Author Archives: Shannon Kilbridge

New York State Bishops Release Major New Statement on Abortion

The Catholic Bishops of New York State have released a major new statement on abortion as they anticipate the looming Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, and “the gathering societal unrest over the issue of abortion.” (The full statement is available HERE)

In the statement titled, “Toward a Pro-Life Future in the Empire State,” the Bishops acknowledge that, regardless of what the Court decides in Dobbs, “abortion in New York would continue unfettered.” They say that Catholics must respond “in charity and with sensitivity, but with clarity” to those for whom the prospect of an overturning of Roe v. Wade has led to “fear and anxiety,” and in particular to women facing sometimes overwhelming challenges of unplanned pregnancies.

The Bishops address head-on the false notion that the Church is more concerned with the baby in the womb than with the mother and child once he or she is born, and announce a renewed pastoral effort, challenging every Catholic entity in the state to join them:
“As far back as the 1980s, the late John Cardinal O’Connor, a giant of the pro-life movement, made a pledge that we reaffirm today: Any woman – regardless of age, religious belief or affiliation, marital status or immigration status – who is pregnant and in need, can come to the Catholic Church and we will give you the services and supports you need to carry your baby to term, regardless of your ability to pay. Furthermore, we will not abandon you and your baby after delivery, but, rather, we will see to it that you have the resources that you and your child both need and deserve. No one will be turned away from life-affirming care. If you have had an abortion that you regret, whether recently or in the distant past, please come to us as well, so that we may offer you services to help you to heal.
“We ask every Catholic parish, every Catholic Charities program, every Catholic health facility, every Catholic school, every Catholic college and university, and every religious community in our state to proactively engage with us in this pastoral effort.”

To that end, the Bishops have launched a new pregnancy resources page, Help for Moms, at www.nyscatholic.org/helpformoms, where women can find services available to them. The page will be continually updated with new resources.

Finally, the Bishops call on elected officials to work toward a New York that is more supportive of women in crisis pregnancies, and to gear public policies away from continually seeking to increase abortions and toward helping those “who might well make a different choice, if only they were aware of and had other options.” The Bishops then present a list of 12 aspirational statements of what such a New York might look like. Over the coming days, the New York State Catholic Conference’s social media platforms will highlight each of the aspirational statements, with the hashtags #WeEnvision and #HelpForMoms.

“Let us work toward making New York a state where even if abortion is not illegal, it will one day be unthinkable.,” the Bishops conclude.

The statement is signed by Timothy Cardinal Dolan, archbishop of New York, and Bishops Edward B. Scharfenberger of Albany, Robert J. Brennan of Brooklyn, Michael W. Fisher of Buffalo, Terry R. LaValley of Ogdensburg, Salvatore R. Matano of Rochester, John O. Barres of Rockville Centre, and Douglas J. Lucia of Syracuse, on behalf of all of the state’s bishops, including auxiliary and emeritus bishops.

 

Into Life

The Sisters of Life and the McGrath Institute for Church Life teamed up with CampCampo Films to create an original 12-part video series based on the work of the Sisters serving women who are pregnant. Journey with the Sisters of Life as they explain what it means to walk with a woman who is pregnant and vulnerable. Learn what it means to deeply listen to and understand the heart of another, how to rejoice in the beauty of the individual person, and what it means to truly accompany someone into God’s life and freedom.

The watch to series click here: https://intolifeseries.com/

St. Gianna Novena

You are invited to pray a special novena to St. Gianna with Walking with Mom’s in Need, starting Tuesday, April 19 – Wednesday, April 27th. St. Gianna Beretta Molla is a powerful patron for pregnant and parenting mothers. As a physician, wife, and mother, she knew intimately what it was like to struggle with a challenging medical diagnosis during pregnancy. Click here to learn more.

 

Catholic Relief Services Accepting Donations to Aid Ukraine

There is great risk of additional suffering both within Ukraine and for those who are fleeing to neighboring countries for safety. CRS and their partners need immediate support to meet both ongoing needs as the situation intensifies.

Years of conflict along the eastern border have already displaced 1.3 million people from their homes and claimed 14,000 lives. Throughout this time, Caritas Ukraine, with support from CRS, has been providing emergency relief and recovery.

CRS and Caritas partners on the ground are preparing across Ukraine and in bordering countries, ready to provide safe shelter, hot meals, hygiene supplies, transport to safe areas, counseling support and more.

The situation there is rapidly unfolding, and we could not do this work without your help. When you donate, you provide immediate assistance for your Ukrainian sisters and brothers affected by this crisis.

Click here to donate:

https://support.crs.org/donate/donate-ukraine?ms=agigoo0922ukr00gen00&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgtrk_9609gIVFo7ICh2YHwSfEAAYASAAEgJeGvD_BwE

Webinar: Fighting Assisted Suicide Coast to Coast, March 11th 2022

Fighting Assisted Suicide Coast to Coast:
The Big Picture in the States, Federal, and Judiciary

Friday, March 11th 2022
4:00pm to 5:30pm EST

The Patients’ Rights Action Fund and their allies, including the USCCB, fight the legalization of assisted suicide public policy, which is dangerous and discriminatory. You are invited to attend a webinar for a complete update on the fight against assisted suicide and euthanasia on all fronts.

State Update – Barbara Lyons, Coalitions Director of Patients’ Rights Action Fund

Assisted Suicide Legalization Bills – States where introduced and provisions
Assisted Suicide Expansion Bills – States where introduced and provisions
How States are Stretching the Oregon Model
Federal Update – Matt Vallière, Executive Director of Patients’ Rights Action Fund

Bi-partisan Congressional Resolution – How to get involved
Federal Regulation – Provisions and action needed
Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia Push in the Courts – Diane Coleman, CEO & President Not Dead Yet

Overview of how proponents are trying to legalize and expand assisted suicide laws through litigation.

This webinar will include real-time closed captioning and will be signed by an interpreter.
If you have an accommodation request, please email ian@patientsrightsaction.org

To register, please click here: https://patientsrightsaction.org/march-11-webinar-fighting-assisted-suicide-coast-to-coast/