>       RESPECT  FOR  LIFE  COMMITTEE       >

 St. John the Baptist

427 Franklin Street

Schenectady, NY 12305

374-9148 

Coordinator - Carol Caruso - 346-6721 

The Respect for Life Committee met on Jan. 16 at 6:00 PM in the parish rectory.

ATTENDING: Bob and Aileen Newbold, Jim Cronin and Carol Caruso.

OPENING PRAYER: 

Since Jan. 22 is the anniversary of the Roe vs.Wade decision legalizing abortion the prayer was dedicated to all the unborn children who have died in the past 28 years.

The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed with no corrections.

CALENDAR:

Dec.  6              2:00 PM  Holy Hour of Prayer for Life - St. Theresa of Avila.

            Dec.  8              Feast - Immaculate Conception.

            Dec. 12            Feast - Our Lady of Guadeloupe - Patroness of the unborn.

            Dec. 28            Feast - of the Holy Innocents.

                                    6:00 PM  - Walk of Reparation.

                                    7:00 PM  -  Devotional prayers - St. Augustine's, Troy.

                                    7:30 PM  -  Mass of the Holy Innocents.

Jan. 20              2:00 PM  - Witness for Life (Sponsored by Capital Region Pro-

Life Council, Citizens Concerned for Human Life) -   Albany.

Jan. 21-22      March for Life - Washington, D.C.  Buses leave Capital

                                         District Jan. 21, 11:00 PM. Call Barbara - 518-456-3998

Apr. 23                               Legislature Lobby for Life.  Speaker - Wesley Smith

                                         Sponsored by NYS Right to Life.

CORRESPONDENCE:   No correspondence.

OLD BUSINESS:

            Flowers for Immaculate Conception:

Everyone thought they looked very lovely and in keeping with the season of Advent and the intent of our Committee.

BETHESDA TOILETRY COLLECTION:

We will put the collection basket back in the vestibule and collect individual items.  Put reminders in bulletin.

LITURATURE RACK:

            Finances:  We have been considering getting a literature rack.  We must submit a          six-month budget to the finance committee and find a place for it.

            Other churches that have racks are:

                        St. John the Evangelist

                        Our Lady of Fatima

                        Rectory - Sacred Heart

Everyone will try to take a look at these and see if they meet our needs.  We will meet on Jan. 26 after the 5 PM mass to discuss this.

NEWSLETTER

We will write a newsletter article outlining correspondence written and received.

EXPANDING COMMITTEE:

            Keep asking people individually to participate.

NEW BUSINESS:

            Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities - a Campaign in Support of Life:

This is the US Bishop's revised plan for pro-life activities. Bob will look up their website www.usccb.org/prolife/pastoralplan.htm and bring back any useful information.

OUTREACH/EDUCATION:

·         Carol discussed a show from EWTN - On This Rock which she will try to get info on. 

·         EWTN also will cover the Washington March on Jan 22, 11 AM, 10 PM

·         EWTN will produce a 4 part series - Pro-life is Pro-love, aimed at youth organizations.  Jim will tape this and we will review it and see if it may be useful.  Jan 21, 10 PM.  Jan 22  3 AM, 9 AM, 4:30 PM

PROGRAMS:

            Five Wishes  -  concerning living wills.

Lifebeat - The Diocesan Respect for Life Newsletter had an article on this program and will give support to parishes interested.  Carol will contact Family Life Office - 453-6677 for more information.

NEXT MEETING:

            Tuesday February 12 at 6:00 PM in St. John the Baptist Rectory.

            Bring a friend.  Everyone is welcome.

CLOSING PRAYER:

            By Carol Caruso

Submitted by Carol Caruso