Sweet relief in the form of m-u-r-r-d-e-r!

Dear All, We have some very talented people in our Oregon Catholic family. Carl Olson, who just has written award-winning "The DaVinci Hoax" had a successful forum in Corvallis with over 125 people. Join another favorite "sister", Debra Murphy, who was chosen as a semi-finalist in the "Religious Fiction" category for her murder mystery with a Catholic spiritual theme from the 2005 Independent Publisher Book Awards. Memorial Day, give yourself a "worry break"; sweet relief in the form of murder! 05/30/05 Debra Murphy will do a short reading from The Mystery of Things and participate in a discussion on the topic of "Mystery-thrillers with spiritual and religious themes" at a "Literary Latté" hosted at the Coffee House Café in Salem, Oregon. Time: 7pm, Monday, May 30. Address: 135 Liberty St NE, Salem, OR 97301. The public is welcome. Keep informed at www.idyllspress.com Back to Reality Legislative Update from Oregon Right to Life PAC Time is running out and we need your help! HB 2020 – the Unborn Victims of Violence bill – has passed the Oregon House with bipartisan support! The bill is now in the hands of the Oregon Senate. Unfortunately, the Democrat Senate Leadership is preventing a vote on this common-sense bill. Please contact your Senator by June 8, 2005 and communicate your support for HB 2020. Ask your Senator to request committee action and encourage his or her colleagues to consent to a committee vote and a vote of the full Senate. Please also contact Senate President Peter Courtney. Sen. Courtney is the most powerful individual in the Oregon Senate. He could assist HB 2020 in receiving a vote in committee and the full Senate. Ask Sen. Courtney to use his influence as Senate President to move HB 2020 forward! The purpose of HB 2020 is very simple. If a violent crime causes an expectant mother to lose her unborn baby or if the mother’s family loses both the woman and the unborn baby, the victims and their family deserve justice. Even though two bodies washed on shore, if Laci and Conner Peterson had been killed in Oregon, Scott Peterson would have only been charged with one murder. Under current Oregon law little Conner’s life and death would not have been acknowledged. Over 70% of Oregonians support this legislation. Because Senate offices are so busy, they often do not recognize requests that run contrary to their political ideology until they have received a substantial about of communication. Every Senate office – especially the Democrat offices – needs to hear from over 100 voters in their district by June 8th. Please contact your friends, family members, church members, co-workers, anyone…and ask them to participate in this vital and worthwhile effort. You can call, email or write your Senator. To identify your Senator, visit www.leg.state.or.us/findlegsltr/ and type in your address. You can also call the Capitol switchboard at 1.800.332.2313. Senator Peter Courtney Party: D District: 11 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1600 Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE., S-203, Salem, OR, 97301 Email: sen.petercourtney@state.or.us Website: http://www.leg.state.or.us/senate/senpres CULTURE OF LIFE CALENDAR JUNE Thursday, Friday, Saturday - June 2, 3 and 4, Portland "Teaching, Faith, and Service: The Foundation of Freedom" Conference Sponsored by the University of Portland Garaventa Center for Catholic Intellectual Life and American Culture and by the University of Notre Dame Center for Ethics and Culture. University of Portland campus in North Portland • The presentation by the Honorable John R. Noonan, Jr., U.S. Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, "Transparency in Theology: The Necessary Condition for Catholic Teaching", June 2, 6:00-7:00 pm at the Buckley Center Auditorium is free to the public. • The presentation by Wm. David Solomon, Ph.D., "Doctors, Death and Democratic Culture", Friday, June 3, 7:30-9:00 pm at the Buckley Center Auditorium is free to the public. This deals with physician assisted suicide. • Physicians for Compassionate Care Officers and Board Members are participating in presentations: Friday, June 3, 2005, 9:00-10:15 am Bioethics Roundtable Dr. Tom Pitre, Fr. John Tuohey, Dr. Charles Benz Saturday, June 4, 2005, 10:45-noon Oregon's Experience with Physician Assisted Suicide Dr. Ken Stevens, Dr. Bill Toffler, Dr. Greg Hamilton • There is a registration charge for attendance of other presentations at the meeting. Further information about the conference is available at: http://www.up.edu/up_sub.asp?ctnt=1390&mnu=220&chl=75&lvl=1 Registration Card is available online at: • www.up.edu/pdf/FoFregistrationcard.pdf Sat., Mon., Tues. & Sun.-June 4, 6, 7 & 12th - Corvallis, Salem, Portland Dr. Brian Clowes, author and international speaker from Human Life International. Dr. Clowes' book "Call to Action, Call to Apostasy" exposes more than the dissident group Call to Action. A must for your library. • Saturday, June 4, 7pm, Corvallis • “Is Dissent Good for the Church?” • Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Meeting Room, 645 Monroe St., Corvallis • Sponsored by St. Mary's Catholic Book Club, Corvallis • This is a free event sponsored by the St. Mary's Catholic Book Club • Monday, June 6, St. Mary's Upper Social Hall, Corvallis • 9am (after daily mass) "The International Abortion Situation" • 7pm (informal discussion) "Strategies for Fighting Dissent - Bring your questions. • Tuesday, June 7, 7 pm, St. Joseph Church, Salem • "Demographic Impacts of Abortion" • This is a free event sponsored by the St. Joseph's Church Respect Life Committee NEW DATE! Sunday, June 12, 7-9pm Holy Rosary Parish, Portland • "International Abortion Situation" and work of Human Life International. • Come and meet Brian, he was a parishionner of Holy Rosary for thirteen years. Just to let you know. Senate Bill 1000, (Same-sex unions) was opposed by Archbishop Vlazny, Bishop Vasa and Bishop Steiner. Let's thank our Bishops for taking a moral stand and defending the Church's position on "same-sex unions". Their rational statement that shows true love of mankind while holding Christ's standards high is my pleasure to post. Thanks to Nina Rhea - Director of the "Marriage Team" for being on top of things as usual and sending this. States’ Bishops Assess Marriage, Civil Unions And Reciprocal Beneficiaries 04/28/2005 THE SENTINEL A letter from Oregon’s Catholic bishops During the past year the issues of marriage and same-sex unions have dominated Oregon’s political debate. The Oregon Catholic Conference, the voice of Oregon’s bishops on public policy issues, offers to the faithful and people of good will these reflections for your consideration in support of the common good for all Oregonians. In March 2004, Multnomah County began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Last November, the electorate significantly passed Measure 36, supported by the Conference, limiting marriage only to a union of one man and one woman. Following the Oregon Supreme Court’s April 14 opinion that the county acted without authority and the marriage licenses are void, the Oregon Legislature is debating the issues of same-sex civil unions and reciprocal beneficiaries. Reflection on the issues of homosexuality and marriage places this debate in context. While there is a distinction between homosexual inclination and activity, each person is a loved child of God with inherent human dignity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church declares that persons with a homosexual inclination “must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.” (#2358) Any hostile or violent words or acts directed at our sisters and brothers are offensive, immoral and must not be tolerated. Addressing the marriage issue in November 2003, the U.S. Catholic bishops approved Between Man and Woman: Questions and Answers About Marriage and Same-Sex Unions. The statement concludes: “Marriage is a basic human and social institution. Though it is regulated by civil laws and church laws, it did not originate from either church or state, but from God. Therefore, neither church nor state can alter the basic meaning and structure of marriage. “Marriage, whose nature and purposes are established by God, can only be the union of a man and a woman and must remain such in law. In a manner unlike any other relationship, marriage makes a unique and irreplaceable contribution to the common good of society, especially through the procreation and education of children. “The union of husband and wife becomes, over a lifetime, a great good for themselves, their family, communities, and society. Marriage is a gift to be cherished and protected.” The U.S. bishops’ statement followed the Vatican’s June 2003 document approved by Pope John Paul II: “Considerations Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to Unions between Homosexual Persons.” That document clearly proclaimed support for marriage’s protected status in society’s laws: “The common good requires that laws recognize, promote and protect marriage as the basis of the family, the primary unit of society.” Because marriage is the foundation of the human family, society attaches special protections and benefits for the married couple and their children. It is in society’s own self-interest and self-propagation to do so. It is not discriminatory for society to reserve the full array of marriage benefits to a married man, woman and their children. To legalize civil unions (wherein same-sex couples receive all the benefits of marriage under another name) is to adopt a public policy that, in effect, states that marriage and same-sex civil unions, although called by different names, are essentially the same and equal. They are not. Society must always be mindful that the law is a teacher of us all, including very young and impressionable minds who are growing into their sexual awareness and identity. Youth learn society’s conduct and expectations from family, community, faith and law. The policy of same-sex civil unions establishes a confusing legal and educational message for young people. Approval of same-sex civil unions makes a statement to impressionable youth: society offers the same benefits for marriage between one man and one woman and same-sex civil unions. Therefore society says you are free to choose either marriage or same-sex civil unions because they are equal in the eyes of the law. With the passage of a law legalizing same-sex civil unions, marriage will no longer hold a special place in society’s laws for the exclusive benefit of man, woman and the procreation, rearing and education of children. Marriage between one man and one woman, then, will no longer be held up as society’s preferred institution to conceive and raise children. Marriage, in effect, becomes a weakened social institution to the detriment of the stability of the family and the inherent consequences to children. Through same-sex civil unions with marriage-like benefits and through the practices of artificial insemination and surrogate motherhood, society sanctions and encourages expanded experimentation on the birth of children who deliberately will be conceived and born without the benefit of having both mother and father. Children are God’s precious gift to humanity, given to us through the mutual love of woman and man. Society’s approval of a generally accepted and expanded experimentation on the birth of children without both mother and father surely cannot be in the best interests of children or society. Accordingly, the Oregon Catholic Conference cannot support same-sex civil unions as supportive of the common good for all and must oppose legislative attempts to adopt such public policy in Oregon. In recognition of the fact that there are many people who live together for friendship, companionship and mutual economic support, the concept of reciprocal beneficiaries, with benefits such as survivorship rights, has been advanced. Since reciprocal beneficiaries are dependent on two adults, for example a mother and daughter, being mutually supportive of each other, many people, particularly elderly parents and people with disabilities, would benefit from such a public policy. In general, the Oregon Catholic Conference could support a reciprocal beneficiaries public policy as advancing the common good for a significant number of adults in society. The issues presented to the people of Oregon during this last year’s activities, policy developments and debate about the law on marriage are foundational to society and profound in their impact on the lives of all Oregonians. We pray that the public debate be conducted with civility and charity for all involved. We ask God’s continued blessings on the people of Oregon and its public officials so that wise public policy advancing the common good for all will be the fruits of this public discussion. We pray for God’s blessings on you and your families. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Rev. John G. Vlazny Archbishop of Portland, President Most Rev. Robert F. Vasa Bishop of Baker, Vice President Most Rev. Kenneth Steiner Auxiliary Bishop of Portland, Board Member Here is contact information for the Bishops. To say "thank you". Archbishop Vlazny - 503.234.5334 /2838 E. Burnside, Portland 97214 Bishop Vasa - 541.388.4004/PO Box 5999, Bend 97708 Bishop Steiner - 503.647. 2131/St. Edward Parish, PO Box 507, North Plains 97133 The term cardo means a "hinge", that on which a thing turns, its principal point; the cardinal virtues- Prudence, Justice, Bravery, Temperace, may be said to be a scientifically arranged group, helpful for those who are struggling for a well-ordered world & conduct in a disordered world, which is not prudent, just, brave, temperate. Thank you Lord, for these Shepherds who demonstrated principals You gave Your Church to make our path to Heaven clearer. God Bless you all, Carolyn "Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions." G.K. Chesterton VOCAL Voice of Catholics Advocating Life PO Box 458 Sublimity, OR 97383

Let the Senate Have A Turn!

Dear Advocates for Life, Great news from the Oregon House of Representatives: HB 2605 Parental Notification has passed. If this bill is made into law, parents will be notified before an abortion is performed upon their minor daughter. The 32-27 vote was along party lines except for Rep. Bob Jenson (R-Pendleton) who voted with the Democrats against parental notice. Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown (D-Portland) has stated the bill will not receive a committee hearing. So...now the work begins on the Senate side. Please call Senate President Peter Courtney (who holds the keys to the future of this bill), Senator Kate Brown and your representatives asking for a committee hearing on HB 2605. Parents need to be told if other adults are transporting their children and assuming their role by making life-changing decisions for their family that effect their future forever. It's only decent. HB 2605 asks for parental notification, NOT permission. BTW - Mr. Courtney is a Catholic Democrat who needs encouragement and courage to be pro-life and protect the parent/child relationship. Catholics who are democrat go against their party platform to vote pro-life, they need "fortitude" ("..ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of good." CCC 1837")a gift of the Holy Spirit, when their peers think they "sold out." Pray for our brother in Christ, before you contact him. Another "tactic" is to ask your guardian angel to communicate this message to his guardian angel. Let's use the "weapons" we have in this spiritual battle. Senator Peter Courtney Party: D District: 11 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1600 Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE., S-203, Salem, OR, 97301 Email: sen.petercourtney@state.or.us Website: http://www.leg.state.or.us/senate/senpres Senator Kate Brown Party: D District: 21 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1700 Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE., S-323, Salem, OR, 97301 Email: sen.katebrown@state.or.us Website: http://www.leg.state.or.us/brown Find your Legislator - http://www.leg.state.or.us/writelegsltr/ Coming Next Week: HB 2020 the Laci/Connor Peterson Bill! FYI - Let's not let this happen in Oregon. Since school-based clinics, there seems to be an influx of these problems. Parents need to know what's happening in their schools and health-based clinics. We can't take anything for granted. From Life Site News - U.S. High School Hosts “Gay Education” Conference, including Pornographic Materials Encouraging Sodomy WALTHAM, Massachusetts, May 18, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Students at a Massachusetts high school were exposed to “hard core” pornographic materials depicting sodomy at a Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN) conference held at Brookline High School April 30, according to an Article 8 Alliance report. One “resource” given to hundreds of kids” at the conference was a “hard-core pornographic homosexual ‘how-to’ booklet titled The Little Black Book - Queer in the 21st Century. The Article 8 Alliance said it contained "deadly misinformation on health”. Written by the Boston-based “AIDS Action Committee” with help from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston Public Health Commission, the booklet contains graphic depictions and misinformation, suggesting that condom use is a failsafe measure against contracting AIDS. Article 8 described the event, hosted by Brookline High School, as a tool aimed at “children and teachers, to promote homosexuality in schools, elementary through high school.” “This is the same group that organizes ‘Gay-Straight Alliances’ and the ‘Day of Silence’ in schools around the country,” the Alliance said. Over 500 attended the conference, including hundreds of kids middle school age and older. “Books were prominently distributed at the first table, right after registration, where everyone would be sure to go,” Article 8 said. “Is this where the homosexual movement is taking children?” Visit the Article 8 Alliance web site, including links to the materials: http://www.article8.org/ The theme for 2005 seems to be leaving our comfort zones. Let's try fifteen minutes a week to start. "God cannot be outdone in generosity." God Bless, Carolyn "Be pleasing to him whose soldiers you are, and whose pay you receive. May none of you be found to be a deserter. Let your baptism be your armament, your faith your helmet, your love your spear, your endurance your full suit of armor. Let your works be as your deposited withholdings, so that you may receive the back-pay which has accrued to you" Ignatius of Antioch (Letter to Polycarp 6:2 [A.D. 110]). VOCAL Voice of Catholics Advocating Life PO Box 458 Sublimity, OR 97385 Member of the Catholic Media Coalition - "In line with the Church, on-line with the World"

Happy Birthday to the Church - She Takes a Lickin' Keeps on Tickin'!

The need for the last few e-letters to point out the dangers surrounding the innocent have eclipsed the great happenings and upcoming events giving strength, spiritual education opportunities and fellowship that help keep our Oregon Catholic family healthy. We have much to be thankful for. Please let your friends and church know about these events, we are truly blessed.

CULTURE OF LIFE CALENDAR

MAY   *Tuesday, May 17, 7 pm, Corvallis

Carl Olson author of, The DaVinci Hoax, Exposing the Errors in the DaVinci Code (Ignatius Press 2004) Francis Cardinal George calls this the "definitive debunking of the DaVinci Code

• "Get the Clear Facts About Confusing Fiction"
• Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Meeting Room, 645 Monroe St., Corvallis
• Come meet a great asset to our Church and to Oregon Catholics
• Google "Carl Olson" for more info.
• There is no cost. This is a gift from St. Mary Catholic Book Club, Corvallis.
Thursday, May 26, 7 pm, Portland

Dr. Joe Dasso, nationally known bioethicist's forum
• "The Health Benefits of Practicing Catholicism"
• Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Father Wayne Dawson,
• SE 52nd & Woodstock, Portland, OR 97206 503.775.6731
• Topics include how a faith-based lifestyle promotes physical and mental health. How longevity is linked to Sacramental Living. And how adhering to the principles of the Culture of Life really does bring Life.
• All are welcome - Free-will offering.



JUNE

Thursday, Friday, Saturday - June 2, 3 and 4, Portland

"Teaching, Faith, and Service: The Foundation of Freedom" Conference

Sponsored by the University of Portland Garaventa Center for Catholic Intellectual Life and American Culture and by the University of Notre Dame Center for Ethics and Culture.
University of Portland campus in North Portland

• The presentation by the Honorable John R. Noonan, Jr., U.S. Circuit
Judge for the Ninth Circuit, "Transparency in Theology: The Necessary
Condition for Catholic Teaching", June 2, 6:00-7:00 pm at
the Buckley Center Auditorium is free to the public.
• The presentation by Wm. David Solomon, Ph.D., "Doctors, Death and
Democratic Culture", Friday, June 3, 7:30-9:00 pm at the Buckley
Center Auditorium is free to the public. This deals with physician
assisted suicide.
• Physicians for Compassionate Care Officers and Board Members are
participating in presentations:
Friday, June 3, 2005, 9:00-10:15 am
Bioethics Roundtable
Dr. Tom Pitre, Fr. John Tuohey, Dr. Charles Benz
Saturday, June 4, 2005, 10:45-noon
Oregon's Experience with Physician Assisted Suicide
Dr. Ken Stevens, Dr. Bill Toffler, Dr. Greg Hamilton
• There is a registration charge for attendance of other presentations at the
meeting.
Further information about the conference is available at:
http://www.up.edu/up_sub.asp?ctnt=1390&mnu=220&chl=75&lvl=1

Registration Card is available online at:
• www.up.edu/pdf/FoFregistrationcard.pdf
Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday -June 4, 5 and 6, & 7 , Corvallis, Salem, Portland

Dr. Brian Clowes, author and international speaker from Human Life International
• Saturday, June 4, 7pm
• “Is Dissent Good for the Church?”
• Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Meeting Room, 645 Monroe St., Corvallis
• Sponsored by St. Mary Catholic Book Club, Corvallis

• Sunday, June 5, Time and Topic TBA - Holy Rosary Church, Portland

• Monday, June 6, St. Mary's Upper Social Hall 9am (after daily mass) "The International Abortion Situation" 7pm (informal discussion) "Strategies for Fighting Dissent"
Monday, June 6 “The International Abortion Situation”
(9 AM -- after daily Mass -- St. Mary’s Upper Social Hall)
( 7 PM – informal discussion - strategies for fighting dissent)
Tuesday, June 7 “Demographic Impacts of Abortion”
(7 PM St. Joseph’s in Salem)

Women priests? Priest shortage? Do we even need a hierarchical church?
Hot button issues in the modern Catholic Church. Come hear Dr. Brian
Clowes, author and international speaker, for his take on dissent in
the Church. Join with others for this free talk at the Corvallis Public
Library meeting room, 7 p.m. Saturday, June 4. Sponsored by the St.
Mary's Catholic Book Club. Information: Jocelynn Abbott (541) 752-3917


Legislative Action

HB 2605 - Parental Notice - passed in the Oregon House!
;n Tuesday, May 3, 2005 the Oregon House passed HB 2605. The 32-27 vote was along party lines except for Rep. Bob Jenson (R-Pendleton) who voted with the Democrats against parental notice.

HB 2605 will now move to the Senate were Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown (D-Portland) has stated the bill will not receive a committee hearing. Oregon Right to Life is taking immediate action to try and secure a hearing.
Read more about the House's vote:
Parental-notification action passes House www.mailtribune.com/archive/2005/0504/local/stories/13local.htm

Opinion - It's to help girls www.democratherald.com/articles/2005/05/05/news/opinion/edit02.txt
House OKs parental-notification abortion bill www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050504/STATE/505040337&SearchID=73207235981898
 I heard from the Respect Life Committee at St. Joseph's; they would like Brian Clowes to speak there the evening of Tuesday, June 7. They have reserved a room in the parish center.... topic...it will be one from his pro-life work....

Also, Janet Smith will be there on Saturday, September 24. They are planning an all-day conference on various aspects of natural law and Church teaching. They have invited Dr. Lynne Bissonette, a Catholic physician from Portland, to speak on marriage and the Theology of the Body: http://www.domesticchurch.us/Theology2.htm Also, a St. Joseph's homeschool family,

Mike and Amy McDermott (parents of six), are going to speak on Catholic family life.

"Hello, Good Men".....

Dear Advocates for Life, Because of the responsibility I felt to point out dangers surrounding our children and their innocence, last few e-letters have almost eclipsed the upcoming events giving strength; spiritual education opportunities and fellowship that help keep our Oregon Catholic family healthy. We have much to be thankful for. Please let your friends and church know about these events, we are truly blessed. With this all male lineup, another working title was "The Boys are Back in Town." CULTURE OF LIFE CALENDAR MAY *Tuesday, May 17, 7 pm, Corvallis Carl Olson author of, The DaVinci Hoax, Exposing the Errors in the DaVinci Code (Ignatius Press 2004) Francis Cardinal George calls this the "definitive debunking of the DaVinci Code." Code or Hoax? Get the clear facts about confusing fiction. Join Carl Olson, co-author with medievalist Sandra Miesel, of The Da Vinci Hoax, for an illuminating talk about the novel, The Da Vinci Code. "The definitive debunking," says Francis Cardinal George, Archbishop of Chicago. Highly recommended by Marvin Olasky, editor of World magazine. Carl Olson is a best selling author, former editor of Envoy magazine, and editor of IgnatiusInsight.com, the online magazine of Ignatius Press, one of the world’s largest Catholic publishers. All are invited to this free talk. Corvallis Public Library meeting room, Tuesday, May 17, 2005, 7:00 PM. Sponsored by St. Mary’s Catholic Book Club. For information contact Jocelynn Abbott 753-3917 or Irene Johnson 752-1132. Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Meeting Room, 645 Monroe St., Corvallis Come meet a great asset to our Church and to Oregon Catholics There is no cost. This is a gift from St. Mary's Catholic Book Club. Thursday, May 26, 7 pm, Portland Dr. Joe Dasso, nationally known bioethicist's forum "The Health Benefits of Practicing Catholicism" Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Father Wayne Dawson, SE 52nd & Woodstock, Portland, OR 97206 503.775.6731 Topics include how a faith-based lifestyle promotes physical and mental health. How longevity is linked to Sacramental Living. And how adhering to the principles of the Culture of Life really does bring Life. All are welcome - Free-will offering. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- JUNE Thursday, Friday, Saturday - June 2, 3 and 4, Portland "Teaching, Faith, and Service: The Foundation of Freedom" Conference Sponsored by the University of Portland Garaventa Center for Catholic Intellectual Life and American Culture and by the University of Notre Dame Center for Ethics and Culture. University of Portland campus in North Portland The presentation by the Honorable John R. Noonan, Jr., U.S. Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, "Transparency in Theology: The Necessary Condition for Catholic Teaching", June 2, 6:00-7:00 pm at the Buckley Center Auditorium is free to the public. The presentation by Wm. David Solomon, Ph.D., "Doctors, Death and Democratic Culture", Friday, June 3, 7:30-9:00 pm at the Buckley Center Auditorium is free to the public. This deals with physician assisted suicide. Physicians for Compassionate Care Officers and Board Members are participating in presentations: Friday, June 3, 2005, 9:00-10:15 am Bioethics Roundtable Dr. Tom Pitre, Fr. John Tuohey, Dr. Charles Benz Saturday, June 4, 2005, 10:45-noon Oregon's Experience with Physician Assisted Suicide Dr. Ken Stevens, Dr. Bill Toffler, Dr. Greg Hamilton There is a registration charge for attendance of other presentations at the meeting. Further information about the conference is available at: http://www.up.edu/up_sub.asp?ctnt=1390&mnu=220&chl=75&lvl=1 Registration Card is available online at: www.up.edu/pdf/FoFregistrationcard.pdf Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday -June 4, 5 and 6, & 7 , Corvallis, Salem, Portland Dr. Brian Clowes, author and international speaker from Human Life International Saturday, June 4, 7pm “Is Dissent Good for the Church?” Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Meeting Room, 645 Monroe St., Corvallis Sponsored by St. Mary's Catholic Book Club, Corvallis This is a free event sponsored by the St. Mary's Catholic Book Club Sunday, June 5, Time and Topic TBA - Holy Rosary Church, Portland Monday, June 6, St. Mary's Upper Social Hall 9am (after daily mass) "The International Abortion Situation" 7pm (informal discussion) "Strategies for Fighting Dissent Tuesday, June 7, 7 pm, St. Joseph Church, Salem "Demographic Impacts of Abortion" This is a free event sponsored by the St. Joseph's Church Respect Life Committee -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are part of an incredible team of Godly men and women working so hard to put these events together. Sometimes the event that seems undesirable is the one the Lord wants us to attend. These are perfect events for date nights. God Bless, Carolyn "We shall be called to account not only for every idle word, but also for every idle silence.” St. Ambrose VOCAL Voice of Catholics Advocating Life PO Box 458 Sublimity, OR 97383 Member of Catholic Media Coalition "In Line with the Church, On-line with the world"

SB1000 " A Crime Which Represents the Destruction of the World"

SB1000 " A Crime Which Represents the Destruction of the World" Dear Advocates for Life, The serious nature of SB100 is stated in the words from the Vatican. It is not alarmist to state that if this passes our world as we know it in Oregon will change dramatically. Top Vatican Cardinal: Gay Marriage is "A Crime Which represents the Destruction of the World" Gay Adoption "Destroy's the Child's Future" and is "An Act of Moral Violence Against the Child" VATICAN, May 3, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - On the first business day after meeting privately with newly elected Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Alfonso López Trujillo, gave one of the strongest statements defending the traditional family in recent memory. The Cardinal, who was reinstated in his post as President of the Pontifical Council for the Family which he held under Pope John Paul II just after the election of Pope Benedict, met with the Pope Friday and on Monday gave an extensive interview to Fides news service on the subject of homosexual 'marriage'. Homosexual 'Marriage' Cardinal Trujillo said parliaments which "open the way for same sex 'marriage' . . . destroy piece by piece the institution of the family the most valuable heritage of peoples and humanity." He explained, "In these unions there are no promises for the partners or for the children, no stability, nothing before society or God, but they demand all the benefits of authentic marriage." Homosexual Adoption Asked about allowing same sex couples to adopt children, the Cardinal answered, "This would destroy the child's future, it would be an act of moral violence against the child." He said, "They say that children adopted by two people of the same sex are very happy. A child may be for a couple of years but when the child reaches the age of reason, when he grows up and becomes a young adult, how tragic it will be for him to let his friends know that his 'parents' are two women or two men? This situation endangers the child's personality, balance, harmony." No Unjust Discrimination The head of the Pontifical Council for the Family also repeated the Church's teaching that homosexual persons are to be treated with respect., but added that they should be assisted as far as possible to overcome their disordered inclinations. "As I have said many times, homosexual peoples must be respected, loved and assisted. We must help them overcome this situation if they seriously want to and help them realise that there is not only life on earth, there is another life. The Church does not wish to see these 'couples' suffer discrimination, or humiliation, jeered at or treated without respect. They are human persons and we must love them. It is false to say that the Church does not love these people. She loves them and wants to lead them to eternal salvation." Duty to Refuse to Participate Cardinal Trujillo also spoke of conscientious objection. "This means a person can use his or her right to object out of conscience and refuse to comply with this crime which represents the destruction of the world." The Cardinal went further noting a duty to refuse to participate in homosexual unions comparing it to the duty of Christian doctors "who refuse to carry out abortions". He said, "All Christians, including state employees, have a duty to avail themselves of conscientious objection because the law of which we are speaking inflicts a deep moral wound on the Christian faith." Countries Which Would not Tolerate Conscientious Objection Denounced "It would be pure totalitarianism if a person were sacked for conscientious objection." The strong condemnation would already apply to certain Canadian provinces where, while ministers of religion are not forced to perform homosexual 'marriages' as of yet, civil marriage ministers are required to under pain of job loss. Read this important interview in full here: http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/may/050504a.html See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage: Editorial - The Real Reason Why Christians Oppose Same-Sex Marriage http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/apr/05041403.html Your Rights As Parents Will Erode http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41972 Parents kicked out of 'gay day' Concerned mom tried to videotape event Two parents who objected to a Massachusetts high school's homosexual-awareness day were expelled from the campus after a mother began videotaping a session. Brian Camenker, an activist who has a son at Newton North High School in Newtonville, Mass., and Kim Cariani, mother of two students, said four police officers and the school principal warned they would be charged with trespassing if they didn't leave the campus Wednesday. A distraught Cariani told the Boston Herald she believes the school's "To BGLAD: Transgender, Bisexual, Gay and Lesbian Awareness Day" has no place in the curriculum. "It's against my religion," she said. "It's morally wrong and forced in a child's face." Camenker said the event, with assemblies and workshops such as "Out at the Old Ballgame'' and "Color Me Queer," was intended to make students feel good about homosexuality, bisexuality and transgenderism. "This is so incredibly objectionable," he said, according to Concerned Women for America. "The parents are so outraged that this is being pushed on their kids that they don't know what to do. To use children's minds this way without even letting the parents know is horrible." As WorldNetDaily reported, Camenker's Article 8 Alliance is a pro-family Massachusetts group seeking to unseat the four Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court justices for the Nov. 18, 2003, decision that led to legalization of same-sex "marriage." The school did not send home a note to parents about the event, a Newton North spokeswoman acknowleged to CWA's Culture & Family Institute. But she said the event is listed on the school's website and in calendars at the beginning of the year, and some e-mails were sent out. While the event was not mandatory, she said, "Classes are scheduled to attend various workshops, but if students are uncomfortable or their parents are uncomfortable, the students can instead go to the library." Camenker and Cariani, who kept her two children home that day, were in the audience when adults on a panel discussed being homosexual. The video recording began when one man told students he was attracted to his sister's husband. The principal demanded Cariani turn over the videotape or leave, Camenker told the Herald. District policy prohibits taping or photographing students without parental permission. "They took the two of us and pulled us out and gave us one minute to leave and if we came back on the property we would be arrested for trespassing," Camenker said. A local newspaper columnist, Tom Mountain of the Newton Tab, also was barred from the assembly "for the safety and security of the children." Camenker told CWA he sent a copy of the event schedule to the school superintendent and all eight school board members prior to the event, advising them that parents would be at school that day monitoring activities. At a "gay day" two years ago, Camenker said, a 20-year-old male wearing a dress spoke to students, telling them he was taking female hormones but hadn't yet had his penis cut off Last year, a boy was suspended for making fun of another boy who came to school in makeup and a dress. Schools in Newton, the hometown of openly homosexual Democratic Rep. Barney Frank, adopted a "Respect for Human Differences Mission Statement" in 2001, which in part says: "The Newton Public Schools will provide a climate that actively promotes social justice where children perform at the highest levels," listing amont the "human differences" sexual orientation. The school district also is committed to multiculturalism, stating, "Effective multicultural education suggests a re-examination of the history, social constructs and dynamics related to race, class, gender, ethnicity, economics, and culture that impact curriculum and instruction. Multicultural education includes rigorous curriculum and inclusive teaching that challenges all students and staff. We are committed to developing a philosophy of multicultural education that can be infused across transformed curricula." Camenker's Article 8 Alliance supports a Parents Rights Bill in the new Massachusetts Legislature that would change attendance rules to make sex-related programs and courses "opt-in" instead of "opt-out" and would include all school programs and activities. Massachusetts taxpayers pay about $1.5 million annually for a Gay and Lesbian Youth Commission that aggressively promotes homosexuality in public schools and helps schools create "Gay/Straight Alliances," student clubs that press for acceptance of homosexuality. The school's website notice about "To BGLAD" includes the long-discredited "fact" that one in 10 students is homosexual, CWA says. Most researchers place the population at only about 1 percent. Camenker said he is working on a plan to bring in former homosexual Stephen Bennett to speak to students about overcoming homosexuality. An outline of Wednesday's event on the district's website included these descriptions of these sessions: •"A Day in the Life: Statistically one in ten students at this school are (sic) not straight. Teenage life is complicated enough, but how does it differ for Gay/ Lesbian/ Bisexual/ Transgender (GLBT) teens? Come to this panel and find out." •"Student Speakout: Newton North students read original pieces about GLBT issues." •"Life Outside the Gender Norm: What happens when ones (sic) gender identity does not match their sex? In this session, speakers will talk about their experiences with gender identity and expression." •"Out at the Old Ballgame: Athletes and coaches discuss what it’s like to be GLBT in the gym, on the field, and on the road." •"Family Matters: What does it mean to be a family? What discriminations and legal obstacles do queer families face? Children and parents discuss living with queer family members." •"GBLT What's in a Name: What is homophobia? heterosexism? Why is there a ToBGLADay? In this interactive presentation, we will use activities to provide the groundwork for talking about GBLT issues." •"Color Me Queer: A panel discussion of race, culture, and sexual identity." A VOCAL CONTRIBUTOR SAYS: Please call your state Senator and ask them to vote NO on SB1000. In Salem call 503-986-1187 outside of Salem call 1-800-332-2313 Please pass this info on. Pray for MERCY MERCY MERCY for our state. Sign up for Email Alerts from the Oregon Christian Coalition. www.tellthemno.com Oregon Voters said One Man and One Woman is a Marriage It is the policy of Oregon, and its political subdivisions, that, only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid and legally recognized as a marriage." 1.5 million out of 2.3 registered Oregon Voters approved this language on 2 November 2004. That is 66 a percent margin. Thousands of Oregonians obtained signatures to put the measure on the ballot. Oregon Governor Proposes Same Sex Marriage Legislation Senate Bill 1000 would amend Oregon's Existing Laws to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation...It amends ORS Chapter 106 to create civil unions. Senate Bill 1000 would amend Oregon's Existing LAWS to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation....It amends ORS Chapter 106 to create civil unions... Senator Kate Brown (D-Portland); Frank Morse (R-Albany), Ben Westlund (R-Tumulo) and Alan Bates (D-Ashland) sponsored the bill. A full copy of the Legislation is provided for your review. Read the highlighted sections in the context of the surrounding wording (Senate Bill 1000 - TA) The Legislature wants to Compromise Even though the Voters spoke, we once again find our Legislators wanting to listen to special interest groups. The special interests have the ability and the money to continue their assault and promote their agenda. Senate Bill 1000 is compromise legislation and goes FAR beyond same sex marriage. We the people need to start reminding the Legislators they represent all the citizens and not the special interests and their agenda. There is no compromise when it comes to sovereignty, the definition of marriage, the education of our children, and the pursuit of our life, liberty, and happiness. If the special interests want legislation, they need to initiate a petition, gather the signatures, and present their case to the Oregon voters. We the People will then decide by majority vote, as was the case in November 2004. We the People have Spoken and said NO!! What You Need to do NOW!! Please contact the Governor's Office and the Oregon Legislature and express your opinion. Governor's Office: 503-378-3111 In Oregon, we probably have a homosexual couple in our family or groups of friends instead of a black friend or family member. We know there is a difference in discrimination that doesn't warrant the same "protections", but these relationships make words from the Vatican hard for some to take and want to reject. True Church teaching which protects us ALL has been shoddy and many times totally wrong. As Catholics, we are called to learn the WHY's our Roman Catholic Church teaches what She does. • Active/practicing homosexuals say that they discriminated against. What I see is that they are "preferred". In Hollywood, on Home and Garden Television, Antiques Roadshow, in magazines, etc. • There is a freedom they have in "Gay parades" to make fun of things we hold dear. In fact, the parades cannot even be shown in total because of how offensive they are. • The millions, maybe billions of dollars spent on HIV/AIDS research etc, because of the homosexaul lifestyle and activity isn't lacking. The ACLU even wants to allow contaminated gay sperm banks to continue. • Where are the homosexual "ghettos"? If these "behaviors" are becoming protected, is it far-fetched to predict a time our children are not safe because of the new set of laws? Let us protect those that really need the protection. God made us - "fearfully, wonderfully". We can change the chemicals in our brain by behaviors and in our bodies by what we eat. HOWEVER, we still have our "essence" of our Creator which will be at odds with the bad habits and behaviors we have chosen. NOTHING EXTERNAL can change this INTERNAL essence. We have to conform to our Creator for true PEACE. This existence is only temporary, we are concerned with Eternal Life with Jesus Christ. These "social experiments" lose many souls, permanently. Marriage is between a Man and a Woman. It was created as a social unit to preserve the human race, in body and soul. We are our brother's keeper. This battle came to us, our freedoms are at stake. We don't have the money or connections i.e. the Governor (Catholic?) of our state that the homosexual lobby does, but we do have True Love on our side. May God have Mercy on Oregon and Strengthen Us In This Battle, Carolyn "Thus, a good man, though a slave, is free; but a wicked man, though a king, is a slave. For he serves, not one man alone, but what is worse, as many masters as he has vices." St. Augustine, City of God VOCAL Voice of Catholics Advocating Life PO Box 458 Sublimity, OR 97385 Member of Catholic Media Coalition:"In line with the Church, online with the world."