to the topic of voting because it is so important – it is a moral act whose repercussions will affect not only our daily lives, but also our souls. In the “Bit of Bioethics” section you will find a more lengthy explanation of terms commonly used (and misunderstood) in describing our moral duty in voting. It builds on the newsletters of the past couple of months which you can find on our website. However, a condensed version follows below.
The most important advice, though, is to pray (especially the Rosary, and before the Blessed Sacrament, if possible) and be faithful. No matter the outcome of the election, we must be filled with joy, charity, civility, and patience, for we are reflections of God’s image and His glory. Indeed, the last several months have been trying on even the heartiest of characters, but forget not St. Paul’s words to the Philippians:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (The New American Bible, Phil 4:4-7).
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On Voting
“While Americans presume that the Constitution guarantees their rights, in practice our rights survive or disappear based on how firmly we defend them.”
--Archbishop Charles J. Chaput
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Life Comes First. Always.
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There has been significant debate about political issues this election cycle (healthcare and racism, for example) in relation to abortion and which issues may influence our vote. When it comes to comparing politician’s views on the moral principles, all abuses of human dignity are intrinsically evil, but attacks on human life must be viewed as the most egregious violation because the right to life is the most fundamental human right and the source of all other human rights.
Archbishop Naumann has written, “The U.S. bishops have reaffirmed that ‘the threat of abortion remains our preeminent priority because it directly attacks life itself, because it takes place within the sanctuary of the family, and because of the number of lives destroyed.’ While they did warn us not to ‘dismiss or ignore other serious threats to human life and dignity such as racism, the environmental crisis, poverty, and the death penalty,’ they did give priority to upholding and defending our brothers’ and sisters’ most basic right—to live.” Read more
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+ PRAYER
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Th. 5:17
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HAPPY FEAST DAY POPE ST. JOHN PAUL II
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“...Christ needs you to enlighten the world and to show it the "path to life" ( Psalm 16:11). The challenge is to make the Church’s "yes" to Life concrete and effective. The struggle will be long, and it needs each one of you. Place your intelligence, your talents, your enthusiasm, your compassion and your fortitude at the service of life!”
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NOVENA FOR THE 2020 ELECTION
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Bearing in mind our nation’s challenges and the need for wise, moral, civic leadership, four years ago our Conference offered an electronic Election Novena to help Catholics prepare for the 2016 election. Shared through social media and various email lists, the prayer effort was widely popular with the laity and very much appreciated by clergy, who are often asked to promote more partisan or issue-specific prayer campaigns.
Utilizing the previous prayers, which were intentionally broad-focused, we are pleased to share the dates and intentions for the 2020 Election Novena. For nine consecutive days, Monday, October 26 through Tuesday, November 3, participants will be encouraged to pray one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the day’s intention. A closing prayer for elected leaders will be offered on day 10, Wednesday, November 4.
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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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Not all political issues are equal. They vary in importance for many reasons. For instance, they may deal with subjects that are more serious or less serious, more urgent or less
urgent; or they may demand action that is relatively clear-cut or more debatable
by people of good will.
For one example, in the United States in the middle of the nineteenth century, legal slavery was an issue so serious and so urgent that, we can all agree today, it could be addressed in only one way: complete abolition.
No voter of that time who chose a candidate based on whether he believed human beings could be legally bought, sold, and forced to labor would be considered too “single-issue” today. That’s because slavery was a preeminent issue: the issue before
and above all others.
In our day, in this upcoming election, there is an issue equally serious and no less urgent: abortion, the legal killing of unborn children in the womb. More than sixty million unborn
children have been killed by abortion in the U.S. since its nationwide legalization in 1973, and nearly a million more continue to be killed every year. That’s why the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops calls it “our preeminent priority” as faithful citizens.
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“Vaccines: What you need to know”
by Lisa A. Honkanen, M.D.
Vaccines have played an important role in reducing the impact of devastating diseases on the health of people worldwide. However, some vaccines are produced using cell lines derived from aborted fetuses. Learn more about what you need to consider | View PDF
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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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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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“Sing a Little Louder” – Pro-life Version
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Based on the story originally published by author Penny Lea. The Pro-Life version of Sing a Little Louder provides an important message that ties together one genocide with another. Learn more at SingLouderMovie.com
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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
631-376-3232
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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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