Issue 95 | March 2019
+ PRAYER & WORSHIP
Bishop Barres’ Lenten Letter 2019 
Dear Friends:

As we begin our prayer, fasting and almsgiving for the needs of the poor and the suffering of the world in this Lenten season 2019, we recommit ourselves to repentance, conversion and holiness individually and as a Church. Read more
Message Of His Holiness Pope Francis 
For Lent 2019
Dear Brothers and Sisters

Each year, through Mother Church, God “gives us this joyful season when we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery with mind and heart renewed… as we recall the great events that gave us new life in Christ” (Preface of Lent I). We can thus journey from Easter to Easter towards the fulfilment of the salvation we have already received as a result of Christ’s paschal mystery – “for in hope we were saved” (Rom 8:24).  Read more
The 2019 Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday, March 6, for Latin-rite Catholics with Easter Sunday on April 21.
During Lent, we are asked to devote ourselves to seeking the Lord in prayer and reading Scripture, to service by giving alms, and to sacrifice self-control through fasting . 
Lenten Resources 2019
We celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on March 19th. This occasion is an opportunity to highlight the gift of adoption by seeking the intercession of St. Joseph for the many people whose lives are touched by adoption. Resources are available to assist you with inviting others to join in prayer leading up to the solemnity, March 10-18, 2019.
St. Gianna Feast Day Mass
April 27, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.
St. Agnes Cathedral, Rockville Centre

Most Reverend John O. Barres
Bishop of Rockville Centre, presiding

Part of the liturgy will include a blessing in thanksgiving for those celebrating the gift of a child, those planning now or in the future for a child and those who are expecting a child.

RSVP by April 19, 2019
March 19, 2019
Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.
Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.
Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
Read Full Gospel MT 1:16, 18-21, 24A
March 25 2019
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, full of grace!
The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
Read full gospel LK 1:26-38
+   ADVOCACY & PUBLIC POLICY
Information on Abortion Expansion Legislation (Reproductive Health Act)
Bishop John Barres on the Abortion Expansion Act
13 Feb 2019

In this special video Bishop Barres encourages us to contact our local legislators, elected officials, and continue to pray for a conversion of minds and hearts among the citizens of our State and our elected officials. 
Letter from Bishop Barres on the Abortion Expansion Legislation (Reproductive Health Act)
The Bishop’s letter encourages us to contact our local legislators and elected officials.

At the very heart of our beliefs about who we are and why we exist, is a message of love. God creates us out of love. Out of love, He redeems us by the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus. He calls us to an eternal destiny with Him because He loves each sacred human life, created in His image. Read More
Sign the Petition to Repeal the Abortion Law

Express your firm opposition to New York's new abortion law by the signing the petition to Governor Andrew Cuomo. Urge him and the legislature to repeal the radical new law in its entirety. Read More
Legislative Roll Call on Abortion Expansion Legislation (Reproductive Health Act)
See how your legislator voted, and send a message to your elected officials about their vote.
Abortion Expansion Legislation (Reproductive Health Act) Analysis of the Bill

View a a full analysis of the Abortion Expansion Legislation
(Reproductive Health Act)
Ways for You to Get Involved

Consider how you can give a greater witness to the truth that we are all created in God’s image.
TAKE ACTION 
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)
  • New: Urge Congress to Stop Infanticide - Please urge your representative to co-sponsor the House version of the bill (H.R. 962) and sign the discharge petition when it becomes available in April. 
  • New: US Senate Fails to Pass the Born Alive Legislation - On February 25, the US Senate failed to pass the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. In spite of the shocking result, we must not become discouraged. Please take a minute to write to your senators to express appreciation for their support of Born Alive, or disappointment and disapproval if they voted against it.
+ CARE AND SERVICES
POST-ABORTION MINISTRY
Project Rachel
Hope After Abortion
Do you know someone who is suffering abortion loss? Project Rachel is a ministry about finding hope and healing after abortion. 

For more information, visit the Project Rachel Hope
After Abortion   website , call the Respect Life Office's confidential phoneline: 1-888-456-HOPE(se habla espanol) 
1-516-766 2538, email   [email protected]  to begin healing after abortion loss. 

 En Español:   Esperanzaposaborto.org
Healing after Abortion

Day of Prayer and Healing for Women
Saturday, April 6, 2019


Please register by Monday, April 1, 2019.
All reservations and information will remain confidential.
Diocesan Pregnancy Support
If you or someone you know of is pregnant, and in need of support, Catholic Charities and Catholic Health Services, can provide assistance.
Please contact: 1 (855) 301-4CHS or visit  chsli.org/pregnancy-support-services
Gianna Center of Long Island
Women's Health & Fertility
Comprehensive, Cooperative: A Unique New Approach to Women's Health and Wellness
Our highly skilled team is delighted to offer an exciting approach to women's health care. We provide preventive and specialized obstetrical and gynecologic care to women, honoring their dignity and the sanctity of human life.

If you or someone you know of is pregnant Catholic Charities and Catholic Health Services, can provide assistance please contact
1 (855) 301-4CHS or visit 
Gabriel's Courage
Catholic Health Services 
A program for families expecting a child with a life limiting illness. Gabriel's Courage is a family-centered perinatal program, offering a multidisciplinary team approach and continuum of care for families who choose to continue a pregnancy after receiving a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis. Read more
Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center
Mother’s Circle of Hope Support Group
Coping With Depression or Anxiety During Pregnancy or After the Birth of Your Baby? Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center is proud to offer to the local community a support group.
Become a CREIGHTON MODEL FertilityCare™ PRACTITIONER
The CREIGHTON MODEL Fertility Care  System works cooperatively with a woman’s cycle to monitor normal and naturally occurring biological markers that identify the fertile and infertile days in her cycle. 

The  FertilityCare  Practitioner Program prepares students to teach the Creighton Model  FertilityCare  System.

EDUCATION PHASE I
Cost $100.00 per night  (3 meals provided)
March 13 – March 20, 2019
Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, 440 W Neck Rd, Huntington, NY 11743

For more information contact:
Jamey Hutchinson  [email protected]   or 631-376-3232

+ EDUCATION
We are happy to announce the winners of the
2018-19 Respect Life Contest.

On March 18, 2019 At 11:00 a.m.

To view the winners visit our website: www.respectlife.drvc.org
March 2019
6th
Ash Wednesday
If today you hear his voice,
harden not your hearts.
P S 95:8
10th
First Sunday of Lent
One does not live on bread alone,
but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. MT 4:4B
This program prepares students to teach the CREIGHTON MODEL FertilityCare System. 
17th
S econd Sunday of Lent
From the shining cloud the Father's voice is heard: This is my beloved Son, hear him. MT 17:5
18th
Respect Life Contest Winners Announcement
We are happy to announce the winners of the 2018-19 Respect Life Contest. View the winners by going to our website.
All scripture taken from the USCCB DailyReadings     http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/
19th
Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Blessed are those who dwell in your house, O Lord; they never cease to praise you. PS 84:5
24th
Third Sunday of Lent
Lord, you are truly the Savior of the world; give me living water, that I may never thirst again. JN 4:42, 15
25th
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
The Word of God became flesh and made his dwelling among us;
and we saw his glory. JN 1:14AB
The 2019 Bereavement Conference - Grief is a Journey with keynote speaker Kenneth J. Doka, Ph.D.
31st
Fourth Sunday of Lent
I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life. JN 8:12
WORD OF LIFE | PALABRA DE VIDA
Word of Life - English       
          
 
Including a Prayer for a  Mother Before Childbirth and Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary for an Expectant Mother 

Please include these in your Sunday Bulletin.  
Bulletin Inserts
For Parish Respect Life
Additional Respect Life Informational Websites
DEUS CARITAS EST ... GOD IS LOVE
Allison O'Brien, Director 
Patricia Fox, Project Rachel Ministry Coordinator 
Diana Tellis, Ministry/Dept. Assistant 
Ashley Foster, Media Specialist
Sr. Elizabeth A. Geraghty, Volunteer
CONTACT US
RESPECT LIFE OFFICE
50 North Park Ave.
F: (516) 536-3473
Rockville Ctr., NY 11570
P: (516) 678-5800
Exts.626 & 381
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR CONTINUED MISSION TO SERVE LIFE!