October 1, 2014

Special activities planned for October, Respect Life Month

By Colleen Miner
Diocesan director Respect Life Ministry

October is Respect Life Month. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has chosen the theme “Each of Us Is a Masterpiece of God’s Creation.

This year’s poster features a beautiful photo of a little girl with Down syndrome. Pastors received their USCCB packet containing many items for use throughout the month and upcoming year. They are available at: www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/respect-life-program/.

Lifechain
October 5 marks the 27th year of the annual LIFECHAIN, a peaceful, prayerful, public, pro-life presence. Six Lifechains will be held in our diocese: Massena (1:45-2:45 Main St. & Rt. 37), Plattsburgh (2:30-3:30 Smithfield Blvd & Rt 3), Potsdam (2-3:30 Market & Main),  Saranac Lake (2:30-3:30 Meet at Bandshell Park, Line up along River Street), Schroon Lake (2-3 Our Lady of Lourdes Church) and Willsboro (2-3 Rt.22/Main St). Join with thousands across the US and Canada. Signs are provided. Stand up for life rain or shine www.lifechain.net.

40 Days for Life
The Fall 40 Days For Life campaign is taking place Sept. 24 through Nov. 2. A worldwide movement to protect mothers and babies, 40 Days for Life includes prayer and fasting, peaceful vigil and community outreach.
The local 40 Days for Life presence is at 66 Brinkerhoff Street, Plattsburgh at the only Planned Parenthood in our diocese that performs surgical abortions. The opening kick-off for 40 Days for Life was held Sept. 22 at the Newman Center with guest speaker Steve Karlan, 40 Days for Life North American Outreach director. For more information, contact Nancy Monette 518-561-8225 or Nancy Belzile 518-593-6024 or visit www.40daysforlife.com/ plattsburgh to sign up for an hour of witness.

Youth Buses for Life
Sign-ups for the Youth Buses for Life pilgrimage to the Washington DC March for Life begin Oct. 1. Check the Diocesan Pastoral Documentation page and Respect Life webpage for the flyer and permission slips for each bus.

Buses will depart from Watertown, Schroon Lake and Massena (with stops in Canton and Gouverneur) on Wednesday evening, January 21 and return Saturday, January 24. The pilgrimage is for high school students and chaperones.

For more info ‘like’ 2015 Youth Buses for Life on Facebook or contact the Respect Life Office. www.rcdony.org/pro-life/

There will also be two Family Buses traveling to DC for the March for Life, departing from Plattsburgh and Lewis County.

The Lake Champlain Bus for Life is coordinated by Karen Smith 518-566-6229. The Lewis County Bus for Life is coordinated by Paul Campeau 315-376-3569.

Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat
It’s not too late to sign-up for the after-abortion healing retreat over Columbus Day weekend. The Fall Rachel’s Vineyard retreat will be held Oct. 10-12. Pre-registration is required. Registration forms are located on the Respect Life webpage. Chaplain for the fall retreat is Father Bryan Stitt. If you are suffering after an abortion, you’re not alone www.rachelsvineyard.org

Bishop’s Fund support
Thank you for supporting the efforts of the Respect Life Office through donations to the Bishop’s Fund Appeal.
Please promote and participate in pro-life efforts in your area and continue to pray for a greater respect of all human life - born and unborn.