Alert! Catholic High Schools Participate in Homosexual Day of Silence

Dear Advocates for Life, TODAY! "The Day of Silence, a project of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) in collaboration with the United States Student Association (USSA), is a student-led day of action where those who support making anti-LGBT bias unacceptable in schools take a day-long vow of silence to recognize and protest the discrimination and harassment -- in effect, the silencing -- experienced by LGBT students and their allies." (this according to the GLSEN website) These are schools that are participating listed by state: Notice the only Christian school involved are CATHOLIC. http://www.dayofsilence.org/about/participants.php Some students asked for their schools names NOT to be listed. We are dealing with the inflitration of evil in our schools, both Catholic and Secular. These adults are grooming our children from KINDERGARTEN on up. The homosexual lobby is very big in Oregon and too close for comfort in our Archdiocese as is attested to these schools. WHERE ARE YOUR CHILDREN?GRANDSCHILDREN ATTENDING SCHOOL? For your sake please take some action. Our children and grandchildren are depending on us. These other adults want to REPLACE you in SCHOOLS and even in CHURCHES. You are the parent and have rights and responsibilities. You are in charge of your child's education and religious upbringing. NO ONE ELSE. Our dear HOLY FATHER reminds us concerning "same-sex unions" and homosexuality, "It is legitimate and necessary to ask oneself if this is not perhaps part of a new ideology of evil, perhaps more insidious and hidden, which attempts to pit human rights against the family and against man.” OREGON HIGH SCHOOLS ALOHA HIGH ARTS AND COMMUNICATION BEAVERTON HIGH SCHOOL BENSON POLYTECHNIC HIGH SCHOOL CANBY HIGH SCHOOL CATLIN GABEL CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHOOL CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY SCHOOLHOUSE CORVALLIS HIGH SCHOOL CRATER HIGH SCHOOL CRESCENT VALLEY DAVID DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL FIR RIDGE FOREST GROVE HIGH SCHOOL GLADSTONE HIGH SCHOOL GLENCOE HIGH SCHOOL GRANT HIGH SCHOOL GRANTS PASS HIGH SCHOOL HENRY D. SHELDON HIGH SCHOOL HILLSBORO HIGH SCHOOL JESUIT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 503-292-2663 Sandra Satterberg, principal KLAMATH UNION HIGH SCHOOL LA SALLE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 503-659-4155 Bill George, principal LAKE OSWEGO HIGH SCHOOL LAKERIDGE HIGH SCHOOL LIBERTY MCMINNVILLE HIGH SCHOOL MCNARY HIGH SCHOOL MERLO NIGHT SCHOOL MERLO STATION HIGH SCHOOL METROPOLITAN LEARNING CENTER NBHS NEWBERG HIGH SCHOOL NORTH EUGENE HIGH SCHOOL NORTH SALEM HIGH SCHOOL OREGON CITY HIGH SCHOOL PENDLETON ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL PORTLAND YOUTHBUILDERS POYNTER MIDDLE SCHOOL REEDSPORT JR/SR HIGH RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL SAINT MARY\'S ACADEMY CATHOLIC 503-773-7877 Patricia Barr SAM BARLOW HIGH SCHOOL SHELDON HIGH SCHOOL SIUSLAW SOUTH SALEM HIGH SCHOOL SOUTHRIDGE STOLLER MIDDLE SCHOOL SUNSET HIGH SCHOOL TIGARD HIGH SCHOOL TOM MCCALL UPPER ELEMENTARY TUALATIN HIGH SCHOOL WEST ALBANY HIGH SCHOOL WEST SALEM HIGH SCHOOL WESTSLOPE ACADEDMY WILSON HIGH SCHOOL WINSTON CHURCHILL HS COLLEGES LANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE LEWIS AND CLARK COLLEGE MOUNT HOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE MT HOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE PACIFIC UNIVERSITY PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY WILLAMETTE UNIVERSITY THANKS to NINA RHEA head of the MARRIAGE TEAM for this heads up. Here is her action alert. Please respond, as we fight for the Culture of Life in Oregon TOGETHER. Call Radio talk show host GEORGENE RICE - spokesperson for The Defense of Marriage Coalition TOPIC: GLSEN'S "Day of Silence" - gay agenda in our schools Participating CATHOLIC Schools - the only Christian schools on the list - are: ST. MARY'S ACADEMY, JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL, and LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL, Milwaukie ***************************************************** (1) HEADS UP - Please visit my blog www.reclaimschools.blogspot.com, scroll down to my piece about Wilson High School titled, "Portland School's Secretive Day of Silence". (2) LISTEN TO the RADIO - KPDQ - FM 93.7 - 4:00 "The Georgene Rice Show" THIS AFTERNOON - TOPIC: "DAY OF SILENCE" discussion At approx. 4:30, GEORGENE RICE will interview DR. WARREN THROCKMORTON www.drthrockmorton.com CALL THE RADIO SHOW AND EXPRESS YOUR VIEWS ABOUT THE DAY OF SILENCE. EDUCATE YOURSELF FIRST BY READING THE ATTACHED ARTICLE. (If you cannot open it, go to Dr. Throckmorton's site and find, "Teaching Respect.") Very good overview. The death of Pope John Paul II has brought out lots of folks intent on confusing the Catholics in the pews and furthering their own AGENDA: married priests, women priests, "tolerance" for homosexual activity and "reproductive rights". It's nothing new. This has been going on for a long time. They might be noisy but they are not on the path to True freedom and Eternal Life. Most of these people are enslaved. We must treat them with kindnesss, but not tolerate the "ideology of evil." Keep fighting the good fight. We need to pray for our Cardinals and hope that they truly listen to the Voice of the Holy Spirit. We need to be faithful and let the dear Lord do the rest. God Bless all of us, Carolyn You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved. Matt 10:22 VOCAL Voice of Catholics Advocating Life PO Box 458 Sublimity, OR 97385

Remember - Eucharistic Conference This Week in PDX

Dear All, Just a reminder. In this Year of the Eucharistic, set aside for us by our Dear Holy Father, we have an opportunity to grow in wisdom with God's grace. This is a gift from Father Wayne Dawson and Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in response to this Holy Year. Come and give your spirit a lift each day. Eucharistic Conference at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Starts at 7:00 pm each night! Tuesday - Father Dawson speaks tonight - Tuesday - at 7:00pm .... THE EUCHARIST AS MISSION Wednesday - Caren Lemark on Wednesday on Motherhood. Thursday - Memorial mass for Pope John Paul II. We have a shrine in our Church & our church is open all week during the day for prayer. Friday - Deacon Harold Burke Sivers with our Catholic Youth Mass - all are welcome. Saturday is Mike & Amy McDermott and The Family Sunday - closing is our Healing Mass at 5:00pm with this weekend's readings. For more information call Hildy at 503-774-3309 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The one thing that sets the Catholic Church apart from all others is the Eucharist. This is not just a case of “seeing is believing”, but truly a Mystery of Faith. It’s easy to loose the enthusiasm and reverence we should have for this show of tremendous love from the Creator to His creatures. So often we just forget. Pope John Paul II has called for The Year of the Eucharist (October 2004 until October 2005) to help us focus on the Gift we sometimes take for granted. The summit of our lives should be the worship of the Eucharist. I just heard that this should be the only “addiction” we have. To enter into the Presence of the God of Life is true living. It is something to strive for and keep pursuing. Coming before Him in Eucharistic Adoration, for example, is just a precursor to where we will be when we end our lives on earth. No one escapes this. Having a relationship with our Dear Lord and hearing His Voice, leads us on the narrow path when the world is so noisy and keeps us going in the right direction. This Year of the Eucharist is a great time to remind ourselves each time we enter a Catholic Church to look for Jesus and give Him His Justice. Genuflect, Bow and Pray to our God who gave Himself up as a Sacrifice for us, as a Ransom for our Souls. He deserves nothing less. Before receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Byzantine Catholic rite there is a beautiful prayer I would like to share with you. I believe, Oh Lord, and confess that You are Christ, the Son of the Living God who came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the greatest. I believe that what I receive is indeed Your very own pure Body and Precious Blood therefore I beseech You have mercy on me and forgive my transgressions voluntary and involuntary which I have committed by word or by deed knowingly and unknowingly and make me worthy without condemnation to partake of your most pure Mysteries, unto the remission of sins and unto Life Eternal. Oh, Son of God, receive me today as a partaker at Your Mystical Banquet for I will not tell Your enemies Your secrets nor will I kiss You as did Judas, but like the Thief do I confess to You, “Remember me, Oh Lord in Your Kingdom.” Let the partaking of Your Holy Mysteries be for me not unto judgment or condemnation, but unto the healing of Body and Soul together. Amen. God Bless us all in this time of great challenge. Armed with the Sacraments, the Great Avenues of Graces (strength) given to us, we can overcome adversity in our marriages, vocations and just daily living. Carolyn VOCAL Voice of Catholic Advocating Life PO Box 458 Sublimity, OR 97385 Catholic Media Coalition - In Line with the Church, On-line with the World

Life Lobby Day - Friday, April 8th!

Dear Friends of Life, Here is what you need to know for Friday. Remember to let me know if you're coming or give Oregon Right to Life a call 503-463-8563 . Oregon Right to Life presents LIFE LOBBY DAY April 8, 2005 9:30am -4:30pm Oregon State Capitol Oregon's tiniest citizens need your help! • Watch the Legislators at work. • Exclusive briefings on pro-life legislation • Lobbying tips for first-timers and seasoned veterans • Lunch with Pro-Life Legislative Leaders • Personal Meetings with your State Representative & State Senator Registration includes: Continental Breakfast, box lunch and materials. Registration cost is $15.00 "There is no more effective way for the unborn in the Oregon Legislature than a living, breathing constituent. Legislators that will never open the door to a lobbyist will open the door wide to someone whom they represent." Gayle Atteberry, Executive Director and Lead Lobbyist for Oregon Right to Life I hope to see you on Friday. We must persevere our efforts to support the Culture of Life. Our dear Holy Father coined the phrase that is now part of our vocabulary and even the speech of the secular press. Let's join together to keep our Church on the straight and narrow path the Eternal Life. God Bless, Carolyn VOCAL Voice of Catholics Advocating Life PO Box 458 Sublimity, OR 97385

Divine Mercy - for Our Holy Father and Terri Schaivo

Dear All, As we pray for the soul of our sister in Christ Terri Schiavo, we now have the weight of the imminent death of our beloved Holy Father. Believing in the Resurrection, we must press on in our grief, never giving evil a foothold. A devotion brought to us from a Polish saint a Mass for our Polish Pope. AN EVENING OF DIVINE MERCY MERCY SUNDAY APRIL 3,2005 AT 6 PM SAINT CECILIA'S CHURCH BEAVERTON,OREGON COME AND FIND OUT WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT--OR JUST COME TO FIND OUT MORE!!! * Father Chester w-ill speak on the Divine Mercy devotion. * A pilgrim to the Basilica in Poland will talk about the area and Saint Faustina *Confessions to be available *Bring your images of Mercy for a blessing * Veneration and Benediction FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: 503-297-2459 ******************************************************** In memory of Terri Schiavo from members of our Oregon Catholic family Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink. Water, water everywhere but how my skin did shrink. My lips are cracked, my throat is parched, my tongue is dry and hard. My eye lids scratch my withered eyes as they sink into my head. My mucous membranes are no more, they look like dried out bread. My nose could bleed, my innards heave before I'm pronounced dead. The experts say I'll die a painless, peaceful death - I wonder how they know. Would any of them in my footsteps follow and refuse a taste of snow? Before I go you all should know a vegetable I'm not! Like all of you I have a body, mine is bent and broke. But deep inside our souls reside which sets us all apart. From birds and bees and apple trees now and from the start! A word to those so anxious to send me on my way. Some day you'll see the folly, some where along the way. A thanks to all who tried to help me, your efforts aren't in vain. The day won't be forgotten when I'm taken from my pain. I'm not alone in this ignoble death, martyrs there are many. Pray not for me, watch out for thee the slope is steep and steady. My hope resides in my merciful GOD who soon will call me home. Farewell my friends until the end when justice will atone. The Nearly Ancient Mariner - Jim Lessard, Astoria From Redmond In memory of Terri Schiavo, who died from planned negligence on March 31, 2005, we reprint the following commentary. Below the commentary, we also offer an important recommendation for legislation that would guarantee resumption of mouth feeding whenever feeding tube assistance is withdrawn. BE KIND TO "VEGETABLES" By David C. Reardon, Ph.D. Jackie lies motionless, incapable of smiling, or crying, or responding to a gentle touch. She is seemingly dead to all that is around her. Her doctor has diagnosed her as being in an irreversible "persistent vegetative state" (PVS). She is only a "vegetable." Yet she breathes. She sleeps. She can swallow spoon-fed meals of broth and nutrient "shakes." She may live for thirty years like this. Never laughing. Never crying. She is a "vegetable." But she is also a mother. Her children mourn for her. They want her with them, but not like this. Someone suggests that by withholding food and water they would simply be letting nature take its course. Certainly she would not want to live like this. It would be an act of charity to let her die, they say. On the other hand, when is the last time you did something charitable for a carrot? A vegetable cannot suffer. So how can death put a vegetable out of its misery? If she is human enough to suffer, then clearly she is a person, not a "vegetable," and she deserves all the love, care, and respect due all persons. Even like this, she has still been created in the image of God. Are we too blind to recognize anything God-like in her passive silence? Her patient endurance? Her calm acceptance of an undisclosed, divine Will? By withholding food and water, Jackie, like anyone else, will die. But since she is incapable of appreciating the generosity of this refusal to feed her, it is not charity for her sake. At best it is an act of charity toward the family which grows weary at her side. At worst, it is an act of selfishness on the part of a society which does not want to share in the cost and inconvenience of sharing her family's burden of care. When faced with any moral quandary such as this, we must constantly ask ourselves, "What is God's will in this?" Is He somehow shaping her soul, purifying her, preparing her for her day in heaven? Can something be going on behind those sightless eyes, something beyond the knowledge of man? Or is God perhaps using this soul as an instrument of grace for shaping the souls of those around her? Is He using her to call forth compassion, patience, endurance, and love from her family, her caretakers, her society? By causing her to die through our neglect, are we interfering with God's Will for her? Or are we rejecting His Will for us? Are we rejecting an opportunity to practice sacrificial love? What would Jesus do if He were standing at her side? Would he not reach down, take her hand, and call on her to awake? In fact, to those not blind to God's healing hand, this is exactly what Jesus does. According to a recent medical study of 84 PVS patients, over 52% of the patients recovered within one year. After three years, 58% had regained consciousness. After extensive review of the data, researchers were unable to identify any reliable way to predict who might recover and who might not. In other words, every PVS patient has a chance of recovery.1 According to Dr. Keith Andrews, Director of Medical and Research Services at the Royal Hospital and Home, PVS patients "are not being allowed to reach their optimal recovery because they are not offered the opportunity of rehabilitation programs. . . . The experience of our Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit is that nearly all of those patients admitted in PVS are suffering from under nutrition... and have developed deformities which further inhibit recovery." According to Dr. Andrews, "Rehabilitation for these patients has not been tried and found wanting; it is wanted but, too often, not been tried." By starving our PVS patients to death, are we not denying God the opportunity to work miracles? Are we not denying Him the glory and thanksgiving that is His due? Six weeks after Jackie lapsed into a coma, six days after her family followed their physician's advice and asked a court to authorize withholding of food and water, Jackie woke up. Today, she is fully recovered. Anyone who has seen Robert DeNiro in the film "Awakenings" will appreciate how joyful and awe inspiring such awakenings can be. Truly they are instruments for shaping souls. If nothing else, they teach us humility, reminding us that we have only the faintest understanding of the workings of the human mind, much less the Divine mind. Perhaps we need to be like children, for they often see more clearly than "sophisticated" adults. I am thinking especially of the homeless youth who carried his brother into Boy's Town. If this brave lad had instead been seated at the side of his PVS mother, he may have uttered these simple words for the ages: "She's not a vegetable. She's my mother." Originally published in The PostAbortion Review 5(2) Spring 1997. Copyright 1997 Elliot Institute. http://www.afterabortion.info/PAR/V5/n2/vegetable.htm ***************************************************************** REMEMBER - LIFE LOBBY DAY - next Friday, April 8th. At the Capitol. • Please set this day aside to speak up for those who have no voice. Donations have made it possible for anyone wanting to attend to do so. It's a gift - NO Strings attached. Just email me and you name will be added to the list. • MORE INFO ON MONDAY. This has been an incredible time in history. We are fortunate to be alive to make a difference at such a pivotal time and persevere for the Glory of Christ. May God Bless us all and May God Bless the Soul of His Servant Pope John Paul II Carolyn

Prayers for the Pope

Suggested Prayers for the Pope Pro Pontifice (For the Pontiff) V. Let us pray for John Paul, the Pope. R. May the Lord preserve him, give him a long life, make him blessed upon the earth, and may the Lord not hand him over to the power of his enemies. V. Oremus pro Pontifice nostro Ioanni Paulo. R. Dominus conservet eum, et vivificet eum, et beatum faciat eum in terra, et non tradat eum in animam inimicorum eius. V. May your hand be upon your holy servant. R. And upon your son whom you have anointed. V. Fiat manus tua super virum dexteræ tuæ. R. Et super filium tuum quia confirmasti tibi. Let us pray. O God, the Pastor and Ruler of all the faithful, look down, in your mercy, upon your servant, John Paul II, whom you have appointed to preside over your Church; and grant, we beseech you, that both by word and example, he may edify all those under his charge; so that, with the flock entrusted to him, he may arrive at length unto life everlasting. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen. Oremus. Deus, omnium fidelium pastor et rector, famulum tuum Ioannis Paulus Secundus, et quem pastorem Ecclesiæ tuæ præesse voluisti, propitius respice: da ei, quæsumus, verbo et exemplo quibus præest, proficere; ut ad vitam una cum grege sibi credito sempiternam. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. R. Amen. For Restoration to Health (1) All-powerful and ever-living God, the lasting health of all who believe in you, hear us as we ask your loving help for your servant, John Paul our Pope; restore him to health, that he may again offer joyful thanks to you in your holy Church. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. For Restoration to Health (2) O God our Father, by whose loving-kindness we are renewed in soul and body, look with mercy on your servant, John Paul, our Pope, that, every cause of sickness being removed, he may be restored to soundness of health. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For the Holy Father Let us pray. Lord, source of eternal life and truth, give to your shepherd, John Paul II, a spirit of courage and right judgment, a spirit of knowledge and love. By governing with fidelity those entrusted to his care, may he, as successor of the Apostle Peter and Vicar of Christ, build your Church into a sacrament of unity, love, and peace for all the world.

This Good Friday - A Last Plea for Terri and A Plea for Divine Mercy

Dear Advocates for Innocent Life, As we remember the Ultimate Sacrifice. Here's a press release to read and then an action item if you feel lead to act. I have called and the folks are very nice. Also, remember the Divine Mercy Novena and Divine Mercy Chaplet begins today. It ends the Sunday after Easter: DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY, and we really need His Divine Mercy. I will have this at the end of the message for the last plea to save Terri. The EWTN website www.ewtn.com has wonderful information regarding this devotion. The kids don't mind it because it's short! There is an intention for each day and an indulgence that is attached. We need this extra measure of the Lord's Grace. By the way, I did testify yesterday in support of all four of the pro-life House Bills before the House Judiciary Committee. There needed to be a Catholic presence, to be silent would have been a sin of omission and I have enough of them. May God grant us peace as we watch helplessly as a sister in Christ dies of thrist. We remember you Lord, as you said "I thirst". You also said, "Father forgive them, they know not what they do." May those involved come to their senses before it's too late. God Bless you all and Happy Easter. Carolyn Wendell He said, "It is finished." And he bowed His head and gave up His Spirit." John 19:30 Press Release written by: Cheryl Ford RN, nurse activist and spokesperson Fight4Terri@aol.com March 25, 2005 1:00 PM ET Despite the hundreds of pieces of evidence from nurses, physicians, speech pathologists, physical therapists, attorneys, the DCF, along with more recent statements made by: • Expert/specialist Dr. George Eddington McClane, M.D. Director Forensic Medical Unit Department of the Family Justice Center City of San Diego, stating in writing.. " Terri Schiavo's condition is consistent with attempted strangulation. Her healthy heart functioning for the last 14 years is not consistent with a "heart attack from an eating disorder" having ever occurred. Disallowing replacement of the feeding tube in this woman is homicide. Critical facts in plain view must have time to be reviewed. This can be accomplished in 7 days. " • Evidence showing how Terri was fraudulently admitted into a hospice facility by Dr. Victor Gambone in April 2000, admitting in a 2002 evidentiary hearing Terri was placed in into a hospice because Michael Schiavo told him to do so; • Evidence how Victor Gambone and Medical Director William Moore had signed and written on Terri's chart in 4/11/2000 -- "based on the patient's diagnosis and current condition, I expect this patient has a limited life expectancy of (six) months or less, if disease continues to take its usual course, and hereby certify patient as eligible for hospice" ..Yet Terri was NOT and NEVER was terminal or diagnosed with any DISEASE giving her 6 months or less to live... • Despite Evidence that Terri's so called "wishes " were only hearsay and not written testimony of them by her estranged husband was never Admissible under Florida's evidence code under FS 90.602. • Despite the fact that Michael testified that he found Terri face down and rolled her over, yet Paramedics (according to St. Petersburg Police Report) found her face down. • Despite Evidence from NOBEL PRIZE nominee Dr. William Hammesfahr, expert neurologist giving a complete review of his extensive hands on exam of Terri. • Despite evidence that Michael Schiavo announced his engagement to Jodi Centonze and made two children with her, clearly showing that by FLA MARITAL LAW he is an adulterer and has deserted Terri as her husband. • Despite Evidence from several board-certified neurologists that Terri is not PVS and the affidavits of more than 40 physicians that she can be rehabilitated. • Evidence that Michael Schiavo filed a 1992 malpractice suit for 20 million dollars, and was awarded 1.7 million after convincing the jury he needed the money to care for his wife, but later after having the money in his hand placed a DNR on her chart and motioned the courts to remove her feeding tube • Despite evidence that Michael has been carrying on in affairs for almost as long as Terri has had her unexplained tragic accident • Despite the affidavit of nurse Carla who cared for Terri stating Michael tried to harm Terri. • Despite the statement from Michael's previous girlfriend Cyndi Shook stating Michael stalked her and did not care about Terri. • Despite the statement of the recent nurse, Nora Wagner who came forth from Woodside Hospice on March 21, 2005, stating she worked with Terri and Terri laughed at her jokes. (Note: Mrs. Wagner immediately was fired from her job for speaking up about Terri) • Despite recent statement by Dr. Chesire of the Mayo Clinic stating he did not believe Terri was in a PVS • Despite affidavit from Dr. Craddock stating Terri's 5 teeth were extracted due to dental neglect. • Despite the fact that Terri's husband (as her supposed legal guardian) denied her dental care for more than 10 years. • Despite Terri never been allowed her OWN legal representation or DUE PROCESS • Despite the hundreds of other pieces of evidence showing Terri was neglected and there was possible abuse, provided by the DCF(Department of Children and Family) • Despite the majority vote in the United States Congress LAST WEEK passing a bill that would save Terri's life • Despite President Bush's recent statement on national TV" stating it is better "to err on the side of life" and his making a special trip to fly from his vacation home to sign the bill into legislation -Federal Judge Whittemore in Tampa Florida AGAIN DENIED AT 7:30 AM ET hearing what was to be a de novo review (allowing the Schindlers to open the case from the beginning with ALL the EVIDENCE) thus allowing the Schindlers the opportunity to have Terri's tube immediate reinserted while it is reviewed. - The Schindlers' have now filed an appeal with the 11th Circuit court and are awaiting a decision. - Terri lays inhumanely suffering from starvation and dehydration on her 7th day without food and water while the local judicial system denies her parents the legal right to provide ALL the pertinent evidence necessary to give her water and save her life. PLEASE CONTACT THE DCF IMMEDIATELY! CALL: 800.962.2873 TELL THEM 1. YOU KNOW OF A DISABLED WOMAN IN IMMINENT DANGER! 2. SHE IS BEING GROTESQUELY NEGLECTED. 3. SHE HAS NOT RECEIVED WATER SINCE 18 MAR 2005. **FORGET THE FOOD** 4. HER NAME IS TERRI SCHINDLER SCHIAVO. (SPELL SCHIAVO) 5. YOU ARE "FRIENDS OF HER FAMILY" 6. SHE IS LOCATED AT THE WOODSIDE HOSPICE CENTER IN PINELLAS PARK -County Pinellas- 6774 102nd Avenue N. Pinellas Park, Florida 7. YOUR FULL NAME AND PHONE NUMBER Remember to TAKE THE PERSON'S NAME AND EMPLOYEE NUMBER. They are very compassionate! DO NOTHING ELSE - CALL THEM NOW!!! Fight4Terri @aol.com www.fight4terri.blogspot.com Visit Terri's site: www.terrisfight.org Cheryl Ford, RN (Fight4Terri@aol.com) is not affiliated with any other group and works as an independent volunteer promoting the protection of Florida's disabled community. Fight4Terri does not wish to forward unsolicited mail. Please type the word "unsubscribe" in subject heading if you prefer to not receive anymore updates about Terri and your screen name will be immediately deleted from Fight4Terri's address book. DIVINE MERCY NOVENA Jesus asked that the Feast of the Divine Mercy be preceded by a Novena to the Divine Mercy which would begin on Good Friday. He gave St. Faustina an intention to pray for on each day of the Novena, saving for the last day the most difficult intention of all, the lukewarm and indifferent of whom He said: "These souls cause Me more suffering than any others; it was from such souls that My soul felt the most revulsion in the Garden of Olives. It was on their account that I said: 'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass Me by.' The last hope of salvation for them is to flee to My Mercy." In her diary, St. Faustina wrote that Jesus told her: "On each day of the novena you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy ... On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My passion, for the graces for these souls." The different souls prayed for on each day of the novena are: DAY 1 (Good Friday) - All mankind, especially sinners DAY 2 (Holy Saturday) - The souls of priests and religious DAY 3 (Easter Sunday) - All devout and faithful souls DAY 4 (Easter Monday) - Those who do not believe in Jesus and those who do not yet know Him DAY 5 (Easter Tuesday) - The souls of separated brethren DAY 6 (Easter Wednesday) - The meek and humble souls and the souls of children DAY 7 (Easter Thursday) - The souls who especially venerate and glorify Jesus' mercy DAY 8 (Easter Friday) - The souls who are detained in purgatory; DAY 9 (Easter Saturday) - The souls who have become lukewarm. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy may also be offered each day for the day's intention, but is not strictly necessary to the Novena. First Day "Today bring to Me all mankind, especially all sinners, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me." Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen. Second Day "Today bring to Me the Souls of Priests and Religious, and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind." Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service,* that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard -- upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen. * In the original text, Saint Faustina uses the pronoun "us" since she was offering this prayer as a consecrated religious sister. The wording adapted here is intended to make the prayer suitable for universal use. Third Day "Today bring to Me all Devout and Faithful Souls, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were a drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness." Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this grace of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen. Fourth Day "Today bring to Me those who do not believe in God and those who do not know Me, I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My Heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy." Most compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen. *Our Lord's original words here were "the pagans." Since the pontificate of Pope John XXIII, the Church has seen fit to replace this term with clearer and more appropriate terminology. Fifth Day "Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church*, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is, My Church. As they return to unity with the Church My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion." Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen. *Our Lord's original words here were "heretics and schismatics," since He spoke to Saint Faustina within the context of her times. As of the Second Vatican Council, Church authorities have seen fit not to use those designations in accordance with the explanation given in the Council's Decree on Ecumenism (n.3). Every pope since the Council has reaffirmed that usage. Saint Faustina herself, her heart always in harmony with the mind of the Church, most certainly would have agreed. When at one time, because of the decisions of her superiors and father confessor, she was not able to execute Our Lord's inspirations and orders, she declared: "I will follow Your will insofar as You will permit me to do so through Your representative. O my Jesus " I give priority to the voice of the Church over the voice with which You speak to me" (497). The Lord confirmed her action and praised her for it. Sixth Day Today bring to Me the Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels, who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. I favor humble souls with My confidence. Most Merciful Jesus, You yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls, and upon little children who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen. Seventh Day Today bring to Me the Souls who especially venerate and glorify My Mercy*, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over my Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death. Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Your mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their hearts, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He, Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen. *The text leads one to conclude that in the first prayer directed to Jesus, Who is the Redeemer, it is "victim" souls and contemplatives that are being prayed for; those persons, that is, that voluntarily offered themselves to God for the salvation of their neighbor (see Col 1:24; 2 Cor 4:12). This explains their close union with the Savior and the extraordinary efficacy that their invisible activity has for others. In the second prayer, directed to the Father from whom comes "every worthwhile gift and every genuine benefit,"we recommend the "active" souls, who promote devotion to The Divine Mercy and exercise with it all the other works that lend themselves to the spiritual and material uplifting of their brethren. Eighth Day "Today bring to Me the Souls who are in the prison of Purgatory, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice." Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded: Manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen. Ninth Day "Today bring to Me the Souls who have become Lukewarm, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: 'Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.' For them, the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy." Most compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love, let these tepid souls who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love, and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: Let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen. The Divine Mercy Chaplet Using your Rosary 1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed. 2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following: Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. 3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following: For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades). 4. Conclude with (three times): Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Catholic Media Coalition: In line with the Church, online with the world

Schiavo means Slave - Coincidence?

Dear Advocates for Innocent Life, As our emotions rise and fall the Holy Week as we watch our sister in Christ, Terri Schiavo, suffer because of evil. Let this give us comfort that our fight is not in vain. We are in the historic spiritual battle between good and evil. And we cannot ever retreat. From Catholic Media Coalition - There is an irony to this case that no one has yet mentioned. In the second reading this Palm Sunday, Paul speaks of Christ coming to us as a slave. The Italian word for "slave" is... "schiavo". The war continues in Florida. We can be proud of the priests that spoke of the connection between Mary Schiavo, Terri's mother, who is searched and watched by Flordia police so she cannot put an ice cube to her daughter's lips, or rub her drying skin with lotion. She must stand by like Our Blessed Mother who could only watch her Beloved Son in His Agony. This is not irony, but we are re-living the Suffering of Christ through Terri Schiavo this Holy Week. Where are the Justice and Peace groups from our churches speaking out? Where are the anti-death penalty supporters who make money off of their endless speaches. Terri is in prison without a fail trial. Where are the animal rights people? What would they do if a dog was being deprived of food and water until it died? HERE ARE SOME THINGS WE CAN DO. FOR TERRI AND FOR OREGON. FAX THE GOVERNOR & PRES At once. YOUR JOB IS TO ENFORCE FLORIDA LAW 765.309 Mercy killing or euthanasia not authorized; (1) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to condone, authorize, or approve mercy killing or euthanasia, or to permit any affirmative or deliberate act or omission to end life other than to permit the natural process of dying. A JUDGE CANNOT NULLIFY LAW Please fax to Jeb Bush. Governor Jeb Bush (850) 488-4441 Fax 850-487-0801 Please fax to Pres Bush: Federal Law Title 28 35.130(e)(2) Nothing in the Act or this part authorizes the representative or guardian of an individual with a disability to decline food, water, medical treatment, or medical services for that individual. President Bush The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Comments: 202-456-1111 Switchboard: 202-456-1414 FAX: 202-456-2461 This Thursday, March 24th! Let's get educated about the process of our government and support those fighting for the Culture of Life. We can't get to Florida, but we can do something to bring common sense back to Oregon. Remember, Oregon Catholic Conference is NOT going to lobby on these bills, it's up to us to give a Roman Catholic presence to the hearing rooms. See you there! Legislative Update From Oregon Right to Life PAC Five Pro-Life Bill Hearings on the Same Day! On Thursday, March 24, 2005 five pro-life bills are scheduled to have public hearings in the House Judiciary Committee. There bills are: HB 2531 – Clinic Regulations sponsored by Rep. Brian Boquist (overview below) HB 2532 – Women’s Right to Know sponsored by Rep. Linda Flores HB 2550 – Unborn Pain Awareness sponsored by Rep. Greg Smith HB 2605 – Parental Notice sponsored by Rep. Dennis Richardson (see last week’s Update for overview) HB 2696 – Partial Birth Abortion Ban sponsored by Rep. Donna Nelson If you are in Salem on the day of the hearings Oregon Right to Life would be honored to have you to join us. The hearings will begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue throughout the day. You can come for the entire day or just part. It is always encouraging to be surrounded by fellow pro-lifers! Please contact the Committee members and graciously ask them to support life by voting YES on all five bills. Remember hand written letters are best; followed by phone calls and emails. Snail mail can be sent to: 900 Court St NE – insert office number – Salem, Oregon 97301 Representative Office Number Phone Email Wayne Krieger (R), Chair H-378 503.986.1401 rep.waynekrieger@state.or.us Greg Macpherson (D), Vice-Chair H 376 503.986.1438 rep.gregmacpherson@state.or.us Andy Olson (R), Vice-Chair H-491 503.986.1415 rep.andyolson@state.or.us Robert Ackerman (D) H-389 503.986.1413 Rep.repbertackerman@state.or.us Jeff Barker (D) H-476 503.986.1428 Rep.jeffbarker@state.or.us Linda Flores (R) H-287 503.986.1451 Rep.lindaflores@state.or.us Bill Garrard (R) H-484 503.986.1456 Rep.billgarrard@state.or.us Kim Thatcher (R) H-490 503.986.1425 Rep.kimthatcher@state.or.us Kelley Wirth (D) H-479 503.986.1416 Rep.kelleywirth@state.or.us Regarding HB 2531 – Clinic Regulations Under current Oregon law, performing surgical abortions is not regulated. There are no Oregon Revised Statues (ORS) or Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) that define sanitation requirements, emergency equipment regulations, etc. In fact, the four most common abortion procedures are specifically excluded from surgical center regulations. The Oregon Administrative Rules 333-076-0101 states: (c) An "ambulatory surgical center" (ASC) means a health care facility which performs outpatient surgery not routinely or customarily performed in a physician's or dentist's office, and is able to meet health facility licensure requirements: (A) In the case of outpatient surgery involving termination of pregnancy, procedures routinely and customarily done in physician's offices are the following: (i) Dilation and curettage; (ii) Suction curettage; (iii) Sharp curettage; (iv) Dilation and evacuation. This standard is unacceptable and dangerous. HB 2531 would place ambulatory surgical center regulations on any facility that meets any of these three qualifications: 1. Performs ten or more abortions a month or 100 or more abortions a year. 2. Advertises as an abortion provider 3. Has a licensed physician contracted to perform abortions either on duty or on call HB 2531 would not affect other – non abortive – procedures This bill is written to only apply to clinics performing the specified number of dilation and curettages, suction curettages, sharp curettages, and/or dilation and evacuations a month/year. Nothing would change for physician’s offices that do not perform these procedures. Notable Quote “The only way we would [investigate] is if we were following up on a complaint on a licensed facility. So if there was a hospital or ambulatory surgical center where we got a complaint about an abortion then we do have authority to go in, follow-up and investigate that complaint. When we’re talking about a physician’s office [and abortion clinics], that complaint would go to the Board of Medical Examiners.” DR. GRANT HIGGINSON. Department of Human Services, Health Services reveals that the DHS has no authority to investigate complaints against free standing abortion clinics. Testimony before the House Committee on Rules and Public Affairs, February 25, 2003. Please put this on your calendar. This is our Day to show our Support for Innocent Life. LIFE LOBBY DAY! Friday, April 8th 2005 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Oregon State Capitol Oregon’s tiniest citizens need your help! Let's get together and meet other pro-lifers. March 24th will get us ready for this great day. Step outside your comfort zone. It is a matter of Life and Death. God Bless Us and May God open the eyes of the blind. Carolyn Wendell VOCAL "Nothing seems tiresome or painful when you are working for a Master who pays well; who rewards even a cup of cold water given for love of Him." St. Dominic Savio 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

Hosanna in the Highest! Terri Schiavo!!

Hosanna in the Highest! Dear Friends, President Bush just signed the Terri Schiavo bill. Now she can have her day in court. At this point in time, her family has an ambulance ready to take her to a hospital and resume her feeding. We share their joy. This is a wonderful opportunity for dialogue within our Church regarding "Advanced Directives" and "Living Wills". This is no coincidence. It's amazing to realize the Our Dear Lord wants us to talk about HOW He wants us to depart this life: with true dignity. We can learn His ways. Just recently we heard of a failed assisted suicide in Oregon. The story was also carried in the Catholic Sentinel, the "punch line" was in the last two paragraphs (Catholic Sentinel on page 17 "Suicide") Regarding the natural death of her husband two weeks after the attempt Lynda Prueitt told the Oregonian her husband had been in the Presence of God, who sent him back to die a natural death. Steve Prueitt, the patient's brother, told the newspaper God chose his brother to show that assisted suicide is wrong. We are truly one family. We are One Body in Christ. As we begin this Holy Week, the power of God has already been revealed through prayer and the compassion and courage of the men and women who guide our country. God Bless them and may He open the hearts of those who can't see love and value in the eyes of a bedridden woman. Thank you Lord. Carolyn Wendell "Open wide the doors and gates, life high the ancient portals. The King of Glory enters." Psalm 23:9 VOCAL Voice of Catholics Advocating Life PO Box 458 Sublimity, OR 97385 Member of Catholic Media Coalition "In line with the Church, on line with the world."

And...Behind Door Number Three....

Dear Advocates for Life,

Oregon has another Representative for the Culture of Death: David Wu. Here is a list of the House Vote.


The 58 Congressmen Who Voted In Favor Of Allowing Terri Schiavo To Die

The following list is taken from the Congressional Roll Call. These 58 Congressmen (53 Democrats and 5 Republicans) voted to allow the starvation of Terri Schiavo to continue.

Is your Congressman on the list?


Republicans are listed in bold type.


Baldwin (WI)
Berkley (NV)
Bishop (NY)
Brown-Waite, Ginny (FL)
Butterfield (NC)
Capuano (MA)
Cardin (MD)
Carnahan (MI)
Carson (IN)
Castle (DE)
Clay (MO)
Cleaver (MO)
Clyburn (SC)
Conyers (MI)
Davis (FL)
Dent (PA)
Dicks (WA)
Doyle (PA)
Evans (IL)
Frank (MA)
Gutierrez (IL)
Hastings (FL)
Holt (NJ)
Hoyer (MD)
Israel (NY)
Kaptur (OH)
Kennedy (RI)
Larson (CT)
Levin (MI)
Lewis (GA)
Matsui (CA)
McDermott (WA)
McKinney (GA)
Miller (NC)
Moran (VA)
Murtha (PA)
Nadler (NY)
Olver (MA)
Pallone (NJ)
Pascrell (NJ)
Payne (NJ)
Price (NC)
Reichert (WA)
Rothman (NJ)
Schiff (CA)
Schwartz (PA)
Scott (VA)
Shays (CT)
Spratt (SC)
Strickland (OH)
Thompson (MS)
Van Hollen (MD)
Visclosky (IN)
Wasserman Schultz (FL)
Watt (NC)
Weiner (NY)
Wexler (FL)
Wu (OR)

David Wu's contact info. http://www.house.gov/wu/contact_information.htm

Representatives Walden, Hooley, DeFazio and Blumenauer all missed the vote.

Hosanna in the Highest ...Terri Schiavo!

Dear Friends, President Bush just signed the Terri Schiavo bill. Now she can have her day in court. At this point in time, her family has an ambulance ready to take her to a hospital and resume her feeding. We share their joy. This is a wonderful opportunity for dialogue within our Church regarding "Advanced Directives" and "Living Wills". This is no coincidence. It's amazing to realize the Our Dear Lord wants us to talk about HOW He wants us to depart this life: with true dignity. We can learn His ways. Just recently we heard of a failed assisted suicide in Oregon. The story was also carried in the Catholic Sentinel, the "punch line" was in the last two paragraphs (Catholic Sentinel on page 17 "Suicide") Regarding the natural death of her husband two weeks after the attempt Lynda Prueitt told the Oregonian her husband had been in the Presence of God, who sent him back to die a natural death. Steve Prueitt, the patient's brother, told the newspaper God chose his brother to show that assisted suicide is wrong. We are truly one family. We are One Body in Christ. As we begin this Holy Week, the power of God has already been revealed through prayer and the compassion and courage of the men and women who guide our country. God Bless them and may He open the hearts of those who can't see love and value in the eyes of a bedridden woman. Thank you Lord. Carolyn Wendell "Open wide the doors and gates, life high the ancient portals. The King of Glory enters." Psalm 23:9 VOCAL Voice of Catholics Advocating Life PO Box 458 Sublimity, OR 97385 Member of Catholic Media Coalition "In line with the Church, on line with the world."

The Silence is Deafening

Dear Friends, Another note or two. Add Oregon Senator Ron Wyden to your prayer and call list. He is another embarrassment to our state with his lack of true compassion. His email is: http://wyden.senate.gov/ Note #2 Terri Schaivo is Catholic. This cannot be ignored, nor can the "deafening silence" of her Catholic brothers and sisters in positions of leadership. We need to wonder: where are the prayers and statements against this killing? Where are the Peace and Justice groups who speak out so readily against the death penalty of mass murderers, but are quiet about a helpless woman, who might have become too much of a nuisance to her husband. What happened to in "sickness and in health?" Out of curiousity, I have contacted Sister Helen Prejean, of Dead Man Walking fame. Picking and choosing who to defend isn't a consistent position. It will become almost silly to take these people seriously who make money off of the anti-death penalty issue. I'll let you know if/when she responds. Who's opinion are you curious about? Why not ask? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Sister Helen, As director of an Oregon-based apostolate VOCAL Voice of Catholics Advocating Life, I would like to know if you have spoken out against the death by starvation sentence levied against Terri Schiavo in Florida. We know that you are against the death penalty and we consider this to fit into this category. Please let us know what you have done to help her. Thank you, Carolyn Wendell VOCAL Voice of Catholics Advocating Life PO Box 458 Sublimity, OR 97383 503.767.3333 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note #2 1/2 Mea Culpa about the missing pieces of any emails. Thank goodness you can read between the lines. God Bless Us All, Carolyn

STRANGE BEDFELLOWS – ARCHDPDX & EMO

Dear Advocates for Life,

Western Oregon Catholics are on the verge of possibly losing some of our churches and schools: properties bought and paid for with hard-earned "Catholic" money. We have already paid out more than fifty- three million dollars. The "problem" was a climate that enabled an anti-Culture of Life and Family attitude. Although only a handful priests acted out, the climate is still thriving and has to stop. This is another scandal in our Church.

When you're a parent it's important to separate your children from bad influences to keep them on the straight and narrow. The same holds true for relationships in adulthood and organizations. They too are affected by peer pressure and lose their way. On Monday, March 7th, I attended the Interfaith Advocacy Day put on by the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO). Oregon Catholic Conference represented by Bob Castagna and Anthony Granados were there representing Oregon Catholics. (The head of EMO, Philip Kennedy-Wong, was at Oregon Catholic Conferences Advocacy Day on Feb 21st. and the latter Interfaith Advocacy Day.)

EMO's Interfaith Advocacy Day reflected the member churches support for same-sex marriage. The listing on EMO's website includes homosexual churches : ie. Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches and all member churches seem to encourage same-sex marriage, some affliated with Basic Rights Oregon, a pro-activist homosexual organization. Check their links. Connect these dots.

http://www.emoregon.org/aboutemo.htm then: EMO Denominations
http://mccchurch.org/
http://www.basicrights.org/

Oregon Catholic Conference's legislative agenda has reflected the EMO agenda throughout the years. They have shied away from the Roman Catholic positions of supporting unborn life and monogamous heterosexuality. Even the packets distributed at both advocacy days were similar down to the color, identical font, spacing and same pages of some content. And remember the election? Oregon Catholic Conference had voter registration done on targeted Catholic churches by the EMO-connected National Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice http://www.nicwj.org/ out of Chicago using the same name as the U.S. Bishops: "Faithful Citizenship Program". I asked Bob Castagna if he thought Oregon priests would assume that this group was from the US Bishops.
In this climate, Catholic priests are feeling comfortable about speaking up for homosexual activity and use the judgmental and inaccurate term "homophobe" for those of us who support Roman Catholic Church teaching (Catholic Sentinel March 11 Letters to the Editor).

From the Vatican - Cardinal Arinzi, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacrament states "The question arises; take the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It says it is not condemning a person for having homosexual tendency. We don't condemn anybody for that. But a person stands condemned for acting on it.” Pope John Paul II suggested that the world-wide push for same-sex unions is part of an "ideology of evil". “It is legitimate and necessary to ask oneself if this is not perhaps part of a new ideology of evil, perhaps more insidious and hidden, which attempts to pit human rights against the family and against man.”

VOCAL was sent this information. It connects more dots. Judge for yourselves.

Oregon Churches and organizations calling themselves Catholic have homosexual componants that are not in compliance with Roman Catholic Church teaching.

http://www.catholiclesbians.org/ click on "Resources" then click on "Lesbian and Gay Friendly Places" then click on "Oregon"
http://www.koinoniacommunity.org/ Koinonia Catholic Community - Performs same-sex "marriages"(also a member of Basic Rights Oregon)

A distubing note on this group. Click on music. Koinonia former directors include Tom Conry and Patrick Loomis do music for the OREGON CATHOLIC PRESS. Are we singing songs that could be indoctrinating us?

Let's help the Climate of Oregon. We have to be good stewards of our money, time and talents.
Over the years the value of the relationship between the Oregon Catholic Conference and Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon has been questioned. VOCAL feels that it is time to end this relationship. In light of our bankruptcy, the lack of Roman Catholic teaching being understood and questioned, it is time for a real change. Silence implies consent of the support of anti-Catholic teachings.
Can we afford spiritually and financially to continue as we have? Does this truly help us help others serve the Living God?

It is the Springtime of the Laity following Jesus Christ:
The Way, the Truth and the Life.

Would the OCC Support Withdrawing Food and Water from Terri Schiavo?

Dear Advocates for Life, Those of us who went to Oregon Catholic Conferences Advocacy Day (Monday, February 21st) were disappointed that only HB 2020 was mentioned in the Advocacy for Life Issues. Now, we are more concerned with, why we weren't told that the previous Thursday, Feb. 17th, Bob Castagna went before the Sentate Judiciary, speaking for all Catholic Oregonians, in support of Senate Bill 248. Maybe the following will explain why. FIRST - Words about the Dignity of the Human Person before an explanation of SB 248. In a speech last year, Pope John Paul II affirmed the inherent dignity of every human being: “Even our brothers and sisters who find themselves in the clinical condition of a ‘vegetative state’,” he said, “retain their human dignity in all its fullness.” They are not “vegetables,” but fellow human beings in need of our love and care. The Holy Father added that these patients have “the right to basic health care (nutrition, hydration, cleanliness, warmth, etc.).” He reminded us that providing water and food, even by artificial means, is “morally obligatory, insofar as and until it is seen to have attained its proper finality, which in the present case consists in providing nourishment to the patient and alleviation of his suffering.” " There are times when even such basic means may cease to be morally obligatory, because they have become useless or unduly burdensome for the patient. Deliberately to remove them in order to hasten a patient’s death, however, would be a form of euthanasia, which is gravely wrong." SENATE BILL 248 "Modifies power of guardian to withhold or withdraw artificially administered nutrition and hydration for protected person." "A guardian may consent to the withholding or withdrawing of artificially administered mutrition and hydration for a protected person only under the circumstances described in ORS 127.580 (1)(a), (b), (d), (e) or (f) and if the protected person has a medical condition specified in ORS (1)(b), (d), (e), or (f) and, if the protected person has a medical condition. ORS 127.580 Oregon Revised Statutes that are part of SB 248 ADVANCE DIRECTIVES FOR HEALTH CARE 127.580 Presumption of consent to artificially administered nutrition and hydration: exceptions. (1) It shall be presumed that every person who is temporarily or permanently incapable has consented to artificially administered nutrition and hydration, other than hyperalimentation, that are necessary to sustain life except in one or more of the following circumstances: (a) The person while a capable adult clearly and specifically stated that the person would have refused artificially administered nutrition and hydration. (NOT ALLOWED BY CHURCH) (b) Administration of such nutrition and hydration is not medically feasible or would itself cause severe, intractable or long-lasting pain. (ALLOWED BY CHURCH) (c) The person has an appointed health care representative who has been given authority to make decisions on the use, maintenance, withholding or withdrawing of artificially administered nutrition and hydration. (not part of SB 248) (d) The person does not have an appointed health care representative or an advance directive that clearly states that the person did not want artificially administered nutrition and hydration, and the person is permanently unconscious. (WHAT DO YOU THINK?) (e) The person does not have an appointed health care representative or an advance directive that clearly states that the person did not want artificially administered nutrition and hydration, the person is incapable, and the person has a terminal condition. (WHAT DO YOU THINK?) (f) The person has a progressive illness that will be fatal and is in an advanced stage, the person is consistently and permanently unable to communicate by any means, swallow food and water safely, care for the person’s self and recognize the person’s family and other people, and it is very unlikely that the person’s condition will substantially improve. (WHAT DO YOU THINK) go to www.leg.state.or.us for info and audio testimony. Senate Bill 248 does not reflect the words of our Holy Father. We will not succeed to make a Culture of Life, by making concessions. We must think with the Mind of the Church then, even if we fail at the Legislature, we haven't failed before Jesus Christ. VOCAL asks the Oregon Catholic Conference to pull support of SB 248 as it stands. If there are amendments that agree with Church teachings, we will be happy to support the OCC. This endorsement could be causing scandal to the Catholic Church. I don't want to be part of this. We believe it would have been better to say nothing at all, than support this poorly written law. There were six good pro-life Senate and House Bills passed over by the OCC. We are a voice for those who have no voice. If we don't speak up, who will? Jesus said, 'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth. REV. 3:16-17 God Bless, Carolyn Wendell “We shall be called to account not only for every idle word, but also for every idle silence.” St. Ambrose V.O.C.A.L. Voice of Catholics Advocating Life PO Box 458 Sublimity, OR 97385 Member of Catholic Media Coalition "In Line with the Church, on line with the World."

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? Dear Pro-Life Advocates, The theme at Oregon Catholic Conference's Advocacy Day was "A Place at the Table." Having advocates for the unborn invited would be considered a sequel to "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" It's pretty obvious that the unborn haven't been a priority and this year there are six bills protecting them and their mothers that will be ignored, with one exception. A letter from the OCC was given for HB 2020 the Unborn Victims of Violence Act aka Laci and Connor Peterson's Law in a show of support, but only if the death penalty is kept from being applied for the second murder, if applicable. The reason for not even giving a letter in support of the other bills was because they might not be successful. I pointed out that they had worked for eight years for a State Earned Income Tax Credit and aren't the twelve thousand plus unborn Oregonian lives taken each year by abortion worth their effort. No response. On the bright side, there were at least thirty unborn advocates, many that had never been to an Advocacy Day. This showing demonstrated to the Bishops and the Conference that the unborn deserve a voice and a "Place at the Table". The Conference invited a busload of Sisters from a Seattle Peace and Justice committee otherwise, we would have filled up most of their seats. The Oregon Catholic Conference works very closely with the Justice and Peace Ministry of the Archdiocese. They both work very closely with the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon. On March 19th there is a Peace Together Reflection Day at the University of Portland. Their keynote speaker, Dr. Diana Hayes, has this to say about pro-life advocates: "I find it very ironic that the very people who are "pro life" (in terms of before the fetus becomes a human child outside of the womb) are the very ones who are so pro-capital punishment and so pro throwing-the-book at children. But they do nothing with these children from the day they're born until something happens. Especially if they're born into poverty (which too many of our children today are being born into, because of the over-stressed lives of their parents) we simply ignore all of that. We ignore the reasons for perhaps why they're acting out in such violent ways -and just kill them too. So they murder and we murder. That's my take on the whole thing --and neither action is legitimate or moral." This is just a taste of what's in store for us at the Day of Reflection. The Justice and Peace Committee has an on-line survey http://www.archdpdx.org/news&events/survey-2005.html and this will dictate the direction our parishes will go. How can the Church in Oregon breathe with one lung? How can we make decisions as a Church that costs everyone in the pews money, yet are vilified and kept from participating in the process. Their vision cannot be 20/20 without us. The abortion issue grounds people. It is the foundational issue of the Life Issues. Life Issues are NOT all the same. We can make a difference for the Catholic Church in Oregon. It is already beginning. God Bless, Carolyn Wendell “We shall be called to account not only for every idle word, but also for every idle silence.” St. Ambrose V.O.C.A.L. Voice of Catholics Advocating Life PO Box 458 Sublimity, OR 97385

CONNOR PETERSON'S GRANDFATHER TO SPEAK AT CAPITOL MONDAY

Dear Advocates for the Unborn, The House Judiciary Committee is holding it's first hearing during the 2005 legislative session on the Speaker’s Unborn Victims of Violence bill (HB 2020). Testimony on behalf of HB 2020 will include Ron Grantski – Laci Peterson’s father! Mr. Grantski is traveling from California to urge Oregon Legislators to recognize the deaths of both women and unborn victims of violence. Testimony will be taken from the general public, if there's time. This will be held at 8:30 am, which will conflict with the OCC Advcacy Day somewhat. This is where discernment comes in. We need to pray to the Holy Spirit and see where we're needed. There will also be a PRESS CONFERENCE at 11:00am, all are welcome, Ron Grantski will be here also. This should be over at 11:30am, in time to get to St. Joseph's for lunch and conversation. Let's pray that the Oregon Catholic Conference has these on their agenda. 2005 Session - Culture of Life House Bills - www.leg.state.or.us HB 2020 - UNBORN VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE ACT/The Laci and Connor Peterson Law Expands criminal homicide to include causing death of unborn child. Provides exceptions for lawful abortions and acts committed by pregnant women. HB 2531 - CLINIC REGULATIONS Includes medical facility operated substantially for purpose of performing abortions in definition of ambulatory surgical center. (In Oregon, veterinary hospitals have more regulations for dogs than abortion clinics have for women) HB 2532 - INFORMED CONSENT aka WOMEN'S RIGHT TO KNOW Requires information to be given to pregnant female 24 hours prior to abortion. Specifies information health care provider must provide to obtain informed concent. Requires Department of Human Services to provide information about assistance services, abortion procedures, medical risks and fetal development and viability. Requires health care providers to report to Center for Health Statistics on compliance with Act. Requires reporting of induced termination of pregnancies as fetal deaths. Requires Director of Human Services to impose civil penalty on person who willfully fails to comply with Act. Prohibits Center for Health Statistics from disclosing identity of health care provider without provider's consent. Authorizes Speaker of House of Representatives and President of Senate to appoint members of Legislative Assembly to intervene in action challenging validity of Act. (Oregon Health Department lobbied AGAINST this bill in 2002 and testified with Planned Parenthood and NARAL) HB 2401 - DECLARES STATE POLICY RELATING TO ADOPTIONS/SUPPORTS MARRIAGE Requires Department of Human Services, Oregon licensed adoption agency or approved child-caring agency of this state that may consent to adoption of child to give preferences to prospective adoptive parents who are married over those who are unmarried or same-sex partners. Requires department or agency to give preference to prospective adoptive parents who live in this state over those who live outside this state. Provides exceptions. (relatives, etc. CW) HB 2550 - FETAL PAIN AWARENESS ACT Requires physicans to inform pregnant females considering abortion about fetal pain and to report on abortions performed. Requires Department of Human Services to publish information about fetal pain. Authoritizes Center for Health Statistics to adopt rules to facilitate physican reporting. Authorizes private action for damages for violation of information requirements of Act. Requires physicians to report to center on compliance with Act. Requires reporting of induced terminations of pregnancies as fetal deaths. Permits Speaker of House of Representatives and President of Senate to appoint sponsor of Act to intervene in action challenging validity of Act. Creates crime of unlawful abortion reporting. Punishes by maximum 30 day's imprisonment, $1,250 fine, or both. HB (NUMBER UNAVAILABLE) PARENTAL NOTIFICATION OF ABORTION FOR MINOR DAUGHTER (Oregon Health Department lobbied against this bill in 2002 and testified with Planned Parenthood and NARAL) GO TO THE LEGISLATIVE WEBSITE FOR INFO ON WHEN HEARINGS FOR THESE OTHER HOUSE BILL COME UP. We are called to be faithful and not to worry about the success of anything that Christ has put before us. We have been called to bring common sense back to our home and our State. Learning about "How a bill becomes a law" might be something we wouldn't necessarily desire on our own, however, our lives are really not our own. They were paid for with a Price. Join us for Holy Mass at 7am at St. Joseph in Salem. Let's offer this as a Lenten Sacrafice in reparation for lack of True Justice owed our Lord Jesus Christ and for the life of Terri Schiavo to be spared and placed in the arms of her devoted family. Dear Lord Jesus Christ. Please protect us as we work to protect the helpless that have no voice. God's Blessing and Strength for us all, Carolyn Wendell “We shall be called to account not only for every idle word, but also for every idle silence.” St. Ambrose V.O.C.A.L. Voice of Catholics Advocating Life PO Box 458 Sublimity, OR 97385

Oregon Catholic Conference and My Thanks!

Dear Advocates for Life, The Oregon Catholic Conference material came in the mail today. There was no mention of any lobbying on their part of HB 2020 the Laci and Connor Peterson Law. The only thing under "Advocacy for Life" is HB 2101, which is regarding Homeland Security. Declares state policy relating to adoptions. Requires Department of Human Services, Oregon licensed adoption agency or approved child-caring agency of this state that may consent to adoption of child to give preferences to prospective adoptive parents who are married over those who are unmarried or same-sex partners. Requires department or agency to give preference to prospective adoptive parents who live in this state over those who live outside this state. Provides exceptions. (relatives, etc. CW) The Marriage Team bn2rhea@msn.com Date: Monday-February 21 Time: 8:30 A.M. Room: 357 Public Hearing and Possible Work Session HB 2020 Expands criminal homicide to include causing death of unborn child. Invited Testimony Public Testimony Staff respectfully requests that you submit 25 collated copies of written materials at the time of your testimony. Persons making presentations including the use of video, DVD, PowerPoint or overhead projection equipment are asked to contact Committee staff 24 hours prior to the meeting. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the prayers and support for my family. I would love to share YOUR stories someday (with permission of course) to uplift, comfort and educate. We are truly one family in Christ. God Bless, Carolyn Wendell “We shall be called to account not only for every idle word, but also for every idle silence.” St. Ambrose V.O.C.A.L. Voice of Catholics Advocating Life PO Box 458 Sublimity, OR 97385

Urgent Prayer Request for a MIRACLE!

Dear Friends, It's been a long time since I've sent an update on Terri Schaivo there were so many ups and downs in her case. Now, her life is at stake and it's time to fast and pray to save her. No matter how small the sacrifice, they can all contribute to a miracle. Please read Father Pavone experience. He just visited her, Terri is also a Roman Catholic. Here are some phone numbers you can call: Archibshop Vlazny 503-234-5334 or email him at rjohnson@archdpdx.org and Bishop Vasa 541-388-4004 or email him at bpvasa@dioceseofbaker.org Her feeding tube will be removed by Feb. 22nd without Divine intervention. Go to www.terrisfight.org for an update. Terri Schiavo Fr. Frank Pavone National Director, Priests for Life > > She is not dying. She has no terminal illness. She is not in a coma. She is > not on life- support equipment. She is not alone, but rather has loving > parents and siblings ready to care for her for the rest of her life. She has > not requested death. > > Yet a battle rages regarding whether Terri Schindler-Schiavo should be > starved. She has sustained brain injuries and cannot speak or eat normally. > Nevertheless, the only tube attached to her is a small, simple, painless > feeding tube that provides her nourishment directly to her digestive system. > > Her legal guardian is her husband, who already has another woman -- by whom > he also has children. He wants Terri's feeding tube removed. Of course, he > could simply allow her to be cared for by her parents and siblings, and get > on with his life, but he refuses. > > I have had two opportunities to visit Terri, most recently on the first > Sunday of February. > I have been able to talk to her, to listen to her struggle to speak, to > watch her focus her eyes and smile and attempt to kiss her parents. I have > prayed with her, blessed her, and assured her that she has many friends > around the country and around the world, who love her and want her to enjoy > the same protections we all enjoy, even when we're wounded. > > News articles have recently characterized Terri's situation by saying that > some want to "keep her alive against her husband's wishes." But Terri is not > dying. What does "keeping her alive" mean, if not the same thing as keeping > you and me alive -- that is, by giving us adequate food, shelter, and care? > > Some say that Terri's family should "let her go." But this is not a matter > of "letting her go," because she isn't "going" anywhere. If, however, she is > deprived of nourishment, then she would slowly die in the same way that any > of us would slowly die if we were deprived of nourishment. It is called > starvation. > > If the courts permit that to happen, then why should that permission apply > only in Terri's case? There would be no way to limit it to her case alone. > Countless others would follow, and their deaths would be described as > "letting them die" instead of "killing them." > Where, indeed, does the state get the authority to starve people? Court > decisions permitting this lack all authority, as Pope John Paul II teaches > in "The Gospel of Life" > (section 72). These decisions cannot be obeyed, because they are not binding > on the conscience and are in fact acts of violence. > > At the present time, there are two simple things you can do. Educate your > neighbors about this situation. Visit our website, www.priestsforlife.org, > and click on the "Terri Schiavo" link. Second, contact anyone you know in > Florida and ask them to encourage their Governor and state legislators to > continue doing everything possible to save Terri's life. > > For more information on this crucial case, visit our website, > www.priestsforlife.org. If you want educational cards on Terri's situation, > contact our orders department at orders@priestsforlife.org, or by calling > 888-PFL-3448, ext. 237, or by writing Orders Department, Priests for Life, > PO Box 141172, Staten Island, NY 10314. _____________________________________________________________________________ The need for an ADVOCATE when admitted into the hospital is VITAL. Don't sign ANYTHING without reading it first. "Living wills" are different from hospital to hospital. Have someone you trust completely and has a clear moral knowledge of Church teaching. I will set up a forum for "Advanced Directives" to protect you and your loved ones. It's vital, educational and will change your life. May God give wisdom to those who have control over Terri Schiavo and love conquer all. God Bless, Carolyn Wendell "We shall be called to account not only for every idle word, but also for every idle silence." St. Ambrose V.O.C.A.L. Voice of Catholics Advocating Life PO Box 458 Sublimity, OR 97385

Oregon Catholic Conference Advocacy Day is $10 and.....

Oregon Catholic Conference Advocacy Day is $10 and..... Dear Friends, A quick note - the cost for the Advocacy Day is $10. This covers the cost of breakfast goodies, lunch and a packet of information to help understand the issues and how the Legislature works. VOCAL would be happy to pay for any Advocate for the Unborn if you have a tight budget. Just let me know. REMEMBER! • Archbishop Vlazny and Bishop Vasa will be there! • Advocacy Day happens every two years! • It'a a holiday - President's Day! • The babies need you! • You CAN make a difference for the Culture of Life! There is also a meeting at 8:30am for testimony regarding HB 2020 the Unborn Victims of Violence/Laci & Connor Peterson Law. If you'd like a fact sheet please let me know and I'll send one to you. Any citizen can speak to the committee. You need 25 copies of your talk to hand out and speak for the voiceless! God Bless, Carolyn Wendell “We shall be called to account not only for every idle word, but also for every idle silence.” St. Ambrose V.O.C.A.L. Voice of Catholics Advocating Life PO Box 458 Sublimity, OR 97385

Lent and Lobbying

Lent and Lobbying Dear Friends, Lent is upon us. Bishop Fulton J. Sheen might call this a "Return to Nothingness"; "God made us out of nothing...nothing at all...and it is well for us to occasionally recall that fact." The reality of this "nothingness" came our family this Ash Wednesday. John Paul Tamiian, beloved son and grandson had died before he was born this morning. At seventeen weeks gestation, weighing only nine ounces, John Paul was already well-loved and a future with him pictured in our minds. Let us pray for all families who have lost children at any age. They are precious in His sight. The reality of the personhood of these little ones is common sense, yet we need to constantly battle the Culture of Death and their ideology. To help the Culture of Life in Oregon we have an opportunity to make our values known through the Oregon Catholic Conference Advocacy Day. Archbishop Vlazny and Bishop Vasa Invite You to: Presidents’ Day - Monday, Feb. 21, 2005 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM "Issues 2005" Advocacy for Life + Advocacy for the Poor Advocacy for the Elderly + Affordable Housing Refundable State Earned Income Tax Credit Start the day in Salem at the State Capitol, Room 50 Register at 8 a.m. Program begins at 8:30 a.m. (Coffee and donuts provided) Please pre-register by phone. 503-233-8387, fax: 503-235-2630, or email: rcastagna@archdpdx.org Please make checks payable to Archdiocese of Portland, 2838 E. Burnside St., Portland 97214 For more information please call 503-233-8387. FYI Please encourage the OCC to support HB 2020 the Laci/Connor Peterson bill that gives personhood to the unborn. You can phone Archbishop John Vlazny 503-234-5334 Bishop Robert Vasa 541-388-4004 or email bpvasa@dioceseofbaker.org More information will be coming as the House/Senate Bills start coming in. Thank you for your support for Life in Oregon. God Bless, Carolyn Wendell “We shall be called to account not only for every idle word, but also for every idle silence.” St. Ambrose V.O.C.A.L. Voice of Catholics Advocating Life PO Box 458 Sublimity, OR 97385

On the Last Day of Christmas.... and Remember Alea

On the Last Day of Christmas.... and Remember Alea Dear Friends, It is the last day of the Christmas season; everything changes at the Baptism of Our Lord and....there has been a gift to the Catholic community: a spirit of reconciliation between the family and the priest. They had a long conversation and although there is not a complete meeting of the minds the family is content, but will not return to that parish. This "confrontation" was necessary and there's a great possibility that no other little children will be denied their blessing in the future. For those of you who have written with their "election stories", or questions about this one, I thank you and will get back to you ASAP, if necessary. Remember that no emails will be given out from VOCAL to anyone without your permission. As our Oregon Catholic community celebrates together we mourn together. On January 1st at 10pm a car lost control on an icy bridge and a beloved child of God and man was the first traffic fatality. Alea Kosydar, 22 years old, was killed as the car she was riding in slid an hit a tree. Her dad, Jerry, said that she had in her possession a new video of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a Christmas gift she "borrowed" from another family member so she could share it with others; among them the family of her boyfriend. He was driving the car and suffered minor injuries. Not only did his family learn the pro-life message of Our Lady, but the forgiveness of Christ from holy Christian examples who had just lost their most precious girl. On the Feast Day of the Mother of God, Alea was taken into the arms of her Heavenly Mother. May we have the blessing to be doing His work when we are called home. Iin the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pope John Paul II entrusted the cause of life to her loving protection, and placed under her motherly care the innocent lives of children, especially those who are in danger of not being born. This is a story that Jerry Kosydar loves to tell to his family and surely Alea herited his passion as well. Here is the story in memory of Alea. We read in the Book of Leviticus how the Lord tells Moses about the serious crime of offering children to Molech, referring to the Canaanite custom of sacrificing children to the god Molech. The little victims were first slain and then cremated. (Leviticus 20,1-5 and 18,21). In the Americas, five centuries ago, cruel human sacrificing rituals were performed in the Aztec empire. Between 20,000 and 50,000 were sacrificed a year. The rituals included cannibalism of the victims limbs. Most of them were captives or slaves, and besides men they included women and children. The early Mexican historian Ixtlilxochitl estimated that one out of every five children in Mexico were sacrificed. The climax of these ritual killings came in 1487 for the dedication of the new and richly decorated with serpents temple of Huitzilopochtli, in Tenochtitlan (now Mexico City), when in a single ceremony that lasted four days and four nights, with the constant beating of giant drums made of snakeskin, the Aztec ruler and demon worshiper Tlacaellel presided the sacrifice of more than 80,000 men. Our Lady of Guadalupe crushed this serpent in 1531. Today, the ancient Serpent is certainly achieving big hits in its attack upon human life. Millions of unborn children are killed every year around the globe, in procedures that in some countries are not only legal but also officially supported and financed. In many cases the procedures follow the same rules as the sacrifices to the ancient god Molech: the slain and then cremation of the little children. The Woman clothed with the sun, in the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Protectress of the Unborn, will crush this serpent again. A Prayer for Abortion Victims Prayer for all victims of abortion. May those involved in abortions be reconciled to God and may the innocent dead be saved. Holy Mother of God and of the Church, our Lady of Guadalupe, you were chosen by the Father for the Son through the Holy Spirit. You are the Woman clothed with the sun who labors to give birth to Christ while Satan, the Red Dragon, waits to voraciously devour your child. So too did Herod seek to destroy your Son, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and massacred many innocent children in the process. So today does abortion killing many innocent unborn children and exploiting many mothers in its attack upon human life and upon the Church, the Body of Christ. Mother of the Innocents, we praise God in you for His gifts to you of your Immaculate Conception, your freedom from actual sin; your fullness of grace, your Motherhood of God and the Church, your Perpetual Virginity and your Assumption in body and soul into heaven. O Help of Christians, we beg you to protect all mothers of the unborn and the children within their wombs. We plead with you for your help to end the holocaust of abortion. Melt hearts so that life may be revered! Holy Mother, we pray to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart for all mothers and all unborn children that they may have life here on earth and by the most Precious Blood shed by your Son that they may have eternal life with Him in heaven. We also pray to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart for all abortionists and all abortion supporters that they may be converted and accept your Son, Jesus Christ, as their Lord and Savior. Defend all of your children in the battle against Satan and all of the evil spirits in this present darkness. We desire that the innocent unborn children who die without Baptism should be baptized and saved. We ask that you obtain this grace for them and repentance, reconciliation and pardon from God for their parents and their killers. Let there be revealed, once more, in the history of the world the infinite power of merciful love. May it put an end to evil. May it transform consciences. May your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart reveal for all the light of hope. May Christ the King reign over us, our families, cities, states, nations and the whole of humanity. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary, hear our pleas and accept this cry from our hearts! Our Lady of Guadalupe, Protectress of the Unborn, Pray for us! Prayer of John Paul II for Life O Mary, bright dawn of the new world, Mother of the living, to you do we entrust the cause of life: Look down, O Mother, upon the vast numbers of babies to be born, of the poor whose lives are made difficult, of men and women who are victims of brutal violence, of the elderly and the sick killed by indifference or out of misguided mercy. Grant that all who believe in your Son may proclaim the Gospel of life with honesty and love to the people of our time. Obtain for them the grace to accept that Gospel as a gift ever new, the joy of celebrating it with gratitude throughout their lives and the courage to bear witness to it resolutely, in order to build, together with all people of good will, the civilization of truth and love, to the praise and glory of God, the Creator and lover of life. Pope John Paul II Encyclical Letter "The Gospel of Life" Given in Rome, on March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, in the year 1995. Let's start this New Year with the resolution to do the work of the Lord by advocating for the lives of his most innocent children. Sunday, January 16th at the Oregon State Capitol from 2:30-3:30 is the Oregon Right to Life Rally. Father Charles Taaffe will be honored for his 30 years of caring for young mother's and their babies in his three homes. A mass for Life will be at noon at St. Joseph Church. There will be pro-life displays to educate and energize us until the Rally. Also, Monday, February 21st, President's Day is Oregon Catholic Conference's Advocacy Day at the Capitol. It will be hosted by Archbishop Vlazny and Bishop Vasa at St. Joseph Church, Salem from 8am until 3pm. The cost is $10. Let our Shepherds know how much we value Life. More information will be coming. Life is so precious and fragile. Let us remember the love for life that Alea Kosydar shared so eagerly and pray for the repose of her soul and peace and comfort for those who love her. God Bless, Carolyn Wendell "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death,, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" Revelation 21:4 V.O.C.A.L. Voice of Catholics Advocating Life PO Box 458 Sublimity, OR 97385