New OneLife Sponsored Billboard
Sunday, Sep 12
If anyone comes to
me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and
sisters…. This quote from
Jesus, taken out of context, seems to justify the sentiment of the
culture of death. We are given permission to hate, and whom better than
those most burdensome to us? But of course, in the full context Jesus
reminds us that we are to hate even our own lives, meaning we are to let
no relationship or attachment (to people or possessions) take priority
over our relationship to God. It is certainly not a commandment to hate,
but it is hard to see how abortion, euthanasia, or other killing of
innocent life can be considered anything but hateful.
Occasionally
difficult situations arise; medical problems or unplanned pregnancies
can be burdensome. But we shouldn't consider only the costs of caring
for these people and neglect the infinite worth these souls have in
God's eyes. The reading from Wisdom shows that our earthly concerns
about financial or emotional burdens are small compared with the concern
and plans God has for us. Let us pray to convert our culture's
perception of burdensome people, much as Paul converted Philemon's
perception of his former slave to being a beloved brother.
Sunday, Aug 29
Today's readings speak of the importance of our
humility. Modern use of the word usually connotes something negative
("He was humiliated"), but it simply means recognizing our dependence on
God as one of his creatures. There is no conflict between being humble
and respecting the dignity of the human person. Troubles appear in our
relationship with God when we elevate ourselves above others, even
though both of us have the same dignity as human persons. This is why
Jesus tells us to "take the lowest place." When we recognize our own
lowliness, God has room to work his will in us, to make us great in his
eyes. When we think ourselves great already, God has to show us the
truth; then we "proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place."
Defending the culture of life certainly does not put us at the place of
honor at society's table. When we defend life, we are inviting the poor,
crippled, lame, and blind to God's banquet. Society has no use for such
people, especially if their continued life is a supposed drain on a
family's or government's budget. But if you defend the defenseless, you
"will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."
Sunday, Aug 22
A wonderful opportunity is coming soon to
defend the culture of life! Shreveport-Bossier will participate in
40 Days for Life, an ecumenical prayer vigil that
unites hundreds of cities around the world to end abortion.
The Lord told Isaiah that He would gather
people from all nations to worship and bring offerings to Jerusalem,
my holy mountain. We know that we as a parish community, and even
the worldwide Catholic Church, cannot win this battle for life alone
without other Christians and people of goodwill. Therefore we join those
from other backgrounds and beliefs who, like us, want to see an end to
abortion.
Part of carrying our cross includes spiritual
and corporal works of mercy. Standing up for the unborn certainly
qualifies, and will strengthen us spiritually. It is no time to be
complacent: Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell
you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. Make your
spirit stronger by doing what few in our society are willing to do:
defend the unborn. Please visit
40daysforlife.com/sb
for more information, and see us at the OneLife table after each Mass
next weekend for more ways to get involved in this important event.
Sunday, Aug 15
Why do Catholics honor Mary, whose assumption
we celebrate Sunday? First, to fulfill the prophecy she herself
declared: From this day all generations will call me blessed.
But more importantly, we honor her humbleness and obedience to God’s
will. Even after Elizabeth praises Mary and the
fruit of her womb, Mary
deflects the praise away from herself and straight to God: My soul
proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
Mary's humility
and obedience are the weapons Christ gave her in His battle against
evil. We know from the reading in Revelation that she and her son are
victorious in this battle. We also have to battle against the culture of
death, and we need to use those same weapons of humility and obedience
that Christ has given us. Even though the battle will be long and
difficult (Mary had to witness the torture and death of her only son, a
seemingly catastrophic failure), we know that ultimately the culture of
life will win: The last enemy to be
destroyed is death, for he subjected everything under his feet.
19th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Jesus in the Gospel tells us to be
prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.
Are we prepared for Jesus to come again? Would he find us vigilant on
his arrival? Since the culture of life has not converted all hearts,
then we are not fully prepared. Do we correct those who argue for the
benefits of abortion, contraception, euthanasia, and other anti-life
procedures? Do we neglect the sacrament of reconciliation because we're
too ashamed (or not ashamed enough) or embarrassed by a past sin? Have
we reached out in charity towards those facing a crisis pregnancy,
infertility, or an infirm relative?
Why should we be prepared? Today's psalm says
Blessed [is] the nation whose God is the Lord, and the eyes of
the Lord are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his
kindness, to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of
famine.
Even if preparation seems hopeless, follow
Abraham's example: By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go
out… He went out, not knowing where he was to go. Is God calling you
to defend life? If so, know that the one who had made the promise
[is] trustworthy.
18th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Recently, the Church has
warned about the dangers of materialism, the excessive focus on the
things of this earth (especially money). Not surprisingly, people in
wealthy countries can easily fall into the trap of materialist thinking
since money, consumption, and financial matters are a big part of our
culture.
But today's readings remind us to turn our
eyes toward heaven. Paul tells us to put to death, then, the parts of
you that are earthly and if you were raised with Christ, seek
what is above. Jesus, too, points out the problem of an excessive
reliance on material things in the parable of the rich man storing up
grain.
In examining the
reasons why people pursue abortions and contraception, material
considerations usually top the list. People believe they will not be
able to afford children (whether or not they are already conceived) and
thus seek out the gravely immoral use of contraception or abortion. We
need to 1) be charitable toward those in difficult financial situations,
especially if they face an unplanned pregnancy, and 2) remember that
keeping our eyes fixed on earthly matters can prevent us from seeking
what is above, namely following God's will.
17th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Today is the first day
of National NFP Awareness Week! NFP stands for Natural Family Planning,
and it represents a group of scientifically-proven methods of fertility
awareness that helps couples postpone pregnancy, achieve pregnancy, and
gain a better biological, physical, and spiritual understanding of their
bodies and marriage. The wonderful thing about NFP is that it is as
effective as popular medical interventions (contraception, in vitro
fertilization, etc.) but is in conformity with Catholic morality. If you
are unfamiliar with NFP and the tremendous benefits it can provide for
you (married or single), check out
http://www.usccb.org/nfp/.
It is hard for us to
remove ourselves from our culture where the immoral medical
interventions are so pervasively marketed and treated as normal. Our
fallen human nature guarantees that we will sin, and it's easy for
couples (and singles) to sin against their bodies. But the second
reading gives us great hope that even when you were dead in
transgressions…He brought you to life along with Him. We are guaranteed
by Jesus that the Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him;
why not ask the Holy Spirit, acting through the Church, for help in
understanding the great gift of our sexuality?
16th Sunday of Ordinary Time
It is [Jesus] whom we
proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
We don't mind being taught, but being admonished certainly isn't fun.
But it is impossible to teach the facts without also admonishing
erroneous thinking. To be taught thou shalt not kill, it is necessary to
admonish those who believe unborn children do not deserve life.
Similarly, when the Church admonishes the use
of anti-life practices such as contraception and in vitro fertilization,
it also teaches with all wisdom the truth about our sexuality. Though
our culture believes otherwise, the alternative to contraception is not
to have twenty children; the alternative to in vitro fertilization is
not to be childless. The Church promotes a healthy awareness of human
sexuality through Natural Family Planning. In fact, July 25-31 is
National NFP Awareness Week. Check out
www.usccb.org/nfp
for more information on this pro-life and pro-health topic, and inform
your friends who may be misled about it.
When we listen to
society, especially on issues of sexuality, we get worried and anxious
about many things. When we listen at the feet of our Lord and His
Church, we have chosen the better part and will be perfect in Christ.
Thank you for supporting our past activities, and
check out the OneLife section of the webpage for future pro-life events!
Mission Statement:
One Life's mission is
to educate our community and celebrate
the sanctity and dignity of every human person's life
from conception to natural death.
2010 goals are:
1. Support our billboard campaign. (If
you'd like to be a monthly sponsor of the billboard ($400), please make
a check out to "St.
John Berchmans" and write "OneLife billboard sponsor" in the memo line. Thank you so much for helping to
spread the Gospel of Life in our community!)
2. Continue the Celebration of Life birthday parties at the SBCR
Friendship House in the Highland neighborhood.
3. Educate our parish through the bulletin, educational
materials, and participation in parish events.
4. Welcome parishioners to become Contributing, Associate, and Active
Members.
5. Support the ongoing pro-life activities that already exist in our
community (e.g. praying with Vita at the abortion clinic on the first
Saturday of the month, supporting the Arklatex
Crisis Pregnancy Center,
and Heart of Hope: Sanctuary for Women, etc.)
Chairman:
Sarah Barlow
Assistant Chairman:
Kallie Hollyfield
Publicity:
Tim Shaughnessy
Reporter:
Chris Davis
Event Chairmen:
Each event (rosary & bake sale, meatless dinner, etc) will be headed up
by a different member
View Our
One Life Archives
Proceeds are dedicated to pro-life education in the Shreveport-Bossier area
Call for more details: Sarah Barlow 455-5458 or Tim Shaughnessy
You may have seen our recent bulletin insert on the
anniversary of Roe v.
Wade, describing some of the activities OneLife is involved
in. Our most public effort, of course, is the pro-life billboard at the
corner of Kings Hwy and Highland Ave, two blocks from the abortion
clinic. Your generosity in the past has allowed our sign to spread its
message of hope for almost a year, and we would love to see its
message continue. To do so, OneLife is asking you to prayerfully
consider being a monthly sponsor of our billboard. Please see the
OneLife section of the website or call the church office for more
details.
One Life 2010
Calendar
January
(25th anniversary of
Roe vs. Wade)
2
Committee meeting 8:30 am (rectory)
TBA
Stuffing Party (bulletin insert)
19 & 20 Celebration of Life Birthday Parties
3:30-4:30 pm
24 Rosary & Bake Sale
February
6
Committee meeting 8:30 am (rectory)
23 & 24 Celebration of Life Birthday Parties
3:30-4:30 pm
March
5
Stations of the Cross & Meatless Spaghetti Dinner
6
Committee meeting 8:30 am (rectory)
12 Stations of the Cross w/ Bishop Ducca & Meatless
Spaghetti Dinner
23 & 24 Celebration of Life Birthday Parties
3:30-4:30 pm
April
10 Committee meeting 8:30 am (rectory)
20&21 Celebration of Life Birthday Parties
3:30-4:30 pm
May
1 Committee meeting 8:30 am (rectory)
2 Rosary & Bake Sale 10:15 am
11 & 12 Celebration of Life Birthday Parties
3:30-4:30 pm
June
5 Committee meeting 8:30 am (rectory)
July(~Natural
Family Planning Awareness Month)
3
Committee meeting 8:30 am (rectory)
August
7
Committee meeting 8:30 am (rectory)
September
4 Committee meeting 8:30 am (rectory)
October
(Respect Life Month)
2 Committee meeting 8:30 am (rectory)
3 Respect Life Sunday
Rosary & Coin Bank Drive
TBA Pumpkin Shine on Line: enter pro-life pumpkin
November
6
Committee Retreat: Mass & Planning meeting (Election of 2011 officers)
8:00am
If you are interested in viewing any of our past movies listed below, please contact us
Pro-Life Links:
USCCB Pro-Life homepage
Theology of the Body International Alliance
Theology of the Body from Ascension Press
Theology of the Body Institute
Pope Paul VI Institute for fertility and NaPro technology
One More Soul
Priests for Life
American Life League
Life Site News
Life News
Silent No More awareness
Motherhood Interrupted
Rachel's Vineyard
HLI America
Large Families
