Diocesan Summary of Listening Session Input

A statement on the Dobbs decision by the Catholic Bishops of New York State

We give thanks to God for today’s decision of the United States Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. This just decision will save countless innocent children simply waiting to be born.

On this historic day, our gratitude extends to the millions of heroic Americans who have worked tirelessly toward this outcome for nearly a half-century. Women and men, children and adults, believers and non-believers, people of every culture and background have advocated for life. They have been a charitable and compelling voice for the voiceless, and today, their voice has been heard.

As Catholics, we have prayed and fasted, held vigils, offered Masses, and peacefully witnessed in these last five decades. We have joined others in educating schoolchildren, opening pregnancy care centers, walking with mothers, offering post-abortion counseling, and marching, year after year, to the United States Supreme Court to witness for life. Today, our voice has been heard.

With the entire pro-life community, we are overjoyed with this outcome of the Court. However, we acknowledge the wide range of emotions associated with this decision. We call on all Catholics and everyone who supports the right to life for unborn children to be charitable, even as we celebrate an important historical moment and an answer to a prayer.

We must remember that this is a judicial victory, not a cultural one. The culture remains deeply divided on the issue, which will be evidenced by the patchwork of state statutes pertaining to abortion across the country. To change the culture and build a culture of life, we need to enact family-friendly policies that welcome children, support mothers, cherish families and empower them to thrive. We outlined our vision for a pro-life New York in our recent statement, available here, and we rededicate ourselves to helping every expectant mother to carry her baby to term.

Building a culture of life is not solely the responsibility of the government or those heroic individuals working on the front lines, in crisis pregnancy centers and other ministries. All of us need to respect the dignity and sanctity of human life in everything we do: in how we treat our children, spouses and parents; in the way we behave in our place of work; in sum, how we live Jesus’ two great commandments to love God and love our neighbor.

Love, charity and reverence for human life from the moment of conception through natural death – these will build and sustain a culture of life.

Millions of Americans have worked tirelessly for almost 50 years towards this outcome. We thank them with every fiber of our being. Their vital work continues, and we commit ourselves to it.

Timothy Cardinal Dolan

Archbishop of New York

Most Rev. Edward B. Scharfenberger

Bishop of Albany

Most Rev. Robert J. Brennan

Bishop of Brooklyn

Most Rev. Michael W. Fisher

Bishop of Buffalo

Most Rev. Terry R. LaValley

Bishop of Ogdensburg

Most Rev. Salvatore R. Matano

Bishop of Rochester

Most Rev. John O. Barres

Bishop of Rockville Centre

Most Rev. Douglas J. Lucia

Bishop of Syracuse

And the Auxiliary and Emeritus Bishops of New York

REVIVE Hope and Healing Ministries would like to invite the parishioners of St. Francis to the 1st annual Healing Through the Sacred Heart Mission at St. Daniel Church on June 23rd and 24th.

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St. Francis Xavier is looking to hire a part time director of the Music Ministry. Organ playing is preferred, but if you play the piano, organ lessons are available for the person who is interested in taking this position. If you are interested, or know anyone who might be, please contact the Rectory at 673-2531. Thank you

The latest from the Diocese of Syracuse
May 10, 2022

WASHINGTON – In response to the leak of a draft opinion in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, some abortion advocates are calling for nationwide demonstrations, disruptions of church services, and the personal intimidation of specific Supreme Court justices. Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities invited the faithful to unite in fasting and prayer:
In the midst of current tensions, we invite Catholics around the country to join us in fasting and praying the Rosary on Friday, May 13, the Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima. Let us offer our prayers and fasting for these intentions:
For our nation, for the integrity of our judicial system, and that all branches of government be dedicated to seeking the common good and protecting the dignity and rights of the human person, from conception to natural death.
For the overturning of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey in the Supreme Court’s final decision in Dobbs v. Jackson.
For the conversion of the hearts and minds of those who advocate for abortion.
For a new commitment to building an America where children are welcomed, cherished, and cared for; where mothers and fathers are encouraged and strengthened; and where marriage and the family are recognized and supported as the true foundations of a healthy and flourishing society.
For Our Blessed Mother’s intercession and guidance as the Church continues to walk with mothers and families in need, and continues to promote alternatives to abortion, and seeks to create a culture of life.
As Catholics, let us witness to the beautiful gift of life with civility and love, and with our peaceful prayers and our compassionate service to all those in need.
Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us.

https://www.usccb.org/prolife/abortion

Sunday – April 24, 2022 at 3:00 pm
The Divine Mercy Holy Hour will include: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, public recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Benediction.

This week is a special edition of BuildingFaith@Home.  Follow each of the days of Holy Week as we move from Palm Sunday to Easter.

As we continue to journey through this Lenten season why not celebrate Holy Week with your family with the following activities:

Holy Week Kit for Families
The free download from Catholic Family Crate includes coloring and activity pages, scripture, song ideas, Catholic traditions and more. This simple resource helps families end the Lenten season and celebrate the joy of Easter in a meaningful, memorable way. To download, go to https://holyweek.catholicfamilycrate.com

Holy Thursday
– Watch The Prince of Egypt – It covers the 10 plagues and the Passover!
– Plan a Last Supper Dinner – serve lamb if you are able, or make a cake for dessert in the shape of a lamb.
– Read Psalms 113-116 (or parts of them) while you wash one another’s feet.
Good Friday
– Wear black on Good Friday or for all of the Triduum to mourn Jesus’ death.
– Cut down on media – strive to turn off TVs , radio,and music and instead, attend liturgies and pray together.
– Start the day off with the tradition of Hot Cross Buns – the spruceeats/hotcrossbuns.com
– Keep the vigil of Noon-3pm (the hours Jesus hung on the cross) with solemn silence and prayer.
Holy Saturday
– Take down Lenten decorations and start decorating and preparing food for Easter.
– Color Easter eggs and create Easter symbols in the home.

For more ideas on how to bring this Lenten/Easter season into your home go to www.catholicallyear.com.

Days of Abstinence: No meat can be eaten on Ash Wednesday and all of the Fridays during Lent. This applies to all Catholics 14 and older.

Days to Fast: Only one full meal is permitted on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday for Catholics between 18 and 59. Two smaller meals are permitted, but the small meals should not equal a second full meal. Drinking coffee, tea and water between meals is allowed. Snacks between meals are not allowed.

One is not bound to fast if health or the ability to work is affected.