Highlights of this newsletter:
- Fruits of the Family Tree
- World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
- News from our Office
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Dear Friends for Life,
FRUITS OF THE FAMILY TREE
“Remember, of these parents you were born; what can you give them for all they gave you?” (Eccl 7: 28)
In May, we celebrate Mother’s Day to honor and pray for our mothers and the beautiful gift of life which God has entrusted to them in the vocation of motherhood. In a special way, we honor Our Blessed Mother who is the quintessential model of motherhood. Likewise, on Father’s Day in June, we give tribute to our fathers as protectors and defenders of the family, the “sanctuary of life,” and here we have the holy patriarch, St. Joseph, as the ultimate example of fatherhood for all men. We honor our parents in this way because it is through the family that we first learn about God, moral values, and our responsibilities in society: “…you must instruct your children to do what is right and to give alms, to be mindful of God and at all times to bless his name sincerely and with all their strength.” (Tob 14: 8-9)
Family is also the link between generations, and for many, the parents of our parents share a great role in this most intimate community. “Children’s children are the crown of the elderly, and the glory of children is their parentage.” (Prov. 17:6) Grandparents pass on history and traditions within a family and the culture at large, but the treasures of age (e.g. wisdom, memory, unbounded sacrifice) extend to all our elders—and should not be forgotten. Indeed, in an expanding cultural mindset that disparages advanced age for its imperfect physicality and actively extinguishes frailty through various forms of euthanasia, we must resist this hopeless perspective, and instead, respond with a fearless validation of the invaluable gifts that come with advanced age and even with infirmity.
World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
In this, Pope Francis has formally established World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly to be celebrated annually throughout the Church on the fourth Sunday in July—close to the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne who, as the grandparents of Jesus, are the paragons for all grandparents. The purpose of this celebration is to remind us that advanced age is a blessing—a gift that should be both cherished and freely shared, most especially in passing on the Faith.
For this year, the theme is “I am with you always” to emphasize not only the Lord’s closeness with the aged, but also the intergenerational bonds shared between young and old, and most especially characterized by the passing on of the Faith. Read more
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The month of June, in the Catholic Church, is known as the Month of the Sacred Heart, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a devotion popularized by the private revelations of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. In this devotion we are called to conversion and reparation for the wounds caused by sins committed against His Most Sacred Heart – wounds borne by indifference towards God’s infinite, unfathomable love for all mankind.
At the same time (the month of June), others have mocked the purity of heart for which we are made. In an ostentatious defiance of natural law, June has become known as “Pride Month” in the secular world.
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Pride itself is defined as excessive self-esteem, and depending on its gravity, rejects to some degree the grace of God in all things. It is considered the worst of the seven deadly or capital sins (also referred to as cardinal vices) because more than the other six, pride can corrupt the virtues with which it may co-exist. And so, ironically, the title of this secular celebration tells it all. |
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On the other hand, the cardinal virtue of courage (or fortitude) is aptly deployed in the title of a most honorable organization, Courage International, which offers a solid counterpoint to the theme of “Pride.” It is an approved apostolate of the Roman Catholic Church “for men and women who experience same-sex attractions and those who love them.” Read more
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+ PRAYER
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Th. 5:17
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If You Give a Mouse a Cookie…. |
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By Fr John Wachowicz, St Rosalie, Hampton Bays |
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- How does a culture reach the point where the birth of a child is seen as undesirable?
- If the culture needs a pro-life witness, it is a witness to the redemptive nature of suffering.
- “For to you has been granted, for the sake of Christ, not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him” (Philippians 1:29).
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One of my favorite books as a child was If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. The story is simple: having been given the cookie, the mouse wants milk; having been given the milk, the mouse wants a straw. This continues with similar desires arising and fulfilling until the mouse ends up wanting a cookie again, thus beginning the circle again. It’s a simple story, but it works because we have all experienced the consequences of satisfied desires.
Having certain desires satisfied lead to other desires growing, or being stifled; for example, desiring to have that additional, unnecessary slice of pizza not only leads me to be full, but leads me to desire a nap. The interaction of our desires, thoughts, memories, emotions, and patterns of behavior lead to other desires and behaviors arising. Read more
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HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
THE YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH PRAYER
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To you, O blessed Joseph (Ad te, beate Ioseph)
To you, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our afflictions, and having implored the help of your most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke your patronage also.
Through that charity which bound you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the paternal love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities.
O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ; O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be kind to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness.
As once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God’s Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live piously, to die in holiness, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.
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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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I'm Not ''Intrinsically Disordered!'' |
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"Intrinsically
disordered acts, while always destructive to ourselves and to others, do not put us outside of the eventual reach of grace and mercy..."
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I have met several priests over the years who ended up leaving the active ministry of the priesthood. Two of them have been on my mind and in my prayers recently, having left the priesthood and the Church over issues connected to homosexuality. I ran into one of them some time ago by chance as we were boarding the same flight.
Filling me in on the decisions he had made, he shared: " I was never happy with the Catholic Church's view that homosexuality is inherently ... " and then he paused, " ... what's the phrase they use?" I replied: "homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered" "Ah, yes, intrinsically disordered," he replied. "It's a harsh institution that would call me intrinsically disordered, and I couldn't remain in a Church that held those views." The second priest who left had similarly decried how the Church, on account of his homosexuality, saw him as intrinsically disordered—which he took to mean that he was an evil person.
I was saddened at the way both of these former priests misconstrued the teachings of the Church, and disappointed that they couldn't see how we are not defined by our inclinations and proclivities, even if some of them may be disordered and in need of purification. As fallen creatures, every person faces disordered desires within, and no one is perfect except, we Christians believe, Jesus himself. Read more
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New York State Catholic Conference |
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The 2021 Legislative Session is in the books. Check out the
End-of-Session Round-Up to see how issues of concern to the Bishops of New York State worked out.
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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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Religious Freedom Week - June 22 - June 29
Religious freedom allows the Church, and all religious communities, to live out their faith in public and to serve the good of all. Beginning June 22, the feast of Saint Thomas More and Saint John Fisher, the USCCB invites Catholics to pray, reflect, and act to promote religious freedom.
June 22 - Adoption & Foster Care
June 23 - Catholic Services During the Pandemic
June 24 - The Equality Act
June 25 - Church Vandalism
June 26 - Catholics in Nicaragua
June 27 - Conscience Rights for Healthcare Workers
June 28 - Christians in Iraq
June 29 - Free Speech
For prayers each day and actions to follow, go to usccb.org
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Life Runners A-Cross America, July 4th! |
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Lincoln Right to Life interviewed Dr. Pat Castle, the founder of Life Runners. In episode #5, we discuss the annual A-Cross America Relay. |
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LifeRunners is an international Pro-Life organization with over 15,000 members in 40 countries, and who's main mission is to bring an awareness and an end to abortion by means of teamwork through prayer, devotion, and running/walking events within a local chapter or team.
LifeRunners can be identified by wearing their (mostly blue) LifeRunners gear, especially on Wednesdays.
There is a LifeRunners chapter here on Long Island, and members can join via the LifeRunners website and/or follow on Facebook. |
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Life Runners crossing the finish line, August 9, 2020. Source: Life Runners
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One of the biggest events in the US is the annual "A-Cross America Relay" which kicks-off on July 4th with four different legs (North, South, East, and West) culminating on Aug 8th in the middle of the country (Overland Park, Kansas). The East Leg will start from the Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn Bridge on the morning of July 4th. Members can sign up to run/walk one or more legs from the website.
We will gather at the Cathedral Shrine of St. James in downtown Brooklyn on Sunday morning July 4th to attend the 11am Mass, and will meet others right after Mass at 12 noon in front of the Cathedral to start our leg of the A-Cross America Relay across the Brooklyn Bridge. For more info or questions, they can contact me directly at bviscovich@yahoo.com.
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It is called A-Cross America Relay because the run is in the shape of the Cross. Remembering Christ’s sacrifice for all of us, out of His great love for us. Let us remember the unborn with that same spirit of sacrifice and love!
LifeRunners have the motto "All In Christ For Pro-Life!" and declare the following creed:
Pray LIFE Runners Creed to end abortion and heal wounds – for PEACE.
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Fr. Michael Voithofer, founder and leader of Ablaze, offers benediction and deliverance prayers at Overland Park Planned Parenthood. SOURCE: Life Runners |
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Running for the Sanctity of Life!!
Here on Long Island!
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I have been a member of LifeRunners for about 7 years now, and currently building up the Long Island Chapter membership. What attracts me to LifeRunners is the focus on "team" and how we can all work together in both prayer and action to bring awareness in the public square to the Sanctity of Life, through Jesus Christ.
LifeRunners seems to attract both young and old, and while you don't necessarily need to be a runner or marathoner (for example I myself "walk" in all the events), it does give each member of the team the opportunity to actively wear the LifeRunners gear outdoors, together in a group, or individually as you go for your morning walk/jog.
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It is great to plan and participate in events, or just simply to meet together once a month in prayer and dedication to bring about an end to abortion in this country and around the world.
There are also a lot of synergies between LifeRunners, 40 Days for Life, Students for Life, etc. Each of these are founded and run by very enthusiastic and passionate leaders, who have families and children of their own.
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They come with their own unique stories of how Christ has led them to the task of proclaiming the Truth and Sanctity of Life through these wonderful organizations.
I encourage everyone to checkout LifeRunners at www.LifeRunners.org (or any of these pro-life organizations), and become an active member, and share in the worthwhile experience of community, camaraderie, and teamwork, working together through Christ towards making abortion unthinkable.
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Bob Viscovich, LI Chapter Leader, Life Runners ,Respect Life Leader
St Dominic’s, Oyster Bay
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"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 |
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CREIGHTON MODEL FERTILITY CARE
SYSTEM TRAINING
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The Gianna Center will be hosting a local Certificate Program for Creighton Model FertilityCare Systems. *Practitioners, *Instructors
Dates:
Education Phase I:
September 9-12, 2021, September 23-26, 2021
Education Phase II:
March 21-26, 2022
Place:
Seminary of the Immaculate Conception
440 West Neck Rd., Huntington, NY 11743
Deadline to Register is July 1, 2021
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Watch as Jessica Schaefer shares her infertility experience and how The Gianna Center of Long Island for Women's Health & Fertility helped her conceive her three beautiful children. |
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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. |
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- 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
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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
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POST-ABORTION MINISTRY
Project Rachel Hope After Abortion
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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!
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Healing Comes From Jesus Christ
by Theresa Bonopartis, Entering Canaan
“Stop clinging to yourselves and cling to Mercy Himself!”
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It is not easy to heal from abortion. The very act of participating in the death of our children goes against everything nature has called us to be as mothers and fathers. Nurturers and protectors of the life created. The act of abortion touches us to our very core.
We can live in denial for a time, fight within ourselves to justify and rationalize the reasons we had abortions, but the truth is, nothing can ever expiate the deep rooted truth of taking the life of our unborn children except accepting and believing in the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.
I always tell those who come to us in our “Entering Canaan” ministry, that healing is not a one-step process. Many times, a post abortive woman will come looking for the quick fix, the instant healing, but healing is in God’s time, not ours. It is most often like an onion that heals by layers and of which the abortion itself is most often a culminating act of many other issues. Read more
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Please Contact Us For Information
About The Next Day Of Prayer And Healing!
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DRVC Project Rachel confidential phoneline: 1-516-766-2538 (se habla espanol)
Toll Free number: 1-888-456-HOPE
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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. |
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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
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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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