CSVF Blog

From Sr. Lucy at the archdiocesan Family Life Office:

Witness for Life
Saturday, May 1st
8:00 AM Mass at Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral, NYC

Come to all or part of the morning.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass begins our day in Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The main celebrant will be Fr. Emile Frische.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament follows, then people can either remain in the Church to adore Our Lord or attend the rosary procession to the local abortion clinic (two blocks away – Planned Parenthood).

Upon return from the clinic (approx 10:15) we will have a social (complete with coffee and donuts) with a short (10 min.) presentation by the Sisters of Life. You will hear of concrete ways to be of service, as Co-Workers, helping vulnerable pregnant women that are currently being served by the Sisters.

Promote this to your friends and keep the spiritual success of this effort for Life in your prayers.

God bless.

Sr. Lucy Marie
Respect Life Coordinator
Archdiocese of New York
1011 First Ave., 7th Floor
New York, NY 10022
212-371-1011 X3192

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An invitation from the Sisters of Life:

Dear Friends,

Monday, Dec. 28th marks the Feast of the Holy Innocents. Each year the Franciscan Friars and Sisters of the Renewal and all of the Sisters of Life gather to commemorate this day by prayer and witness – please join us!

Mass 8:00 am – Fr. Benedict Groeschel main celebrant joined by Msgr. Phillip Reilly and other priests:

Church of the Holy Innocents / 128 West 37th Street (btn B’dway and 7th Ave.)

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament follows Mass, then people can either remain in the Church to adore our Lord or attend the rosary procession to the local abortion clinic. Upon return from the clinic there will be a special luncheon. Please promote this to your friends and keep the spiritual success of this effort for Life in your prayers.

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Fiesta Guadalupe
December 13
10am Mass and Fiesta

Come bring the whole family and celebrate the gift of Our Lady of Guadalupe
to the American people with the Sisters of Life.

Authentic Mexican food!

Villa Maria Guadalupe
159 Sky Meadow Drive, Stamford, CT 06903
RSVP by December 7th; 203-329-1492

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From the Sisters of Life:

Witness for Life ~ Saturday, December 5th

8am Mass at Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral, NYC

Come to all or part of the morning.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral begins our day.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament follows, and then participants can either remain in the church to adore our Lord or attend the rosary procession to the local abortion clinic (Planned Parenthood – 2 blocks away).

Upon return from the clinic (approx 10:15am) we will have a social (complete with coffee and donuts) with a short (10 mins) presentation by the Sisters of Life.  You will hear of concrete ways to be of service, as Co-Workers, helping vulnerable pregnant women that are currently being served by the Sisters.

Promote this to your friends and keep the spiritual success of this effort for Life in your daily prayers.

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From the Sisters of Life:

Dear Coworkers of Life,

Join the Sisters of Life Saturday, June 6th for their First Saturday Witness for Life! This will be our final Witness until September.

Mass at Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral (263 Mulberry Street) will begin at 8am. Come to all or part of the morning.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass begins our day in Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral (the Sisters of Life will provide a singing Schola), Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament follows, and people can either remain in the Church to adore our Lord or attend the rosary procession to the local abortion clinic run by Planned Parenthood.

Upon return from the clinic (approx 10:15am) we will repose the Blessed Sacrament and have a social (complete with coffee and bagels) with a short (15 mins) presentation by the Sisters of Life. You will hear of concrete ways to be of service, as Co-Workers, helping vulnerable pregnant women that are currently being served by the Sisters.

Promote this to your friends and keep the spiritual success of this effort for Life in your daily prayers.

God Bless You.

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Women’s retreat with the Sisters of Life!  Come bring your heart to Jesus!

What: “Make My Heart Like Unto Thine: Finding Love in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary” Retreat with the Sisters of Life (not discernment) for women 18-35

When: June 19-21, 2009 (weekend of the feasts of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary!)

Where: Villa Maria Guadalupe, Stamford CT (train pick-up in Stamford; LaGuardia Airport pick-up)

Includes: daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, conferences, opportunities for confessions and to meet with a Sister, a mix of silence and fellowship

Retreat Director: Fr. Rob Ketcham

Cost: A donation to help the works of the Sisters of Life (suggested $100 – but don’t let cost keep you from coming)

Register on-line: www.sistersoflife.org/vmg.html

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Dear Co-Workers of Life,

We are working with a vulnerable pregnant woman in need of many resources. She has many gifts and is desperately in need of a job. If any of you have job contacts in the field of advertising and marketing or business, please call us and we can send her resume. Also, if some of you are able to research job opportunities on the internet, that would be quite useful.

Above all, please keep her in prayer!

In Christ Our Life,

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From Sr. Lucy, SV, the Respect Life Coordinator for the archdiocese:

Join the Sisters of Life on Saturday, May 2nd, and Witness for Life!

8am Mass at Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral, NYC (263 Mulberry Street)

Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P., will be the main celebrant.

Come to all or part of the morning.

Last month, within minutes of our arrival at the clinic, we had a young woman turn around – thanks to the prayers of all present and the great mercy of God!

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass begins our day in Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral (the Sisters of Life will provide a singing Schola), Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament follows, and people can either remain in the Church to adore our Lord or attend the rosary procession to the local abortion clinic.

Upon return from the clinic (approx 10:15am) we will repose the Blessed Sacrament and have a social (complete with coffee and bagels) with a short (15 mins) presentation by the Sisters of Life. You will hear of concrete ways to be of service, as Co-Workers, helping vulnerable pregnant women that are currently being served by the Sisters.

Promote this to your friends and keep the spiritual success of this effort for Life in your daily prayers.

God Bless You.

Sr. Lucy Marie

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Dear Co-Workers of Life,

We hope that this Lenten Season has been a deepening in your experience of the love and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Sisters have been busy serving many new beautiful expectant mothers.

A Mother’s Day Request:

• Maternity Clothes

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and our closet for maternity clothes is becoming bare. We are making a special appeal for small, medium and large maternity clothes. Nice tops and some stretchy panel pants are always a real help – especially this time of year. Thank you!

• Pathmark Food Cards – other Chains would be of help also

In this present economic struggle many of the food pantries are closing. Food cards are a great way to aid us in feeding our pregnant women.

We always find that their hearts are so opened to learning more about the Lord and about the great dignity He has given to them as woman and as mothers. The following books would be a great gift and aid to our mission in serving the woman God is sending to us. The below links are from Half.com, but you can go anywhere to purchase them.

• Books

We always find that their hearts are so opened to learning more about the Lord and about the great dignity He has given to them as woman and as mothers. The following books would be a great gift and aid to our mission in serving the woman God is sending to us.

If You Really Love Me by Jason Evert – This is a great tool for us to teach the beauty and dignity of each person.

Real Love by Mary Beth Bonacci

He and I by Gabrielle Boisse

Ransomed from Darkness by Moira Noonen

• Cribs or bassinets

***Please also note our woman are also in need of new or lightly used cribs and/or bassinets.  This link is to Baby’s R US, but again you can go anywhere for them.

• Strollers and Double Strollers – there are several women having twins next month.

If you are interested in purchasing one of the above gifts for our woman for Easter please notify the Sisters. All gifts can be sent to the following address:

Sisters of life
Visitation Mission
320 East 66th Street
New York, NY 10065

We are so grateful to you for your generosity, prayers and support.

In Christ,
The Sisters of Life

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From Sr. Lucie Marie, SV, and the archdiocesan Pro-Life / Family Life Office:

Dear CoWorkers of Life,

Join with the Sisters of Life – Saturday, April 4th First Saturday Witness for Life — Great Lenten Sacrifice and Offering!

Saturday, April 4, 2009 ~ 8 am Mass at Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral, NYC
263 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012
Come to all or part of the morning.
Using the train take the #6 and arrive at Bleecker Street Station.         Walk to 263 Mulberry St
Fr. Peter Pomposello will be the main celebrant.

Last month we had a verified turnaround by some of our sidewalk counselors – thanks to the prayers of all present and the great mercy of God!

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass begins our day in Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral (the Sisters of Life will provide a singing Schola), Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament follows, and people can either remain in the Church to adore our Lord or attend the rosary procession to the local abortion clinic.

Upon return from the clinic (approx 10:15am) we will repose the Blessed Sacrament and have a social (complete with coffee and bagels) with a short (15 mins) presentation by the Sisters of Life. You will hear of concrete ways to be of service, as Co-Workers, helping vulnerable pregnant women that are currently being served by the Sisters.

Promote this to your friends and keep the spiritual success of this effort for Life in your daily prayers.

God Bless You.

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The Sisters of Life invite you to an
Afternoon Conference for College Students and Young Adults
“Am I My Brother’s Keeper?: A Lenten Challenge”

DATE: Sunday, March 08, 2009

TIME: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

LOCATION: St. John’s Church Hall, 406 E 67th St (b/t York & 1st), New York 10065

INCLUDES: Talks, testimonies and Vespers with the Sisters. Drinks and snacks will be provided.

RSVP: Sr. Mariam Caritas at 718-863-2264.

After the conference, join the Sisters for Mass (5:30 pm), dinner (~6:30pm) and Holy Hour (~7:45pm) with Frassati Fellowship at St. Vincent Ferrer on 66th and Lex.

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From Sr. Maris Stella, SV: 

I would like to invite you to become a Co-Worker of Life – to learn more click here.

Please consider coming to our next Co-Worker Training, Saturday, March 14th. It will take place in New York City at St. Vincent Ferrer Church at 869 Lexington Ave (between 65th and 66th Streets.). There is an optional Mass at 8am in the main church. The training begins at 9am and ends at 6pm in the parish hall (the undercroft). There is no charge for the training. This is a day of training for those who will be working with us to serve pregnant women, doing anything from going out for a cup of tea to opening up your home to a pregnant woman (and all the things in between – driving her to appointments, helping to fill out forms, or just talking on the phone – all of this makes an incredible difference).

The day of training:

• There is an optional 8 am Mass Saturday morning followed by registration and breakfast.
• The morning is spent learning our approach to counseling and walking with the pregnant women we serve.
• Lunch is provided
• The afternoon is spent learning communication skills and practicing those skills – you will feel more confident speaking with a pregnant woman.

Please RSVP to this email address – we would love to have you! If you have already taken part in this course – you passed! We just thought you may want to pass the invitation on to others.

If you are unable to make this training but would still like to receive our email updates -Please send in your email address, postal address and phone number. You would then receive information about our next training and emails updating you on the specific needs of our pregnant women.

Hope to see you there! Please invite those you know who would like to be involved in our mission to serve pregnant women with the heart of Christ.

In Christ Our Life,

Sr. Maris Stella

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From the archdiocesan Family Life – Respect Life Office:

Dear Friends,

Join with the Sisters of Life – be part of a new generation building a culture of life.

Saturday, January 3, 2009 / 8am Mass at Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral, NYC – Come to all or part of the morning.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass begins our day in Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral (the Sisters of Life will provide a Schola), Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament follows, and people can either remain in the Church to adore our Lord or attend the rosary procession to the local abortion clinic.

Upon return from the clinic (approx 10:15am) we will have a social (complete with coffee and bagels) with a short (10 mins) presentation by the Sisters of Life. You will hear of concrete ways to be of service, as Co-Workers, helping vulnerable pregnant women that are currently being served by the Sisters.

Promote this to your friends and keep the spiritual success of this effort for Life in your daily prayers.

Sr. Lucy Marie
Respect Life Coordinator
Archdiocese of New York
1011 First Ave., 7th Floor
New York, NY 10022
212-371-1011 X3192
Mon-Thurs 9:30am-4:30pm

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From Sr. Lucy at the archdiocesan Family Life-Respect Life Office:

“A new generation of Christians is being called to help build a world in which God’s gift of life is welcomed, respected and cherished-not rejected, feared as a threat and destroyed. A new age in which love is not greedy or self-seeking, but pure, faithful and genuinely free, open to others, respectful of their dignity, seeking their good, radiating joy and beauty. A new age in which hope liberates us from shallowness, apathy and self-absorption which deaden our souls and poison our relationships. … The Lord is asking you to be prophets of this new age, messengers of his love, drawing people to the Father and building a future of hope for all humanity.”  — Pope Benedict XVI, Homily at World Youth Day, July 20, 2008

Join with the Sisters of Life – be prophets of this new age.

Witness for Life

Sat, Dec 6th / 8am Mass at Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral, NYC – Fr. Richard Baker will be the main celebrant. Come to all or part of the morning.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass begins our day in Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral (the Sisters of Life will provide a Schola), Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament follows, and people can either remain in the Church to adore our Lord or attend the rosary procession to the local abortion clinic.

Upon return from the clinic (approx 10:15am) we will have a social (complete with coffee and bagels) with a short (15 mins) presentation by the Sisters of Life. You will hear of concrete ways to be of service, as Co-Workers, helping vulnerable pregnant women that are currently being served by the Sisters.

Promote this to your friends and keep the spiritual success of this effort for Life in your daily prayers.

Sr. Lucy Marie
Respect Life Coordinator
Archdiocese of New York
1011 First Ave., 7th Floor
New York, NY 10022
212-371-1011 X3192
Mon-Thurs 9:30am-4:30pm

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As you prepare to brave the adventures of this year’s holiday shopping season, tuck into your purse or pocket this wish list prepared by the Sisters of Life.

Each day as Sisters and Co-Workers of Life, we have the privilege of encountering anew the Holy Family in the women and families we serve. Just as Mary and Joseph sought a welcome in Bethlehem 2000 years ago, many mothers come to us in need as they prepare for the birth of their babies. This year we have served about 500 women. We are inviting as many as possible to stop by this Christmas to get reacquainted and share the joy of Christmas.

As you track down the perfect gift for your friends and loved ones, we invite those of you who are considering picking up something extra to support our mission to vulnerable pregnant women to see below.

We would find the following items most helpful. Thank you for your generosity! Each new mother is always so grateful for the smallest kindnesses.

Maternity clothes - Maternity Tops (Small, Medium and Large); Maternity Pants – stretchy panel pants (Small, Medium, and Large); Maternity night wear (Small, Medium, and Large); Maternity Dresses (Small, Medium, and Large); we accept lightly used items.

Metro Cards – purchased at Subway stations

Gift cards – for clothing or food stores, like Old Navy, Target, or Pathmark

Fetal development models – Often the women keep them in their purse to remind themselves about their perfectly formed child.  Click here.

Books or Tapes
Women, God’s Masterpiece by Christopher West
Books by John Eldredge – Captivating; The Sacred Romance; The Journey of Desire

Scented Soaps, lotions, bubble baths for our expectant mothers

Journals or nice notebooks

Newborn baby clothes for boys and girls

New toys for children 10 yrs and under

Save your extra shopping bags! We always need big bags with handles to give to the women when they stop by.

For shipping purposes this is our address:
Sisters of Life
Visitation Mission
320 E. 66th St
NY, NY 10065

We are so grateful to you for all your sacrifices, big and small, for our mission of building a culture of life.

In Christ Our Life,
The Sisters of Life 

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The Church of St. Vincent Ferrer wishes you and yours a Happy and Holy Thanksgiving.

This meditation from the Sisters of Life reminds us that God always remains deserving of our first expressions of gratitude.

“In all things, give thanks to God.” – (1 Thes 5:18)

As our nation approaches the great secular holiday of Thanksgiving, let us recall the words of Abraham Lincoln when he instated Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1863, “as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.” It is to our Heavenly Father that we owe our thanks for the most precious gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, which He continually gives us in the Eucharist. It is in the Eucharist, which means “thanksgiving,” that Jesus gives us His whole self. He makes Himself completely vulnerable by placing Himself entirely in our hands during the Mass. Here He makes His loving command, to “do this in memory of Me.” He desires us to receive Him intimately and to bring Him to mind, to remember the work by which He redeemed us on the Cross-His greatest gift of love. The more we marvel at His goodness and let it resonate in our hearts, the more the gift of gratitude will naturally spring forth and be a healing balm for us, one that continually nourishes.

The further we enter into the work of praise and thanksgiving, it will be for us a twofold grace: it will lighten our daily struggles and make them more bearable and we will receive a taste of the joy of heaven, where Our Heavenly Father is continuously praised. Even in our thanksgiving, God gives back to us a gift! It is then that we experience the truth of the Prophets’ words: “Make the Lord your joy, and He will give you what your hearts desires.” – (Ps 36:4)

Click here for a great summary of St. Thomas’ teaching on gratitude.

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From the Sisters of Life:

Check out the retreats being offered by the Sisters of Life at Villa Maria Guadalupe http://www.sistersoflife.org/vmg.html#schedule and treat yourself to a retreat and some time away!

Advent Vespers with the Sisters of Life!
Nov. 30, Dec. 14, Dec. 21
4 p.m. Eucharistic exposition, talk, meditation, vespers

Private or directed retreats for Women Religious and for lay women
Jan. 2-11
April 15-24
May 26-June 4
July 27-Aug. 4
Aug. 22-31

Good News for Medical Professionals
Jan. 17

Theology of the Body retreat
Feb. 13-15
You may have learned it intellectually, but this retreat is designed to assist in moving that knowledge from the mind to the heart. Directed by: Father Walter Schu, LC, author of The Splendor of Love

Praying the Scriptures with St. Ignatius
March 6-8
This retreat is for all who desire to pray with Scripture, those who have never prayed with Scripture and wish to begin, and those who have prayed with Scripture but wish to grow in this prayer. Directed by: Father Tim Gallagher, OMV. Click here for the flyer.

Gazing on the Face of Christ
March 13-15
Directed by: Father Joe Koterski, SJ

Sr. Lucy Marie
Respect Life Coordinator
Archdiocese of New York
1011 First Ave., 7th Floor
New York, NY 10022
212-371-1011 X3192
Mon-Thurs 9:30am-4:30pm

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A message from the Sisters of Life:

If you’ve been to some amazing young adult retreats and yet you still have that hunger to go deeper, this is the retreat for you! There are still some spots left for the upcoming “Living the Confidence of the Saints” women’s retreat, but not for long! The retreat will begin on Friday, November 14 with dinner at 5:30 pm and conclude after Brunch on Sunday, November 16. Hosted by the Sisters of Life, the retreat will include conferences on how to pray in silence, learning to live with the confidence of the Saints, and healing. There will be Mass everyday, extended Eucharistic adoration, opportunity for confession, and an opportunity for a personal meeting with a Sister as well. If you’re ready for some one-on-one time with the Lord in preparation for Advent, this is it.

We will be picking up retreatants on Friday at LaGuardia Airport at 3:30 pm and at Westchester Airport at 4pm and dropping off retreatants on Sunday to Westchester at 1:30 pm and to LaGuardia at 2pm. We’ll also be picking people up at the Stamford train station.

The cost of the retreat is a donation (unnamed) towards the works of the Sisters of Life.

If you are interested, you have two options to register. Please either:

1) call Villa Maria Guadalupe at 203.329.1492. If the machine is on, feel free to leave a message that you’re interested in the women’s retreat, your name, age, phone # and mode of transportation to the retreat.

2) e-mail Sr. Mary Gabriel (just respond to this e-mail) that you’re interested in the women’s retreat, your name, age, phone #, and mode of transportation.

Know you are in our daily prayers! We love to hear from you…

In Christ, our Life,

Sr. Mary Gabriel, S.V.

1 Comment »

From Sr. Therese Marie, SV, at the Visitation Mission (E. 66th Street):

I would like to invite you to become a coworker of life – to learn more click here: http://www.sistersoflife.org/vm.html 

Please consider coming to our next Co-worker training, Saturday, November 8th.  It will take place in Stamford, CT at our retreat center Villa Maria Guadalupe. Please invite those you know who would like to be involved in our mission to serve pregnant women with the heart of Christ. The training begins at 9am and ends at 6pm, followed by an optional dinner (there is an optional 7:15am Mass Saturday morning followed by 8am registration and breakfast.) Overnight rooms are available at no charge. There is no charge for anything this weekend. This is a day of training for those who will be working with us to serve pregnant women doing anything from going out for cup of tea to opening up your house to a woman (or all the things in the middle – driving her to appointments, helping to fill out forms, or just talking on the phone – all of this makes an incredible difference.)

The day of training will include:

• the morning is spent learning how to enter into the Sister’s of Life charism: the gift that the Holy Spirit has given us on how to serve pregnant women.                                                                   
• lunch is provided
• the afternoon is spent in learning communication skills and practicing those skills – so that you will feel more confident in what to say to a pregnant woman.

If you are interested in helping the Sisters of Life, please email visitation.mission (at) archny (dot) com.

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A message from the Sisters of Life:

Join with the Sisters of Life – be part of a new generation building a culture of life.

Sat, Nov 1st – All Saints Day
8am Mass at Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral, NYC

Fr. Luke Sweeney will be the main celebrant. Come to all or part of the morning.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass begins our day in Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral (the Sisters of Life will provide a Schola), Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament follows, and people can either remain in the Church to adore our Lord or attend the rosary procession to the local abortion clinic.

Upon return from the clinic (approx 10:15am) we will have a social (complete with coffee and bagels) with a short (10 mins) presentation by the Sisters of Life. You will hear of concrete ways to be of service, as Co-Workers, helping vulnerable pregnant women that are currently being served by the Sisters.

Promote this to your friends and keep the spiritual success of this effort for Life in your daily prayers.

God Bless You.
Sr. Lucy Marie

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A message from Sr. Lucy Marie, SV:

Join with the Sisters of Life – be part of a new generation building a culture of life. First Saturday ~~ Witness for Life 

Sat, Oct 4th / 8am Mass at Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral, NYC

Fr. William Elder will be the main celebrant.  Come to all or part of the morning.

Last month kicked off our First Saturday Witness for Life and about 65 people attended – here’s what one man who was there stated:

It was an honor to participate in this morning’s vigil. Most humbling of all was to see the commitment, sincerity, and holy energy of the young people of New York City, who love their Lord and their Church, and the unmistakable effect they have on history, here, today. I remain very moved by the whole experience. More than moved; uplifted, dignified, joyful. Thank you again for prodding me into the privilege of helping out in some small way.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass begins our day in Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral (the Sisters of Life will provide a Schola), Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament follows, and people can either remain in the Church to adore our Lord or attend the rosary procession to the local abortion clinic.

Upon return from the clinic (approx 10:15am) we will have a social (complete with coffee and bagels) with a short (15 mins) presentation by the Sisters of Life. You will hear of concrete ways to be of service, as Co-Workers, helping vulnerable pregnant women that are currently being served by the Sisters.

Promote this to your friends and keep the spiritual success of this effort for Life in your daily prayers. God Bless You.

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Below is a note written by Sr. Lucy Marie of the Sisters of Life.  The event she mentions was advertised here.

As Sr. Lucy explains, witnessing makes a difference one life at a time.

Dear Friends who Witness for Life,

Many of you were among the approx 70 who participated with us in our First Helpers Prayer Vigil this past September. The prayer and witness of all of you was so powerful. Was it really – do we ever know?

One young man who was present with us that day provided prayer support at another clinic elsewhere in our area this past Saturday. I was at home preparing to sit down to breakfast and we received a call from this young man that a woman had turned around at a clinic. He brought the young woman over. Another sister and I spent the morning meeting with her and giving her examples of all of the various resources and people that were available to assist her in her pregnancy. She left our convent having a new perspective and a new sense of life.

She kept telling us – “this was my second time coming to the clinic and I just didn’t want to do it. I read the brochure… but what really changed my mind was that young man who approached me and told me there was another way. He never condemned me and he was just so nice….I am so glad he was there… he was so nice.”

It make a difference to witness to life – this woman’s life is forever changed and she and her child are eternally grateful to each of you.

Next prayer witness and vigil – Sat, Oct 4th – Mass at 8am – St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral.

God Bless You.

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The Sisters of Life have announced a new opportunity for young adults and all New York City Catholics to give a public and prayerful witness to the Church’s Gospel of Life, or as the Sisters say, “to pray at the front lines of the culture of life and death.”

From Sr. Lucy Marie, SV:

Join with the Sisters of Life and NYC young adults and be part of a new generation building a culture of life.

First Saturday Prayer Vigils begin on Sat, Sept 6th with 8am Mass at Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral, NYC – Msgr. Phillip Reilly will be the main celebrant. See Flier below and attached. Come to all or part of the morning.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass begins our day in beautiful Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral (the Sisters of Life will provide a Schola), Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament follows, and people can either remain in the Church to adore our Lord or attend the rosary procession to the local abortion clinic – Planned Parenthood.

Upon return from the clinic (approx 10:15am) we will have a social (complete with coffee and bagels) with a short (15 mins) presentation by the Sisters of Life. You will hear of concrete ways to be of service, as Co-Workers, helping vulnerable pregnant women that are currently being served by the Sisters.

Promote this to your friends and let me know if you plan on attending on Sept 6th and approx how many people you may be bringing. Keep the spiritual success of this effort for Life in your daily prayers.

Thank you and God Bless.
Sr. Lucy Marie
Respect Life Coordinator
Archdiocese of New York
212-371-1011 X3192

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New York City’s unusually high abortion rates reveal the contemporary need for the Church’s Gospel of Life.

In his 1968 encyclical Humanae Vitae, Pope Paul VI clarified again the intrinsically evil nature of abortion, this time in the context of his discussion of the illicit means of spacing children within families.  In defending the “principle of totalilty” that should govern every instance of the marital embrace of husband and wife, the Pope lists abortion as one means of birth control absolutely contrary to both the natural law and the Christian Gospel.

In conformity with these landmarks in the human and Christian vision of marriage, we must once again declare that the direct interruption of the generative process already begun, and, above all, directly willed and procured abortion, even if for therapeutic reasons, are to be absolutely excluded as licit means of regulating birth.

This is certainly one of the least controversial points Pope Paul makes in Humanae Vitae.  One might wonder why he even mentions it.  The reason is this: the logic behind his conclusion regarding abortion is the same that undergirds his more disputed conclusions regarding the use of the pill, prophylactics, and all other artificial and invasive forms of birth control.  Once identified, his reasoning in explaining the Church’s teaching is easy to understand.  In every instance of sexual expression, the Pope explains, the integrity of the sexual act must be respected by husband and wife.  To act otherwise is to dismantle a fundamental structure that supports married life.  More to the point, to willfully render sterile something which by nature is generative and oriented toward fruitfulness is both to act contrary to the law written into human nature and to sin against Christian charity.

Continue Reading »

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Keep up with the sights and sounds of World Youth Day with the Sisters of Life!  

Most of the New York congregation, including those from the nearby East 66th Street convent, have gone to Sydney to be with the Holy Father, and they’re chronicling their visit on a new blog.  On it they’ve already posted tons of terrific pics and stories.  Check it out, and pray for the good sisters, that their witness and catechesis will bear much fruit for the Church in Australia!

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A recent Fox News story on the physical effects of prayer on the brain features the Sisters of Life. The footage of the sisters at prayer was shot in their East 66th Street convent, which is just two blocks away from St. Vincent’s. A couple of the friars here offer Mass for the sisters periodically.

Click below to view the story.

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