|
From the Winter 2010 Edition of Clippings Magazine
Parish Programs: Respect Life Ministry
by James Godfrey
The Respect for Life Ministry has been a fixture at Queen of Martyrs since the early 1970’s. The most recent chairmen have been two dedicated individuals - Rita Dolan and Gerry Crossan. Most of the programs on the present schedule were developed by their committees.
My wife Jeri and I became involved during the 1990’s and upon Rita’s retirement in 1999 I assumed the role of chairman. We have done our best to continue the work of the ministry in spite of dwindling numbers due to re-location and retirements. The decision to accept the responsibility for this ministry is the result of a recurring thought that constantly enters my mind. At some time in the not so distant future, I see myself standing before St. Peter at the entrance to heaven and he asks me one question: What did you do when your country declared war against life through its acceptance of abortion and euthanasia? Did you sit back and wish it would stop or did you get off your duff and make some effort to reverse this grievous sin against humanity? We all have busy and complicated lives. Even grandparent types find there are many demands on our time. It’s easy to rationalize that there is no point in trying to correct something when you have no chance of succeeding in your efforts. In essence one is accepting the status quo! Here I recall the words of Mother Theresa: “God does not ask us to be successful ; He asks us to try.” With this thought in mind, my wife and I embarked on our effort, though small, to right a grievous wrong. The activities of the Respect for Life Ministry are as follows:
-- Each year during the month of October, in an effort to
remind parishioners that OLQM is dedicated to Mary, the ROSE program has been
established. At all Masses, a rose is carried by a family in the entrance
procession and placed in a vase in front of the ICON of the Blessed Virgin. This
is also the month that we take part in the Stand Up for Life demonstration on
Jericho Turnpike and Route 110.
-- In December, we sell poinsettias at all Masses with the proceeds (approx. $350-$400 ) given to Long Island Birthright and on the feast of the Immaculate Conception ( Dec. 8th ) we take part in National Night of Prayer which begins after the 8 o’clock Mass. This consists of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, 20 decades of the Rosary and numerous hymns.
-- From time to time we become involved in voicing our support for the Catholic position on laws before Congress and the State Legislature. One such occasion arose last spring regarding FOCA. (Freedom of Choice Act) This Act, which has been proposed in Congress twice in the last 2 years, would eliminate every restriction on abortion nationwide. If this proposal were to pass, Catholic hospitals and health care facilities would be required to perform abortions or risk losing their licenses. Our ministry purchased a “flyer” describing the consequences of this legislation and inserted it into our Sunday bulletin with the help of our grandchildren and daughters-in-law. Catholics must know about these potential laws and respond through letter writing campaigns and the ballot box. In an open letter to American Catholics, entitled “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” the US Bishops advise Catholics as to the morality of certain political issues. The document urges us not to submit to the moral pluralism that has infected so many otherwise sensible people. They are very clear in saying
"a Catholic cannot vote for a candidate who takes a position in favor of an intrinsic evil."
-- On the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, (Jan. 22nd), some of our neighboring parishes arrange for buses to transport those interested in attending the annual demonstration in Washington D.C. There will be announcements in our bulletin with details for those wishing to attend.
-- Until recently, our ministry sponsored a Valentine’s Day drive to collect baby items for the Life Center of LI and toiletries for seniors at a local nursing home/guest facility. This is now handled by another ministry
-- On Mother’s Day weekend we sell assorted hanging plants with the proceeds given to the Life Center.($400-$500 are raised each year). This is one of our favorite organizations. They are located on Rt. 231 in Deer Park and are very active in giving material and psychological support to pregnant women who choose life. Through “Project Rachael” they also provide emotional and psychological help for both women and men who are suffering as a result of experiencing an abortion.
-- We are considering expanding our support for the Life Center through the institution of the
"baby bottle" program similar to the one run at St. Francis in Greenlawn.
-- Each Sunday as you read the church bulletin you will notice a box entitled Respect Life. These quotes from church leaders have been submitted by our ministry and interested parishioners. Any church member wishing to contribute an article for this section should contact our ministry through the phone number listed below.
In closing, I would to turn again to Mother Theresa who has spoken about the present moral direction of the United States.
"The decision in Roe vs. Wade has deformed a great Nation. The so-called right to abortion has pitted mothers against their children and women against men. It has sown violence and discord at the heart of the most intimate human relationship. It has aggravated the derogation of the father’s role in society and has portrayed the greatest of gifts --- a child --- as a competitor, an intrusion and an inconvenience. It has given mothers unfettered dominion over the lives of their physically dependent sons and daughters. If we can accept that a mother can kill her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill one another.”
We would love to expand our ministry. If you are moved to help us with our cause, please contact the church rectory.
|