I am grateful to be back in the Diocese after my annual retreat and a few days of relaxation in Rome.  During today’s cabinet meeting, I could not help but feel blessed to learn of the many great spiritual, pastoral and informational events in the planning stages or taking place in our Diocese.  We are blessed.

Not all the news was good news.  Here in New York we are facing a well financed and well organized campaign to legalize assisted suicide in our state.

Did you know that already there is proposed legislation  in the Senate and the Assembly — S.5814/A.5261-B and S.3685/A.2129-A – that would do just that?

It is heartening to know that a number of states, most recently New Jersey, have rejected similar legislation with bi-partisan opposition.

It is urgent that all people of good will, particularly the leaders of the ministries and offices of our parishes, understand the issue of assisted suicide and understand the Church’s guidance and teaching that respects all life from the moment of conception through natural death.

To that end, I am appealing to all of you who are leaders in one of our parishes, entities or offices to learn more about the dangers of assisted suicide.  If at all possible, please make time in your schedule to attend a special free one-day seminar, Opposition to Assisted Suicide Educational Conference to be held Wednesday, February 3, 2016 from 12:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington.

We are bringing to you the best experts in this area.  I am grateful to Reverend Irinel Racos, Sister Joanne Callahan and Allison O’Brien for assembling such an impressive panel of distinguished medical, legal and legislative experts.  They will bring forth in an easy-to-understand format what is being proposed, what is at stake and what we all need to do to counter efforts to make assisted suicide legal in New York State.

You may register for this very important conference online at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ebylou8k918cd542&oseq=&c=&ch=

Please join me during this important conference and in prayer for its success.  May the Holy Spirit guide those leading it to help inspire and motivate the People of God in this Diocese against another assault on the sacred nature of all human life.