This is how we answer our missionary call. This is how we build a culture of life, a culture that joyfully proclaims the truth of God's love, purpose, and plan for each person. Changing the culture is a process of conversion that begins in our own hearts and includes a willingness to be instructed and a desire to be close to Jesus-the source of joy and love.
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In this issue:
- Advocacy & Public Policy - Mary Immaculate, patroness of our country, pray for us!
- Take Action - Oppose Late-Term Abortion Expansion
- Respect Life Art Sale
- Prayer & Worship- 50th Anniversary of Humane Vitae - July 25, 2018
- Education - Respect Life Blog Post 2: Suicide – High School Students & What We Should Know
- Life Issues Forum - Contraception and Abortion: The Ultimate Let-Down for Women
- Care and Services - Gabriel's Courage | Gianna Center of Long Island
- Project Rachel - An Evening of Prayer for Men Suffering Abortion Loss, Wednesday, August 15, 2018
- Upcoming Events Calendar
- Word of Life
Take Action below on current legislative alerts!
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Happy Fourth of July!
Mary Immaculate, patroness of our country, pray for us!
¡Feliz 4 de julio!
María Inmaculada, patrona de nuestro país, ruega por nosotros
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from your provident hand we have received our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
You have called us as your people and given us the right and the duty to worship you, the only true God, and your Son, Jesus Christ.
Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit, you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world,
bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospel to every corner of society.
We ask you to bless us in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty.
Give us the strength of mind and heart
to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened; give us courage in making our voices heard on behalf of the rights of your Church and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith.
Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father,
a clear and united voice to all your sons and daughters gathered in your Church
in this decisive hour in the history of our nation, so that, with every trial withstood and every danger overcome—
for the sake of our children, our grandchildren, and all who come after us— this great land will always be “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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+ ADVOCACY & PUBLIC POLICY
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Chairman of U.S. Bishops’ Pro-Life Committee Praises Supreme Court’s Respect for Free Speech in NIFLA v. Becerra Decision
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June 26, 2018
WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. Supreme Court decided the case of National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA) v. Becerra. This case challenges a California law forcing pro-life pregnancy centers to provide free advertising for the abortion industry. The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of NIFLA under the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, issued the following statement praising the ruling "In an important victory for the free speech rights of pro-life organizations."
Read more
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Chairman of bishops’ migration committee expresses concern over immigration bills
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People in El Paso, Texas, protest the separation of families suspected of illegally entering the U.S. (CNS photo/Mike Blake, Reuters)
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WASHINGTON—Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, of Austin, Texas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, sent a letter to every Member of the U.S. House of Representatives in response to two immigration bills that are expected to be taken up later this week by the full House. Bishop Vasquez had previously written in opposition to the first of the two bills (H.R. 4760), introduced in January of this year. The bishop’s June 18 letter focuses most of its attention on a second, yet-to-be-numbered House Republican Leadership alternative bill.
Read more
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Religious Freedom
We continue our exploration of religious freedom in honor of the
Fourth of July.
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A basic duty every human person owes to God is regular worship. Because of this, and because of the basic longing each person has for God, a fundamental human right is the right to worship freely. No one should be prohibited from a free exercise of their faith, either in public or in private, and no one should ever be forced to worship in a manner that violates their beliefs and convictions. Because freedom of religion and worship is such an important and fundamental right, governments need to enact and enforce laws that respect and protect this right (cf. CCC, nos. 2105-2109).
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Long Islanders show support and pray for religious freedom at rally
More than 150 people gathered at St. John the Baptist High School, West Islip, on Saturday, June 30, to express their support for ongoing efforts to defend the religious liberties of Catholics and people of all faiths here in the United States and around the world.
The annual rally, co-sponsored by the Diocese of Rockville Centre and Catholics for Freedom of Religion, was held in observance of Religious Freedom Week, the U.S. Catholic Church’s national education campaign on religious liberty. Initiated by the U.S. bishops in 2012 and formerly known as the Fortnight for Freedom, this year’s observance ran from June 22 to June 29.
Read More
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Abortion is NOT Family Planning! - Show your support for the "Protect Life Rule"
Last updated: 6/25/18
The Trump Administration just proposed new regulations to help ensure that abortion is separated from the federal Title X family planning program. The Administration has opened a 60-day comment period ending on July 31, 2018 and is accepting comments on the proposed rule.
Take action!
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Oppose Late-Term Abortion Expansion
Last updated: 6/1/18
While late-term abortion expansion was not included in the enacted state budget, and the Senate Health Committee recently defeated a stand-alone bill, new efforts are underway by abortion advocates.
Take action today!
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Maintain the Ban on Surrogacy
Last Updated: 2/1/2018
Legislation which would undo New York's longstanding ban on surrogate motherhood for profit just got a boost with a new government report recommending the practice. Please let your elected officials know that you oppose this bill because it would do much more harm than good.
Take action now.
Tell Congress to reinstate DACA
Last Updated: 2/1/2018
Since the announcement that the Trump Administration is rescinding the Obama-era Executive Order known as DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), the issue has become a political football, with the future of nearly 800,000 beneficiaries of the program (including an estimated 42,000 of our fellow New Yorkers) hanging in the balance.
Take action
Oppose Doctor-Assisted Suicide
Last Updated: 2/1/2018
Express Disappointment to Congress About Its Failure to Enact the Conscience Protection Act
Last Updated: 03/29/2018
Passage of the Conscience Protection Act (CPA) has been and remains a high priority of the Catholic Bishops. Unfortunately, the U.S. Congress failed to enact the CPA as part of the 2018 omnibus spending bill, as we hoped. We urge you to contact Congress over their failure to act
Take Action!
Last Updated: 02/28/2018
Conscience protections for Americans involved in HHS-funded programs, which protect people from being coerced into participating in activities that violate their consciences, such as abortion, sterilization, or assisted suicide.
Last Updated: 10/04/2017
Cardinal Dolan, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities and Bishop Dewane, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development have expressed their strong support for H. Con. Res. 80, a resolution expressing the sense of Congress that assisted suicide is a "deadly, discriminatory and non-compassionate practice."
Learn more about this Action Alert
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Diocese of Rockville Centre
An Evening of Prayer for Men
Suffering Abortion Loss
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An Evening of Prayer for Men is an opportunity to experience the loving mercy of God in a safe and sacred space. The evening is directed by a spiritual team who have a sensitivity and a heart for those who suffer.
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The evening will consist of Mass, Dinner, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and Adoration.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
call Project Rachel at
1-516-766-2538
.
All reservations and information will remain confidential.
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Project Rachel Hope After Abortion
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Do you know someone who is suffering abortion loss, there is hope and healing after abortion
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Diocese of Rockville Centre Day of Prayer and Healing for Women
The Day of Prayer and Healing for Women is an opportunity to experience the loving mercy of God in a safe and sacred space.
Saturday, December 1, 2018
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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.
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Contraception and Abortion: The Ultimate Let-Down for Women
by: Kimberly Baker
JUNE 15, 2018
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Over the past several decades, contraception and abortion have had far-reaching effects in our culture, shaping attitudes on sexual behavior on a massive scale. Contrary to the promises of freedom, empowerment, or equality, contraception and abortion have led to a greater degradation of women, especially in their relationships with men.
In 1968, in his encyclical
Humanae Vitae
, Blessed Pope Paul VI warned that
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"… a man who grows accustomed to the use of contraceptive methods may forget the reverence due to a woman, and, disregarding her physical and emotional equilibrium, reduce her to being a mere instrument for the satisfaction of his own desires, no longer considering her as his partner whom he should surround with care and affection" (HV 17)
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As recent history has shown, the widespread availability of contraception and abortion has allowed men to push previously respected boundaries with women with greater insensitivity and impunity.
Read more
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Creighton Model Education Program
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The Catholic Health Services Gianna Center for Women’s Health & Fertility is pleased to announce the first FertilityCarePractitioner Education Program on Long Island available to those interested in joining the profession of promoting authentic women’s health care & natural family planning.
For more information, contact
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Gianna Center of Long Island
Women's Health & Fertility
Comprehensive, Cooperative:
A Unique New Approach to Women's Health and Wellness
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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. While we are successfully able to address male infertility as well, we are uniquely qualified to care for women of all ages and at all stages of life.
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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
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Gabriel's Courage - Catholic Health Services
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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. A program of Catholic Health Services (CHS) and Good Shepherd Hospice, Gabriel's Courage works in collaboration with the Diocese of Rockville Centre's peer ministry initiative to provide care to families.
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“Even the weakest and most vulnerable…are masterpieces of God’s creation, made in his own image, destined to live forever, and deserving of the utmost reverence and respect.” Pope Francis
As much as we might not enjoy discussing it, suicide is affecting young people at an alarming rate. The 2015 Youth Risk Behaviors Survey conducted by the US Department of Health and Human Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concluded that 8.6% of youth across the nation in grades 9-12 reported a suicide attempt in the last 12 months. Girls in this age range are twice as likely to make a suicide attempt. We should be concerned by these numbers and consider them a wake-up call.
(US Department of Health and Human Services/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Bullying and cyber-bullying are issues which particularly affect high school students, and can take a heavy toll on their mental health. Victims of bullying might feel alone, hopeless, and unwanted, thus contributing to a greater risk of suicide.
Read more
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If you are in need of immediate help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
“The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”
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About the Author
Brigid Lynn is the Respect Life Intern for Spring 2018. She is currently a sophomore in the Adelphi University Honors College, where she is studying Sociology with a minor in Dance. Brigid is passionate about serving the community and has participated in outreach programs both locally and internationally. She aspires to further her education and one day run her own non-profit organization to help those in need.
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We need consistent messages about suicide prevention
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Published on June 8th, 2018
By Kathleen M. Gallagher
The recent suicides of designer Kate Spade and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain highlight a deeply disturbing trend in the United States. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reveals that suicides are climbing in the United States.
www.nyscatholic.org
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50th Anniversary of
Humane Vitae
Encyclical letter by Paul VI
July 25, 2018
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"The transmission of human life is a most serious role in which married people collaborate freely and responsibly with God the Creator."
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25th Anniversary of
Veritatis Splendor
Encyclical letter by John Paul II
August 6, 2018
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"The splendour of truth shines forth in all the works of the Creator and, in a special way, in man, created in the image and likeness of God (cf. Gen 1:26)."
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OCTOBER 13, 2018
8:30AM- 4:30 PM
The Mirenda Center for Sport,
Spirituality and Character Development
NEUMANN UNIVERSITY
One Neumann Drive
Aston, PA 19014
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50 YEARS AGO Blessed Paul VI prophesied to the world that marriages and the society would suffer if the use of contraception became widespread. This conference will highlight the fulfillment of these prophecies in the world today and offer a reflection as to how selflessness, love, self- mastery and moral responsibility can reverse this trend.
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Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle
July 3, 2018
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The Apostle Thomas by Nicolas Maes
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Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord."
But Thomas said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands
and put my finger into the nailmarks
and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
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Feast of St. James the Apostle
July 25, 2018
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Giuseppe Vermiiglio, Saint James the Major
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The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons
and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her,
"What do you wish?" She answered him, "Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom."
Jesus said in reply, "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?"
They said to him, "We can."
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The Respect Life Office Art Sale is selling donated artwork from two wonderful Long Island artists. The proceeds will be used to help
maternity residences
and other Respect Life needs.
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The 12" x 18" colored pencil on white acrylic paper is an original work of art donated to the Respect Life Office for pregnancy supportive care.
The framed work is titled Zechariah 9:9 and pictures a donkey with 3 crosses upon a hill in the background.
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Respect Life Website Donation Page
Join our Mission to Serve Life!
The Respect Life Office enunciates and promotes the principle that human life, at all stages from conception to natural death, is a gift from God, worthy of respect and protection. You can now make an online donation to the Respect Life Office.
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3
Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle
You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord; blessed are those who have not seen, but still believe!
JN 20:29
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Independence Day
'It's the duty of everyone to defend religious freedom and promote it for all people"
- Pope Francis
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This series of courses is designed for teachers, catechists and interested adults.
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Memorial of Saint Benedict Abbot
The Kingdom of God is at hand:
repent and believe in the Gospel.
M
K 1:15
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Connections, A Child and Family Bereavement Program presented by The Good Shepherd Hospice.
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A workshop addressing the changing cultural landscape in our Faith Formation Programs.
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Se ofrecerá un Taller para abordar el panorama multicultural en los programas de Formación de la Fe.
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This series of courses is designed for teachers, catechists and interested adults.
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This series of courses is designed for teachers, catechists and interested adults
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25
Feast of Saint James, Apostle
I chose you from the world,
to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.
JN 15:16
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Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
MT 11:25
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Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest
The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live for ever.
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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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For more information
For more information
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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
Danielle Santevecchi
, Respect Life Intern
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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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