News - Respect Life RSS Feed

The Bishops of New Jersey have designated Friday, Jan. 22 as a day of fasting and prayer to mark the 48th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court decision, which made abortion legal. To mark the grim anniversary, Bishop Kevin Sweeney is inviting all in the Diocese to join him in prayer during a livestreamed event at 7 p.m. on Jan. 22 at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson with a limited number of young people from the city of Paterson joining in person.

This Jan. 22 will be the 48th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion on demand in our country. As we speak about and experience political and other divisions, I am not sure if there has been any issue that has been more divisive on the national and many other levels of society over these past 50 (plus) years.

Each month Frank Tinari edits his newsletter, “Family and Pro-Life News Briefs for Catholics” to spread awareness on the most important life issues facing the nation. His newsletter is in parish bulletins throughout the Paterson Diocese and state and on the Diocese’s website. It is also sent via email to those who request it. It features news briefs from several news sources and organizations that focus on life issues whether it be about abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research and more. The newsletter also touches upon family life issues such as natural family planning and strengthening marriage.

Every year, the U.S. Bishops designate the first Sunday in October as Respect Life Sunday with the entire month of October dedicated to Respect Life issues. This year, the celebration of Respect Life Sunday will be observed on Oct. 4. Under the theme, “Live the Gospel of Life, to Imitate Christ and Follow in His Footsteps,” there are several resources available and events for parishes and the faithful to participate in during Respect Life Month to remind all that Catholics believe all life is precious from conception to natural death.

For 40 days starting on Sept. 23 and commencing on Nov. 1, pro-life advocates throughout the world are invited to participate in the 40 Days for Life campaign to pray and be an important witness for the protection of babies in the womb at the locations where they are being aborted. In the Paterson Diocese, there will be a vigil outside of Planned Parenthood at 196 Speedwell Avenue here. The Morris County Right to Life coordinates it.

At three months old, Clare Marie Mazzola is cute as a button — like any other baby. A tuft of brown hair sits on her head above her sparkling brown eyes; her rosy cheeks cannot help but invite little kisses from her parents and two older brothers. The only difference with Clare Marie’s appearance is minor facial features due to Down syndrome, caused by being born with an extra 21st chromosome.