REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM ACT: On Thursday, October 8, the NJ legislature proposed a “Reproductive Freedom Act” “to protect reproductive freedom” and to ”help protect and expand New Jerseyans’ ability to receive reproductive health care, such as birth control, and pregnancy-related care, including abortion.” (c.f. https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562020/approved/20201002b.shtml)

Bishop O'Connell has addressed this matter directly and personally with the Governor.  The New Jersey Catholic Conference has issued the following joint statement of NJ Bishops:

The Catholic Church believes and teaches that all human life is sacred from conception to natural death. For that reason, we, the Bishops of each of the dioceses in New Jersey, join in voicing the strongest possible opposition to the “Reproductive Freedom Act.” Without minimizing other serious threats to human life and dignity evident in contemporary American society, the Catholic Church consistently maintains that “the threat of abortion remains our preeminent priority because it directly attacks life itself, because it takes place within the sanctuary of the family, and because of the number of lives destroyed.” (USCCB, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, “Introductory Letter,” 2020 c.f. https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/forming-consciences-for-faithful-citizenship-title).

When informed of the text of the USCCB document early in 2020, Pope Francis observed that the right to life of the unborn “is the most fundamental right. This is not first a religious issue; it is a human rights issue.” (Pope Francis to American Catholic Bishops, USCCB Region IX, January 16, 2020).”

As the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey, we urge all Catholics and people of good will to reject this proposed legislative initiative in our state and to contact your State legislators to vigorously express opposition to its passage.

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. Archbishop, Archdiocese of Newark

It is a sad irony that Governor Murphy has chosen to push this legislation during October, regarded by the Church as Respect Life Month. However, we can use this to further resolve to once again bring our nation back to a Culture of Life. A good way to do this is to use the following novena from October 26 until November 3 (Election Day):

NOVENA PRAYER FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (recited each day):

God our Father, giver of life, we entrust the United States of America to your loving care. You are the rock on which this nation was founded. You alone are the true source of our cherished rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Reclaim this land for your glory and dwell among your people.

Send your Spirit to touch the hearts of our nation’s leaders and citizens. Open our minds to the great worth of human life and the responsibilities that accompany respecting and protecting human life and religious liberty. Help us to bring an end to racial injustice, violence and all the evils that divide us.  Remind your people that true happiness is rooted in seeking and doing your will.  Make us instruments of your peace!

Through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, patroness of our land, grant us the courage to reject the “culture of death” and lead us always to respect life in all its stages and circumstance.  We ask this through Christ Our Lord.  Amen.  

(Source: adapted from www.catholicdigest.com)

(Here mention intention: For, etc.)

THEN, RECITE AN OUR FATHER, HAIL MARY AND GLORY BE EACH DAY FOR OUR NATION

Individual recommended intentions for each day of the Novena:
Monday, October 26: For an end to abortion in our country and for respect for life in all its stages, from conception to natural death

Tuesday, October 27: For an end to the COVID pandemic in our country and for all those affected by it

Wednesday, October 28: For an end to racism and social injustice in our country

 Thursday, October 29: For the protection of religious liberty in our country and around the world

 Friday, October 30: For those who protect and serve us in law enforcement in our country and for an end to violence and destruction, especially in our cities

 Saturday, October 31: For those who protect our country in the armed forces at home and around the world and for peace in the world

 Sunday, November 1: For the poor, for immigrants and refugees, for the forgotten and most abandoned in our country

 Monday, November 2: For the protection of marriage as the faithful union of one man and one woman and for the strengthening of family life in our country

 Tuesday, November 3: For those who govern our country and for those who are running for elected office that they might serve with a commitment to life, respect, compassion, liberty and justice for all