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Dear
e-link
Subscriber,
Thank you for maintaining your membership in e-link, where we
hope you will find many concrete opportunities to establish a
culture of life and dignity in the Diocese of San Diego. In the
"Short Reports" section, we feature four events that took place
in May of 2009, a very busy month. These sorts of gatherings
energize those engaged in the various life and
dignity-supporting ministries encouraged by the OSM and serve as
a catalyst for the larger community. Please join us at events
like these whenever you can.
Membership stands at 1,753 and, as always, we welcome all new
members.
Please remember that past e-link bulletins and this current
bulletin can be viewed at
www.osmelink.org.
God Bless!
     
Friday, June 5, 2009 OSM e-link
Bulletin #78
Table of Contents
Remarks from Fr. Frank Pavone, Director
of "Priests for Life," on the murder of Dr.
George Tiller, a late-term abortion provider
Key Upcoming Culture-of-Life
Gatherings/Projects (please join us)
1. On the First Friday of each month, the
Interfaith Committee for
Worker Justice (ICWJ) holds its
membership meeting at Christ the King
Catholic Church from 10:00 a.m. to Noon - We invite
you to consider
a vibrant new ministry. Consider becoming a liaison
between the ICWJ and
your parish community
Short Reports on Office for Social
Ministry Related Issues/Events
1. The Fair Trade Open Market sponsored
by San Diego Friends of Fair
Trade on Saturday, May 9, 2009 at Christ
Lutheran was a resounding
success with nearly 200 participants and more than 20
vendors
2. Traditional Marriage Celebration held
on Pentecost Sunday drew more
than 1,200 participants
3. Standing up for life... the Choose
Life Rally held Sunday, May 17, 2009,
was a major success with more than 1,000 in attendance
4. Culture of Life Family Services' "Pasta Feast
for Life" was held on
May 29th and served more than 600 hungry supporters
at the
Resurrection Parish Hall - Everyone enjoyed Fr. Ken
Del Priore's
famous pasta
Web and
e-mail-based Resources
- Do you have time at home or on the job to listen to the
radio? Do you
have a computer nearby? You'll want to tune in to
National Pro-Life
Radio at www.nationalproliferadio.net
- Very Informative!
Local and Regional
Events/Gatherings/Projects
1. Attend the San Diego Friends of Fair Trade
monthly meeting on Wednesday,
June 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the Open Door
Book Store in Pacific Beach
2. "Get Acquainted with Detention Ministry"
monthly information/training
session offered by Deacon Walsh at the Pastoral Center
- The next
training session will be offered on Wednesday,
June 23, 2009, from
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Reservations Required)
3. North County prayer witness at the
Carlsbad Planned Parenthood Clinic
scheduled for every third Monday of the month from
10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
4. Prayerful witness for life at two locations in
San Diego County - every
Saturday and Wednesday at 7340 Miramar Road, just East
of the Pyramid
Building, adjacent to Carroll Road and the second
Saturday of every
month at 15546 Pomerado Road in Poway
5. St. Dismas Guild sponsors two weekly hours of
prayer for the unborn
in front of the North County Women's Medical Clinic on
Craven Way
6. St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Carlsbad
also supports the St. Dismas
Guild prayer ministry in front of the North County
Women's Medical
Clinic on Craven Way
7. St. John the Evangelist Parish in Encinitas
Pro-Life Mass and Rosary held
on the first Monday of each month
8. Prayer Vigil at
Planned Parenthood - First and Grape Street, San Diego, on
Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
9. Most Precious Blood Parish in Chula Vista
Rosary Prayer Vigils held every
Wednesday at 8:45 a.m.
10. Prayer partners are needed at 1079 Third Ave.,
suite 3, in Chula
Vista - abortions are performed at this facility - Meet
each Wednesday
from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
11. Join neighbors and friends to pray in front of
the new Planned
Parenthood facility in El Cajon on Fridays
and Saturdays
12. The Goretti Group is offering a chastity prayer
gathering and a speaker
training monthly along with a Mass to celebrate
chastity
Article/Statement for June 5, 2009
- Presentation given by Fr. Michael Robinson,
Pastor of Good Shepherd
Catholic Church, at the May 31,
2009, Marriage Rally at the San Diego
County Administrative Building
Remarks from Fr. Frank Pavone
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The pro-life leadership has gone out of its way - and rightly
so - to condemn the violence that took the life of abortionist
George Tiller on Sunday. I join with those
 voices,
as I always have done, that declare that the end never justifies
the means, and that violence has no place in the effort to end
abortion.
(Fr. Frank Pavone at left)
I have been asked what I think the biggest negative effect of
this killing will be on our pro-life movement. Does it tar the
movement's reputation? Yes, it does, despite the fact that
those who kill abortionists are always disconnected from
pro-life organizations. Does it make the government reach too
far in clamping down on First Amendment activity against
abortion? Yes, it does and it will.
But those are not the biggest dangers.
The biggest danger is the enemy within. It is the fear and
self-doubt to which we can all too easily fall victim. It is
the voice inside that makes us feel guilty for saying "Abortion
is murder" or "Abortion is a holocaust" or "The babies who are
being killed need to be defended now." It is the fear inside
that keeps us from going out to the abortion mills and
intervening to save the children scheduled to be killed there
each day.
The biggest danger is that some will listen to those in the
pro-abortion movement who try to lay blame for violence on us
and who, as one person wrote on my blog, think that saying
"Abortion is murder" should be prosecuted because it leads to
violence against abortionists.
The Church teaches us that we have to look evil in the eye.
John Paul II, in "The Gospel of Life," said that we have to call
evil by its proper name. This is no time to shrink back from
the reality of what is going on every day in abortion. Children
are being killed, and the reason it continues is that too many
of our fellow citizens are blind to it.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, in his Letter from the Birmingham
Jail, responded to criticisms that the civil rights activists
were fomenting violence. No, he said. That's like saying the
person who owns money is fomenting the activity of the robber.
To expose the violence that is already occurring, to call it
what it is, and to sound the alarm that it has to stop, is not
to foment violence.
The pro-life movement is a movement of non-violence. As
Gandhi and Dr. King taught, and as we teach, non-violence is not
passivity, and it is not obscurity. It is a force. It is a
clear and strong response against violence, in whatever form
that violence takes.
Let the outcry against Tiller's murder be loud and clear.
And let the outcry against the murders he committed - and that
other abortionists commit -- be loud and clear as well.
Click below to hear Dr. Tiller's words to prospective
abortion clients. Notice, he makes no attempt to deny
that this is a baby and offers the parents the opportunity to
view their dead baby and say goodbye with religious and other
rituals.
http://www.priestsforlife.org/audios/george-tiller-1.mp3
(06:43)
A note from the OSM... Please know that Dr.
Tiller's audio "program description" is about second and
third-trimester abortions. "Chilling" is the only word that
comes to mind as he describes what will likely happen in his
late-term abortion facility.
You should also know that the late-term abortion facility that
Dr. Tiller operated in Kansas (a true killing center) will
likely stay in business but "under new management." How
unfortunate.
Thank you and God bless!
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Key
Upcoming Culture-of-Life
Gatherings/Projects
Number 1:
On the First Friday of each month, the
Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice (ICWJ) holds its membership
meeting at Christ the
King Catholic Church from 10:00 a.m. to Noon - We invite you to
consider a vibrant new ministry. Why not become a liaison between
the ICWJ and your parish community? There is room at the table
The mission of the Interfaith Committee for Worker
Justice (ICWJ) is to educate and mobilize San Diego’s religious and
faith communities to raise awareness and support campaigns that
sustain workers’ lives with dignity, improving wages, benefits,
working conditions, and a voice on the job. The ICWJ has
involvement from many faith perspectives. Religious leaders from
these faith perspectives have participated in many struggles with
low-wage workers such as janitors and
 hotel
housekeepers who are trying to obtain justice in the workplace and
the ability to support their family.
Congregational members have played an essential role
in supporting and struggling on behalf of low-wage workers in San
Diego County. For example, people of faith stand on picket lines
with workers on strike to help boost their morale, they also meet
with management to advocate for the rights of workers, they raise
their voices for workers through letters to newspapers and elected
officials, they also witness negotiations and participate in vigils,
events and programs. Additionally, the participation of one or two
congregants in the ICWJ’s monthly meetings is critical. It is these
individuals who educate their own congregations about the valuable
work of the ICWJ. Through this education people of faith are able
to excite other
 congregants
about economic justice and thus encourage others to participate in
this important work.
Earlier this year the outstanding work of the ICWJ
was realized through its worker campaign with the University of
California. Service workers at ten campuses and five medical
centers across the state won a contract that will allow them to take
a giant step out of poverty. Throughout this campaign service
workers expressed gratitude for the support of the ICWJ, stating
that they did not feel as if they were not alone in their struggle
for justice. Through various delegations, rallies and vigils the
ICWJ demonstrated unwavering support for these workers and aided in
the success of their contract struggle.
Contact Kent at the OSM if you have any
questions about how one may become a liaison to the ICWJ -
858-490-8324.
Short
Reports on OSM Related Issues/Events
Number 1:
San Diego Friends of Fair Trade hosted
an Open Air Market on May 9th to celebrate World Fair Trade
 Day
2009 - It was quite a gathering
Nearly 200 hundred people gathered on May 9th to
celebrate World Fair Trade Day at Christ
 Lutheran
Church in Pacific Beach by participating in an Fair Trade Open Air
Market.
(At left: Rev. Richard Rolleffson, Pastor of Christ Luthern
Church in Pacific Beach, volunteers his time to help with fair trade
wine tasting)
The very exciting day was sponsored by San Diego Friends of Fair
Trade a non-profit organization working to educate San Diegans on
the importance and benefits of buying fair trade products, which
helps guarantee a living wage for farmers and artisans in developing
nations.
(At right: Soup was served by The
Tomorrow Project of Catholic Charities - providing
workplace experience
in a nuturing environment to women seeking
job-readiness skills - taste the soup at
http://www.tomorrowproject.org )
World Fair Trade Day, which was celebrated in several nations around
the world, was an outstanding success here in San Diego. Guests
listened to live music, sampled fair trade coffee, chocolate and
wine and shared in a simple meal of soup and bread. Numerous
vendors were present selling fair trade artisan goods, coffee,
organic plants and educating the public on the fair trade model.
(At left: students helped staff the many booths sharing
samples and offering sales of fair trade products)
Please join San Diego Friends of Fair Trade at our general meeting
the Second Wednesday of each month at Christ Lutheran Church in
Pacific Beach, 4761 Cass Street, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Participants will learn about the fair trade movement nationwide as
well as the exciting fair trade events taking place right here in
San Diego.
(At right: Catholic Relief Services educated on "justice in
commerce" at the Open Air Market)
Friends of Fair Trade institutional membership includes: Jubilee
Economics Ministries, Cafe Moto, The Purpose, Exotic World Gifts,
Open Door Books, Office for Social Ministry of the Catholic Diocese
of San Diego, St. Paul's Cathedral, Catholic Relief Services, Christ
Lutheran Church, Karma Market, MarcieSweets, Transfair USA, and Just
Coffee.
Number 2:
Marriage Rally... prayerful
in celebration of both the Proposition 8 victory of November,
2008 and the California Supreme Court decision affirming the
constitutionality of Proposition 8 handed down on May 26, 2009
More than 1,200 natural marriage supporters gathered on Pentecost
Sunday, May 31, 2009, at the San Diego Administration Building
 in
prayer and thanksgiving for the decision made by the California
Supreme Court Justices to uphold proposition 8 - which defines
marriage as only between a man and a woman within the California
Constitution.
In the spirit of Pentecost, all faiths came together with one voice,
hand in hand, as they had during the entire Proposition 8 Campaign,
gathering this time in celebration and praise.
Organized by Mary Kuper, Culture of Life Coordinator at Nativity
Church in Rancho Santa Fe, and led by Evangelical Pastor Dr. Jim
Garlow, the rally featured over a dozen speakers from different
faiths and backgrounds, including: Father Michael Robinson,
Pastor of Good Shepherd Catholic Church (see Fr. Robinson's
remarks at the end of this bulletin), Bishop George
McKinney, founder and Pastor of St. Stephen's Cathedral Church of
God in Christ, Father Nabil Mouannes, Pastor of St. Ephrem Maronite
Church, Chuck LaMandri, Legal Council for the National Organization
of Marriage, Brian
 Brown,
Executive Director National Organization of Marriage, Dr Jennifer
Roback-Morse, Director of the Ruth Institute, Ron Prentice,
Director, Protect Marriage, Miles McPherson, Pastor of The Rock
Church, Dr Grace Lee, Chairwoman of the Asian Heritage Coalition,
and many others.
(At right: Fr. Nabil Mauannes shares a message of hope with
the crowd)
The diverse group of speakers emphasized the importance of staying
vigilant and informed for future battles in order to preserve
natural marriage, not only in California but also throughout the
nation. Educating our youth on the importance of traditional
marriage was also exclaimed as the key to future victories.
A few opponents of proposition 8 gathered near the rally in an
attempt to disrupt the speakers, chanting slogans including
"Straight, gay, black, white, marriage is a civil right." Many of
the rally speakers asked the marriage supporters to pray for the
opponents.
Number 3:
Rally for Life held on May 17,
2009, declared a huge success!
On Sunday, May 17,
2009, more than 1,000 Christians from many denominations gathered in
front of the County Administration building for a “Choose Life”
rally coordinated by Mary Kuper, Culture of Life Coordinator at
Nativity Parish in Rancho Santa Fe. There were several speakers,
including Walter Hoye, recently jailed for his peaceful pro-life
ministry in Oakland. Some of the noted Catholic speakers included:
Thomas McKenna with Catholic Action for Faith and Family, Attorney,
Chuck Limandri, Dr. George Delgado with COLFS, Leslie Brunolli, San
Diego coordinator of Silent No More, and Father Nabil Mouaness from
St. Ephrem Church in El Cajon.
Following are just a
few of the thousands of photos taken at the event.
Father Nabil led the group in the Lord's
Prayer in Aramaic
Doctor George Delgado, Medical Director of
Culture of Life Family Services, shared the life-saving work of his
organization
The heat of the day did not dampen the spirits, attention or
enthusiasm of the audience attending the rally
What a day it was!
Number 4:
Culture of Life Family Services'
"Pasta Feast for Life" was held on May 29th serving more than 600
hungry supporters at the Resurrection Parish Hall - Everyone enjoyed
Fr. Ken Del Priore's famous pasta - Thank you, Fr. Ken!
What began as an evening fundraiser for Culture of Life Family
Services (COLFS) turned
 into
a celebration of life. Event Chairman Dave Baker coordinated dinner
for 600 Pro-Life supporters of every race, age and denomination in
an evening of music, Father Ken Del Priore’s pasta, prayer,
presentations and auctions. “We really reveled in the response we
received tonight, it was just overwhelming. With this kind of
support, we can all celebrate the fact that COLFS is here to stay,
saving more babies and helping more families “in need” than ever
before, the North County community made it clear that they are
willing to continue to partner with COLFS as a Catholic Pro-Life
Ministry” commented Dot Harms, Director of COLFS.
Although the highest
ticket item in the silent auction was an evening at “the Ball Game”
in a private condo overlooking Petco Park, completely catered for 20
and hosted by donors Vickie and Steve Beuerle, the autographed NFL
items donated by Catholic Chargers Quarterback Philip Rivers with a
promise to personalize them, caused the most fevered bidding war.
COLFS Medical
Director, Dr. George Delgado and associate Dr. Karen Saroki tag
teamed to explain the COLFS mission of providing quality, integrated
health care in accord with Catholic teachings and principals—values
that uphold the sanctity and dignity of human life from conception
until natural death. A ministry most strongly manifested in the
offer to give pregnant women in crisis situations the opportunity to
see a board certified physician, to have an ultrasound, to receive
prenatal care, counseling and offer any additional assistance as
needed. COLFS ministered to 78 women in crisis last
 year
and is on track to double that number this year.
(At right: Mary Cordileone, Mother of Most Rev. Salvatore
Cordileone, Bishop of Oakland, CA, is embraced by Walter and Lori
Hoye)
As moving images of
Bishop Cordileone slid across the screen, Dr. Delgado invited the
Bishop’s mother, a smiling Mary Cordileone, to share the stage and
receive a beautiful presentation bouquet and engraved clock honoring
the Bishop's pro-life work. On behalf of “Sammy”, as only his mother
could call him, she thanked COLFS and the Catholic Community for
recognizing the Pro-life lead her son spearheaded while serving San
Diego County.
Heroic San Diego
Pro-Life sidewalk counselors were seated up front in the VIP section
and when recognized, received a thunderous standing ovation from the
crowd for the courageous and essential work that they do in front of
abortion clinics in our county; appreciation well deserved.
Currently the national
“poster child” of sidewalk counselors, Reverend Walter Hoye, a
Baptist minister from Oakland, and
 his
wife flew in to share his powerful story and to inspire the crowd of
pro-life supporters. Reverend Hoye praised the Catholic Church and
COLFS as a Catholic ministry for the work being done to offer
alternatives to abortion intent women. He spoke of his arrest and
confinement for carrying a sign that read “Jesus Loves you and your
Baby, let me help you” in front of an abortion clinic in San
Francisco and his commitment to serve God in the Pro-Life arena. His
call to action was received with yet again a standing ovation from a
supportive audience.
(At left: Walter Hoye shares his pro-life ministry
experiences, including 19 days in jail, in Norther California with
COLFS supporters at the Pasta Fiesta for Life)
The San Diego County Knights of Columbus not only helped to
underwrite the cost of the dinner, but also announced the approval
by the National Chapter to help fund a life saving ultrasound
machine for the COLFS Escondido location, a truly priceless
donation!
As one volunteer put
it at the end of an exhausting evening, “this was a long overdue,
wonderful celebration of our faith in action… we are being called to
the front line to protect the unborn and tonight you could feel the
readiness to answer that call.”
Dot Harms
Director
Culture of Life Family Services
Web and
e-mail-based Resources
Pay attention to National Pro-life Radio. You'll want to give a
listen -
http://www.nationalproliferadio.net
Following is a quote from Kent Peters, "I've been listening to NPLR
for just a few days and have learned more new and vital
information and compelling facts than I have in the past several
months."
National Pro-Life Radio is an exciting new broadcast platform
spotlighting everything that is taking place in the global movement
to restore human dignity and respect for every human being on the
planet. Programming at NPLR includes savvy talk hosts, insightful
opinion leaders, comprehensive news coverage, information and
education programs.
NPLR's hosts include award winning celebrities, civil rights
leaders, physicians, award winning performers from film, stage and
television, community activists, journalists and reporters, singers
and dancers, and members of the clergy.
Here are just a few of the
many show hosts:
New
Local/Regional Events and
Gatherings
If you are planning an event that falls within the mission of social
ministry, send the particulars four to five weeks in advance to the
Office for Social Ministry via e-mail,
osmelink@diocese-sdiego.org. The OSM reserves the right to
publish or not to publish any proposed event information. We hope
this will assist your local efforts to re-build a culture of life.
1. Attend the San Diego "Friends of Fair Trade" monthly
meeting
San Diego Friends of Fair Trade is a coalition of non-profit
organizations and congregations attempting to advance the cause of
fair trade. They work to insure that all individuals who toil, both
at home and around the world, to provide consumers with commodities
are paid a living wage, one that can sustain a life with dignity.
The next SD Friends of Fair Trade meeting will be on
Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. at the Open Door
Book Store on 4761 Cass St., Pacific Beach - For more information
please contact Carolyn Lief at
fairtradesandiego@gmail.com
2. Get Acquainted with Detention Ministry in the Diocese
of San Diego
Join Deacon Jim Walsh each month for an Information and Training
Seminar on detention ministry and restorative justice at
the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 3888 Paducah Drive, San Diego, 92117
For the month of June...
The next Information and Training Seminar will take place on
Wednesday, June 23, 2009, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at
the Pastoral Center - Visit the web site for more information:
www.diocese-sdiego.org/restore
Sorry, no walk-ins. Contact Deacon Jim Walsh for reservations or
questions: 858-490-8375 or e-mail Deacon Jim
jwalsh@diocese-sdiego.org
3. North-County prayer witness at the Carlsbad Planned
Parenthood Clinic
North County parishioners meet the third Monday of every month
from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. to peacefully pray the rosary in front of
the Carlsbad Planned Parenthood Clinic. The clinic is located at
1820 Marron Rd. (in the shopping center just west of Plaza Camino
Real Mall). For more information contact Jahna White of St.
Margaret Parish at 760-586-6356.
4. Prayerful witness for life at two locations (7340 Miramar
Road in San Diego and 15546 Pomerado Road in Poway) in San Diego
County
Helpers of God’s Precious Infants weekly rosary prayer vigil from
8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. every Saturday and Wednesday at 7340 Miramar
Road, directly above Metro Flooring in the complex with the Pyramid
Building, adjacent to Carroll Road. Prayer warriors also needed as
early as 7:30 a.m.
Call Roger Lopez 619/990-1341 for more information.
Second Saturday of the month: 20 decades of the Rosary are prayed
in procession past 4 clinics following the 7:30 a.m. Mass, 15546
Pomerado Road, Poway. For more information, call 858-748-2109.
5. St. Dismas Guild sponsors two weekly hours of prayer for
the unborn in North County
Join members of St. Dismas Guild for a rosary picket at North
County Women's Medical Clinic, 120 S. Craven Way, San Marcos,
(across from Cal State San Marcos), Tuesdays, 9-10 a.m.
The Guild also sponsors prayer (the rosary) in front of PayLess
at Mission Avenue and Escondido Blvd. 347 W. Mission on Thursdays,
10:30-11:30 a.m. For information on these prayer vigils, call
760-751-8541.
6. St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Carlsbad has a tri-weekly
prayer ministry in front of the North County Women's Medical Clinic
on Craven Way - San Marcos on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
Please join the St. Elizabeth Seton "Life Matters" Culture of Life
prayer vigils at 10:00 a.m. to Noon every Tuesday, Thursday, and
Friday morning at "North County Women's Medical Clinic": 120 Craven
Road, San Marcos -
http://www.womensmedicalclinic.com/. Those interested can
carpool from St. Elizabeth Seton's upper parking lot at 9:30
a.m.. Those who do not want to carpool, please feel free to meet us
at the Abortion Center at 10:00 a.m. or at any time between 10:00
a.m. and Noon. These vigils are not confrontational. We give
witness by being present in prayer and entrust our message to the
Blessed Mother. Contact Gene:
ejzoval@yahoo.com or 760-804-9656 for more information.
7. St. John the Evangelist Parish in Encinitas Pro-Life Mass
and Rosary held on the first Monday of each month
The first Monday of every month is designated Pro-Life
Monday at St. John the Evangelist Church, 1001 Encinitas Blvd,
Encinitas. The 8:00 a.m. Mass will be followed by a Rosary for
Life.
8. Prayer Vigil at Planned Parenthood - First and
Grape Street, San Diego – Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Prayer vigil contacts: Luis Mendoza 619-259-3906 or Roger Lopez
619-276-7525. Rosary processions the first Saturday of every month
from Our Lady of the Rosary, Date & State St. after the 7:30 am
Mass.
9. Most Precious Blood Parish Rosary Prayer Vigils held on
Wednesdays each week
The Pro-Life Prayer Group from Most Precious Blood sponsors a
Rosary Prayer Vigil in front of "A Womans Choice" Clinic abortion
facility at 1550 Broadway, Chula Vista every Wednesday at 8:45 a.m.
For more information, please call Shirley Henry at 619-420-7096 or
Luis Mendoza at 619-259-3906.
10. Prayer partners are needed at the office of Feliciano
Rios M.D., 1079 Third Ave., suite 3, in Chula Vista - Dr. Rios
performs abortions at his medical facility - Meet each Wednesday
from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Please contact Luis Mendoza, a Missionary of The Gospel of Life
Lay Associate, at 619-259-3906, with questions or to share interest
in this prayer ministry.
11. Pray in front of the Planned Parenthood facility located
at 1685 East Main, just off the Greenfield Drive exit in El Cajon -
join friends and neighbors
According to the PP website, chemical (RU-486) abortions
only are done at this location - not surgical abortions. They do
refer women for abortions to their surgical center on First Ave.
Join the group each Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and Saturday
from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Contact:
mfowler@nethere.com
12. The Goretti Group offers chastity prayer and speaker
training monthly
Every First Friday of the month the Goretti Group
will Celebrate a St. Maria Goretti Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary,
1654 State Street, at 6:15 p.m.
Every Second Monday of the month: ChasteMasters Meeting at Our
Lady of the Rosary, Giovanni Room, 7:00 p.m. - Please join us in
prayer, a roundtable discussion, and providing feedback as chastity
speakers refine their talks.
For more info please visit:
www.thegorettigroup.org or call David at: 619-733-8439
Watch for OSM e-link
bulletin #79 around Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Article/Statement for June 5, 2009
Father Michael Robinson, Pastor of Good Shepherd
Catholic Church in Mira Mesa, shared the podium on Sunday, May 31,
2009 with several well know traditional Marriage supporters (see
story in Short Reports section above). Following are the remarks
Fr. Robinson shared with the more than 1,200 people attending the
rally.
Fr. Michael Robinson
Remarks on Traditional Marriage at the San Diego County
Administration Building
We are the Church the Bride of Christ. Jesus Christ, the
Bridegroom, has given himself to us fully, body and spirit, in the
great oblation of love that is the Paschal Mystery. The great
mystery of conjugal love is inscribed in our hearts by the Spirit of
God that is poured into our hearts and dwells in the depth of our
hearts revealing to us a deep desire for the final consummation of
love in God’s heavenly kingdom. Marriage is for us a holy, sacred
and sacramental union between a man and a woman that is a sign of
Christ’s love for his bride the Church as St. Paul affirms in his
letter to the Ephesians: "For this reason a man shall leave (his)
father and (his) mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall
become one flesh." This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference
to Christ and the church.” (Ephesians 5,31f)
To begin to understand this great mystery we must go back to the
beginning in creation when God created the human person male and
female and called them to the indissoluble union of marriage,
inviting them to share with him in a bond of love that is personal,
gives life and invites them to continue the work of creation through
procreation, family life and the raising of children. Through his
prophets God reveals his desire to be bonded to his people in a
faithful love that is likened to the marriage between a man and a
woman. The marriage between a man and a woman is a mystery of
covenantal love that mirrors the love of God for his people and
bestows grace upon the individuals leading the partners in marriage
to a human and spiritual perfection in love.
The Ecumenical Council of Vatican II in its Document Gaudium et Spes,
On the Church in the Modern World, affirmed that “God Himself is the
author of matrimony, endowed as it is with various benefits and
purposes. All of these have a very decisive bearing on the
continuation of the human race, on the personal development and
eternal destiny of the individual members of a family, and on the
dignity, stability, peace and prosperity of the family itself and of
human society as a whole...Authentic married love is caught up into
divine love and is governed and enriched by Christ's redeeming power
and the saving activity of the Church, so that this love may lead
the spouses to God with powerful effect and may aid and strengthen
them in their sublime office of being a father or a mother…Thus the
family, in which the various generations come together and help one
another grow wiser and harmonize personal rights with the other
requirements of social life, is the foundation of society. All
those, therefore, who exercise influence over communities and social
groups should work efficiently for the welfare of marriage and the
family. Public authority should regard it as a sacred duty to
recognize, protect and promote their authentic nature, to shield
public morality and to favor the prosperity of home life…Christians,
redeeming the present time and distinguishing eternal realities from
their changing expressions, should actively promote the values of
marriage and the family, both by the examples of their own lives and
by cooperation with other men of good will.”
When confronted with the challenge of divorce in marriage, Jesus did
not allow for a redefinition of marriage, rather, he pointed us back
“to the beginning” to discover anew the plan for marriage of our
loving Father-Creator when he created human persons in the Divine
Image, male and female as complementary beings that might come
together to form an indissoluble union in love. Even though we
continue to see the failure of many marriages due to “hardness of
hearts” we must not abandon marriage as a sacred institution but
rediscover its beauty and dignity and find new ways to promote,
support, defend and uphold marriage and family life as a means of
personal sanctification and as a witness to the wisdom and glory of
God.
We cannot focus all our efforts and hopes on changing the laws of
our society to reinforce Christian values in marriage, rather we
must above all use our witness of Holy Marriage to change the
hardened hearts of society and thus bring about true change and
conversion in our society that will be reflected in its laws. As a
Christian people we must renew our efforts through prayer and
spiritual practice to be a greater witness to the beauty and
sanctity of marriage and be the new leaven in our society to bring
about change that will glorify our Lord and give testimony to his
presence in our marriages and families. May God our Lord give us
the grace and strength to bring this great work to its completion. |
