Monitor Mag Oct 2022 In Focus: Respect Life Month

Every step you take: Walking with moms in need

October

is Respect Life Month in the Catholic Church in the United States and here in the Diocese of Trenton. This year, the theme chosen for this annual obser vance by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is “Respect Life: Called to Serve Moms in Need.”

As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton,

responds to this news with urgency.

She embarks on a long and perhaps dif ficult journey to be with her cousin during her time of need, bearing Christ to her as He lay quietly hidden in Mary’s womb. And, although Jesus is veiled from view, when Mary first arrives John the Baptist leaps for joy in Elizabeth’s womb, recogniz ing the presence of Christ (Lk 1:44). Mary, with Jesus, spends the next three months at Elizabeth’s side.

The witness 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 may have any number of fears and challeng es: facing judgment from her friends and family, losing her job or housing, or being abandoned by the father of her child.

A Message from BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M.

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 sum mons to make haste to help vulnerable women who may be isolated and alone. By doing so, we too can bear Christ within us and help others experience His presence.

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.

I am pleased to share with you this re flection from the United States Confer ence of Catholic Bishops:

Our Blessed Mother models a profound witness to love and life in the Gospel ac count 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). Despite being unexpectedly pregnant herself, Mary

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. Mary pro claims to all generations that the Lord lifts the lowly, fills the hungry with good things,

Pregnant and parenting moms in need are in our parishes and our neighborhoods. As Pope Francis reminds us, our parishes need to be “islands of mercy in the midst of the sea of indifference.” Parishes in the Diocese should know where to refer a pregnant woman in need. Inspired by St. John Paul II’s encouragement to assess our efforts in building a culture of life, the intention of Walking with Moms in Need is to increase our outreach to pregnant and parenting women facing difficulties.

This past year, the Diocesan Synod focused our attention on “journeying together.” Let us join hands and hearts with “Moms in Need” and “journey” with them.

To learn more about the USC CB initiative “Walking with Moms in Need,” consult: www.usccb.org/prolife/ walking-moms-need

To learn more about available resources in the Diocese of Trenton, consult: www.dioceseoftrenton.org/re spect-life-ministry and www.dioceseof trenton/pregnancy-resources

USCCB

‘Where Can I Go?’

Resources available within the Diocese for those experiencing unplanned pregnancies

COMPILED BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

When women and the men in their lives find themselves facing an unplanned pregnancy, panic can easily set in – particularly if they are not in a position to handle the enormous demands of parenthood. As an alternative to lifelong loss and damage caused by an abortion, these parents have life-respecting, life-preserving options throughout the four counties of the Diocese, offered confidentially, respectfully and free of charge.

Residential Home for Pregnant & New Mothers: Good Counsel Homes, South Jersey • 800-723-8331 • help. goodcounselhomes.org

Established in 1985, these residential homes in New York and New Jersey have given more than 8,000 homeless, expectant new mothers and their children safe places to shelter, confidential post-abortion healing and much more.

“We never turn pregnant women in need away. We’re a loving home,” states the GCH website. “When family members are unable or fall short, we can be the support system you need.”

Help is provided through prenatal care, maternity and health care before and after birth; help with budgeting and finding a job; childcare for babies while mothers work; classes on parenting, case management and much more.

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton: 800-360-7711 • 24-hour hotline for Domestic Violence Services: 1-877-871-7551 • catholiccharitiestrenton.org

The Trenton Diocese’s Catholic Charities provides a help and information center to connect more than 100,000 individuals annually with a variety of essential services regardless of religious

background.

“In addition to providing the highest level of professional treatment and recovery services,” the Catholic Charities website explains, “vulnerable residents are assisted with basic needs – food, clothing, temporary housing – as well as with vocational training and financial literacy in order to achieve self-sufficiency.”

All services are fully accredited by The Council of Accreditation for Children and Family Services, and programs are licensed by the appropriate state agency, protecting confidentiality.

“For My Baby and Me”: 24-hour hotline: 609-256-7801

For pregnant women who suffer from addiction, those who enroll in My Baby and Me receive medical care through all stages of pregnancy, birth and postpartum; medication-assisted addiction treatment; peer recovery and relapse prevention counseling and support; housing assistance; transportation; employment services and childcare for dependents.

“This is a subset of that population that’s gotten lost because of the lack of infrastructure for coordination between maternal health and addiction medicine,” said Susan Loughery, director of operations for Catholic Charities, Diocese

of Trenton. “We’re meeting the patient where she is and wrapping whatever treatment is needed around her.”

Abortion Pill Reversal: 1-877-5580333 (24/7) • abortionpillreversal.com

For pregnant women who have considered the abortion pill or have already taken the first pill and are having second thoughts, it might not be too late.

Abortion Pill Reversal is the protocol used to reverse the effects of the first abortion pill, administered by the Abortion Pill Rescue Network (APRN) – a team of over 1,000 healthcare professionals, ready 24/7 to help women give their baby a second chance.

“We are the agile guardians of that precious moment in time when a woman chooses to give her unborn child a chance to fight for life,” the organization’s website notes. “Abortion Pill Reversal says, ‘here is a second chance at life, just in time.’”

New Jersey’s ‘Safe Haven’: Free 24/7 hotline: 1-877-839-2339 • www.nj.gov/njsafehaven

New Jersey has a Safe Haven where anyone can surrender a baby under 30 days old safely, legally and confidentially at any hospital emergency room or police station, or those fire, ambulance or first aid stations that are staffed 24 hours per day. The New Jersey Department of Children and Families will ensure that the infant is placed with a foster or pre-adoptive home.

As reported on nj.gov, according to national statistics from 1991 to 1998, child abandonment in public places increased 62%. The legal ways to give up an unwanted child were too complex for scared, uninformed young mothers.

New Jersey became the fifth state to pass Safe Haven legislation on Aug. 7, 2000. The laws now exist in all 50 states. As long as the child shows no signs of

need

intentional abuse, no names or other information is required.

LOCAL PREGNANCY HELP CENTERS

These help centers, while not always Catholic in origin, are often supported by Catholic and Christian pro-life ministries. They offer counseling support, pregnancy tests, mom/baby items and more:

Birthright is a non-profit charitable organization that has been supporting women facing unplanned pregnancies for more than 50 years, with centers throughout the United States, Canada and Africa, supported by volunteers and private donations:

Birthright of Freehold (Monmouth): birthright.org/freehold, 732-462-2888

Birthright of Red Bank (Monmouth): birthright.org/redbank, 732-747-7600

Birthright of Toms River (Ocean): birthright.org/tomsriver, 732-349-0154

Birthright of Barnegat (Ocean): birth right.org/barnegat/, 609-660-0485

Madonna House, Neptune (Monmouth): themadonnahouse.com • 732-775-1140

Madonna House Inc. was founded by Rebecca Blonski, in 1987, and serves infants, children and women by providing clothing, juvenile furnishings, toys, infant formula, diapers, small household items and other life necessities to impoverished and needy families at no cost to them. The organization is staffed by volunteers.

1st Way Life Center Burlington: Free ultrasound; 1stwaylifecenter. com • 609-871-1431 • National hotline: 800-848-LOVE

Founded in 1970, the National Life Center, Inc., is the parent organization for 1st Way pregnancy service centers located throughout the United States, serving any girl or woman with an unplanned pregnancy. The person-to-person structure is based on the belief that no problem is so great that it warrants destruction of innocent life. A network of associates works closely with 1st Way Life Center via the national toll-free hotline, connecting women to centers

nearest them.

“We can help any woman or girl to find medical, legal or psychological help as well as shelter, education and adoption guidance as desired through our network,” the na tional website states. “Complete confidentially is guaranteed and our services are free.”

Options for Women: Trenton (Mercer): Free ultrasound; optionsnj.org • 732-362-2256 | Cherry Hill (Camden): Free ultrasound • optionsnj.org • 856-795-0048

Options for Women offers free medical consultation with a second visit ultrasound, pregnancy navigation and customized support. Established in 1985 as a non-profit agency by grants and pri vate funding, Options for Women helps women sort through emotions and choic es available, treating them with kindness and respect for privacy. The organization offers access to other social service agencies, free classes and workshops on prenatal care, postpartum screening, and even parenting support groups.

Their mission is “to offer you a safe, comfortable place to process an extremely difficult decision,” the Options for Women website notes. “We have no financial interest in your choice, and that is what sets us apart ... we’re here to support you through this difficult time.”

Choice One: Lawrenceville (Mer cer): Free ultrasound • www.my choiceone.org • text 267-217-3430 reply will be discreet • 1-800-497-TEST

Free and confidential pregnancy-related services that include a pregnancy test, pregnancy verification ultrasound, counseling, medical and prenatal care referrals, postpartum depression, and abortion recovery. Other services include sexually transmitted infection (STD, STI) screening and treatment, parenting sessions, family aid of material assistance and more. Spanish mentors and counselors are available at all locations.

“We offer services that are designed to minister to your heart, mind, body, and soul at any age or in any circum-

stance,” the ChoiceOne website explains. “ChoiceOne was created to help women understand that they are unconditionally loved by God and we in turn strive to love and serve with integrity.”

The Open Door Pregnancy Center: Toms River (Ocean) • Free ultrasound • theopendoor.com • 732-240-5504

With free services that include pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, parenting programs, material assistance, post-abortive and miscarriage support and sexual integrity coaching, The Open Door Pregnancy Center seeks to assist women experiencing unplanned pregnancy confidentially and with sensitivity. The center support includes a parenting program, material support for pregnant women and new parents, guidance for fathers of an unplanned child, as well as a guide through the adoption process.

Solutions Health and Pregnancy Center, Shrewsbury (Monmouth) • Free ultrasound • solutionshpc.com • 732-747-5454

Solutions Health and Pregnancy Center is a licensed medical clinic located in Shrewsbury that helps sexually active women answer five critical questions: “Am I pregnant – really?”; “Will it end naturally?”; “What are my options?”; “Do I qualify for Medicaid?”; and “Do I have an STD?” The services are provided at no cost in a private, supportive setting. No insurance is required, and the center does not provide or refer abortions.

More resources available at dioceseoftrenton.org/pregnancy-resources

Walking with moms

Respect Life advocates from Moorestown parish a powerful force in changing minds

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

ClaireHowson didn’t know in 2010 when she began leading the 40 Days for Life prayer campaign for Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown, what a tangible impact it would have.

While two 40 Days for Life volunteers were praying recently outside the Cherry Hill Women’s Center – an abortion provider – they witnessed a distraught woman leaving the facility and called her over with an offer of help.

“Diana was 19 weeks pregnant and wasn’t able to have an abortion in her home state of Florida,” Howson recalled. The woman was scared by the instructions given by CHWC, and “she was having second thoughts. After speaking with Lorraine and John [the prayer volunteers] she decided not to go through with it – praise God!”

The volunteers connected Diana with Helpers of God’s Precious Infants New Jersey – Helpers NJ, for short – which booked her a flight back to Miami that same day.

Thanks to volunteers and donors from nearby parishes in both the Trenton and Camden Dioceses, Helpers NJ has been “entering into the lives of pregnant women and their families in order to ease their life burdens with support services to give them hope,” its website explains. Inspired by the 40 Days for Life Campaign (now a year-round Respect Life prayer effort), founding members Teri Labrosse and Joe Burns began in the early 1990s to pray for and provide information on abortion alternatives to women accessing the CHWC. Howson joined forces with Labrosse in 2014, along with now-president Mary Ann Barlow, incorporating Helpers NJ in 2015. Both Howson and Barlow are members of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish.

Lif SAVERS

“The Moorestown Knights of Columbus have made us a beneficiary of their golf outing,” said Howson of the funding for Helpers NJ. “St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton, did a wonderful fundraiser for us on Mother’s Day … and Our Lady, Queen of Peace, Haine sport, has put together Thanksgiving baskets for some of our mothers for sev eral years.” Additionally, “the Columbus Baptist Church sends a check every month.”

Pregnant women find Helpers NJ not only through prayer volunteers outside CHWC, but also through referrals from a nearby hospital. In the aftermath of the Dobbs Supreme Court decision, women in more abortion-re strictive states are seeking out the more lenient abortion resources of states like New Jersey.

The Bridgid Alliance, which helps women seeking abortion with travel expenses and child care, paid for Diana and a companion to fly to Philadelphia and stay in a nearby hotel, as well as an Uber gift card for local transportation –but not a return ticket.

“Thanks be to God for the donors

Claire Howson, parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown, and volun teer for Helpers NJ, participates in a 40 Days for Life prayer vigil in Cherry Hill. Photo by Dave Hernandez / Catholic Star Herald

 “Thanks be to God for the donors to Helpers NJ!”

Life SAVERS

Project Rachel Ministries aim to walk with those seeking healing after abortion

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

Providing

lifesaving and life-affirming assistance to mothers in need is crucial – not only during pregnancy, but also following an abortion. The spiritual support provided by programs in the Diocese of Trenton through the work of Project Rachel Ministry aims to do just that.

Consistent support part of Knights’ pro-life legacy

BY CHRISTINA LESLIE  Correspondent

While October is designated as Respect Life month, the numerous life-focused programs of the Knights of Columbus fraternal orga nization support life from conception to natural death throughout the year.

Albert Deltufo, a Knight from St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, and chairman for Pregnancy Center Support for New Jersey state programs, explained, “Our goals are to make sure any pregnancy center that supports life gets what they need.”

In the Diocese of Trenton, Knights support The Open Door Pregnancy Center, Toms River, donating an ultrasound machine to them about 10 years ago, assuring hundreds of women might be dissuaded from abortion by seeing their child in the

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“It’s an opportunity to heal and get reconnected to Jesus – it’s all about the relationship with him,” said Brenda Rascher, director of Project Rachel Ministry for the Diocese. “We’re welcoming them back to the Church, because so many of them feel ‘I can never go back.’ [We show them that] mercy and forgiveness are still available.”

On Oct. 22, the Diocese of Trenton’s Project Rachel Ministry, in cooperation with Rama de Maria – a healing after abortion nonprofit based in Elizabeth – will offer its first Spanish language oneday retreat for women, men and families who are seeking spiritual healing and restoration from an abortion. The retreat, offered in a Trenton-area location, will run 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and include breakfast and lunch, fellowship, prayer, celebration of the Mass and an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Location details are provided to registrants only to ensure confidentiality.

“Project Rachel Ministry is collaborating with organizations that provide retreats,” Rascher explained. “Rama de Maria, which is sponsored by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, and organized by Teresa Martinez, has been doing oneday Spanish language retreats for healing after abortion for decades.”

A ministry of the Catholic Church in the U.S. to those who have been involved in abortion, Project Rachel Ministry has

hopeafterabortion.com images

The Knights of Columbus have a long history in their support for life. One such example is shown in this 2013 photo when several Mercer County councils funded a new 40,000 GE Voluson P8 ultrasound machine for a local crisis pregnancy facility. File photo

Helpers’ impact

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to Helpers NJ!” Howson said. “Diana promised she will keep in touch; she texted last night to say they’d landed safely.”

Rachel Hendricks, diocesan coordi nator of Respect Life Ministries, empha sized the necessity of direct support.

“The needs of pregnant women and young families are not being met, leaving them feeling like abortion is their only choice,” Hendricks pointed out. “With the anticipated influx of women coming from other states for abortion, we need to step up our support of pregnancy centers and outreach organizations like Helpers NJ so that women can get the support they need to choose life.”

“We must aim to have presence wherever abortions are taking place,” Howson agreed. “Mothers need support when doubts arise. And our mere pres ence can cause those doubts.”

Knights’ pro-life works

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womb.

Continuing its support of women after delivery, the “Homes for Mothers” program, chaired by James Illo, assist with funds for pregnancy centers such as Op tions for Women, Cherry Hill; numerous Several Sources Homes, and Good Coun sel Homes-South Jersey, Riverside.

“We help centers which provide a home for pregnant women and their children for up to a year,” Illo said. “It is very important to show respect for life in the womb, but we also need to show help for mothers in terrible situations. … It’s a missing piece of the puzzle.”

Gary L. Seals, state director of life programs for the Knights, also chairs the Intellectual Disability Drive and the Mass for people with special needs. He explained, “The drive is used to raise monies for organizations like ARC [which aids developmentally disabled persons], and the Knights are platinum partners with the Special Olympics

Life SAVERS

[headquartered in Lawrenceville.] We also partner with the Police Benevolent Association for the Polar Plunge.”

Seals, a communicant of St. Dorothea Parish, Eatontown, continued, “[St. Mary Church] Middletown has held a Mass for the intellectually disabled, and we are speaking with St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral [Freehold] for a Mass for others with physical disabilities. This way, they won’t feel alone and fall away from the Church.”

This past June, Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly announced a new order-wide initiative to strengthen K of C assistance for pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes. Dubbed “ASAP,” or “Aid and Support After Pregnancy,” it builds upon the support Knights of Columbus councils continue to give to the more than 2,000 pregnancy resource centers in the United States.

In addition to placing ultrasound machines in pregnancy resource centers through the Ultrasound Initiative –nearly 1,600 since the program launched in 2009 – Knights nationwide served more than 1.7 million volunteer hours and gave over $18 million in funds and supplies to pregnancy centers and maternity homes from 2018 to 2021.

The new ASAP program will build on that support, local council by local council. For every $500 that a council donates to a qualified pregnancy resource center or maternity home — up to $2,000 in the 2022-23 fraternal year — the Supreme Council will add $100, a 20 percent increase.

Walking with Catholic Bishops. In addition to refer ring for Sacramental Reconciliation, the ministry provides an integrated network of services, including pastoral counseling, support groups, retreats and referrals to licensed mental health professionals.

“Healing from anything is not a ‘oneand-done’ approach – it’s a process,” Rascher emphasized. The one-day retreat is meant to be a part of that process and allow for greater accessibility.

“Some of these women’s families don’t even know [about their abortion], so options are needed for one-day retreats when a weekend-long retreat is not workable,” she continued. “We are collaborating with two organizations –Rama de Maria, which provides one-day retreats, and Rachel’s Vineyard, which provides weekend retreats – to provide services in the Diocese.”

To that end, an English-language Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreat is also planned for Nov. 11-13 in an Ocean County location. The Rachel’s Vineyard ministry has origins in Newark, and its three-day retreats include access to licensed counselors as well as priests available for Confession and Mass.

“One thing I’m working on is connecting people who may need actual counseling,” Rascher said of her work through Project Rachel Ministry and its collaboration with the various post-abortion healing ministries and services available. “Often over the years they may develop addictions, and don’t even realize it’s coming from that abortion wound until they’re in counseling.”

SPANISH LANGUAGE RETREAT

Post-abortion healing described by the national office as a dioc esan-based network of priests, religious, counselors, and laypersons who provide a team response of care for those suffering in the aftermath of abortion, as described by the United States Conference of

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A donation of $30 is suggested for the one-day Spanish-language Project Rachel retreat for Oct. 22. Those interested in attending can call for more details: Teresa Martinez, 732-406-4623, or email prorachel spanish@dioceseoftrenton.org.

En Espanol: TrentonMonitor. com > PECES

need

Annual Champion for Life awards

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

MARCH FOR LIFE IN D.C. SET; MASS FOR LIFE PLANNED IN DIOCESE

Returning

after a two-year COVID-19 hiatus, the Mary’s Child Pro-Life Ministry has opened ticket sales for its 31st annual Champion for Life Award Dinner.

Set for Oct. 23 at The Shore Club, 700 Hwy. 71, Spring Lake Heights, the event will begin with a 5 p.m. reception and buffet dinner to follow at 6 p.m. The dinner will honor Father Dean Gaudio, nominated as the 2022 Champion for Life, and Paul Garvey will be awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for True Courage.

Mary’s Child Pro-Life Min istry represents the Monmouth County parishes of St. Catharine-St. Margaret, Spring Lake; St. Denis, Manasquan; St. Mark, Sea Girt; St. Rose, Belmar; St. Teresa of Calcutta, Avon-by-the-Sea, and Holy Innocents, Neptune. The organization has been hosting dinners in honor of pro-life advocates since 1990.

“When we had our first dinners, we always tried to have them on or around Respect Life Sunday,” said Mary Reilly, president of Mary’s Child Pro-Life Ministry and CYO director in St. Mark Parish. “They signify the ultimate victo ry of life over death.”

The ministry has made it a point, she said, to include high school youth who are members of the parishes’ CYO programs or other youth ministries, even inviting them to act as emcees and speakers. “It is a wonderful way to include them in our pro-life work as well as allow them to develop public speaking skills.”

Father Gaudio, parochial vicar in St. Theresa Parish, Little Egg Harbor, was nominated as this year’s Champion for Life by a parishioner of his former pas torate in St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish.

“Father Dean preaches from the pulpit often in a non-confrontation, non-political, loving way about the importance of the protection of unborn babies,” said St. Teresa of Calcutta parishioner Kathleen McGrorry. “He makes it clear that our Lord has a pur pose for every single life and that God does not make mistakes.”

That attitude, McGrorry said in her nomination letter, extends to all ages and circumstances – attested to by many parishioners who shared with her their experiences, “stories of how Father Dean was the face of God in their lives and the lives of their broken families … he comforted and aided so many people, whom he taught that there is strong purpose for their lives, and to lean into their struggles and to trust God’s will for them.”

The Champion for Life Award dinner not only recognizes those who distinguish themselves in protecting and defending human life, but also raises money for charities that Mary’s Child Pro-Life Ministry supports – among them, Birthright, Madonna House, Good Counsel Homes and Several Sources Shelters.

IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND:

Tickets are $65 for adult dinner and $35 for child dinner. Checks should be made payable to “Mary’s Child Pro-Life Ministry,” and mailed to: St Catharine-St. Margaret Parish Rectory, 215 Essex Avenue, Spring Lake, NJ 07762. Kindly make reservations by Oct. 10 - contact Michele McMahon, mgm2364@ gmail.com, 908-229-0563.

Following the June 24 overturn of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court, the national pro-life movement has gained new momentum for the annual National March for Life in Washington, D.C.

The 50th annual March for Life – the first post-Roe – is planned for Jan. 20 following a Rally on the Mall beginning at noon. For more information visit marchforlife.org.

For persons in the Diocese of Trenton who cannot participate in the March or would prefer to stay local, the diocesan Respect Life Ministry will sponsor a Diocesan Mass for Life Jan. 20 at 11 a.m. in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold. The diocesan Offices of Pastoral Life and Mission and Communications will post information, inviting the participation of as many as possible priests, deacons and lay parish leaders as well as parish respect life comittee representatives and youth pro-life leaders. The Knights of Co lumbus and supporters of pregnancy support organizations like Birthright, Madonna House, Good Counsel Homes, St. Vincent de Paul conferences, diaper drive and food pantry volunteers who are supporting the "Walking with Moms in Need" initative will be invited.

“The necessary work to build a culture of life at the national level is not finished,” emphasized Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities. “Rather, it is focused differ ently.

“The goals of these important efforts are not only to change laws, but to change hearts and minds to usher in a culture of life,” Archbishop Lori continued,.

Father Dean Gaudio

It begins with YOU

Build a culture of life, starting right now

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

EveryCatholic, by virtue of his or her Baptism, is entrusted with the mission of building up the Kingdom of God – and advancing the respect and protection of human life from conception to natural death is essential to that mission. But sometimes it’s difficult to know where to begin. Below are some suggestions for ways to get involved.

VOLUNTEER

Call your nearest pro-life women’s center to see if they need help answering phones, sitting with moms in a waiting room or delivering supplies from other chari ties. If you are bilingual, that’s an added bonus. If you live near a pregnancy resource center that offers childcare for working moms, and you have the necessary childcare credentials, offer your time to babysit.

Find out if your local hospital has a “baby-cuddler” program that relies on volunteers to hold preemie babies and newborns struggling through prenatal substance addiction and withdrawal.

Connect with Knights of Columbus and St. Vincent de Paul in your parish. They may already have pro-life advocacy and support efforts underway that simply need more volunteers to carry them out.

Offer rides to Mass or bring Holy Eucha rist to the elderly and sick. Catholic parishioners may be excluded from the celebration of Mass if they are unable to drive or to leave their homes. Partner with other nearby parishes to start a Rides to Mass program or sign up and be commissioned as an Ex traordinary Minister of the Eucharist to the Homebound.

Volunteer at your local nursing home and/or senior center or become a hospice volunteer. Nothing says “you are important and valued” like an in-person visit to some one who otherwise might remain isolated and lonely. Reach out to the hospital or senior living community nearest you to find out how you can help – and be sure to respect and follow healthcare protocols that help protect those who may have compro mised immunity.

in need

DONATE

Consider making a monetary donation or indicating a charity in your will to assure their assistance can continue. Numerous organizations exist within the Diocese of Trenton that help women experiencing unplanned pregnancies (See “Where Can I Go?” pages 10-11). Many of these entities do not receive public fund ing or tax dollars, but instead rely upon the generosity of faith groups and individuals to keep their doors open.

For parents whose children are beyond the baby/toddler stage, assess your equipment and fur nishings to find those in good condition that can be donated.

Have your kids help go through their baby items and decide what they can give to help a child in need. Keep in mind that many unexpectedly pregnant moms may also be experiencing housing insecurity and may need furnishings as well. (IMPORTANT: Contact the organiza tion before you donate to assure they have storage space and are accepting the articles you wish to donate.)

Host a diaper drive or Mother’s Day collection in your parish and/or school. Collect baby clothing, feeding supplies, formula and diapers, as well as monetary dona tions and gift cards to go toward the purchase of larger items like car seats and cribs.

PRAY AND FAST

Pray on your own. Audio versions of the Rosary (including that of our own Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.) are readily available online to download or stream from your device and take with you on a walk or in the car.

Pray with a group. If one doesn’t already exist in your parish, you can organize a regular pro-life prayer group that prays together on behalf of pre-born infants, pregnant moms, and the elderly and infirm. For a global effort, check out the 40 Days for Life prayer campaign at 40daysforlife.com – an internationally coordinated 40day campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses. The current prayer campaign runs Sept. 28 to Nov. 6.

Host a Holy Hour for life in your parish. The United

RESPECT LIFE MONTH in the parishes

Several parishes around the Diocese have scheduled events in observance of Respect Life Month. Visit TrentonMonitor.com>News>Parishes and see what’s happening in St. James Parish, Pennington; St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, and St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft, among others.

States Conference of Catholic Bishops has compiled many prayer resources on its website, one of which is a Holy Hour for Life based on the reflections of St. John Paul II: usccb. org/pro-life-prayer.

Give up a special dessert or one meal a week and offer that sacrifice for pre-born babies and their mothers and fa thers, that they may be inspired to choose life, or for those who are dying and have no family to visit and pray with/for them.

ADVOCATE

Create visual displays to raise awareness. With permission of your pastor, organize and help set up a flag display on the church lawn representing pre-born babies lost to abortion, or showcase the official flag of the pro-life movement, available at prolifeflag.com.

Publicize locally scheduled talks on abortion alternatives and end-of-life issues on social media and invite friends to attend with you. Consider organizing similar presentations in your parish or Catholic school as part of a speaker series to help inform your community on key issues.

Be an advocate for pregnant and parenting mothers on social media or among your networks of family, friends and associates, by connecting them with resources offered by the Catholic Church and other organizations.

Foster civility in all that you say and do to model a respect for all human life. Respond to Pope Francis’ call to build “a better kind of politics, one truly at the service of the common good” (Fratelli Tutti, no. 154) by pledging in all you say and do: Charity. Clarity. Creativity. Learn more at civilizeit.org.