March for Life in Fact and in Spirit

01-22-2017Weekly ReflectionFr. Brian Jazdzewski

Each year we hear various amounts of news regarding the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. on 21 & 22 January. The concept has taken on an interesting progression as seen in Pro-Life marches which take place in local, state and regional government facilities throughout the nation. Many people, of all ages, religions, social status and the like come together on these days to stand for LIFE. The marches typically take on a very peaceful and prayerful demonstration to heighten awareness that life matters. We are talking about ALL lives matter! By way of reminder, the March for Life began in D.C. on the anniversary which legalized abortion in our nation. The date the Supreme Court legalized abortion was 21 January 1973. Since then, people of good will have been praying, speaking, writing and working to emphasize the dignity of human life from the moment of conception through natural death. No matter the language, human life will always be human life and needs to be treated as such.

As you know, Monday is a National Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. We are having a local prayer service hosted by Deacon Wendt at the Church of Saint Boniface, Waumandee beginning at 6:30 in the evening. Whether you attend the local prayer service or not, please be mindful of our United States Bishops who have asked us to offer intentional prayer for the aforementioned inention.

The Office of the President of the United States of America

We have been part of another historic Presidential election in recent months. On behalf of all people in leadership; elected, appointed or otherwise, please continue to lift our leaders up in prayer at whatever level they are leading. Additionally, during each transition of power, we also need to be mindful of those who will no longer hold the office they once had. We also need to pray for them that their new reality continues to benefit their families, friends and people they have served in the past.

Looking Ahead to Our Seminarian

Some of you have heard that Samuel McCarty, a seminarian for our diocese, will be arriving soon as part of his formation toward the priesthood. His arrival is scheduled for Saturday, February 11 and he will be around until through Friday, May 12. Often a seminarian's first internship in a parish setting impacts the direction of their future priesthood. The Holy Spirit and Bishop Callahan found favor for Samuel to have his first experience with us. Continue to pray for him and each of our seminarians as they discover God's calling more clearly each day. As an aside, I'm traveling to Mundelein Seminary this week, where Samuel is a student, to receive my training on what the seminary program expects from me. I'm also looking forward to being part of his formation and the freshness and discovery which ongoing life formation brings to all who are open to the life-long process of learning in the presence of God.

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