Saint Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church
Transcription
Saint Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church
Saint Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church 33 New Hyde Park Road, Franklin Square, New York 11010-3692 Parish Social Ministry Coordinator Maureen Miedreich Pastor Rev. Msgr. Richard M. Figliozzi Faith Formation Coordinator Debbie Hurley Associate Pastors Rev. Allan Arneaud Rev. Johnny Mendonca Rev. Charles N. Srion Music Director Jennifer Wells Deacons Joseph Benincasa Frank Gonzalez Trustees Dennis Canese Marion G. Dreyfus Parish office: (516) 352-0146 Parish FAX: (516) 326-7427 Faith Formation: (516) 354-4554 Social / Outreach: (516) 775-0840 VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: www.stcatherineofsienna.org Sunday Masses Reconciliation (Confession/Penance) Saturday: Saint Catherine Chapel - Sienna Center 5:00PM Church 8:00PM Sunday: Church 7:30AM, 9:30AM (Italian), 11:30AM, 1:00PM (Spanish) Saint Catherine Chapel - Sienna Center 9:30AM, 11:00AM, 1:00PM Every Saturday: 4:00PM-5:00PM & 7:30PM–8:00PM Every Sunday: 12:30PM (in Spanish) Parish Membership Weekday Masses ALL are welcome to join our parish family; please REGISTER on the First Sunday of the Month at the Pastoral Table after Mass or anytime at the Parish Office. We invite you to be part of our Parish Ministry through various groups and activities. Monday through Saturday: 8:00AM Parish Prayer Life Parish Office Welcome Desk Hours (990 Holzheimer St.) Adoration: Every Friday after 8:00AM Mass to 9:00PM and 24 Hour Exposition every First Friday Miraculous Medal Novena: Mondays after 8:00AM Mass Monday & Thursday: 9:00AM—8:00PM Tuesday & Wednesday: 1:00PM—8:00PM Friday: 2:00PM—7:00PM Saturday: 9:00AM—4:00PM Sunday: 10:00AM—1:00PM Parish Social Ministry Outreach Hours (995 Lutz Street) Monday through Friday, 11:00AM-1:00PM Wednesday, 4:00PM - 6:00PM Additional hours by appointment only. Anointing of the Sick Communal Anointing of the Sick on the Last Saturday of the Month during the 8:00AM Mass. Please notify priest if family member is sick at home. Emergency Sick Calls: Call 352-0146 Celebrate Baptism We welcome Children & Adults to Catholicism through Baptism. Call the Parish Office to make arrangements. Children: Baptism Celebrated First & Third Saturdays of each month at 12:30PM. Baptism Preparation Class: 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:30PM (pre-registration is required). Adults: Adults to be Baptized (or Confirmed) are invited to call the Parish Office for assistance. Celebrate Marriage Please make an appointment with a priest or deacon before making your social arrangements. Parishioners with Special Needs The Church, Saint Catherine Chapel and Sienna Center are accessible through doors on right side of the Church where buildings meet. The Sienna Center is also accessible through its front doors and has an elevator at ground level for upper and lower levels (left side of staircase) allowing access to Church as well. Assisted Listening Devices are available for the hearing impaired. Please ask an usher if you need one. Special Needs Advocacy: Dr. Priscilla O’Connell may be reached by calling the Parish Social Ministry Office at 775-0840; contact if you have other needs to be addressed. Mass For Those with Special Needs is celebrated on the 3rd Saturday of each month at 3:00PM in Saint Catherine Chapel-Sienna Center. Professional Therapy & Counseling Family, marriage, and individual therapies, provided by New York licensed therapists, are available to our parish. Call Dr. Giuliani, Catholic Counseling Ctr., 631-243-2503. 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 4, 2015 During Week of October 4 SANCTUARY LAMP Oct. 3 to Oct. 11 SAT. Sienna Ctr. 5:00 PM Church 8:00 PM Oct. 3 BREAD AND WINE Antonia Scarcella - Mary Gulglielmi Stanley Mach - Giuseppina Calabrese Lucrezia Minneci th Oct. 4 - 27 Sunday in Ordinary Time MON. 8:00 AM Oct. 5 Sal Cesare TUES. 8:00 AM Oct. 6 – St. Bruno; Bl. Marie-Rose Durocher Steven Luisi WED. 8:00 AM Oct. 7– Our Lady of the Rosary Msgr. Richard M. Figliozzi - Ordination Anniversary THURS. 8:00 AM Oct. 8 Marcella George Gallagher SAT. Church 8:00 AM 8:00 PM Sienna Ctr. 5:00 PM SUN. Church 7:30 AM 9:30 AM 11:30 AM 1:00 PM Sienna Ctr. 9:30 AM 11:00 AM 1:00 PM will be used at all Masses In Memory of: Josephine D’Abramo May you rest in peace in heaven: Ann Garnes OUTREACH James Barr Phillips SUN. Church 7:30 AM 9:30 AM 11:30 AM 1:00 PM Sienna Ctr. 9:30 AM 11:00 AM 1:00 PM FRI. 8:00 AM will burn In Loving Memory of: John H., John J., John D. Ubaghs & Diane Ubaghs With love and prayers of: Hedwig Ubagh For the People of the Parish Rosa Marazita Anthony J. Furnari, Jr. Isabel Maria Hernandez Baez-Fernandez Work We Do To Help Others This Week Is In celebration of Anthony Samartano 90th Brithday With Love and prayers from: Eleanor & Walter Sherdan PARISH ‘IN HOME’ PRAYER PROGRAM Host Family/Individual PILGRIM STATUE OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA Rev. William O'Rourke Terranova Family Paul Brito Jhoana Aro CUP OF PRAYER The Fernandez Family PRAY for those serving in MILITARY USMC U.S.ARMY Sgt. Patrick Brady Maj. Thomas Babbitt Oct. 9– St. Denis & Companion; St. John Leonardi PFC Erik Jacobsen Maj. Catherine Babbitt Donald Begley LCpl. Michael P. Kelly Capt. Shaun R. Cullen A.N.G. Cpl. Thomas R. Kroez, Jr. M. Sgt. Peter Jacobsen Oct. 10 Sgt. Gerald Furnari Lt. Col. Christopher Congalise Sgt. Michael Salemi Lt. Col. Andrew Phillips Eteluino David Cpl. Christopher Montes Kenneth Susko U.S.NAVY Cpl. Joseph Blaikie Esn. Anthony Patrick Huskisson USAF ET3 Peter J. King Angelina, Benjamin, and Bobby Acampora A1C Phil Gautiere E3 Thomas Mannle Robert E. Currie, Sr. - Martin Marmara Lt. John DeBonis Christopher Fausner - Lucrezia Minneci Chaplain Col. Msgr. Mark Rowan Oct. 11 - 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time For the People of the Parish Palma Viselli, Tullia & Quirino Maini Fr. Bill O'Rourke Aurelinda Luna Diaz Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Poppiti Joseph & Saverio Panza & Andrea Scala Jack Ficarrotta PRAY for the SICK: Regina Robinson, Joseph Shechan, Eileen Ebert, Mary DeBonis PRAY for DECEASED and their Families: Joan Gianaca, Joseph Cirisano, Anthony Entler MAY THEY REST IN PEACE OUR PARISH MISSION STATEMENT As members of Saint Catherine of Sienna Roman Catholic Parish, we are committed by our Baptism to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ by living our faith in loving service to all people. Inspired by the Holy Spirit and through worship and prayer, we use our time, talent and treasure, to nourish the soul, care for the needy, minister to the alienated, nurture the children and WELCOME all people into our community of faith. From Msgr. Figliozzi Scriptural Reflection for the Week “So [husband and wife] are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” (see Mark 10:2-16) Pope Francis left our country last Sunday after speaking at the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. TODAY he will invoke at the Vatican the Synod on the Family. Jesus in today’s Gospel speaks about how a family is started. He speaks of one man and one woman, two people, becoming one flesh. Jesus also says they are made one by God. And, therefore, no one should separate ever again these two made one. Most people strive to live out such a marriage. Most people expect a permanent commitment from their spouse. But the human condition is sinful and weak. This leads way too many couples to divorce. Some divorce after not trying to repair the hurt in their lives, while others try everything but one spouse refuses to begin again. On the one hand we have Jesus teaching about the permanence of marriage and on the other hand we have the reality of frequent divorce. Let’s pray for the institution of marriage between one man and one woman and for respect for the Sacrament of Matrimony as a sign of the marriage between Christ and His Church. Let us pray for the upcoming Synod on the Family led by Pope Francis to inspire everyone to trust Jesus more and commit our lives to Him. Blessing of Pets TODAY, at 4pm in the back yard parking field. Parish Mission begins the weekend of October 17/18 and continues through to Wednesday, October 21st. Father Dwight P. Lewis of the Archdiocese of Seattle will be preaching at all Masses that weekend inviting people to the Mission. Spread the word! Please Pray for those preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation: Kristen Callan; A.J. & Joseph Centeno; Andrew Donnadio and Tammy Goldener. They meet every Wednesday evening to be formed in and learn about the Catholic Faith. New candidates are ALWAYS welcome! Trip to Kingston, Jamaica Join with us from February 16-21, 2016 to assist the MISSIONARIES OF THE POOR in their work among the poorest of the poor. See the page in TODAY’s bulletin which describes their work. For more information, call ANNETTE at 516-312-4646. One Final Thought “Today more than ever we need to pray for the light to know the will of God, for the love to accept the will of God, for the way to do the will of God .” -Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time October 4, 2015 Stewardship….. Reflection The phrase in today’s Psalm, “May you see your children’s children,” is really a prayer for a long life. The good steward knows that every day is a gift from God, to be lived with joy and thanksgiving. “May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives!” Living Stewardship We are grateful this week for all stewards in our parish who celebrate and enjoy the gift of family through service to our Family Life and Activities Ministries. SACRIFICING FOR ONE ANOTHER or “speaking about Parish funding & finance”... We demonstrate being good stewards of our Parish by sharing our blessings through our weekly offertory gift, and as donors of special funding for others in need. MASS Sat. Sun. AVERAGE ATTENDANCE 5:00 PM SC 8:00 PM CH 7:30 AM CH 9:30 AM SC 9:30 AM (Italian) 11:00 AM SC 11:30 AM CH 1:00 PM SC 1:00 PM (Spanish) Mailed In Faith Direct 453 157 185 434 66 330 154 309 100 Last Week’s Offertory Last Week’s Collection Total: Average Weekly Parish Expenditures: GIFT TOTAL 2,914 671 1,583 2,289 435 1,710 896 1,349 363 1,445 1,250 $14,905 $32,000 THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SACRIFICE & SUPPORT OF OUR PARISH. lit · ur · gy n. a form of public worship; a collection of formularies for public worship; the celebration of the Eucharist Saint Catherine of Sienna Parish LITURGICAL CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS October 2015 (Month of the Holy Rosary) 8 Fall Gathering of Liturgical Ministers MAJOR EVENTS TO CELEBRATE THE HOLY YEAR OF MERCY By Rev. Johnny R. Mendonca "I am convinced that the whole church— that has much need to receive mercy because we are sinners — will find in this jubilee the joy to rediscover and render fruitful the mercy of God, with which we are all called to give consolation to every man and woman of our time," Pope Francis said in announcing the year. The Vatican is asking bishops and priests around the world to conduct "similar symbolic gestures of communion with Pope Francis" and his vision of reaching out to all God's people. The following is a list of some of the major events planned in Rome for the jubilee year: 11 Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time Opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica, Dec. 8, feast of the Immaculate Conception. 17 Mass for Those with Special Needs Opening of the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. John Lateran and in the cathedrals of the world, Dec. 13. 18 Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time Opening of the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Jan. 1, feast of Mary, the Holy Mother of God and World Day for Peace. 18 Saint Luke, Evangelist (Feast) Jubilee for those involved with guiding or organizing pilgrimages and religious tourism, Jan. 19-Jan. 21. (3:00PM St. Catherine Chapel, Sienna Center) 19-21 Parish Mission - “Dare to be a Disciple” Opening of the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Jan. 25, feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. Scripture Readings for the NEXT SUNDAY. . . The Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time 10.11.15 Reading I - Wisdom 7:7-11 Reading II - Hebrews 4:12-13 Gospel Mark 10: 17-30 For weekday readings visit our diocesan website at www.drvc.org and go to THE DAILY READINGS Jubilee for Consecrated Life and the closing of the Year for Consecrated Life, Feb. 2, feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Sending forth the Missionaries of Mercy, St. Peter's Basilica, Feb. 10, Ash Wednesday. Jubilee for the Roman Curia, Feb. 22, feast of the Chair of St. Peter. "24 Hours for the Lord" with a penitential liturgy in St. Peter's Basilica, March 4. Jubilee for those who are devoted to the spirituality of Divine Mercy, April 3, Divine Mercy Sunday. Jubilee for teens aged 13 to 16 to profess the faith and construct a culture of mercy, April 24. May 5, Prayer Vigil to "Dry the Tears" Jubilee for deacons, May 27-29, the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. Prayer Corner O God of Creation, you have blessed us with the changing of the seasons. As we embrace these autumn months, May the earlier setting of the sun remind us to take time to rest. May the crunch of the leaves beneath our feet remind us of the brevity of this earthly life. May the steam of our breath in the cool air remind us that it is you who give us your breath of life. May the scurrying of the squirrels and the migration of the birds remind us that you call us to follow your will. We praise you for your goodness forever and ever. Jubilee for priests, June 3, feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Jubilee for those who are ill and for persons with disabilities, June 12. Jubilee for youth, July 26-31, World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland. Jubilee for workers and volunteers of mercy, Sept. 4, the vigil of the memorial of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. Jubilee for catechists, Sept. 25. Marian Jubilee, Oct. 8-9. Mass celebrated by Pope Francis in memory of the faithful departed, Nov. 1, feast of All Saints. Jubilee for prisoners, Nov. 6. Closing of the Holy Doors in the basilicas of Rome and in the dioceses of the world, Nov. 13. Closing of the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica and the conclusion of the Jubilee of Mercy, Nov. 20, feast of Christ the King. Congratulations: to our newly married couples for the We welcome the newly Baptized into our Christian Community: Month of August 2015 Gary & Donna ( Carbonaro) Raisig Lorenzo & Josephine (Schillizzi) DiTommasi for the Month of August 2015 Liliana Rita Allocco Katherine Joan Brazdil Ashley Myles Caballes Lia Marie Calcagni Jaziah Christopher Diaz Emilee Teresa Erickson Charlotte Meriel Fogarty Quinn Xin Mary Heinimann Luke Richard Lombardi Theresa Eileen Snell Jaxson Lino Verzosa Bria Hope Mullen-Woodcock … to our Faith Community & Parish! Saint Catherine of Sienna R.C. Church ‘IN HOME’ PARISH PRAYER PROGRAMS encouraging families and individuals to pray daily in the home OUR LADY OF FATIMA PILGRIM STATUE... This program promotes daily praying of the Rosary. Started in 1987 by a parishioner devoted to Our Lady of Fatima and praying of the Rosary, it has touched hundreds of families and individuals over the years. A ‘pilgrim’ statue of Our Lady of Fatima travels to a home, delivered by a member of the parish, and displayed to inspire praying the Rosary and other prayers DAILY. There are specific prayers led by the person that delivers and picks up the ‘pilgrim’ statue and a booklet with prayers for use by those that gather in the home to pray throughout the week. CUP OF PRAYER... The CUP OF PRAYER reminds us that daily prayer is important. The CUP has traveled throughout the community to the home of families and individuals. This program was initiated in 2010 by a group on a pilgrimage hosted by our parish that visited Ars, the home of Saint John Marie Vianney, the Patron of Parish Priests. The cup was presented to the parish to encourage increased daily prayer in the home. Through this prayer program intentions are presented for needed vocations to the priesthood, for our parish priests and their intentions, for our parish family, and for the intentions of those that pray in the presence of the cup. The CUP is presented at weekend Mass of your choice; the family or individual receives a blessing witnessed by those in the assembly. A Cup of Prayer booklet provides suggested prayers. CALL THE PARISH OFFICE AT 516-352-0146 THE HOST FAMILY WILL BE LISTED IN THE BULLETIN FOR EACH PROGRAM WEEKLY SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENNA PARISH MISSION October 19th - 20th - 21st 12:15Noon Mission Mass (Church) 7:30pm Mission Service (Sienna Center) “Dare to be a Disciple” With Father Dwight P. Lewis From the Archdiocese of Seattle Father Dwight Lewis was born in 1971 and hails from the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Before becoming a Catholic priest, he was a certified public accountant and worked at the National Oil Company in Trinidad . After prayer and much discernment, Fr. Dwight came to the United States. His Vocation to become a priest has taken him through many experiences, and because of his strong faith and charismatic spirituality, he has endured and thrived in his call to the priesthood. He was ordained on June 11, 2011 at St. James Cathedral in Seattle, a priest of God. Fr. Dwight has given many missions all over the US and the Caribbean. He is a wonderful singer with an operatic baritone. His style is unique and he is truly a dynamic, charismatic and passionate preacher of the word of God. You will not want to miss this Parish Mission! So invite your family and friends!! You will love this man of God, on fire with the Holy Spirit COMUNIDAD HISPANA SANTA MISA Todos los domingo a las 1:00 PM, por favor no faltes e invita a otros a asistir a la Santa Misa BAUTISMOS Charla pre bautismal: Por favor, hacer una cita para la charla durante la semana en la oficina parroquial con el P. José Luis Tenas. No olvides traer contigo el registro de nacimiento del niño/a Celebración del bautismo: inmediatamente después de misa, por favor quedarse a escuchar misa Estudios Biblicos Los Viernes a las 7:30 pm el Padre José Luis invita o todas los feligreses interesado de participar a su clases bíblicas. El entender de la palabra de Dios nos une más al conocimiento de Dios, más que nada entendimiento de nuestra propia persona y de nuestras obligaciones para llevar a cabo sus obras. Unámonos con fe junto al Padre José Luis en esta invitación como iniciativa para la unión y crecimiento de nuestra comunidad hispana. Iglesia Católica EE.UU. Todo un amplio mundo de la fe en la palma de sus manos. Por primera vez, la aplicación de la Iglesia Católica de EE.UU. USCCB reúne a las parroquias y las (arqui) diócesis a través de los Estados Unidos, así como el Vaticano, en una sola, solución móvil única. La App Características Todo esto y más: Lecturas bíblicas diarias USCCB integración de contenidos Hasta las noticias católica minutos Inglés / Español capacidad Noticias alerta, llama a la acción, calendario de eventos Buscador Iglesia por ubicación, ciudad, código postal - Coming soon! Parroquia individual y páginas diocesanos - Coming soon! Cobertura completa de Francisco: Manténgase al día con lo que el Papa está diciendo y haciendo. Las características de la aplicación de comunicaciones del Vaticano y de Catholic News Service, con una amplia cobertura de la próxima visita de Francisco a los Estados Unidos. ¡Disponible ahora! Descargar gratis. Encuentra en su tienda de aplicaciones o al www.usacatholic.church. . Fall Recommitment Gathering for all Liturgical Ministers SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENNA CENACLE OF PRAYERS All Altar Servers, Adoration Captains, Music Ministries, EMs, EM Homebound, Lectors, Sacristans, Ushers, and Greeters are cordially invited to attend a night of prayer, reflection and fellowship at our: Fall Liturgical Gathering Thursday, October 8, 2015 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm Saint Catherine Chapel, Sienna Center Please join us. “For when two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in their midst.” “Immaculate Heart of Mary Refuge of Souls” Founder: The Mystic and Servant of God Natuzza Evolo of Paravati, Italy. Rosary every first Wednesday of the month, at 7:30pm in the Saint Catherine Chapel. Please Join us on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015 ALL ARE WELCOME !!! Matthew 18:20 HELP NEEDED!! Parish Office is in need of Volunteers to work at the Welcome Desk in the evenings and Sundays. The commitment is for one evening per week and an occasional Sunday. Evening hours: 4pm-8pm Sunday 10am-1pm If you can help please contact the Parish Office at (516) 352-0146 x 401 or email: [email protected] Our WELCOME DESK serves our parishioners by answering the phone, being a liaison for our Priests, taking in Mass Intentions, registration for New Parishioners, issuing Sponsor Certificates, taking in Funerals, and helping to ensure the Safety and Security of our PAC Building. SPECIAL NEEDS RESPITE NIGHT VOLUNTEER MEETING MON, OCT 5, 2015 @ 7:30pm, St. Patrick Rm For those who have volunteered in the past we will get together to plan the upcoming year. For those who would like to volunteer or find out more about the Respite Nights please join us, We are in need of responsible, mature volunteers, ages 14 to adult, to pair up with the participants, help with set up and clean up, serve food, lead activities and provide security, etc. ALL WHO ARE 16 & OVER WILL REQUIRE A BACKGROUND CHECK. ALL WHO ARE 18 & OVER MUST ATTEND VIRTUS TRAINING (CERTIFICATE KEPT ON FILE IN THE OFFICE) IF THEY HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO. Our 1st RESPITE NIGHT will be Friday, November 13, 2015. Watch future bulletins for details. OUTREACH PANTRY REQUEST St. Catherine’s pantry is always in need of cereal; oatmeal; milk (powdered / boxed); coffee, tea, peanut butter; jelly; tuna fish; canned meats; juice; canned fruit; spaghetti, pasta; spaghetti sauce; potatoes (canned / boxed); canned pasta, red / black beans; canned vegetables; rice; side dishes (pasta / rice); soap; shampoo; toothpaste; toilet tissue Regular size items are most needed. This week we are particularly in need of: canned fruit canned vegetables potatoes (canned / instant) Please call 775-0840 if you know someone in need of assistance. We are here to help those in need. All info is kept strictly confidential. “Whatever you did to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me” Matt 25:40 A FINAL ODE TO FAMILIES The U.S. bishops invite the faithful to join a movement of prayer and sacrifice for the protection of life, marriage, and religious liberty in our country. Serious threats to each of these have raised unprecedented challenges to the Church and the nation. When confronted with challenges, our Lord calls us to sacrifice and pray. “I pray that our days of prayer and reflection on the importance of the family for a healthy society will inspire families to continue to strive for holiness and to see the Church as their constant companion, whatever the challenges they may face.” – Pope Francis, in final remarks before heading home, 9/27/15 To learn more about how you can answer the Call to Prayer, visit the USCCB website. Faith Formation Students, please take this page to class What would you do if someone gave you a million dollars? Name_________________________ Grade Follow the arrows to spell out the words of Jesus in Mark 10:14 St. Katherine Drexel (1858-1955) St. Katherine Drexel was the daughter of a wealthy Philadelphia banker who had left her and her siblings an inheritance in the millions. She had an audience with Pope Leo XIII to talk about having more missionaries come to the United States. The Pope told her that she should become a missionary. With a great devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and a life rooted in Jesus, St. Katherine used her money to establish Xavier University, the first Catholic college for African–Americans, in New Orleans. Her assistance to Native Americans resulted in 145 Catholic missions and 12 schools. Over the years, $12 million from the Drexel estate went to this missionary activity. Praise the Risen Jesus, Whose death and resurrection has enabled us to remain unified #GodIsLove Draw yourself and your friends with Jesus! Use the code to find out! The MISSIONARIES OF THE POOR Women who survived abortions ask Congress to defund Planned Parenthood Prayer outside Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, in Denver, Colo. Credit: Peter Zelasko/CNA .Washington D.C., Sep 9, 2015 / 04:51 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Abortion survivors testified on Capitol Hill Wednesday against continuing federal funding of Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the U.S. One of the witnesses, Melissa Ohden, said in her written Aug. 9 testimony before the House Judiciary Committee that while some of them had survived abortion attempts at clinics not affiliated with Planned Parenthood, “the expectation for our lives to be ended by abortion are the very same as those who do lose their lives there.” The hearing was called to examine the “horrific abortion practices” at Planned Parenthood clinics amid debate over whether the organization’s affiliates should still receive federal funding. “I have long believed that if my birthmother’s abortion would have taken place at a Planned Parenthood, I would not be here today. Completing over 300,000 abortions a year provides them with the experience to make sure that ‘failures’ like me don’t happen,” Ohden continued. “We are your friend, your co-worker, your neighbor, and you would likely never guess just by looking at us that we survived what we did,” she added. Planned Parenthood’s health centers provide a number of services including physical exams and preventative screenings, but it is also the nation’s largest abortion provider, at almost 330,000 abortions annually. Its affiliates receive federal funds mostly from Medicaid payments and Title X grants. Two House committees – the Judiciary Committee and Energy and Commerce Committee – have launched investigations into the organization. At issue are allegations that its clinics sold fetal tissue from aborted babies for more than the reasonable compensation allowed by federal law. Two of the witnesses at the hearing – Ohden and Gianna Jessen – survived painful saline abortion procedures in 1977. The saline abortion – or “instillation abortion” – procedure involves the withdrawing of amniotic fluid from a mother’s womb and replacing it with a concentrated salt solution which the baby absorbs. The solution burns and corrodes the baby’s skin and causes death within an hour. Although neither suffered a botched abortion attempt at a Planned Parenthood clinic, they maintain that their fate would have been the same, or worse, at a clinic run by the organization. Jessen’s mother, then over seven months pregnant, was advised by a Planned Parenthood clinic to have a saline abortion. Jessen survived for 18 hours, however, and was delivered. She suffered cerebral palsy as a result of the failed abortion. “I forgive my biological mother,” she said in her written testimony. Ohden survived for days after the saline abortion before her mother was induced and delivered her. She weighed just under three pounds at delivery. “By the grace of God, I am more than a statistic,” she said. Her maternal grandmother, the nurse who delivered her, actually wanted to leave her to die, but two nurses intervened and had medical care provided for her. Ohden said she suffered from jaundice, seizures, and respiratory problems as a result of the botched abortion. Planned Parenthood is part of this abortion culture, Ohden and Jessen maintained. “Planned Parenthood is not ashamed of what they have done or continue to do,” Jessen said, quoting the organization’s founder Margaret Sanger, who wrote that “the most merciful thing that a large family does to one of its infant members is to kill it.” However, by allowing for legal abortion Americans are missing a crucial point that “it is often from the weakest among us that we learn wisdom,” Jessen added. The organization is at the center of controversy after a series of videos were released beginning mid-July showing top doctors at the organization and its affiliates discussing the transfer of body parts of aborted babies to harvesters for money. The citizen journalist group Center for Medical Progress produced the undercover conversations as part of its series “Human Capital.” Planned Parenthood doctors were seen discussing financial compensation for fetal tissue from aborted babies, suggesting that the abortion procedure could be altered to obtain more “intact” body parts, and even poking at an aborted baby in a petri dish at the clinic. Many pro-life advocates have said that the organization and its affiliates broke the law by selling the fetal tissue for “valuable consideration.” Federal law does allow for reasonable compensation for fetal tissue that is donated for research purposes, to cover operational costs such as preservation and transport of the tissue. The allegations posed by the videos led the House Energy and Commerce Committee, as well as the House Judiciary Committee, to launch investigations into the organization and its practices. Regardless of the legality of Planned Parenthood’s actions, the whole matter should awaken the conscience of the nation, argued Rep. Raul Labrador (R-Idaho) at the hearing. “It was immoral, what I was seeing on that video,” he said of one of the Center for Medical Progress videos. Labrador admitted he could stomach watching only two of the ten videos released. The real tragedy is that persons were “reduced to mere commodities” in the fetal body parts trade, Labrador insisted. POPE FRANCIS VISIT 2015 Family Fest 2015 “ROOTED” Bishop Murphy **Fr. Fitzgerald** Msgr. McDonald*** Amy Keller** Nolan Reynolds... You are invited to join Catholic families from across Long Island for a day of faith and fun for the whole family. A free Catholic family festival to promote a culture of vocations across Long Island. Inspiring talks for all ages, Eucharistic The Annual Knights of Columbus Twelve Apostles Council #5001 Fall Dinner Dance Enjoy an evening of great company, food and music! Fantastic Italian Food, drinks, coffee & dessert! When: Friday October 16, 2015 Where: Pompei Restaurant 401 Hempstead Ave. West Hempstead NY Time: 8:00-12:00 PM $60 Adult and $25 Children (12 & Under) 50/50 Drawing! Door Prizes! Raffles! Music by DJ Chris of Island Wide Sounds For Reservations Please Call: Ray Diaz – (516) 491-1162 Joe Lannon – (516) 384-7862 *Please note that the Last day for Reservation is 10/12/15 MARK YOUR CALENDAR! OUR PARISH Saint Catherine of Sienna November 6 to 8, 2015 Confraternity of Christian Mothers Retreat Cormaria Retreat House Harbor Bay For more detail call Karen Gonzalez @ 516-352-6065 December 31, 2015 New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance PAC Auditorium DIOCESE & COMMUNITY Knights of Columbus Twelve Apostles # 5001 MEETING NOTICE: Oct 5th @ 7:30pm - Officers Meeting in the Lower Level Sienna Center. All Officers please make every effort to attend. Oct. 19th @ 7:30pm -- Council Meeting will be in the Lower Level of Sienna Center . Officers please arrive by 7:00pm October 12, 2015 Open House - Regis High School 1:00 - 4:00 For more details call 212-288-1100 ext. 2057 RAINBOWS FOR ALL GOD’S CHILDREN— RAINBOWS IS A SUPPORT GROUP FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADOLESCENTS who have suffered a significant loss through October 13, 2015 7:00PM-8:30PM Reflection & Prayer Vigil St. Raymond R.C. Church For more information call 516-593-500 death, divorce, separation or any other painful transition. Six sessions will begin on Sunday, October 18th from 10am to 11:15am. A Parents’ Group is offered at the same time. Contact 516-326-3403 Catholic Charities’ Franklin Square Senior Center, located at Wesley United Methodist Church, 619 Fenworth Blvd., Franklin Square, welcomes persons age 60 and over to their multipurpose, non-sectarian center. Hot meals are served daily with transportation provided in Franklin Square, W. Hempstead, Malverne, Elmont, Floral Park and Bellerose. Line Dancing, Zumba Gold and Tai Chi classes are offered plus game playing, parties, movies and health screenings. For further information please contact Sue at 516-481-3322 GET FREE DAILY E-MAIL UPDATES FROM THE LONG ISLAND CATHOLIC Get the latest Diocesan news free delivered to your email inbox. Each day you can receive The Long Island Catholic E-Newsletter. Whether it’s Bishop Murphy’s blog or the latest news from the Diocese, you can receive it all, free of charge. Simply visit www.licatholic.org, scroll to the bottom of the page for the E-Newsletter sign up and enter your e-mail address. That’s all there is to it. Questions? Contact the Office of Communications, 516-678-5800, ext. 633. October 18, 2015 1:00PM – 4:00PM Open House Holy Cross High School For more details call Mr. Botero 718-886-7250 Ext. 558. October 18, 2015 10:30AM – 2:00PM Open House St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School For more details call 631-587-8000 Ext.113
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