"In this month that is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, let us learn from her that prayer is the best weapon of Christian life; without persistent prayer, no victory over evil is possible."
Pope Francis
Download Spanish Statement
On Wednesday, the chair of the U.S. bishops’ pro-life committee urged continued and intensified prayer and fasting that the Supreme Court will overturn Roe v. Wade, following the leak of a draft opinion in a case concerning a state’s abortion law.
“The leak related to the U.S. Supreme Court case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization reminds us of the urgent need for prayer and action at this pivotal moment in our country,” Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore said May 4.
“As Catholics, we care about every unborn child and every mother. Our Church has consistently witnessed in word and deed that life begins at the moment of conception. As the bishops shared in our statement Standing with Moms in Need: we pledge ‘to redouble our efforts to accompany women and couples who are facing unexpected or difficult pregnancies, and during the early years of parenthood, offering them loving and compassionate care through initiatives such as Walking with Moms in Need and countless others.’”
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In their 2018 pastoral statement on mental health, the California Conference of Bishops encouraged all "to encounter our brothers and sisters who struggle with mental illness. Even those who do not have serious mental health problems can, to some extent, understand the experience of those who do: for not one of us is entirely free from periods of anxiety, emotional distress, troubling or intrusive thoughts, or strong temptations."
You will find links to PDFs of the statement in English, Spanish and Vietnamese and a study/discussion guide for small groups to reflect on the document here.
You can also participate in the first-ever CCC co-sponsored conference for mental health ministers, Building a Culture of Community: Equipping Leaders for Mental Health Ministry, featuring San Diego Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan. Bishop Dolan has also authored a pastoral handbook, “Responding to Suicide,” to assist Catholic ministry leaders.
Please check with your local diocese for resources to assist with mental health and wellness needs.
Register Today!
In addition to Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8, is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The World Day of Prayer for Vocations aims to publicly fulfill the Lord's instruction to "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest" (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2).
While appreciating all vocations, the Church concentrates its attention this day on vocations to the ordained ministries (priesthood and diaconate), consecrated life in all its forms (male and female religious life, societies of apostolic life, consecrated virginity), secular institutes in their diversity of services and membership, and to the missionary life.
Click here for more information, including messages from Pope Francis, prayers, and a bulletin quote.
May 6, 2022 | Vol. 15, No. 15 | En Español
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