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Embryonic stem-cell research inserts

In January, Bishop Peter J. Jugis of Charlotte and Bishop Michael F. Burbridge of Raleigh have sent joint letters to all pastors in North Carolina urging them to acquaint their parishioners with the Catholic Church's teachings on stem-cell research, especially those aspects that violate the church's moral teaching. They have also provided three educational bulletin inserts: Introduction to the Ethics and Science of Stem Cell Research, Myths and Facts of Stem Cell Research, and A Call to Action.





Rachel's Vineyard
Weekend Retreat
 for Post-Abortion Healing

Turn your pain into hope,
learn to forgive yourself,
and find the unconditional
love of Christ. 

Open to both men and women, Catholic or non-Catholic. This retreat will give you a chance to be nurtured and supported by experienced retreat leaders. You will not be rushed or hurried but allowed time to reflect and be open to the gradual healing process.
 
For information or registration, please call 704-370-3229.

Respect Life

     More than 20 years ago, the American bishops established the National Office of Respect Life to address the "slippery slope" of diminished respect for life found in the United States. In the Diocese of Charlotte, the Respect Life Program seeks to educate and raise awareness through parish coordination. It especially addresses the issue of abortion and sponsors events and activities such as the annual March for Life, National Night of Prayer for Life, post-abortion healing services, and prayer services. Contact Maggi Nadol at (704) 370-3229 or email respectlife@charlottediocese.org for more information.

Pope John Paul II in his encyclical on the Gospel of Life extends the Church's hand to help these women find the peace of Christ.  "I would now like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion.  The Church is aware of the many factors which may have influenced your decision, and she does not doubt that in many cases it was a painful and even shattering decision. The wound in your heart may not yet have healed. Certainly what happened was and remains terribly wrong.  But do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope. Try rather to understand what happened and face it honestly. If you have not already done so, give yourselves over with humility and trust to repentance. The Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. To the same Father and his mercy you can with sure hope entrust your child.  With the friendly and expert help and advice of other people, and as a result of your own painful experience, you can be among the most eloquent defenders of everyone's right to life. Through your commitment to life, whether by accepting the birth of other children or by welcoming and caring for those most in need of someone to be close to them, you will become promoters of a new way of looking at human life." Evangelium Vitae #99

 Helpful Web sites

www.usccb.org  This web-site of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops provides information on numerous subjects. The link on Life Issues will be particularly useful for issues pertaining to the Sanctity of Life.

www.nchla.org  The National Committee for a Human Life Amendment, provides information on legislation. Action Alerts are easy to understand and provide the message to be delivered as well as the action.

www.rachelsvineyard.org  The Diocese of Charlotte sponsors Rachel's Vineyard retreats for those in need of healing following an abortion. Upcoming retreats and dates are listed on the web-site.

www.priestsforlife.org  Resource material.

www.ncbcenter.org  National Catholic Bioethics Center.

www.senate.gov  Information on U.S. Senators.

www.house.gov  Information on U.S. Representatives.

www.ncga.state.nc.us/  North Carolina General Assembly. Legislative information; allows you to find your representative by zip code.

 

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