Dear Brothers and Sisters,Please see an article recently published by Bishop Fernandes regarding engaging in some sacrificial actions with the intention of praying for people to embrace the issues surrounding the Sanctity of Life in all its stages from conception to natural death.One of the suggested options is abstaining from meat on Fridays even outside the Lenten Season. Many of us who are older are aware that we did this throughout the year when we were young. The practice of abstaining from meat was mandatory. Many continued the practice even when it was no longer mandatory. Abstaining was to remind us of Jesus’ Passion and Death which took place on a Friday. The root of the practice is to engage a sense of sacrifice as Jesus sacrificed His life for us. The bishop rightly shares that there are many ways in which we can engage in sacrificial actions. Please note that the bishop also shares almsgiving, fasting and prayer as options as well.Please note that the bishop has not mandated any one option. It is important that, as Disciples of Christ, that we be intentional in engaging penitential and sacrificial practices. At the same time, we need to be mindful that we do not do anything that will jeopardize our physical health and well-being.God’s blessings!Father Leo ConnollyBishop Fernandes ArticleNovena for Life: Day OneIntercession: May the tragic practice of abortion end.Prayers: Our Father 3 Hail Marys Glory BeReflection: At every stage and in every circumstance, we are held in existence by God’s love. The presence of an illness, disability, or other challenging situation never diminishes the value of a human life. God does not call us to perfection of appearance or abilities, but to perfection in love. Christ invites us to embrace our own lives and the lives of others as true gifts.Abortion tragically rejects the truth that every life is a good and perfect gift, deserving protection. This violent practice ends the life of a human being at its very beginning and horribly wounds all those involved. But Christ came that we “might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10), taking on human flesh for the sake of our redemption. May our culture experience the power of God’s transforming love, that all eyes may be opened to the incredible beauty of every human life.Acts of Reparation (Choose one.)Fasting on Friday’sTake a break from television and movies today. Consider spending some of that time praying with today’s reflection.Pray the short prayer “Every Life is Worth Living,” reflecting on the gift of human life. (Also available to order or download.)Heavenly Father, thank you for the precious gift of life. Help us to cherish and protect this gift, even in the midst of fear, pain, and suffering. Give us love for all people, especially the most vulnerable, and help us bear witness to thetruth that every life is worth living.Grant us the humility to accept help when we are in need, and teach us to be merciful to all. Through our words and actions, may others encounter the outstretched hands of Your mercy. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.Offer some other sacrifice, prayer, or act of penance that you feel called to do for today’s intention.One Step Further: Abortion is frequently a topic in the news, political debates, and everyday conversations with family or friends. Because abortion can be a controversial and emotional issue in any arena, many of us may feel intimidated when the topic arises, not knowing what to say. “Another Look at Abortion” provides a basic overview and summarizes key points. This article will help you be better prepared to witness to the sanctity of human life.Image: A mosaic of Our Lady of Guadalupe decorates a side altar in the Church of Santa Maria della Famiglia at the Vatican. Dec. 15. (CNS photo/Paul Haring.) NABRE © 2010 CCD. Used with permission. Copyright © 2023, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved.
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This is a post from Seton: Father Connolly, our priest administrator.Hi Everyone, The scammers are still hard at work and now also sending text messages. Please also ignore these texts messages and you can also delete/report/block them in your phone. We are aware that texts and emails circulate trying to impersonate Fr. Leo or parish staff. This seems to be a regular occurrence every few weeks. Please be sure that you are checking the text and email address that is in the “from” field and not just the name if you receive an email from Fr. Leo or a staff member at Seton Parish. Many of these texts and emails look very real and often say something like “Hi this is Fr. Leo can you contact me right away.” or “We need to discuss something important please respond.” If you respond to the text or email, the scammers are very convincing at getting your money. Please do not respond to the text or email. If you are unsure check with the parish office and we can verify if Fr. Leo needs to speak to you about anything. Fr. Leo will only communicate parish business from the following email addresses: lconnolly@setonparish.com and lconnolly@columbuscatholic.org and he will never ask for money, gift cards, wire transfers or anything else through email or text or phone. The fake email and text addresses have been reported. Other than reporting email addresses, there is nothing else that we can do to stop this so please be on alert. Never give money of any kind through an email or phone request. At Seton Parish we ask you to give through secure online giving (weshare) or weekly envelopes, but never through email or phone. Please be on alert to protect yourself and if you are unsure contact the parish office.Sincerely,Fr. Leo and the Seton Parish StaffPlease note that Father Coleman, our previous pastor would not ask for you for financial help or gift cards either. Please do not respond to the text or email from Father Coleman asking for help. If you are unsure call Our Lady and talk to one of our staff. 614-861-1242