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Happy Mother’s Day
A Prayer for Mothers
All-loving God,
we give you thanks and praise
for mothers young and old.
We pray for young mothers,
who give life and count toes and tend to our every need;
May they be blessed with patience and tenderness
to care for their families and themselves with great joy.
We pray for our own mothers
who have nurtured and cared for us;
May they continue to guide
in strong and gentle ways.
We remember mothers who are separated
from their children because of war, poverty, or conflict;
May they feel the loving embrace of
our God who wipes every tear away.
We pray for women who are not mothers
but still love and shape us
with motherly care and compassion.
We remember mothers, grandmothers,
and great -grandmothers who are no longer with us
but who live forever in our memory
and nourish us with their love.
Amen.
Other Prayers
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Mary, Pro-Life Inspiration
By Kimberly Baker
En Español
“Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia.” So begins the Regina Coeli prayer, which replaces the noon-time Angelus during the Easter season. Because the Easter season extends well into May, we are able to use this special prayer to Mary during much of the month traditionally dedicated in her honor. Marian devotion is one of the Vatican’s recommendations for observing the Year of Faith. It can also be a wonderful help in pro-life efforts.
Mary has many beautiful titles: Patroness of the Americas, Patroness of the New Evangelization and Patroness of the Unborn, to name a few. There are also many inspiring examples from Mary’s life that serve as a model for authentic Christian living. We see her immense faith and total gift of herself at the moment of the Annunciation, when she agrees to be the Mother of God. We see her sensitivity and her spirit of charity when she visits her pregnant older cousin Elizabeth. We see her love and maternal care for new life when she shelters her infant son Jesus in the stable at Bethlehem. We see her conviction in pointing to Christ at the Wedding at Cana when she says, “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:5). We see her at the foot of the Cross, even there opening her heart to be the mother of all humanity. And we see her quiet strength and support for the apostles in the Upper Room during the time leading up to Pentecost. Read More
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Give a special gift to a Special Mother!
As Mother’s Day approaches give the gift of a wonderful painting or note card from the Respect Life Office Art Sale.
The proceeds will be used to help maternity residences
and other Respect Life needs.
For more information or to view paintings please visit our
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Religious Liberty is Under Attack in the Nation’s Capital!
From: National Committee for a Human Life Amendment, Inc.
The window is closing and we again request you help stop two dangerous pieces of legislation recently passed by the Council of the District of Columbia and signed by the mayor. Because of D.C.’s unique character as a federal district rather than a city or a state, the Constitution grants Congress the authority to legislate in D.C. So, even though a law may only affect the District of Columbia, it is a matter of oversight for Congress.
These acts, the “Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act” (RHNDA) and the “Human Rights Amendment Act” (HRAA) are unprecedented threats to everyone’s religious liberty. Congress should be urged to rescind these laws.
We are now encouraging people to participate in a social media campaign as well. Post messages on FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and other outlets. See suggested messages on the Action Alert link.We will keep you posted on developments. Thank you for raising your voices in support of life and liberty!
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Respect Life Upcoming Events
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Untaming the Gospel of Life to Find the Treasure in the Joy of the Gospel
Immaculate Conception Parish, Westhampton Beach
August 13, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Gospel of Life provides a foundation of understanding for all to live the Joy of the Gospel. Join us for spiritual enrichment as we discover how both the lives of Catherine Doherty and Dorothy Day reflected this understanding with courage and fortitude. Brother Richard Contino will guide us through this enrichment as we look to live each day in faith, hope and love.
More information or to register |
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Back to Basics Respect Life Ministry Training – Summer and Fall 2015
Summer training starts June 1, 2015
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The Culture Project is Coming to the Diocese
October 25 – 31, 2015
Religious Education Programs, High Schools, Youth Ministry, College Campuses, Parish Communities, Ministries and Catholic Schools.
The Culture Project International is an initiative of young people set out to restore culture through the experience of virtue. Members of the team enter into a program where they live, pray in community, receive formation and are sent out on missions nationally and internationally. Presentations are given to youth on human dignity and sexual integrity.
More information or to register |
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Life Issues Forum:
Let’s Spring Into Action!
By Mary Prentis
En Español
Growing up in Florida, I often heard comments from friends and family living up North about how beautiful the transitions of the changing seasons were. Still, I was content in my subtropical paradise and shrugged off any idea that I could be missing out on anything important. Yet having recently experienced (and survived) my first northern winter, I’ve learned valuable lessons about shifting from the dark of winter to the welcoming glow of spring.
Like winter creeping in, our thoughts may sometimes become dark and somewhat jaded as we attempt to build a culture that welcomes and respects human life. But spring brings a promise of new hope and new life. It is a season of renewal and a chance to clear our minds of negative thoughts and ponder our lives and whether we are sowing good seeds through simple acts of generosity and mercy. This is helpful to contemplate as we journey through the Easter season, having renewed our baptismal promises – and thus our commitment to follow Jesus – at Easter. As followers of Christ, we are called to build his Kingdom here on earth-a Kingdom in which every person is cherished and every human life respected and protected. And although we trust in the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death, our task is not easy.
We may become discouraged with the advances of the “culture of death,” especially when media outlets inaccurately portray our intentions, motivations, and efforts. We may feel as though we need to constantly be on the defense. But what if we try a new approach? Instead of being reactive, let’s take a proactive approach. When we encounter others, let’s share a positive message of joy and love. After all, as Pope Francis frequently reminds us, pro-life is pro-love. As he said in his Christmas message last December, abortion destroys children “before they ever see the light of day, deprived of the generous love of their parents and buried in the selfishness of a culture that does not love life.”
As we take time to “spring clean” our homes, let us also entrust our burdens to the Lord and ask Him to cleanse and renew our hearts. Read More
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I would now like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion… do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope…the Father of mercies is ready to give you His forgiveness and His peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.” (Evangelium Vitae no. 99, John Paul II)
Project Rachel Hope After Abortion website or call the Respect Life Office’s confidential hotline: 1-888-456-HOPE (se habla espanol) to begin healing after abortion loss.
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Ascension of the Lord
Now He said to them, ” These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
Then He opened theirminds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and
that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they, after worshiping Him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising God.
Read about The Solemnity of the Ascension
Luke 24:44-53
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Pentecost Sunday
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When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together, and were bewildered because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language. They were amazed and astonished, saying, “Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs-we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God.” And they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others were mocking and saying, “They are full of sweet wine.”But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: “Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my words. For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour of the day; but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel:’And it shall be in the last days,’ God says,
‘That I will pour forth of My Spirit on all mankind;
And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
And your young men shall see visions,
And your old men shall dream dreams;
Even on My bondslaves, both men and women,
I will in those days pour forth of My Spirit
And they shall prophesy.
Acts 2:1-19 |
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Respect Life Contest Art Corner
A special thank you to all the participants of the Respect Life Contest. All of the wonderful work is currently up on all of our social media and this art corner will highlight some of the work from the participants.
Visit our website to see the list of the winners’ and their
entries as well as the entries of all of our finalists.
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1st Place Bookmark Level II: Veronica Lane, St. John the Baptist D. High School, W. Islip
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3rd Place Photography Level I:
Paul Sperry, St. Peter of Alcantara School, Pt. Washington
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2nd Place Photo montage level II:
Christine Wiedenhoft, Sacred Heart Academy, Hempstead
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 Assisted Suicide Legislation
A Letter from Most Reverend William Murphy
Catholics in the State of New York, particularly those in our Diocese, should be very alarmed by
movements promoting assisted suicide legislation. As we are doing now with the Education Investment Tax Credit and have done in the past about important issues regarding life, we must work together to
educate, inform and encourage our people to engage actively in pushing back any legislation which compromises the gift of life.
While we do not expect this issue to come to the forefront until after the budget is settled, it is important to raise awareness and encourage appropriate action now.
First, I ask each of you to reach out to all in your parish and entity encouraging their active involvement in this issue. I have enclosed a brief list of “talking points” that can serve as a good basis for an e-mail or notice from you to your parishioners, employees, etc. In your writing, please encourage parishioners to visit www.catholicendoflife.org as solid information and resources can be found here. We also need Catholics throughout the Diocese to contact the Governor’s office and the Long Island delegation of assembly members and senators. This is easily done through the Catholic Action Network at www.nyscatholic.org. The Respect Life Office has provided additional resources to assist you.
Second, please utilize the enclosed ads, or some version of them, in your parish bulletin, parish website, entity website or in any upcoming e-mail communication. Three versions of the ad have been attached for your convenience. These are general and can be placed in the bulletin any time in the next few weeks. We must make sure this information is extended as far and wide as possible in the upcoming days. We will provide additional resources in the weeks ahead.
Read or download full letter
Further resources
Read or download resources
TAKE ACTION NOW at the NYSCC Catholic Action Network to oppose assisted suicide legislation in New York State.
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Become a CREIGHTON MODEL
FertilityCare Practitioner
Become part of a team providing Natural Procreative Choice for:
- Achieving Pregnancy
- Avoiding Pregnancy
- Procreative Wellness
The CREIGHTON MODEL FertilityCare 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 couple uses this information to plan or avoid a pregnancy and to monitor a woman’s health. The system is based on respect for the couple, the family and human life from the moment of conception. The effectiveness to avoid pregnancy is 99% and it is extremely effective in helping couples achieve pregnancy.
The program was developed according to basic education principles utilized in allied health courses and consists of:
* Education Phase I
* Supervised Practicum I
* Education Phase II
* Supervised Practicum II
* On Site Visit scheduled during Supervised Practicum II
* National Standardized Final Exam
For more Information
Kathy Rivet, BS, CFCP, CFCE, Education Program Director
Marguerite d’Youville FertilityCare
83 Reed St. Manchester, NH 03102
603-232-3141 | MargueriteFertilityCare@gmail.comBrochure Fertility Care Practitioner Program
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Letting Mercy Himself flow through and heal our hurting souls.
Days of Prayer and Healing
from abortion. for those suffering
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Word of Life Palabra de Vida
English Español
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Bulletin Inserts – For Parish Respect Life
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Please add these to your bulletin announcements.
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DEUS CARITAS EST … GOD IS LOVE
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Diana Tellis, Ministry/Dept. Assistant
______________________________________
Ashley Foster, Media Specialist
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OUR OFFICE
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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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CONNECT WITH US
Just another way for you get more information on Respect Life issues.
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May
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Happy Mother’s Day
Jesus said to his disciples:
“As the Father loves me, so I also love you.
Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father’s commandments
and remain in his love.
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy might be complete.
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this,
to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.” John 15:9-14
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Ascension of the Lord
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Go into the whole world
and proclaim the gospel to every creature.
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved;
whoever does not believe will be condemned.
So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them,
was taken up into heaven
and took his seat at the right hand of God.
But they went forth and preached everywhere,
while the Lord worked with them
and confirmed the word through accompanying signs. Mark 16:15-16;19-20
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Pentecost Sunday
“He said to them,Jesus said to his disciples:
“When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me.
And you also testify,because you have been with me from the beginning.
“I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth.” John 15:26-27; 16:12-13
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3rd Annual Women’s Conference |
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Energize and Engage Your Faith Community Strategies that Work |
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 Spiritual Adoption Program
The Purpose of the Spiritual Adoption Program is threefold:
- Encourage parishes, schools and other communities to pray for babies in danger of abortion.
- Educate adults and children about the development of the pre-born child.
- Provide mothers in need with assistance at a ‘baby shower’ of donated baby gifts, or simply celebrate with a ‘birthday party’ at the conclusion of the program. In some schools a crib was bought with monetary gifts and the children filled a crib with gifts for expectant Mothers.
This is done by encouraging people to “spiritually adopt” an unborn baby, and to follow their baby along the path to being born. read more
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Suggested Spring Reading
From The Respect Life Office
Winter is finally over and this spring is a blessing. Enjoy this wonderful time by reading while your relaxing outside or indoors. Check out our recommended list for great spring reading.
View List
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