Wednesday, October 20, 2004

FIGHTING FOR INNOCENCE

Great News for all of us who are fighting against the destruction of innocence to our Oregon Catholic children through the " safe environments programs". The issue of putting the inclusion of children in the USSCB's Charter preventing futher sexual abuse is being put on the agenda. I haven't asked permission to publically acknowledge the Bishop who submitted the request, but when I do, I'll let you know. Suffice it to say, he is an awesome man of God who is an oasis of reason and love, a real Shepherd among Shepherds. Let's all pray for the US Bishops November meeting where this will be addressed, not that we need something else to pray for, but like St. Paul says, "Pray without ceasing." For your information! This was in Monday's Oregonian. Passed on through the Defense of Marriage Team: Nina Rhea. There will be a conference to combat pornography this Friday October 22, at 9 am to 4pm at Kingstad Center, 15450 S.W. Millikan Way in Beaverton. The conference is free, reserved lunch $10. • To register call Marilyn Dougall at 503-292-2763 - president, Oregon Association of Mothers. "The Fight Against Pornography" is designed to help families, government leaders, law enforcement officials and educators fight pornography and protect children. Organizers specifically want to attract parents, educators, business and civic leaders, law enforcement officials and medical professionals. [Comment from Nina: I would add pastors.] "Portland has close to as many sex businesses as does Los Angeles, but the LA population is seven times more". The nondenominational group hopes the conference raises concerns about pornography, Dougall said, "so people are more aware of the need to protect the children here". The speakers are Roger Young, a retired FBI special agent who has investigated more that 1,000 cases involving the sexual exploitation of children, prostitution and obscenity; Robert Peters, is president of Morality in Media, based in NY; Jack Samad, executive vice president of the National Coalition for the Protection of Children and Families; and Dennis Shaw, chief operating officer of i-SAFE America Inc. Please pass on this information to those you think might be able to attend. I plan to attend and see if the Good Lord has some more "ammunition" to help keep our children as innocent as we can. "And keep the job of training a child to the parents, as a God-given right", as the good Bishop said. "It is the question of the lay Catholic's duty to be morally coherent, found within one's conscience, which is one and indivisible. There cannot be two parallel lives in their existence: on one hand, the so-called 'spiritual life', with its values and demands; and on the other, the so-called 'secular' life, that is, life in a family, at work, in social responsibilities, in the responsibilities of public life and in culture." (emphasis added) - DOCTRINAL NOTE on some questions regarding The Participation of Catholics in Political Life, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to all Bishops of the Catholic Church.

Tuesday, October 5, 2004

Quick Reminder About Symposium

Dear Friends, Just a quick reminder about tomorrow evening. Oregon has moral issues educators who are tops in their fields. Come tomorrow and get to know them. These are subjects that we MUST have clearly in our minds for an informed conscience and so we can pass on what we've learned. The meeting is from 7-8:30 PM at St. Cecilia's in Beaverton. MORAL ISSUES SYMPOSIUM • Dr. William Toffler, Prof. of Family Medicine, OHSU "Assisted Suicide and Pain Management" • Janet McLaughlin, NFP Supervisor, NW Family Services "The Contraception - Abortion Link" • Dr. Margaret Hogan, Chair in Ethics, University of Portland "The Status of the Embryo" • Child Care available - please RSVP by Oct. 4th! TONIGHT! • Sponsored by St. Cecilia's Respect Life Committee • Questions? Call Philip & Bianca 503-524-7768 God Bless you, Carolyn "The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the 'Gospel of Life'...We believe that this Gospel is not only a complement to American political principles, but also the cure for the spiritual sickness now infecting our society...We cannot simultaneously commit ourselves to human rights and progress while eliminating...the weakest among us. Nor can we priactice the Gospel of Life only as a private piety. American Catholics must live it vigorously and publicly... - NCCB, Living the Gospel of Life V.O.C.A.L. Voice of Catholics Advocating Life P.O. Box 458 Sublimity 97385

Friday, September 24, 2004

From 2004 Remember Politics and Religion Forum

Dear Pro-life Friends, The Politics and Religion Forum with Kevin Mannix is almost here. This Friday, October 1st, get set to learn, exchange ideas, and meet new friends. The Church of the Resurrection in Tualatin (I-205 & Stafford Rd.) from 7-9pm is the place to be. See that politics and religion do mix. Bring your questions. Email your friends. Everyone is welcome.
An "abortion awareness" opportunity will be offered during the break. For those interested we will be showing "The Harder Truth." Eight minutes that gets priorities straight. This video is used in pro-life education in high schools. We will have this video available for purchase. CULTURE OF LIFE CALENDAR SEPTEMBER Thurs., September 30th THERESE OPENING WEEKEND! • Coming to Portland @ Lloyd Center 10 and Vancouver @ City Center 12 • Please support this inspirational film, especially in the opening weekend. Pre-sales for groups/individuals encouraged. More interest means, more THERESE. • Treat individuals/groups to a great evening and show that movies of this quality will draw crowds and make it worthwhile for the theaters. Go to:www.Fandango.com for times. • (see trailer)THERESE • Contact Christopher Young for more info: chris@theresemovie.com or call 503-754-8375. OCTOBER - MONTH OF OUR LADY AND RESPECT LIFE MONTH - Our Lady, Pray for Us. Friday, October 1st - Kevin Mannix, Church of the Resurrection, Tualatin, 7-9pm. Sunday, October 3rd - RESPECT LIFE SUNDAY! LIFE CHAIN in SALEM 2:30-3:30pm • Call Salem Right to Life for more info: 503-585-7856 Wednesday, October 6th, Moral Issues Symposium - St. Cecilia, Beaverton, 7-8:30pm • Dr. William Toffler, Prof. of Family Medicine, OHSU "Assisted Suicide and Pain Management" • Janet McLaughlin, NFP Supervisor, NW Family Services "The Contraception - Abortion Link" • Dr. Margaret Hogan, Chair in Ethics, University of Portland "The Status of the Embryo" • Child Care available - please RSVP by Oct. 4th. • Sponsored by St. Cecilia's Respect Life Committee • Questions? Call Philip and Bianca 503-524-7768 REMEMBER 1. WEEK FOUR: Priests for Life Novena for National Elections. priestsforlife.org 2. WARNING! PLEASE REPORT to VOCAL or county elections, if you registered at church and is wasn't recorded. PLEASE Check to see if you're registered, especially if someone you don't know helped at your church. 3. Oregon Right to Life Voter's Guides will be available in large quantities (boxes of 1200) at the Friday forum. Please take some for your church to distribute, or deliver. Respect Life Committee people please take note. 4. VOCAL will deliver Voter's guides. Let us know. FYI : YES on 36 is a vote to keep marriage traditional: between one man and one woman. God Bless us and guide us.