Statement of the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey on the Reproductive Freedom Act

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Statement of the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey on the Reproductive Freedom Act 149 North Warren Street ●Trenton, New Jersey 08608 609-989-1120 ● www.njcatholic.org Statement of the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey on the Reproductive Freedom Act The Catholic Church believes and teaches that all human life is sacred from conception to natural death. For that reason, we, the Bishops of each of the dioceses in New Jersey, join in voicing the strongest possible opposition to the “Reproductive Freedom Act.” Without minimizing other serious threats to human life and dignity evident in contemporary American society, the Catholic Church consistently maintains that “the threat of abortion remains our preeminent priority because it directly attacks life itself, because it takes place within the sanctuary of the family, and because of the number of lives destroyed” (USCCB, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, “Introductory Letter,” 2020). When informed of the text of the USCCB document early in 2020, Pope Francis observed that the right to life of the unborn “is the most fundamental right. This is not first a religious issue; it is a human rights issue. (Pope Francis to American Catholic Bishops, USCCB Region IX, January 16, 2020).” As the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey, we urge all Catholics and people of good will to reject this proposed legislative initiative in our state and to contact your State legislators to vigorously express opposition to its passage. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. Most Reverend Kevin J. Sweeney Archbishop, Archdiocese of Newark Bishop, Diocese of Paterson Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M. Most Reverend James F. Checchio Bishop, Diocese of Trenton Bishop, Diocese of Metuchen Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan Most Reverend Kurt Burnette Bishop, Diocese of Camden Bishop, Eparchy of Passaic Most Reverend Yousif Habash Bishop of Our Lady of Deliverance of Syriac Catholic Diocese October 5, 2020 Representing the Archdiocese of Newark, Diocese of Camden, Diocese of Metuchen, Diocese of Paterson, Diocese of Trenton, Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic and Our Lady of Deliverance Syriac Catholic Diocese .
Recommended publications
  • July 2016 Issue Of
    Eastern Catholic Life Official Publication of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic VOL. LII, NO. 7 JULY 2016 WoodlandPresbyteral Park, NJ Days 2016 he priests of the Eparchy of top: Mr. Jens Bargmann, Fathers Thomas Petro, Edward Semko, Jody Baran, Phillip Scott, Joseph Bertha, Peter Tomas, Richard Rohrer, John Passaic once again locked Cigan, Robert Wisniefski, James Caroll OFM, Edward Higgins, Michael Kerestes, Harry Untereiner, Mykhaylo Prodanets, James Badeaux, Mr. up their churches and rec- James Fraser, Father Edward Cimbala, second row: Fathers Peter Donish, Gregory Hosler, Salvatore Pignato, Michael Yurista, Ronald Barusefski, Vincent Brady, Conan Timoney, John Basarab, Leonard Martin SJ, Peter Hosak, Francis Rella, third row: Fathers Robert Evancho, Frank Hanin- Ttories and headed to the annual Ep- cik, Alex Shuter, Nicholas DeProspero, Msgr. Robert Senetsky, Fathers Vasyl Chepelskyy, Robert Hopodar, Vitaliy Pukhayev, G. Scott Boghossian, archial Presbyteral Days from April Martin Vavrak, James Spera, Charles Yastishock, fourth row: Gary Mensinger, Marcel Szabo, Michael Salnicky, Michael Popson, John Custer, 25th to April 28th, 2016, whose Mykahaylo Kravchuk, Iaroslav Korostil, Bishop Kurt, Fathers Tyler Strand, Lewis Rabayda, Ihor Vorontsov, Msgr. John Sekellick, Fathers Steven theme was “Ministry to the Elderly.” Galuschik, James Demko, Jerome Wolbert OFM, Gregory Noga, and Archpriest James Hayer. Instead of making their way to the Poconos where the annual meeting had taken place for many years, or to Maryland, where it had been held for the past two years, they went to DeaconThree Edward Quinn Deacons in Pottstown, PA, and Deacons Ordained Michael Tisma and James Smith in Roswell, GA Woodland Park, NJ, to the parish hall of Saint Michael Cathedral Chapel, he parish family of Epiph- Michael Tisma and James Smith, where Father Jack Custer is rector, any of Our Lord Byzantine were elevated to the Holy Order of located on the grounds of the Epar- ChurchT in Roswell, GA, had much Deacon by Bishop Kurt.
    [Show full text]
  • November 2016
    The Maronite Voice A Publication of the Maronite Eparchies in the USA Volume XII Issue No. X November 2016 A Litany of Thanksgiving n the Gospel of Luke (17:11-19) Jesus cures ten lepers. Saint Luke Ireports that … “One of them, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks…he was a Samaritan.' Jesus remarks, ‘Were not ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?'” Both the Old and New Testaments are filled with appeals for us to thank God. Psalm 118 instructs us, "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever!" The Scriptures even tell us why we should be thankful to the Lord: Because "His steadfast love endures forever!" In the United States for almost four hundred years, there has been a celebration of thanks in November. The first is recorded in November of 1621. From our earliest years as a people, and before we were even an independent country, we have offered public thanksgiving for the gifts of the Lord. To be thankful is not just a polite word to say at Thanksgiving every year. Giving thanks to Almighty God is much more and should be a daily acknowledgment by all of us. We should never take God's gifts and other people’s kindness for • for those things seen and unseen; granted. • for human life, from the womb to the tomb– among the greatest of God's gifts; We speak of a "litany" of thanksgiving.
    [Show full text]
  • Our Lady of the Holy Angels Roman Catholic Church the Angelus
    Our Lady of the Holy Angels Roman Catholic Church The Angelus 465 Main Street Little Falls, New Jersey 07424 January 17, 2021 Ph: 973-256-5200 Fax: 973-256-0185 Second Sunday in Ordinary Time www.holyangelsrc.org www.facebook.com - Search: Holy Angels Mass Schedule All celebrated in the Church. Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM, 11:45 AM Saturday: 5:00 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 5:00 PM Rite of Reconciliation (Confessions) Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Saturday: 3:45 PM The Parish Ministry Center Confessions take place in the Church. will be closed on Monday, January 18th in observance of Office Hours Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Monday-Thursday: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM-1:00 PM On January 18th, Mass will take place Closed Friday and Saturday in the Church at 9:00 AM. Contact Us Phone: 973-256-5200 Fax: 973-256-0185 Website: www.holyangelsrc.org Facebook Page: www.facebook.com - Search: Holy Angels Diocesan Ministries Appeal In case of an emergency, please call 973-818-4741. Diocese of Paterson PASTOR: Msgr. T. Mark Condon, x-17 “Love Thy Neighbor” [email protected] As the year comes fast to an end, and many are planning on how to make a final year-end charitable contribution DEACON: Deacon Joe Sisco, x-22 that has the most impact, please consider the many lives [email protected] that are helped because of the support given to the FINANCE/OFFICE MANAGER: Beverly Cuccinelli, x-11 Diocesan Ministries Appeal.
    [Show full text]
  • PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS. Donation
    Prayers for our Parishioners. The particular law requirements are the same as Phase One contacted to reschedule. Jamie has begun Epiphany of our Lord online donation. Click on of the Byzantine Ruthenian Metropolitan Church requirements. This means that the Parish Strategic rescheduling weekday liturgy requests according that and you will be directed to Epiphany’s directs that the pastor is to celebrate the Divine Plan and the Eparchial Checklist is still to the date of the request. If you have scheduled tithe.ly account. Please note that where you see Liturgy for the people of the parish entrusted to applicable. This means churches may open at a weekday liturgy, that liturgy will remain on the Offertory, that is a drop-down menu that allows him on Sundays and days of precept [holydays of 50% of capacity provided health department date requested. However, if you scheduled a the donor to specify what the donation is for: obligation]" (canon 294). This liturgy intention requirements are met. It is important for public liturgy on a Sunday, the intention will not be Sunday offertory, Building Fund, St. Nicholas for all parishioners is "For the Intention of health not to slacken in observing the Strategic rescheduled until after the pandemic or until Fund, or eparchial collections. Please show care Parishioners." The faithful who attend the Divine Plan. Bishop Kurt continues to dispense so those Bishop Kurt is able to assign a second priest to be in the category Recurring Giving. If it is not a Liturgy for the parishioners who participate, who are at risk or feel unsafe may remain at able to celebrate two Sunday liturgies.
    [Show full text]
  • Patronage of the Mother of God Byzantine Catholic
    PATRONAGE OF THE MOTHER OF GOD PROPERS BYZANTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH 1260 Stevens Avenue Thirty-Second after Pentecost, Sunday of Zacchaeus, Otdanije of Theophany ARBUTUS (Baltimore), MARYLAND 21227-2644 1st & 2nd Antiphon – of the Feast of Theophany - page 316 PHONE: 410-247-4936 FAX: 410-247-1542 3rd Antiphon – of Postfestive Day of the Theophany - page 316 Web: pAtronAgechurch.com Entrance Hymn – of Postfestive Day of the Theophany - page 317 FAcebook: www.fAcebook.com/pAtronAgechurch Troparion – Resurrection Tone 7 - page 156 Very Reverend ConAn H. Timoney, PAstor of Theophany - page 313 Michael Kulka, Cantor Kontakion – of Theophany - page 314 Joseph KotlAr, CAntor Prokeimenon – Resurrection Tone 7 - page 158 Alleluia – Resurrection Tone 7 - page 158 “Let us who mystically …” – melody as for “D’ivnaja Novina …” - page 292 PAtronAge Church At Abingdon: Instead of “It is truly proper …” – Exaltation and Irmos of Theophany - 315 Sunday Evenings at 5:30 p.m. in the Church of St. Francis (Stone Chapel) Communion Hymn – of Theophany - page 316; and of Sunday (melody as for “D’ivnaja 1450 Abingdon Road, Abingdon, MD 21009 Novina …”) - page 305 Contact: Deacon Anthony and Theresa Kotlar: 410-734-6973 PAtronAge Church At HAgerstown: PRAYER REQUESTS Chapel of St. Ann’s Church PRAY FOR OUR SICK: 1525 Oak Hill Ave., Hagerstown, MD 21742 Kay Dinko, Andy Turian, Mary Demyan (aunt of Alex Demyan), Esther Kotula (mother of Contact: Joseph and Marie Repasi: 301-797-5847 Dennis Kotula), Ceil Demyan, Karen Freeman (sister of John Hanyok), John Collins Fr ConAn will celebrAte Divine Liturgies At 6:45 pm in the St Ann’s ChApel on the (cancer; brother-in-law of Joseph Repasi of Hagerstown), Liz Bukszar, Clara Valeika, following dAtes: JAnuAry 6th and 20th.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Celebration Homilist Most Reverend Kurt Burnette Fifth Bishop of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic, NJ Homilist for Father Walter Ciszek Day 2016
    Read newslett er online [email protected] 2016 Issue III www.ciszek.org Father Walter Ciszek Day 2016 October 16, 2016 St Casimir Church 229 North Jardin Street, Shenandoah, PA 17976 Annual Celebration Homilist Most Reverend Kurt Burnette Fifth Bishop of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic, NJ Homilist for Father Walter Ciszek Day 2016 Father Walter Ciszek Most Reverend Kurt Burnette was or- Prayer League Center dained a priest in April 1989 for the Byz- antine Catholic Eparchy of Van Nuys. He 218 West Cherry Street served as a priest in Fontana, California; Shenandoah, PA 17976 Portland, Oregon; Las Vegas, Nevada; Gil- Open from 12:00 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. bert, Arizona and Albuquerque, New Mexico before being named the Fifth Bishop of Passaic by Pope Francis in October 2013. Divine Liturgy: He was Rector of the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saint 2:00 P.M. Cyril and Saint Methodius from 2012-2013. He also served as St Casimir Church a chaplain for the Fontana, California Police Department and visited jails and prisons in California, Oregon, Washington, and Social: New Mexico during his years as a pastor. 3:30 P.M. Bishop Burnette has also taught mathematics, engineering, St Casimir Hall physics and computer science at the University of Utah, Califor- With God in America nia State University, University of California and University of Portland between 1978 and 2004. He was a Synod Father at the will be available to purchase 2015 Synod on the Family. COME JOIN US!!! The Father Walter Ciszek Prayer League deeply mourns the passing of Walter A.
    [Show full text]
  • Rejoice in the Lord Vol. 2, No. 18
    Rejoice in the Lord By Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. Archbishop of Newark June 4, 2021 / Vol. 2, No. 18 In the Eucharist, Christ satisfies hungry hearts Two weeks ago, the bishops of New Jersey announced that effective this weekend (The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, June 5-6), we have reinstated the general obligation to attend Sunday Mass. As members of the Body of Christ, we welcome the Christian faithful to return to the regular participation in the Sunday Eucharist, the source and summit of our Catholic faith. (See statement below). The Church teaches that life in Christ begins with baptism and is nourished by our reception of the holy Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ, and the other sacraments. In his 1943 encyclical, “Mystici Corporis Christi” (The Mystical Body of Christ), Pope Pius XII writes: “If we would define this true Church of Jesus Christ … we shall find no expression more noble, more sublime or more divine than the phrase which calls it the Mystical Body of Jesus Christ” (#13). The Second Vatican Council, and all subsequent popes, have reinforced this teaching about the absolute unity of Christ and his Church and its most powerful, sacramental expression in the Eucharist. Our unity as Christians is guaranteed by our participation in the life of Christ, which is accomplished once and for all at baptism and nurtured, restored and sanctified by our frequent reception of his most holy body and blood in the Eucharist. In his miracle of the loaves and fish, Jesus feeds a crowd of “about five thousand” from the meager resources available, and the result is not only the complete satisfaction of all who were present but “leftovers” filling 12 wicker baskets.
    [Show full text]
  • U.S. Eastern Catholic Bishops Thank Pope for Lifting Ban on Married Priests
    U.S. Eastern Catholic bishops thank pope for lifting ban on married priests VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis “is a father who knows very well his daughters and sons,” including those who belong to the Eastern Catholic churches, said the Armenian Catholic bishop of the United States and Canada. Bishop Mikael A. Mouradian of the California-based Armenian Catholic Eparchy of Our Lady of Nareg was one of 15 bishops from eight Eastern Catholic churches who spent close to three hours conversing with Pope Francis Feb. 20. The meeting was part of the bishops’ “ad limina” visits to Rome to report on the status of their eparchies or dioceses. They were the last group of U.S. bishops to complete the visits, which are required regularly of every bishop in the world. Bishop Mouradian had made an “ad limina” visit in 2012, meeting with Pope Benedict XVI. Both popes “were very fraternal” and very much teachers, but Pope Francis’ advice and counsel came from a place “much more near to the heart,” the bishop said. The Armenian bishop and others who spoke to Catholic News Service said they thanked Pope Francis for his decision in 2014 to lift an 85-year-old Vatican ban on ordaining married priests for the Eastern Catholic churches outside their traditional homelands where married priests are common. “I ordained my first married priest two years ago,” the bishop said. “He is our first American-born vocation to the priesthood, and he’s doing an amazing job.” Bishop Mouradian said the pope’s decision to lift the ban did not open any floodgates because the bishop has conditions candidates must meet: “I always request that they have at least five years of experience in matrimony” and have children; and they must have at least a master’s of divinity degree.
    [Show full text]
  • A Call for Prayer & Fasting to End Abortion January 22, 2021 We, the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey, Ask Catholics and Peopl
    149 North Warren Street ●Trenton, New Jersey 08608 609-989-1120 ● www.njcatholic.org A Call for Prayer & Fasting to End Abortion January 22, 2021 We, the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey, ask Catholics and people of good will to join us on Friday January 22, 2021, the 48th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, in a Day of Prayer and Fasting to end abortion. As we mark this tragic event in our nation’s history, we remember the millions of lives lost to abortion and pray for the mothers and fathers left to suffer the tragic effects. The Catholic Church is committed to protecting all life from conception to natural death. We will work vigorously to ensure the laws of our state and country protect and defend the intrinsic dignity of all people. We humbly implore our Blessed Mother under her title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas and Protectress of the Unborn, to intercede on our behalf that these efforts to end abortion are guided by mercy, compassion, and above all charity. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. Most Reverend James F. Checchio Archbishop, Archdiocese of Newark Bishop, Diocese of Metuchen Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M. Most Reverend Kurt Burnette Bishop, Diocese of Trenton Bishop, Eparchy of Passaic Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan Most Reverend Yousif Habash Bishop, Diocese of Camden Bishop of Our Lady of Deliverance of Syriac Catholic Diocese Most Reverend Kevin J. Sweeney Bishop, Diocese of Paterson Representing the Archdiocese of Newark, Diocese of Camden, Diocese of Metuchen, Diocese of Paterson, Diocese of Trenton, Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic and Our Lady of Deliverance Syriac Catholic Diocese 149 North Warren Street ●Trenton, New Jersey 08608 609-989-1120 ● www.njcatholic.org Un Llamado a la Oración y el Ayuno por el fin del aborto el viernes 22 de enero de 2021 Nosotros, los Obispos Católicos de Nueva Jersey, pedimos a los Católicos y a las personas de buena voluntad que se unan a nosotros el viernes 22 de Enero de 2021, en el 48 aniversario de Roe vs Wade, a un Día de Oración y Ayuno para poner fin al aborto.
    [Show full text]
  • Epiphany Bulletin 2019 11-24.Indd
    Stewardship 11/03/2019 Stewardship 11/17/2019 Epiphany of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church Offertory $2,909.00 Offertory $2,300.00 Evagrios the Solitary (345-399AD): On Capital Imp. $908 Off. Total: $8,591.00 Prayer 2030 Old Alabama Road, Roswell, GA 30076 • Office: (770) 993-0973 Stewardship 11/10/2019 Cap. Imp. Total: $1,258 excerpts from the Philokalia, Vol. 1 Office Hours: Mon-Thur: 10AM—5PM—For Sacramental Emergencies Call Fr. Lewis: (570) 573-1565 Offertory $3,382.00 Nov. Operating Budget $8,663 107. There is too the case of that grea monk, John Fr. Lewis M. Rabayda, Parochial Administrator • email: [email protected] Capital Imp. $350 the Small. He lived the hesychastic life in a pit, and Fr. Deacon James Smith • Subdeacon John Reed • Deacon Candidate Alex Adekambi Military Services $135 Email: [email protected] • Website: http://epiphanybyz.org his communion with God was not interrupted even Saint Nicholas Celebration December 8: Gina when a demon in the form of a serpent wound itself Bridges will be organizing the St. Nicholas Luncheon —Schedule of Divine Services— round him, chewed his flesh and spat it out into his this year. We will be doing something a little different face. 24th Sunday After Pentecost, Postfestive Day of the Entrance, and the Holy Great Martyr Catherine—Tone 7 because of our limited space. We had attempted to rent Saturday Nov. 23 4:30–5PM Mystery of Repentance* an outside venue but could not secure a place that suits some simple prayers: the Our Father and the Hail Mary, 5:30PM Divine Liturgy for a special intention our specific needs in time.
    [Show full text]
  • A Call for Prayer & Fasting to End Abortion January 22, 2021 We, The
    149 North Warren Street ●Trenton, New Jersey 08608 609-989-1120 ● www.njcatholic.org A Call for Prayer & Fasting to End Abortion January 22, 2021 We, the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey, ask Catholics and people of good will to join us on Friday January 22, 2021, the 48th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, in a Day of Prayer and Fasting to end abortion. As we mark this tragic event in our nation’s history, we remember the millions of lives lost to abortion and pray for the mothers and fathers left to suffer the tragic effects. The Catholic Church is committed to protecting all life from conception to natural death. We will work vigorously to ensure the laws of our state and country protect and defend the intrinsic dignity of all people. We humbly implore our Blessed Mother under her title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas and Protectress of the Unborn, to intercede on our behalf that these efforts to end abortion are guided by mercy, compassion, and above all charity. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. Most Reverend James F. Checchio Archbishop, Archdiocese of Newark Bishop, Diocese of Metuchen Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M. Most Reverend Kurt Burnette Bishop, Diocese of Trenton Bishop, Eparchy of Passaic Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan Most Reverend Yousif Habash Bishop, Diocese of Camden Bishop of Our Lady of Deliverance of Syriac Catholic Diocese Most Reverend Kevin J. Sweeney Bishop, Diocese of Paterson Representing the Archdiocese of Newark, Diocese of Camden, Diocese of Metuchen, Diocese of Paterson, Diocese of Trenton, Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic and Our Lady of Deliverance Syriac Catholic Diocese .
    [Show full text]
  • Edward Flannery's “The Anguish of the Jews”: a Forgotten Feat
    Edward Flannery's “The Anguish of the Jews”: A forgotten feat Ari Belenkiy The book, which my sister Helen ran across in the library while pursuing her degree at a Boston college, became the center of our family life for the next decade. The author of the book subtitled “Twenty Three Centuries of anti-Semitism” was a Catholic priest of high standing. My father, Mark Belenkiy, a retired physician and author some 100 papers on medicine, decided to translate the book into Russian. He finished the first draft in 2-3 years and asked me whether the author might still be alive. It was 1995 and I was finishing my degree at the University of California at Irvine, where I befriended another Catholic priest, mathematician Kurt Burnette. I re-addressed my father’s request and the next day Kurt brought a thick Catholic Church directory and pointed to an entry somewhere in its middle: Reverend Edward Flannery, Providence, Rhode Island, address, telephone… The same evening I called the number and had a short talk with the author. In a few days my father got a letter bearing the return address of the Eparchy of Providence. In the letter, the first of a dozen, Reverend Flannery warmly encouraged us to publish the Russian translation - the book was already translated into French, Spanish and Portuguese. Flannery warned, however, that the first American 1965 edition was followed in 1985 by a second one with two new chapters; the first supplying his theme by events from the mid-1960s to mid-1980s, the second analyzing the roots of anti-Semitism (Christian in particular) more profoundly than before.
    [Show full text]