Operation Save Katrina's Babies

Dear Friends I was asked if I knew of any activity to help the victims of Katrina. Here is something I just received and want to pass on. A new way of being the Hands of Christ to our children. Operation Save Katrina's Babies Dear Pro-lifers, Louisiana and Mississippi pregnancy resource centers are in desperate need of our help. Four New Orleans area pregnancy resource centers were destroyed by Katrina, and it t is unclear how incapacitated the Mississippi PRCs are, because no one has been able to get through to any of their directors. That's the bad news. The good news is that five of eight Louisiana abortion clinics were also destroyed. The PRCs in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and other outer Louisiana areas have been inundated by families needing diapers and formula. Area hospitals are also asking the centers to recover post-partum patients. The formula companies say they have sent huge shipments to the area, but they're not getting to the PRCs. I spoke with three PRC directors in Louisiana yesterday, and they gave me a list of their greatest needs. We are going to collect donations in the Chicago area over the weekend at Parkview Christian Church (11100 Orland Parkway, Orland Park, Illinois 60467), and a semi is going to deliver them to Louisiana on Monday (September 12). Here are the needs, in order of urgency: 1. Formula: Advanced Similac with iron; Enfamil with iron; any other formulas - dry, condensed, or ready to serve 2. Diapers, especially newborn 3. Infant car seats 4. Pedialyte 5. Bassinets 6. Baby wipes More than that, the PRCs desperately need money. They need to finance mobile medical units to go into the devastated areas as they are accessible. A director told me that there is lots of giving going on to churches and relief agencies, but the PRCs are being overlooked. We also need money to pay for the semi truck gas. (The truck and driver's time are being donated.) Donations for gas can be made to Concerned Women for America of IL, P. O. Box 188, Palos Heights, IL 60463. There is also a need for volunteers to go to Louisiana and stay for a week or two or longer, particularly men for protection. A nurse at the Shreveport PRC says she will help find housing. Donate directly online to: www.ctlm.org. These funds will go to finance mobile medical units and restoring pregnancy care centers. Please distribute this alert widely. Thank you very much, Jill Stanek Contact Information email: jillstanek@comcast.net web: http://www.jillstanek.com

Culture of Life Calendar for September & October

Culture of Life Calendar for September & October Dear Friends, We are truly blessed in Oregon. The Holy Spirit is pouring out His grace to help us make sense of our existence and stay close to Him. Here are some wonderful opportunities for us to get together, as One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic Church. Culture of Life Calendar September Friday - Sunday, September 16-18 in Portland - Rachel's Vineyard Retreat These weekend retreats are for women, men and anyone suffering after an abortion. Participation is strictly confidential and offers a beautiful opportunity to experience the healing love of Jesus Christ . For more information or registration call Lori Eckstine, Project Rachel Coordinator 541-521-5186 or 1-800-249-8074. The cost is $130 for meals, room and all retreat materials. Assistance is available. Visit their website www.rachelsvineyard.org *** Mea Culpa, work fast for this one. Thursday, September 22 - "On Being a Courageous Catholic" - Mt. Angel Abbey Retreat House An evening retreat with Father Pius X Harding, O.S.B. Father Pius X Harding, as his name indicates, has a particular interest in Pope Pius X and the errors of modernism. He will share his insights from the Church's spiritual and intellectual tradition.The talks will focus on the source of challenges to the lay Catholic today, and the spiritual and practical aspects of being a courageous Catholic. Time - 4:00 to 9:00pm and the cost is $15.00 Schedule 3:45-4:15 Check-in and settle 4:15-5:15 First Talk 5:20-5:50 Vespers with the Monks 6:00-7:00 Dinner 7:00-7:30 Casual Discussion or stroll on Abbey grounds 7:30-7:50 Compline with the Monks 8:00-8:45 Second Talk Contact: Denise Campagna - 541.753.2751 Make checks payable to Mt. Angel Retreat House, by September 8th to Alice Brown, 5125 SW Beals Corvallis, OR 97333 This event is sponsored by Corvallis Pillar of Truth, a new non-profit organization in faithful obedience to the Holy See. www.corvallispillaroftruthorg *** Saturday, September 24th Day Conference, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Salem Conference Schedule 7:00 (Morning Mass in the Church) 8:00 Coffee/ juice in the parish center 8:45 Opening Prayer 9:00 Keynote Speaker: Janet Smith Natural and Non-Violent: A Catholic View of Sexuality 11:00 Break 11:15 Dr. Lynne Bissonnette Holy Feminine 12:15 Lunch provided 1:15 Mike and Amy McDermott Covenantal Love in Marriage: Living A Christ-Centered Family Life 2:00 Break 2:15 Janet Smith Culture of Life vs. Culture of Death 4:15 Closing (Vigil Mass is at 4:30 pm in the Church) Dr. Janet E. Smith is the Fr. Michael J. McGivney Chair of Life Issues and a professor of Moral Theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary of New York. She is the author of Humanae Vitae: A Generation Later and editor of Why Humanae Vitae Was Right: A Reader and many articles on ethical and bioethics issues. Over 700,000 copies of her tape, Contraception: Why Not?" have been distributed. She taught for nine years at the University of Notre Dame and twelve years at the University of Dallas. She speaks nationally and internationally on several issues, especially the Catholic Church's teaching on sexuality. She is serving a second term as a consultor to the Pontifical Council on the Family. Dr. Lynne Bissonette is a medical doctor with specialty in psychiatry. She has been practicing medicine in the Portland area for over 28 years. Her particular interest is in marriage and the family. In addition, she is currently serving as a regional director of the Catholic Medical Association. Mike and Amy McDermott Married for thirteen years, with six wonderful children, Mike and Amy also work with the marriage preparation ministry at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Salem. Conference Registration $10 in advance, $15 at the door Send name, address and phone number with registration fee to: St. Joseph Catholic Church Respect Life Committee 721 Chemeketa St.S Salem, OR 97301 Contact and info: (503) 581-1623 www.stjosephchurch.com checks payable to: St. Joseph Catholic Church October - Respect Life Month Sunday, Oct 2, 2:30-3:30p.m. LIFE CHAIN - Salem On Lancaster Drive in Salem families and all church communities will join together for the Life Chain. Lives have been changed and babies saved through the silent example of advocates for the unborn standing peacefully with signs. Bring your children and be a witness for life. Call Salem Right to Life for information and where your church will be needed to fill up Lancaster Drive. Get your church involved. If you can't or forget to call. Just come on down. We are family. Salem Right to Life office 503.585.7856 fax 503.585.0605 ALSO ON OCTOBER 2nd You can be part of this at the same time!!!! at the Life Chain or at Home! *** Sunday, October 2nd - World-wide Prayer Event of 100,000,000!!! Sanctity of Life Sunday Worldwide Catholic Effort Aimed at Offering 100 Million Prayers for Sanctity of Life! June, 2005 - Washington, NJ - The Blue Army, USA a member nation of The World Apostolate of Fatima/Blue Army today announcded an expansive effort aimed at offering 100,000,000 prayers to Heaven on October 2, 2005 in support of the Sanctity of Life. The Worldwide Fatima Sanctitiy of Life Day initiative endeavors to produce the largest day of organized prayer the world has ever seen. What is the Blue Army? Is this a spiritual dinosaur , or a constant "militia" of Our Lady as revealed in Fatima, Portugal in 1917 for the Church militant. The Blue Army formed in response to the Red Army of Communist thought. Part of the Catholic Church, the Apostolate is calling Catholics and non-Catholics alike to implement Our Lady of Fatima's message by praying onOctober 2, 2005. This worldwide event will spread Our Lady's plan forpeace, which is focused on hard work, following the commandments and prayer,especially the Rosary. By joining together with over 40 Member Nations and those who work hard for the Sanctity of Life, the massive effort results in the goal of sending 100,000,000 prayers to heaven from all corners of theworld. This event begins a movement that intensifies worldwide efforts to spread and emphasize the importance of the message of Fatima to pray.and pray often to resolve the problems confronting today's society. "Together we will bring the message of Fatima to life for millions of peoplearound the world, not just in big cities around the world but also to tiny villages," said Michael La Corte, Executive Director. "We will spread the message of Fatima not just to those who pray regularly, but also to many of God's children who don't fully understand the power of Our Lady's message." The world community is invited to visit www.bluearmy.com and register their pledge to pray the Rosary or according to their faith, on Worldwide Fatima Sanctity of Life Day. In registering their pledge, participants will be remembered in a Holy Mass at the Blue Army National Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Washington, NJ and in Fatima, Portugal. Each participant's name will be placed in Fatima at the site where the Apparitions took place.In addition, all visitors to www.bluearmy.com who register their pledge to say the Rosary or offer 20 minutes of prayer on October 2nd for the Sanctity of Life will be automatically entered into a special drawing to win a Free Spiritual Journey for four to Fatima, Portugal!"We ask all humanity to encourage your Catholic and Non-Catholic friends, family and loved ones, to register their pledge and if possible attend one of our October 2nd events being held throughout the United States and the world. With your help, heaven will smile as it receives 100,000,000 prayers for the sanctity of life," continued Michael La Corte. On October 2nd, Blue Army will also dedicate an inspirational monument Mary,Mother of the Life Within in Washington, NJ. Dr. Alan Keyes, one of theworld's most notable Sanctity of Life Champions, will join with Father Andrew Apostolic, one of the most recognized speakers on the message of Fatima, to address the thousands of faithful. His Excellency Bishop Bootkoski the local ordinary and the Spiritual Advisor for the Blue Army will dedicate the monument. Attendees will learn, pray, act on and spread Our Lady's message of salvation for the world. About Blue Army Shrine The Blue Army, USA is the only "Our Lady of Fatima" Apostolate that is part of the Catholic Church. They are recognized as a "Private Association of the Faithful." As such, the Church reviews their publications and actions in regards to theological accuracy, faith and morals. No other Fatima organization maintains this status. The Blue Army began the World Apostolate of Fatima (WAF), an organization that has garnered motions by Pope John Paul II to be raised to the status of International "Public Association of the Faithful" a status granted to only about 11 other catholic lay organizations." *** October 21-23 - Medford - Rachel's Vineyard Retreat (see September retreat information) *** Saturday, October 22th - Oregon Right to Life Silent and Oral Auction, Red Lion Hotel, Salem "UNDER THE SEA"..... Save This Date!!! Silent auction begins at 5pm. Please mark your calendar to join us for a fun and exciting evening with friends, including entertainment, a live auction, and a silent auction. Call 503.463.8563 or email www.ortl.org we will add you to our invitation list. *** Thursday - Sunday October 27-30 SILENT Retreat, Our Lady of Peace Retreat, Beaverton This silent retreat entails Holy Mass, Adoration, the Rosary, conferences, time for private reflection, meals in silence, opportunity for Confession and Spiritual Direction. Cost for room and board, $175 For more information call 312-527-1739 or see their website www.opusangelorum.org Retreat Masters - Father Titus Kieninger and Fr. Wolfgang Seitz of the Order of Canons Regular of the Holy Cross. Father Titus is presently professor of philosophy and spiritual director at the major seminary of the Holy Cross in Brazil. He is also superior of the Community in Detroit, Michigan. Father Wolfgang Seitz, originally from Germany is the Director of Opus Angelorum for the U.S. A Blessed Opportunity. Pope John Paul II said that "silence is the sanctuary of prayer". Only he who flees the noise of the world and enters into the silence of the heart can hear the voice of God. Take your Guardian Angel on this retreat. They need a break from all the noise too. *** Friday evening - Sunday afternoon, October 28-30 Mother/Daughter Retreat, Mt. Angel Abbey The retreat will be geared for mothers with daughters in their teens through adulthood. As a mother, what would you like to experience with your daughter on this weekend. Any suggestions and/or things you think need to be addressed in your lives, please direct them to Linda Mayer (503) 981-9090 or email Linda at eAre1Body@msn.com Any questions regarding the retreat can be directed to Fr. Michael Mee at Mt. Angel Abbey at (503) 845-3414 . (Correction - Holy Family Academy is 1st through 8th with a one day/week kindergarten. ) God Bless Us and God Please bless those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Carolyn "Spiritual Childhood is not spiritual foolishness or softness; it is a sane and forceful way which, due to its difficult easiness, the soul must begin and then continue, lead by the hand of God." Saint Josemaria Escriva VOCAL Voice of Catholics Advocating Life PO Box 458 Sublimity, OR 97385 Member of Catholic Media Coalition "Inline with the Church, online with the world"