Bishop Murphy's letter in support of the March for Life.  

 Read Bishop Murphy's technological approach in the fourth paragraph.   

                          January 18, 2004 

Dear Friends in Christ: 

For the 31^st time we will commemorate the tragic anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade.  This year, however, we can look forward with renewed hope to the end of these observances.  The passage of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003 signals a turning of the national conscience towards protection under the law of all human life.   

As we work to end the assaults on life in the womb we must also address other elements in our society that undermine the dignity of the human person – cloning, murder, euthanasia, suicide, pornography and attacks on the sanctity of marriage.  The gift of life is God’s first gift to us.  We must protect and nurture it with all our strength.   We must also pray with and for those suffering from infertility, terminal and chronic illnesses, the physically and mentally challenged.  They face unique challenges in following God’s call to life.  They and all those who are vulnerable deserve our love, care and protection.   

I encourage all who can to attend the March for Life in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, January 22^nd to publicly witness to the Gospel of Life.  Your prayerful presence impacts the laws we live by and inspires others to speak the truth about the innate value of every human life.  There will be two opportunities for me to greet you and for us to pray together.  Upon arrival we will gather at the Washington Monument entrance at 16^th Street and Constitution Avenue. Following the March, we join in prayer and I will offer a blessing for your safe journey home at St. Joseph’s on Capitol Hill (behind the Supreme Court Building) from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.  

Finally, please continue your pro-life advocacy by joining the new statewide electronic Catholic Advocacy Network. It will use the power of the Internet and the convenience of e-mail to lobby your legislators from your homes, with a few clicks of the computer mouse. There is no cost. Please go to www.nyscatholic.org to sign up. Or send your name, mailing address, phone number and e-mail address to Catholic Advocacy Network, New York State Catholic Conference, 456 State Street, Albany, NY 12203-1004 or by calling (518) 434-6195. Be certain to mention the name of your parish and the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Please encourage your fellow parishioners to join and have an impact on the moral issues of the 21^st century. 

May God continue to strengthen our commitment to building a Culture of Life. 

                                                                        Yours in Christ

                                                                        Bishop of Rockville Centre

TO BE READ FROM THE PULPIT OR PRINTED IN THE BULLETIN ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2004
LETTER CAN BE DOWNLOADED AT:  www.drvc.org/bishop/letter012204.htm