What has happened up to this point in the health care reform debate? The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate have passed different bills. On the question of preventing abortion funding, the House language is good, the Senate language is unacceptable. Outside the abortion context, neither bill has adequate conscience protection for health care providers, plans or employers.

What’s next? The two chambers need to agree on a final bill. It is not clear how this will be achieved. There is discussion of using a reconciliation bill, a budget measure that in the Senate cannot be filibustered and needs only 51 votes to pass.

Analyses of the House and Senate-passed bills can be found on our website at: www.nchla.org/issues.asp?ID=51.

Thank you for all you do in support of life!

Sincerely,

Michael Taylor
Executive Director
NCHLA

Click the link below to log in and send your message:
http://actions.nchla.org/link/target/nchla/FJf3iF5W.aspx

Civil Union Advocates, Opponents Gather

Bishop Larry Silva Addresses the Catholic Faithful on HB444

U.S. Bishops Call on Parishes to Help Stop Abortion Funding in Health Care Reform

From the Desk of Father Paul

This is from the Catholic Catechism:
#2270: Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his (her) existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person - among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life. "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you" (Jer.1:5; cf. Job 10:8-12; ps. 222:10-22). "My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made a secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth" (ps. 139:15).
#2271: Since the first century the Church was affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to moral law: "you shall not kill the embryo by abortion and shall not cause the newborn to perish" (Didache 2:2 - the Didache is an ancient first century Christian document).

The 2010 legislative session will be opening before we realize it. Although we should rejoice in this beautiful Christmas Season, we must be ready to defend our religious beliefs, and yes, our religious rights, in the public forum. We already know that the phrase "separation of church and state" is NOT included in the Constitution and has only been used to intimidate Christians from speaking up. It is time now for us to learn how to take our society back from those who would destroy the standards and virtues that have built this great nation. In an article published by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, it states: "…responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. As Catholics, we should be guided more by our moral convictions than by our attachment to a political party or interest group." Do we all need to run for office? No, but politicians are always looking ahead to the next election. We need to identify ourselves to them as constituents from their district WHO VOTE. They will hear us.

On November 20, 2009, a group of Christian leaders met to create what has now been called the "Manhattan Declaration." It is a document outlining the "fundamental truths about justice and the common good" that the authors feel are under assault in today's society. Specifically, they are: 1) the importance of protecting human life; 2) the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman; 3) the importance of freedom of religion and the right to exercise conscience in business or medical practice. Please "google" the Manhattan Declaration. Read what you find there and sign the petition if you are in agreement. It is one way to let our leaders know what you value.

Next week, I will make available a list of our senators and representatives. I will also provide you with a list of do's and don'ts that will help you to make the most effective contact with them. Along with exercising more and giving up smoking, please add getting more politically involved to your list of New Year's resolutions.

Gotta go boot up my hard drive! Aloha----

The new Life Issues Ministry met for the first time on Thursday night, July 30. Five people came, committed to the value of human life from conception to natural death. There are several others who indicated they were interested in joining the ministry but had conflicts that night. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, August 19, at 7:00 PM. Anyone who is interested in checking us out is free to attend.

All parishes throughout the diocese are encouraged to form a Life Issues Ministry. The current presidential administration has strong feelings that abortion should be made available freely and at federal expense. Late-term abortions, the most horrific of all, are considered a woman's right. The undelivered child, who at that point could often survive on his or her own, has no voice. We need to be that voice.

On the other side of life, we can see the stress of financial and care-taking worries getting in the way of allowing our elderly to live their lives to their natural end.

It's time for us to speak up as Catholics.

Life is Beautiful. Aloha------

Recently it was brought to my attention that the Hewlett Packard Foundation (Hewlett Packard Corporation makes computers, printers, etc.) has granted Planned Parenthood $8.3 million dollars to support their worldwide abortion efforts. International Planned Parenthood is the most powerful abortion provider in the world today and one of its stated goals is to crush the efforts of pro-life groups. Unfortunately I have an hp computer and an hp printer on my desk. Fortunately, however, the printer is broken and not worth getting fixed. You can bet that the next one I get will not be Hewlett Packard. Please join me in not buying hp products.
While I am on the subject of Pro-Life, I would like to get started in our Parish a "Respect Life" ministry. I have brought this up once before and received no inquiries. This is too important an issue to just ignore and we, as Catholics, should always be in the forefront in the battle against the degradation of human life. Please consider being part of this ministry and let me know as soon as possible. Mahalo!

"In Germany they came for the Communists, and I didn't
speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up
because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't
speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak
up because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me, and by that time no one was
left to speak up."

Father Paul has asked over the last few weeks for people to commit to a "Right to Life" ministry. Several of you have indicated that you are interested. I would like to serve as coordinator of this group at least until we get organized. If you are interested, please call me (391-4884) or contact Laura at the church office (676-4700) or leave your name and number with Fr. Paul. This poem could be furthered: "They came for the unborn, and I didn't speak up because I had my life. They came for the weak, and I didn't speak up because I was strong. They came for the aged, and by that time I couldn't defend myself."

We must speak up for those who can't speak for themselves.

Gotta go boot up my hard drive.

Pray to our Mother for answers

If you are in conflict over a right to life issue, pray to our Blessed Mother for guidance and help. What better person to pray to for answers and guidance, than she who said "yes" to God when given a difficult and awesome choice. She put her complete trust in our Lord and chose life. The life that would bring "The Light" into the world.

Section 334 establishes a new “Office for Global Women’s Issues” headed by an ambassador-at-large in the Office of the Secretary of State. This legislation directs that this office coordinate and support efforts regarding “women’s empowerment” around the world.

On April 22, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testified before the Foreign Affairs Committee that this administration “will protect the rights of women, including their rights to reproductive health care” including access to abortion.

Congressman Chris Smith offered an amendment to prevent this new office from promoting abortion around the world, but that amendment is not being allowed to come up for a vote.

Please contact your Representative today and ask that they vote against HR 2410.