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Highlights of this newsletter:
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As faithful Catholics we know all human life is sacred. But during October, as a Church, we celebrate Respect Life month as a time to more deeply contemplate the inestimable value and inviolable dignity of every human life. We know this truth instinctively because it is written on our hearts—just think about your natural response of joy to the news of the birth of a child and the sense of loss at a funeral or the scene of a terrible accident—but what does it mean to us and how do we live it?
In light of the Dobbs v. Jackson case that overturned Roe v. Wade, Archbishop William E. Lori who serves as the chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities, asks us to rededicate ourselves to building a culture of life and a civilization of unconditional love throughout the upcoming year. In this, we are called to cherish, protect, and defend individuals and families across the entire lifespan, but with a special focus on expectant mothers and their babies.[i] Many of you already embrace this spirit.
I am grateful to and inspired by so many of you who have participated in prayerful witness through the 40 Days for Life campaigns during this last month (and throughout the year). You make a profound difference in the world: offering hope and real help to women on the verge of a dreadful decision and, at the same time, being a vivid example of courage and strength for others to see. Each of you is a light in the darkness.
Likewise, those of you at a parish outreach, pregnancy resource center, or pro-life prenatal care center who accompany these mothers are heroic models of the “radical solidarity” with mothers, their babies and their families that Archbishop Lori exhorts us to be. Your words of encouragement, bundles of baby items, safe shelter, and/or medical care that dignifies motherhood are genuine lifelines. Thank you. Read more
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Listen to Fr Eric Fasano’s Homily
(Bishop Barres’ Homily for Health Care Professionals)
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+ PRAYER
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Th. 5:17
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Statement by Archbishop William E. Lori Chairman, USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities
Building a Culture of Life in a Post-Roe World
Click here
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A PRAYER FOR PREGNANT MOTHERS | |
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O Blessed Mother,
you received the good
news of the Incarnation of Christ,
your Son,
with faith and trust. Grant your protection
to all pregnant mothers facing difficulties.
Guide us as we strive to make our parish
communities places of welcome and
assistance for mothers in need.
Help us become instruments of
God’s love and compassion.
Mary, Mother of the Church, graciously
help us build a culture of life and
a civilization of love, together with all people of good will, to the praise and glory of God, the Creator and lover of life.
Amen.
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“Whatever You Do For the Least,
You do For Me!”
By Msgr. Steven Camp, Pastor, St. Patrick’s Huntington
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Since the recent Supreme Court decision that returned laws regarding abortion back to the authority of the individual states there has been a tremendous amount of political rhetoric. Much of this rhetoric has been misleading and at times just plain false. The Supreme Court did not outlaw abortion. In its decision,
the Court maintained that it is a State’s issue not a Federal one since there is no mention of abortion in the Constitution. It should be noted that even Justice Ginsberg maintained it was a poorly decided ruling. Justice Brennan, the author of the 1972 decision, maintained in the ruling itself, it could face significant challenge as growth in science and biology continued to improve. Ultrasounds didn’t exist in 1972. There have been significant developments in prenatal childcare and in the definition of viability.
The media acted as if the Supreme Court never reversed itself. Which is not true, the reversal of the Dred Scott is a perfect example. It’s just that the media didn’t like the decision. The Court ruled that there is no right to an abortion in the Constitution. It also needs to be pointed out that surgeries addressing ectopic pregnancies have not changed, nor were outlawed, as was maintained by the media. In a sad perverse note California is running abortion ads using scripture to justify their pro-abortion laws. Read more
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You can call in or sign on zoom: | |
Meeting ID: 856 4708 7922
Passcode: 677757
Call In Number: 1 (646) 876-9923 (New York)
Join in whenever you can.
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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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A Bit of Bioethics
REPRINT TAKEN FROM SEPTEMBER 2008
Voting to Make a Difference
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NEW UPDATED RESOURCES:
NEW!
FAQ on COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Exemptions
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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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On Respect Life Sunday, October 2nd , the Stand Up For Life rally was held on Rte 110 in Huntington and on Rte 111 in Manorville, Long Island. The rally was held in thousands of locations throughout the country to bring about the end of abortion. The Long Island Coalition for Life as always each year sponsored this successful event. God blessed us as the sun shone brightly on hundreds of people that lined Rte 110 with a majority of passing cars cheering us on. Clearly the tide is turning against the abortion industry as science and human rights come in to play and with the end or Roe V Wade. Our witness for LIFE in NY still is very important and there is much work to be done.
Respect Life Groups seek through prayer, legislative action and activities the end of abortion totally in our country and throughout the world. It is important now more than ever that we ensure the protection of the voiceless and all human life from the womb until natural death.
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Since the overturning of Roe, abortion is constantly coming up in conversation.
Recently, we trained a max-capacity crowd at the Post-Roe Symposium in Houston, and the highest-rated session was when we gave specific responses to questions about how to talk about abortion.
Now more than ever, people ask us how to respond to the many--and sometimes bizarre--statements from abortion advocates. It's why What to Say When: The Complete New Guide to Discussing Abortion became an Amazon best-seller. In this video, we share responses to pro-abortion talking points and equip you to share the truth in love when abortion comes up.
where you live by watching the official Post-Roe 40 Days for Life promotional video.
Shawn Carney, President/CEO
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HELP SAVE LIVES ON LONG ISLAND!
Join our 2022 Fall Campaign of Prayer and Fasting!
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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 September 28th and concluding November 6th. 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:
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VIGIL LOCATION:
Planned Parenthood
Public right-of-way outside
540 Fulton Ave Hempstead, NY 11550
VIGIL LOCATION:
Brentwood Gynecology Center
42 First Ave, Brentwood, NY 11717
VIGIL LOCATION:
Planned Parenthood
450 Waverly Avenue, Patchogue Monday thru Saturday 8AM-7PM
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LOCAL WITNESSES
‘40 Days for Life’ Saves Lives
By Patty Knap
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Volunteers from the 40 Days for Life campaign gather to pray in front of a Planned Parenthood facility in Hempstead, New York. (photo: Patty Knap) | |
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This fall’s campaign began September 28th in hundreds of cities worldwide and runs through November 6th.
It’s so great that you’re here,” Delsy said. She had scheduled an abortion for that day at the Long Island abortion center.
Pulling into the parking lot, she saw some people along the fence who appeared to be praying.
She wondered what the “Please Let Us Help You” and “40 Days for Life” signs meant. As she got out of her car, a man with rosary beads dangling from his arm said, “Can I talk to you for a minute?” Something about the sincerity in his eyes made her turn around.
“Whatever you’re here for, we can help you. Please, tell me, are you here for an abortion?” Delsy said yes, and the man told her all the people along the sidewalk were praying the Rosary for her and her baby.
“You don’t have to do this,” he told her. Over the next 15 minutes Delsy shared that she really didn’t want to abort her child but felt there was no way she could have this baby alone. When she told her boyfriend she was pregnant, he moved out. She didn’t earn much money and now had to pay for an apartment by herself. Read more
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Patchogue 40 Days for Life
Kick Off Mass and Witness
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Donna Crean, Fr Suglia, Bishop Coyle, Fr Hannafin, Deacon Marty, Bob Williams | |
On Saturday October 2nd we had an inspiring Mass and talks with Bishop Coyle, Fr Steve Hannafin, Fr Dennis Suglia and Deacon Marty for the Kick off of 40 Days for Life Campaign in St Francis de Sales Patchogue! Thank you, Jesus, for everyone who came out to pray for Life! Many people came out to support LIFE and to pray with us. Tom Barry from the Knights of Columbus came out to play Amazing Grace on the Bagpipes to honor all the unborn babies. | |
After the Holy Mass there was a procession with Divine Mercy and Our Lady of Guadalupe with prayer in front of Planned Parenthood! Praying for conversion for all and for all the babies!
Thanks to all who Participated!
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Bishop Coyle’s Homily Praise God! | |
Thank you St Therese for your little way, help us to always defend life in this heart to heart mission! |
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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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PRAY
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be
REFLECT
Our Blessed Mother models a profound witness to love and life in the Gospel account of the Visitation. Luke’s Gospel tells us that, when Mary learns that her cousin Elizabeth is pregnant, she travels to the hill country “in haste” (Lk 1:39).
The example of our Blessed Mother invites us to become more aware of the needs of pregnant and parenting moms in our own parishes and communities. A woman with an unexpected pregnancy in difficult circumstances may have any number of fears and challenges, such as facing judgment from her friends and family, losing her job or housing, or being abandoned by the father of her child.
Following Mary’s example, we can ask ourselves how to better know these mothers, listen to them, seek understanding, and help them obtain the necessities of life for themselves and their children. How can we, like the Blessed Mother, lovingly support mothers in welcoming and caring for God’s gift of life?
Throughout the whole of Scripture, Mary’s words are few. Yet, in her sacred encounter with Elizabeth, a powerful declaration pours from her lips.
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Mary proclaims to all generations that the Lord lifts up the lowly, fills the hungry with good things, and remembers his promise of mercy from age to age (Lk 1:46-56). In both word and deed, Mary speaks a message of hope—not only to Elizabeth, but also to every mother in need and to each of us.
Mary’s witness is an invitation to step out in love and compassion. It is a summons to make haste to help vulnerable women who may be isolated and alone. Inspired by the Blessed Mother’s example and guided by the Holy Spirit, may we offer Christ’s presence and love to mothers in their time of need through our faithful service and support.
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ACT (choose one)
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Offer the Prayer for Pregnant Mothers each day for a full week.
- Fast from social media for a day. Fill your day with prayerful silence.
- Offer some other sacrifice or prayer that you feel called to do for this month’s intention.
ONE STEP FURTHER
October is Respect Life Month. Learn about simple ways you can celebrate and share the Gospel of Life with friends and family: respectlife.org/celebrate.
Monthly Prayer Guides
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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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1000 North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
516-705-1148
Gianna Center of New York City
15 East 40th Street, Suite 101
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212-481-1219
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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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Please Call For Information About The Next Rachel’s Vineyard Healing Retreat! | |
This retreat is not only for women. Men, grandparents and siblings are welcome to come and receive God’s Grace, Mercy and Healing! | |
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
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992 No Village Ave . Rockville Ctr., NY 11570
www.drvclife.org
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Additional Informational Websites |
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THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR CONTINUED MISSION TO SERVE LIFE! | | | | | |
