Swimming Against the Current
Where do you start in the fight for life — especially when faced with a very limited budget and the largest diocese geographically in New York State? Father showed us his cumbersome binder filled with documents, which were forwarded to him by the previous Diocesan Pro-Life Director.
It seems overwhelming and easy to see how one could be discouraged.
Pro-lifers are already swimming against the current, living in a selfish society, which favors choice and death over sacrifice and life. Abortion is a multi-million dollar industry. We are fighting a government-supported killing machine. The difficulties seem insurmountable. Yet the small victories are beyond compare. We need to remind ourselves of St. Therese's philosophy: small things with great love. If we can change one heart, one mind, then we are one step closer to a culture of life.
All agreed that education is a key factor. Sure, parents hold the primary responsibility for teaching the faith, but realistically this doesn't happen much today. The mission is often pawned off to other adults or sources such as the media or Internet. If we rely on what the future mothers and fathers in our country are bombarded with every day at school, radio and TV, I fear we will forever remain in a culture of death.
Money, Manpower and Time
We must work together to teach the truth, and if this means ticking off a few people along the way, then so be it. But what is the way? What pattern can we follow? There are excellent national programs such as Project Rachel (helping those affected by abortion), and Gabriel Project (assigning an “angel” to help a pregnant mother with material and spiritual needs). And there are fantastic chastity/pro-family speakers who travel regularly to educate, but all these things cost money.
Parishioners are already “hit up” once a year on Respect Life Sunday — a collection conducted outside the doors of church so as to not jeopardize the church's tax-exempt status (which I don't understand when other collections can be taken as a second collection in church!). But this money is divided in thirds among national, state and local Right-to-Life organizations. The diocese doesn't get a dime.
Then there's the time issue. For our Pro-Life Director, this is a part-time position due to the fact that he is a busy pastor. Most other dioceses have a full-time, well-paid director and even assistants. It seems like a huge task to revamp our diocesan pro-life department when faced with running a church at the same time. Makes me wonder why more attention and support is not directed toward one of the most important areas of our faith.
We Start with Prayer
Mother Teresa said, “The greatest destroyer of peace is abortion.” And it has been said, “As the family goes — so goes the country.” Peace and the family are two of the most critical issues today, yet people don't get the connection between those two fundamental building blocks and violently killing the smallest members of our society during the most vulnerable time of their life.
Pope John Paul II said in his 2003 Christmas address, “Save us from discouragement as we face the paths to peace.” When trying to do good, there will be obstacles of every form in our way. But it is our responsibility to jump these hurdles. English philosopher Edmund Burke said “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” It is our time to wake up and do something. Time to ruffle a few feathers. Things will not change until respecting life is a priority and the “choice” is left to the Author of Life.
Lead us in your ways of righteousness and grace, Lord. Help us to save your children and our nation from the hands of those who needlessly slaughter your unborn sons and daughters.
© Copyright 2004 Catholic Exchange
Colleen Miner, wife and mother of three daughters, lives in Saranac Lake, NY. She is a reporter/photographer for the Diocese of Ogdensburg and active in Pro-Life and Youth Ministry.
