THE LIFE OFFICE offers advocacy, education, and outreach in pro-life areas; in particular, in the areas of chastity, abortion and euthanasia. Most of the parishes have a pro-life director, and through them, many in our diocese are involved in educational programs, in caring for those facing pregnancy in difficult life situations and other challenges, and in working for appropriate laws to protect the lives of the unborn, the elderly, and other lives at risk. The Life Office endorses the Birthright Centers for crisis pregnancies, and supports a prayerful, respectful, and lawful witness at local abortion clinics. The Life Office also has set up RETURN Ministry at 1 (866) 99 4 -GIVE or 1 (866) 994 - 4483, which is a hotline of support and resources for women and men seeking healing after abortions.

REGISTERING VOTERS IS EASY!

October 5 is the last day to register to vote in the upcoming November 2 General Election.

It is not too early to start planning one or more voter registration drives at your parish. Please receive permission from your pastor and then follow these two simple steps for using the "mail in" registration option for registering voters. There is no need to have volunteers become a Deputy Voter Registrar for this option.

1) Provide copies of the Illinois Voter Registration Application on the day you choose to hold your registration drive. These are available at www.elections.il.gov/Downloads/VotingInformation/PDF/R-19.pdf ONLY PAGE 1 IS REQUIRED. Make as many copies as you need. Volunteers should be aware of the eligibility rules and other important information explained on this form. Be sure the application is filled out completely or it will be sent back. (With permission, you could also stuff these into the bulletin with an accompanying bulletin article and pulpit announcement).

2) Parishioners may either take the form with them and mail them from home or stay and complete one after Mass and you can mail them. Encourage people to leave their forms with you because they may forget to send them in otherwise. Completed applications should be mailed to the correct local election authority. Click for a list of the election boards for the Diocese of Joliet or for a complete Illinois listing of election boards go to www.illinoisfamily.org/content/img/f33934/IFI_jurisdictionsList.pdf This would be helpful information to have available at the table on the day of your drive. See the US Bishops website at www.usccb.org/faithfulcitizenshipold/pdf/ideas_social_concern.pdf for sample bulletin and pulpit announcements and other helpful tips for conducting a voter registration drive.

 

EDUCATION FOR   Life

We have a growing selection of resources to help you learn and share the Gospel of Life. We’re committed to helping you find exactly what you need. Bring a friend and enjoy a cup of coffee in our Reading Room and Coffee House! Come check us out! Click here.

THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC BIOETHICS CENTER

 If you are facing emergent medical situations regarding end of life decisions, the National Catholic Bioethics Center (www.ncbcenter.org/emergency_consultation.asp) will respond ASAP with help from an ethicist, doctor, etc. The number to call is (215) 877-2660. Even though the site states "Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM" for emergency consultation questions, calls are returned even after hours.

LIFE IN FOCUS NEWSLETTERS

Spring 2010
Life In Focus Newsletter

Previous Newsletters
www.dioceseofjoliet.org/life/currentNewsletters.asp

Please support the prayer vigil
at the Aurora Planned Parenthood

Saturday, August 21, 2010, 9:00 AM: Monthly Protest at Planned Parenthood: Join the protest at Planned Parenthood, 3051 E. New York Street. Picket signs will be provided. These monthly protests punctuate the ongoing Life Support effort, offering prayer and assistance for Planned Parenthood clients every hour the facility is open. For further information visit http://fvfapp.org.