Remembering those affected by abortion in January

Date:               January 5, 2009

To:                   Diocesan Pro-Life/Respect Life Directors

State Catholic Conference Directors

Project Rachel Directors

From:               Susan Wills

Re:                   Remembering those affected by abortion in January

Dear Director,

January can be a very difficult time for those most directly impacted by abortion. The recent holidays may have brought no true peace or joy. And as the anniversary of Roe v. Wade approaches, it is almost impossible to avoid hearing about abortion, as pro-lifers from San Francisco to Washington, DC and every major city in between march, witness, lobby and pray for an end to abortion.

It is not surprising that some pastors find it difficult to address abortion in their homilies, especially at this time of year when the issue seems “politicized.” As important as public witness is to help shape our nation’s laws and policies, we can never lose sight of the fact that abortion is not simply a political issue; it is primarily a moral issue. Children’s lives are taken, and countless souls may be forever lost because of unrepented involvement in an abortion.

How can we make this a time of grace and reconciliation for those suffering loss and remorse in the aftermath of abortion? We propose three ideas:

Good homilies on the subject of God’s merciful love never fail to bring many who’ve been involved in abortion to Confession or pastoral counseling. We attach “Homily Notes” prepared by Fr. David Toups, S.T.D., of the USCCB Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations and hope that, even at this late date, you’ll be able to forward them to your diocesan priests.

The Secretariat, with the Sisters of Life and others, are offering an “Afternoon of Prayerful Remembrance & Intercession” in the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Wednesday, January 21 from 1 – 4 PM. The simple program includes Eucharistic Adoration and rosary, personal testimonies from those who have been affected by abortion, intercessory prayer, opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Developed by the Sisters of Life, the New York Archdiocesan Family Life/Respect Life Office & Lumina/Hope & Healing After Abortion, this will be the first time the program is presented outside the Archdiocese of New York. The USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities and Shrine staff are co-sponsoring this event as a deeply meaningful way to begin observances at the Shrine marking the 36^th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decisions. The program would be easy to replicate in your diocese later in the year or next January.

Lastly, the Secretariat is teaming up with local Project Rachel offices to run two ads (attached) in Metro trains during the month of January. You are welcome to reproduce these for similar efforts in your own region. Please note that you’ll have to replace 888-456-HOPE with your own diocesan or statewide Project Rachel number. A recent radio ad broadcast in western states and using that number is bringing calls in to the Arlington, VA office of Project Rachel. They are glad to counsel those who’ve called (from as far away as California!), but it’s tough on sometimes apprehensive callers to be told they have to contact a different office for referral.

May God give you every grace and blessing you’ll need in the coming year to continue your vital, life-saving work!

Yours in Christ,

Susan Wills