Words of Life

HHS's new mandate for contraception/sterilization coverage … includes an incredibly narrow exemption for "religious employers" that protects almost no one. For example, a Catholic institution serving the poor and needy would have to fire its non-Catholic staff, refuse life-affirming care to non-Catholic people in need, and devote itself instead to "the inculcation of religious values" to qualify for the exemption. Individuals, insurers, and the sponsors of non-employee health plans (e.g., student health plans in Catholic schools) would have no exemption at all. This effort to corral religion exclusively into the sanctuaries of houses of worship betrays a complete ignorance of the role of religion in American life, and of Congress's long tradition of far more helpful laws on religious freedom.

- Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and Chair of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life

Activities, Letter to Congress, September 7, 2011, in support of the "Respect for Rights of Conscience Act"

For those who have committed sins against the sanctity of human life, especially those near death: that they may be reconciled with God ; w e pray to the Lord. Amen.

El nuevo mandato de HHS [Depto. de Salud y Servicios Humanos de EE.UU.] para la cobertura de anticoncepción / esterilización... incluye una exención increíblemente estrecha para los "empleadores religiosos" que protege a casi nadie. Por ejemplo, una institución católica al servicio de los pobres y necesitados tendría que despedir a su personal no católico, negar atención que protege la vida a los no católicos necesitados y dedicarse en cambio a "la inculcación de valores religiosos" para calificar para el exención. Los individuos, las aseguradoras y los patrocinadores de planes de salud para los que no son empleados (p. ej., planes de salud para estudiantes en escuelas católicas) no tendría absolutamente ninguna excepción. Este afán de acorralar la religión exclusivamente en los templos revela una ignorancia completa del papel de la religión en la vida estadounidense, y de la larga tradición en el Congreso de pasar leyes mucho más útiles a la libertad religiosa. - Cardenal Daniel DiNardo, Arzobispo de Galveston-Houston y presidente del Comité para Actividades

Pro- Vida de la USCCB, Cartas al Congreso, 7 de septiembre de 2011, para apoyar el proyecto de ley

"Respecto por los Derechos de Conciencia"

Por quienes han pecado contra la santidad de la vida humana, especialmente aquellos que están cerca de la muerte: para que puedan reconciliarse con Dios ; roguemos al Señor. Amen.

Visit Our Respect Life Ministry Table

This weekend stop by the Respect Life Ministry table in the narthex to pick up pamphlets, bumper stickers, precious feet pins and more-all for free! Drop off your donations, learn more about our programs and Memorial Garden, too. Questions? For info on the garden and Respect Life Ministry, contact Cece Smith at 210-289-0179. To learn more about the Gabriel Project, a ministry aimed at women who find themselves in a crisis pregnancy, visit www.gabrielprojectsa.org or call the hotline at 210-563-0669. Want to volunteer? Call Michelle Phinizy at 210-275-1484.

Join us in the church on Monday, Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

for a Mass offered for an end to abortion.

Natural Family Planning-not your grandma's rhythm method!

• • Inexpensive
  • All-natural
  • 99% effective
  • Builds strong families
  • Shares family planning equally
  • Medically safe
  • Morally acceptable
  • Highly effective
  • Builds marital intimacy
  • Increases marital communication

New class series starts Jan. 29 at St. Anthony Claret Church. Register online at www.ccli.org for materials. Call Chris or Nicole Glowe at 210-257-6616 for more info.

We're looking for some very special married couples/individuals for a very special apostolate: to teach NFP and witness to its virtuous application as responsible parents.

Couples/individuals will be provided professional instruction and consultation

in the Family of the America's Ovulation Method.

Feb. 17 - 19, Archdiocese of San Antonio, 2718 W. Woodlawn Ave.

Fee: $200/person; $300/couple (if sharing materials)

Registration and payment must be received by Feb.1.

For more info, contact Steve Pokorny at 210-734-1650.