As many of you are probably aware, there are numerous forces in our world that are opposed to the ways of Christ. This is not a new phenomena, as we are reminded every time we look at the crucifix. There has always been darkness and evil in our world, and every faithful disciple of Christ has to confront that reality at some point — within themselves (as we ALL struggle with sin) and in the world around them. Sometimes, historically, that evil has been blatant, sometimes more stealthy. I wish to bring to your attention, if you’re not aware already, of a current situation in our government, which is an example of the latter.

While we’ve had to contend with the horrific evil of abortion in our country for decades now (and have all had to suffered the consequences of a society that fails to affirm the dignity of every human life), pro-life forces have been able to establish SOME restrictions and curtail in some ways the “culture of death.” However, as the following statement, published recently by the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) makes clear, pro-abortion forces are attempting to capitalize on the current moral ignorance / indifference / disregard of many in our government, to advance their virulent agenda — not only removing what few restrictions there are, but also forcing those who DO respect the dignity and sanctity of human life to support and enable abortion through the taxes they pay. Along with our parish’s Respect Life Committee, I ask that you read the following statement and prayerfully consider speaking up for the “Gospel of Life.”

Bishop Chairmen Respond to Extreme Abortion Push in Appropriations Bill

JULY 13, 2021 BY PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

WASHINGTON – This week, the House Committee on Appropriations will mark up the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) appropriations bill, which currently excludes the 46-year-old Hyde Amendment and other longstanding, bipartisan provisions including the Weldon Amendment. Eliminating these provisions would force taxpayers to pay for elective abortions and force health care providers and professionals to perform and refer for abortion against their deeply-held beliefs, as well as force employers and insurers to cover and pay for abortion.

Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee for Religious Liberty, and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued the following statement: 

“This is the most extreme pro-abortion appropriations bill that we have seen, effectively mandating healthcare professionals to participate in abortion, and forcing American citizens to pay for abortion with their tax dollars. By eliminating the Hyde Amendment, and other Hyde-like policies, the financial fruits of Americans’ labor would advance the destruction of the smallest, most vulnerable humans. Eliminating the Weldon Amendment would be an egregious violation of conscience rights by forcing individuals and entities to perform, pay for, or otherwise participate in an abortion against their beliefs. Abortion is not healthcare nor a ‘human service’ to anyone.  Rather, abortion is inhumane.  It is a painful death to an innocent baby, and often leaves women physically harmed and emotionally devastated.

“We implore the House Committee on Appropriations to reverse course on these bills that currently expand taxpayer funding of abortion, and to restore the longstanding, bipartisan Hyde provisions and Weldon Amendment that have saved millions of lives and protected conscience rights. These bills include many other provisions and funding for critically-needed services that we support. Americans’ tax dollars should be used for the common good and welfare of all, not to finance abortion or force Americans to violate deeply-held beliefs.  

“Further, we ask all Catholics and all people of good will to contact their legislators and make their voices heard. The lives of millions of vulnerable children, and the well-being of their mothers, depend on our advocacy.”   

It has been said that all that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good people do nothing.  Signing the above-referenced petition, getting involved with and supporting pro-life activities, voting for pro-life candidates, and especially PRAYING for an increased respect for human life, are some ways that a good person CAN do something to confront and fight against evil!

The children of our parish need your help! We have many people who have volunteered to teach or aide in our Faith Formation program... but we are still in need of more catechists!

We have a very able and willing staff to help, guide, support and train our volunteers in this Catechetical Ministry. We are looking for volunteers, any age or capabilities, (ie. grandparents thru teens).

To volunteer, or to ask any questions, email Michael Shipe our Faith Formation Director at mshipe@stlouisedemarillac.org, or call the Faith Formation Office at 412-835-1155.

A full time custodian is needed at Saint Catherine Labouré Parish, Saint Louise de Marillac site. Duties include but not limited to Church, Parish Office, and School cleaning, parish and school event set ups and teardown, grounds garbage collection and sidewalk snow removal. Position is 40 hours a week with benefits. Weekend and weekday hours. Potential for additional earnings by working party set up and cleanup.

If interested, please contact Mike Buechel at 412-833-1010 to set up an interview. You must have the required diocesan clearances before starting the position.