Category Archives: activism

Culture of Death Knocks on Congress’ Door, Catholics Called to Action – Day of Prayer and Fast

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Last week was a crazy and confusing week given the latest twists and turns emanating from the final days of the health care battle.  Pro-government run health care forces are doing all they can to play parliamentary games to try and pass pro-abortion, pro-euthanasia, government imposed health care on the American people, despite the peoples’ fairly obvious objection — over and over again. 

SMS has covered the health care debate ad nauseum.  This is because of the tremendous life-altering impact health care “reform,” as proposed by pro-abortion/euthanasia forces in Washington, mainly President Obama and his allies in Congress, Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, will have on the American people and our culture.  Obama, Pelosi and Reid are trying to pull out every trick in the book to force the American public, the taxpayer, to fund elective abortion on demand and sign up for policies that lead to rationing of care, as well as force doctors to perform abortions and engage practices that ration care. 

A new study out by the New England Journal of Medicine says that almost 1/3 of Doctors say they would leave the health profession if the Obama Democrats version of health care passes.  Yet we see little of this in the national media.

The USCCB issued a Call to Action that will appeared in many bulletins on Sunday urging Catholics to call their Represenatives and Senators and once again  make our voices heard in defense of the sanctity of life, from conception to natural death.  It also declares that a conscience protections clause must be in the final bill, protecting the rights of doctors, nurses and other pro-life medical professionals who refuse to engage in life ending practices or counseling on abortion or euthanasia.

You can read the Call to Action and bulletin insert here.

Additionally, SMS is asking our supporters to pass the word in joining Bishop Paul Loverde, Bishop of the Diocese of Arlington, VA in his call for Monday, March 15th to be a national day of prayer and fast to protect the sanctity of life in any health care legislation that comes from Congress. 

Learn more about the fast here.

Make no mistake, the health care bill that will be voted on this week will include taxpayer funding for abortion, will lead to rationing of health care and is devoid of sufficient protections for pro-life doctors, nurses and medical professionals.  The culture of death is knocking on Congress’ door.  Given that no life-protecting measures are in the bill to be voted on next week, SMS urges our supporters to call their Representatives and Senators and tell them to vote NO! 

Call your Congressman at 202-225-3121

Call your Senator at 202-224-3121

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The Power of “True” Fasting

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Two year’s ago, the Pastor at our Church made copies available of a Catholic magazine called The Word Among Us.  While there are many terrific Catholic magazines, newspapers and online sources, The Word Among Us has really struck a chord.  

This month’s issue is truly incredible.  It is not only dedicated to Lent, but it focuses on the true meaning and impact of Fasting on our spiritual well being.  Lent is so often practiced by many as a “that time of the year” ritual or tradition, rather than experienced as a way to examine conscience, seek reconciliation through Penance and a time of Fasting to draw closer to God and have a better understanding of our Faith as Catholics. 

“True” Fasting, as outlined in Isaiah 58, will truly transform our lives, draw us closer to God and straighten our pathway to eternal life. 

The current issue of The Word Among Us can and will inspire us to be more passionate in our Lenten observance and, through sacrifice and prayer, draw us closer to Our Lord and Savior.   

Below are some bible stories about Fasting featured in the current issue.  But we also encourage you to go to the site and prayerfully reflect on the three articles of Fasting for this Lenten season.  It could change your spiritual life.

Blow the Trumpet Call the Assembly

It’s All About Prayer: Discerning a “True” Fast from a False One

Open Our Eyes Lord: Fasting Creates a Hunger for God’s Leading

Hear and Answer Us, O Lord!

Helpful Stories from the Bible about Fasting

For answers to prayer: “We fasted and prayed to our God for this, and our petition was granted” (Ezra 8:23). Burdened with embarrassment about having to ask the Persian king for an army to protect him and his fellow travelers, Ezra fasted and prayed, and the king granted his request.

For forgiveness of sin: “When they were gathered at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out on the ground before the Lord, and they fasted that day, confessing, ‘We have sinned against the Lord’” ?(1 Samuel 7:6). Samuel led God’s people in a fast to celebrate the return of the Ark of the Covenant and to pray that Israel might be forgiven of the sin that allowed the Ark to be captured in the first place.

For clarity and guidance: “Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus. For three days he was unable to see, and he neither ate nor drank” (Acts 9:8-9). Having just experienced a traumatic conversion, Paul fasted for three days while he tried to reconcile himself to the fact that he had been wrong to persecute the Christians. After three days, he was visited by Ananias, a Christian leader in Damascus, who prayed over him, restored his eyesight, and helped him gain clarity on God’s calling for him.

For a special calling or mission: “He will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb” (Luke 1:15). John the Baptist adopted a rigorous fast to help keep him focused on his ministry.

Appeal to God for protection: “Fast on my behalf, all of you, not eating or drinking, night or day, for three days. I and my maids will also fast in the same way. Thus prepared, I will go to the king” (Esther 4:16). It was against the law for a woman to appeal to the king in Babylon. But Esther dared to do this so that she could plead with the king to protect her people from destruction. Prior to taking this bold step, Esther asked all the Jews to fast and pray that God would protect her. The king welcomed her, heard her petition, and saved the Jews.

 

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For the 10th Time on Tape: Planned Parenthood Covering Up Child Rape/Abuse:

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President Obama released his healthcare bill yesterday which gives an astounding $11 billion to “Community Health Centers” like Planned Parenthood. Today, Live Action Films, led by undercover student journalist Lila Rose (a Catholic by the way), released their 9th video, the 10th clinic, showing Planned Parenthood deliberately covering up child sex abuse.

The new undercover footage shows staff at a Milwaukee, WI Planned Parenthood abortion clinic counseling a purportedly 14-year-old girl not to tell anyone about her 31-year-old boyfriend and coaching her how to obtain an abortion without her parents’ consent.

In the video, after hearing the girl is 14 and her boyfriend is “much older,” the counselor says whether or not the situation will be reported by clinic workers “depends on the person you’re disclosing that information to.” When the girl says that her boyfriend is 31, the counselor tells her, “You don’t have to say anything” about the statutory rape and instructs her, “Just give them the information that’s needed.” The counselor also confirms that the 31-year-old “boyfriend” will be paying for the abortion.

The new video, ninth in a series from Live Action documenting similar behavior in 5 other states, comes amid recent controversy about Planned Parenthood’s compliance with state laws regarding minors and abortion.

Just a couple weeks ago, the Alabama Dept of Health put a Planned Parenthood clinic in Birmingham on probation for a year for several violations, including giving 2 abortions to a 13-year-old girl within 4 months and never notifying her parents. This is the same clinic that Lila Rose went undercover in, posing as an underage girl with a much older boyfriend and wanting an abortion.

If President Obama’s healthcare plan passes, Planned Parenthood will be getting billions of tax dollars to cover up child sex abuse cases like this.

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Lenten Carbon Fast?

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There’s a new calendar by the Archdiocese of Washington that is causing a stir among some critics for its focus on Catholics cutting their carbon footprint this Lent.

 The calendar, created by the Diocese’s Environmental Outreach Committee, provides 40 carbon-fasting suggestions in order to be “wise stewards of God’s Creation” in preparation for Lent and the Easter Season.  Some of the measures include:

  •  “Turn down your thermostat by at least one degree.”
  • “Remember your baptism today, and the power of water. Try to conserve: Leave a bucket in the shower or kitchen sink, and collect ‘grey water’ to water the plants.”
  • “Be aware of how much food you discard this week. Look for opportunities to avoid wasting food by planning well, and eating leftovers.”
  • “Speak out! Ask our leaders to take action on climate change today.”
  • Show reverence for life and for the Earth today by obeying the speed limit when driving. Every 10 mph in speed reduces fuel economy by 4 mph, and increases the risk of getting into an accident.

The full calendar is viewable here, and more detail on the calendar and the promotion of this “new twist on Lent” by the California bishops is at the California Catholic Daily.

While these are good suggestions to be stewards of God’s creation, how appropriate is it to focus an entire 40 days on cutting your carbon footprint?  Is that more important than the grave issues like abortion, adultery, euthanasia and others that could inform Lenten sacrifices such as volunteering at a Pregnancy Resource Center or taking time to help an elderly neighbor? Some, like the Sweetness & Light blog,  have questioned the calendar’s focus saying

Is nothing sacred? This isn’t your father’s Catholicism.

Others, like this Catholic who must remain anonymous, shared a keen insight saying

We have clear guidelines on how to follow the liberals on saving the planet but we cannot have clear guidelines when it pertains to their votes on killing babies?

What do you think?

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Lila Rose: Profile of a Pro-Life Hero

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At St. Michael Society, we are going to start a new feature focusing on an introduction to a pro-life hero. First up is a young woman whose photo is posted at most Planned Parenthood clinics across the country. She is a thorn in the side of the abortion industry and a fearless pro-life warrior. 

Lila Rose is president of Live Action, a student-run organization, who has uncovered the real Planned Parenthood in several undercover investigative projects in the past few years – everything from racial bias to the cover up of child sex abuse to giving women complete misinformation about abortion.   

Lila is also a recently converted Catholic and winner of one of the Life Prizes awards in 2009 and is truly an inspiration. She is persistent, persuasive and dedicated to the cause of ending abortion. 

Last year, Live Action released a series of videos in the Mona Lisa Project, which sought to expose Planned Parenthood clinics across the nation for purposely covering up child rape and sexual abuse. The project led to a series of firings in Indiana and investigations in Arizona and Alabama. It led to a law in Tennessee to hold organizations like PP more accountable. 

Yesterday the Alabama Dept. of Health announced that the Planned Parenthood in Birmingham is on a year-long probation for serious violations of failing to follow state law that requires a parent or legal guardian to give consent before an abortion. Of note, one violation was an instance of a 12-year-old girl who had 2 abortions in 4 months. When asked about it, the Planned Parenthood worker did not think this was unusual or potentially showing neglect. Also, PP was using expired suction equipment and at least 1 expired medication, with an open needle attached. Also, the air conditioning was out. It was 90 degrees in one of the operating rooms during one of the inspections. To see the actual documentation, go to here: http://liveaction.org/files/PPViolations.pdf. Here’s the video that started it all: http://liveaction.org/blog/planned-parenthood-probation/. 

To keep up with Lila Rose and Live Action, be sure to fan them on Facebook and check out their blog and website.

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Santorum: Opponents of Same-Sex Marriage Have Faced Persecution in California

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Former pro-life, pro-family Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, has a terrific piece today in the Philadelphia Inquirer revealing the campaign of hate and intimidation waged by the pro-gay marriage community in California against supporters of Proposition 8.  In the November 2008 election Prop 8 was reaffirmed by a vote of 6,838,107 / 52.3% Yes votes to 6,246,463 / 47.7% No votes. 

Sen. Santorum reports:

The reaction of some Prop 8 opponents – the self-proclaimed champions of tolerance – was swift and fierce. They moved to harass and persecute Prop 8 supporters. 

Groups such as the misnamed “Californians Against Hate” published blacklists of Prop 8 backers that included supporters’ names and addresses. Prop 8 advocates became the target of harassing protests, phone calls, e-mails, and mailings.

A flier distributed in one town featured a photo of one Prop 8 backer, his name, the amount of his donation, and the name of his (Catholic) church. Next to his photo was the word “Bigot.”

Some Prop 8 campaign donors had to resign from their jobs or take leaves of absence to protect their employers and colleagues. Top officials of California Musical Theatre and the Los Angeles Film Festival were forced to resign just because they had donated in support of Prop 8.

That wasn’t all. These warriors for the oppressed also made a point of going after pro-Prop 8 Mormons and their church.

Despite having passed twice in California including by 61% of the vote in the 2000 election, the pro-gay marriage movement continues to try to reject the will of the people.

To learn more about the ongoing fight to defend marriage in California and throughout the country, you can visit www.nationformarriage.org.

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Bella’s Eduardo Versteragui Endorses Catholic Candidate for Illinois Governor

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If you know anything about Catholic rock stars, chances are you have heard of Eduardo Versteragui. He’s the Mexican actor whose compassion, love and generosity for a mother and her unborn child stole our hearts in the award-winning 2006 film “Bella.”

 

Versteragui has an inspiring personal history, having transformed his life and mission as an actor after coming to Hollywood and converting to the faith.  Since his conversion, he has been extremely proactive in helping spread the pro-life message in entertainment media and the political arena.

His latest endorsement is to campaign on behalf of Adam Andrzejewski, a pro-life Roman Catholic running for Illinois state Governor.

Versteragui has issued a short video explaining why he is supporting Andrzejewski and the importance of electing a Governor who adheres to our Catholic values. As a politician who is “proudly pro-life,” Veesteragui enthusiastically shares that ”his position on the pro-life issue is as powerful as it is refreshing.” The video concludes in text, reminding viewers that Illinois is where President Obama began his political career and where he voted against the “Infant’s Born Alive Act.”

Well worth the two minute watch on YouTube:

Andrzejewski’s primary race is this Tuesday, February 2st and he is gaining momentum among five candidates, all of whom are separated by just eight points in the polls. His wife Kerry and their three daughters are parishioners of St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Hinsdale, IL.

Support his campaign and visit http://www.adamforillinois.com/

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Tebow Responds to Critics, Please Send Tim a Message of Support

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God bless Tim Tebow and God Bless Mrs. Tebow for choosing life.  Just watching this video (at bottom) we can see God’s hand at work in this fine young man, who has courageously stepped out to share his Celebrate Life story.  He so deserves our support. 

Given Tim’s strong and unwavering support for life, SMS is asking our friends to leave comments on our blog that we will pass on to our friends at Focus on the Family, the pro-life, pro-family organization which made this ad possible.

Thank you for supporting Tim and for helping our country Celebrate Life.  Leave comments in section below.

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Stop The Attempt To Use the “Nuclear” Option

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From the Susan B. Anthony List…

Nancy Pelosi is plotting to salvage Pro-Abortion Bill

Nancy Pelosi has revealed her intention to use the “nuclear” option to pass an amendment to the Senate Health Care Reform Bill through the Senate.  She intends to use this procedural trick to convince Representatives to pass the unpopular pro-abortion Senate Health Care Reform Bill.  Tell your Representative to oppose using procedural tricks to shove unpopular pro-abortion health care legislation through Congress.  Demand that they stand firm against any attempt to pass the pro-abortion Senate Health Care Reform Bill into law.

http://capwiz.com/sbalist/issues/alert/?alertid=14605861

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CBS Challenged to Hold Ground on Pro-Life Super Bowl Ad

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Will CBS cave to pro-abortion activist pressures?

According to Brent Bozell, President of the Media Research Center, their credibility is toast if they do.

Bozell has called on CBS  to stay the course in planning to air the life-affirming Super Bowl commercial featuring  Tim Tebow and his mother, despite the opposition  from left-wing activist groups.

He makes some excellent points:

“Radical leftist groups like the National Organization for Women have the gall to claim that this life-affirming ad is ‘extraordinarily offensive and demeaning.’  I wonder, what is so offensive about celebrating the decision of a mother to have her baby? Apparently this is too much for these radicals to handle, so they are unabashedly pressuring CBS to censor the message. They are disgraceful.

Brent Bozell

Brent Bozell

“CBS has the opportunity to make this a game-changer for network television. It has been documented time and again that the broadcast networks are left-wing in their news, editorial and entertainment decisions.  Here is an opportunity for CBS to show balance and fairness – and simple decency. It also presents an opportunity to stand against liberal political censorship.  They should take it and run this positive, uplifting ad.

“If CBS caves to the leftist pressure, it’s over for this network’s credibility. On the other hand, CBS can make a very positive statement to all of America by holding its ground.”

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