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Building a culture of life

By Bishop Terry R. LaValley

Jan. 24, 2018

The Christmas decorations are stored away for another year, but our hearts remain warm with thoughts of the Bishop LaValleyinfant Child, God Incarnate, whose birth has given our lives hope and much joy.

In several weeks, after our Lenten journey, we will mark Good Friday as we recall the cruel crucifixion of the Messiah. 

These days stand in stark contrast.  Humanity celebrating new life and humanity destroying that same precious life.

Abortion, immoral genetic manipulation, assault, terrorism, euthanasia and other crimes against a Culture of Life wear us down and drag us into the despair of Good Friday. 

But our story does not end there.  Jesus has Risen!  He shattered the bonds of sin and death.  We do not remain in the shadow of despair.  We, as Christians, are called to build a Culture of Life.

On January 19, faith-filled individuals from across the North Country journeyed to Washington, DC, walking with tens of thousands of pilgrims from across the United States in the annual March for Life.

We march to protest 45 years of state-sanctioned destruction of unborn children. 

We march to proclaim the inherent value and dignity of life, of all life. 

We march and pray to change hearts and minds, to build a Culture of Life.

Our support of the annual Respect Life collection provides funds to support Pro-Life activities which help build a Culture of Life.  In 2017, Respect Life grants provided the buses for the March for Life and nineteen other programs here in our Diocese. 

Contributions assisted programs such as five parish-based Gabriel Projects that help pregnant women, Crisis Pregnancy Apostolates in five communities, Pro-Life Booths at three county fairs, the Malone Catholic Charities Teen Pregnancy Counseling Program and the Plattsburgh Pregnancy Center.

Information about these and other programs can be found on the diocesan website.  Through programs like these, we reach out to our neighbors and help build a Culture of Life.

Will you please help our Pro-Life efforts through your prayers and through a contribution to the Respect Life second collection? 

Thank you for your generous support for this year's appeal.

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