Rtlonewsletter 05 2016 2

Volume 45 Issue 5 May 2016

Right to Life of Owensboro

NEWSLETTER

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook: Right to Life of Owensboro On Mother’s Day, May 8th please pray this intercession: For expectant mothers whose hearts are troubled: May They receive helpful, loving support for themselves and their baby, We pray to the Lord...

Word of Life: June 2016 Intercessions for Life

May 1st For post-abortion healing ministries: May their invitation to discover God’s healing mercy reach those who are suffering; We pray to the Lord: May 8th For expectant mothers whose hearts are troubled: May they receive helpful, loving support for themselves and their baby; We pray to the Lord:

Copyright © 2016, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved.

May 15th For our culture: May we more fully reflect the love that God has for each person He created; We pray to the Lord: May 22nd For those whose hearts ache for a child of their own: May they experience the Lord’s presence and be filled with his peace; We pray to the Lord: May 29th For members of the Church: May the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist strengthen us in protecting his gift of life; We pray to the Lord:

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EDUCATION 5 Things People Don’t Understand About Chastity

by Forest Hempen Chastity, as far as I can tell, is one of the most misunderstood words in the English language. People think it’s repressive, degrading and unnatural. But nothing could be further from the truth!

Instead, chastity says that sex, our bodies, and our desires are so good that they are sacred, thus they deserve to be respected and revered. Chastity isn’t about saying “no” or making rules—it’s an enormous YES to authentic love.

1. It’s not abstinence.

The definition of “abstinence” is “to refrain from something.” It would be like telling you not to think about pink elephants. What will that make you think about? Pink elephants!

Instead, where abstinence tells you what not to do, chastity fills in the blanks and gives directions for a full and satisfying life.

Abstinence focuses on the “no.” Chastity is a resounding “yes!” to authentic love and a radical affirmation of the value of our sexuality 2. It’s a lifelong virtue.

People seem to think that chastity is some kind of a once-and-done requirement. It’s not. Chastity is a virtue—the lifelong habit of doing what’s right—just like honesty, patience, or kindness.

Is there a particular age at which people can just stop being honest? When people get married, should they just stop being honest? Nope! Why? Because honesty—a virtue—is a lifelong habit.

The same is true for chastity. Regardless of age or vocation, virtue is meant for everyone. Believe me, that’s a really good thing.

3. Everyone is called to it. Period.

Remember, chastity is a virtue: the habit of doing what’s right with our sexuality. Does it make sense to get married and then suddenly stop doing what’s right with our bodies, minds, and hearts? Not at all!

Chastity looks different for various vocations. Below are the three basic states of life—everyone on the planet can be placed in one of these three categories: Single.

In this case, “single” means “not permanently committed,” so this includes dating couples. Because single people haven’t made a permanent vow to another person with their words (wedding vows), it’s still too early

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to make a similar vow with their bodies (sexual intimacy). Thus, at this state, chastity focuses on building healthy relationships that have the potential to turn into strong marriages. This involves dating, growing closer to Christ, knowing oneself, etc.! Thus, chastity for single people does involve abstinence—but it’s much more than that!

Married.

One way married couples practice chastity is through sexual intimacy. Yup. You read that correctly. When two people have made a permanent vow with their souls at the altar, it’s only appropriate for them to make a similar vow with their bodies so that the commitment might involve their entire self. However, marriage also involves times of abstinence for any number of reasons (illness, travel, an exhausted spouse, natural family planning, etc…) and those times of abstinence can also be an expression of love.

Religious Life or Priesthood.

Priests and religious individuals intentionally forego human marriage. Why? Because they’re skipping straight to the divine marriage we’re all created for. Human marriage is simply a reflection of the ultimate union we were created to have with the Trinity. So, just as a husband and wife give all of themselves for each other, priests and religious give all of themselves for Christ and the Church. In this vocation, chastity does involve abstinence, but it also involves a deep, intentional spiritual life, and self-sacrifice.

4. It’s not about limiting happiness.

At its core, chastity is about chasing authentic love. Love—putting another person’s best interest before our own—can involve difficult sacrifices. Naturally then, chastity can be a challenge, too. But sexual intimacy is way better when it’s founded in real love. Real love is worth it and chastity is the way to get there.

It’s no surprise that Saint John Paul II said that chastity is the “sure way to happiness.”

5. It’s about freedom.

Most people think that freedom is “doing whatever you want.” But is that true? Can’t our desires sometimes enslave us? Imagine someone who tried cocaine at a party and now can’t stop using it. Cocaine took away any existing freedom. Instead, true freedom is the ability to do what we ought to do. By making good choices, we maintain our ability to make choices at all. Chastity keeps our freedom intact.

Forest Hempen is an energetic twentysomething who currently resides in Cincinnati, Ohio. She travels as a chastity educator by day and sells clothes to adorable babies by night. Ultimately, Forest hopes to make a living as a Theology of the Body speaker and writer. She’s a die-hard Lord of the Rings fan, an avid geocacher, and a Sherlock wannabe. You can follow her theological ponderings on her blog, follow her more closely on Twitter at @foresthempen, or reach out to her at forest@pc-west.org.

I know that an unexpected pregnancy can sometimes bring fear, shame, and doubt. ... {But it can also} bring joy, excitement, awe, gratitude, and deeper love than I knew possible.

- From a married mother of four, who had her first baby during college.

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How to Talk To A Friend Who’s Had An Abortion Andie’s Story: One night my best friend in high school called me, totally in tears. I hadn’t seen her since we left for college. She told me she got pregnant her first semester at State and let her boyfriend talk her into an abortion. It was the baby’s due date the night she called. The boyfriend broke up with her months ago because she “wasn’t fun to be around anymore.” What could I say? I had no clue how to deal with this. Growing up we were both pro-life.

I thought I could calm her down by saying stuff like “Don’t worry. You did the right thing.” “What else could you do? It was the best choice.” I told her to try to get over it and think about her future. And I thought she was just being dramatic when she said she didn’t have a future anymore. But I found out that, a few days later, she tried to kill herself. I keep wishing I had said something that could have helped her instead of making her feel more alone.

–Andie Almost everyone knows someone who’s had an abortion. Many people know someone personally who is suffering because of an abortion. If a friend confided in you tomorrow that she had an abortion, would you be able to respond in a way that brings her closer to healing?

There are ways to avoid the mistake Andie made. Ways that may help your friend be hopeful again about her future.

If this is the first time your friend has told you about her abortion, she may be afraid that you will be critical or that you will repeat to others what she tells you. She must know that you are a real friend who cares about her, and that you are not sitting in judgment of her.

Before you talk to her, keep in mind: What does she need today? *someone to listen? *a shoulder to cry on? *a referral to a professional counselor? *or even crisis intervention?

Listen with Your heart Begin by listening to your friend. Let her pour out the whole story without interrupting her. You don’t have to understand every detail. It’s important that she lets go of some of the burden she’s been carrying and that she no longer feels alone.

She may talk about: *what happened at the clinic * rage and anger- at the boyfriend, her parents, and even suicidal thoughts * unbearable grief

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* being alienated from her boyfriend, family and friends *feeling that she doesn’t deserve to be loved or forgiven Assure her of your love and support Much as you’d like to make all her suffering go away with the right words, her grief and loss won’t disappear after one conversation. Assure her of your friendship. Tell her you will be there for her and help her find healing.

Where help can be found Ask your friend if she has ever heard about help for people struggling after abortion. There are safe places where trained people can help her overcome grief and loss, and give her hope. There are counselors, priests and ministers prepared to help, as well as support groups and retreats. Offer her the name and phone number of the local Project Rachel. Give her this website address: www.hopeafterabortion.com.

Spiritual healing Even a woman who doesn’t go to church or think of herself as religious can be afraid that God will never forgive her for having an abortion. She should know that God loves and forgives those who are sorrowful.

He wants to comfort them and give them his peace.

You might want to invite your friend to go to church with you, or ask her to consider talking it over with a priest or minister trained in post-abortion counseling. Some Bible passages and prayers relating to God’s love and mercy can be found at the Prayers section of www.hopeafterabortion.com.

Begin the Journey Encourage her to contact Project Rachel for help. Remind her that God’s love and mercy is bigger than any sin.

Assure her again of your friendship. Promise to be there, not only today, but in the future.

Thank her for having the trust to talk with you. It took courage. Her healing journey has begun.

Helping a friend suffering in silence If you see a friend struggling with sadness and emotional turmoil and you suspect that abortion might be the cause, would you know how to offer help without being obvious about your suspicion? A suggestion: At an appropriate time and place, you might say something like this: “I found an interesting website that gave me a new outlook on abortion. I never realized the awful pressures women face in making that decision or how, afterward, they suffer, grieve and feel alone. There are programs, like Project Rachel, all over the country that help women struggling with emotional problems after abortion.”

Have information on local programs (address and phone number) on hand in case she asks for it. Or leave information where she can find it.

Contact Project Rachel Ministry For confidential help: www.hopeafterabortion.org 888-456-HOPE (888-456-4673) For the nearest Project Rachel Ministry, click on the map “Where to Find Help” atwww.hopeafterabortion.org.

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EDUCATION SURPRISED BY COFFEE

Life Issues Forum: By Anne McGuire April 22, 2016

A couple years ago, I lived with my friend Jenna*, who often prayed outside a local abortion facility. During her visits, she frequently saw a man who escorted women into the facility. Although Jenna didn't initially speak with him, they eventually found themselves standing next to each other during their respective "shifts." Upon arrival, she would ask him how he was.

Eventually the pleasantries evolved into bigger conversations – never to do with abortion, though. We just talked about his passion for YouTube, visiting his friends on vacations, our jobs, etc. I even ended up learning his childhood nickname and when his birthday was.

He usually took a pause from his duties as an escort for a coffee break, so on his birthday, I offered to go get it for him… I just wanted to get a guy coffee for his birthday.

I remember when I asked him, he looked kind of shell-shocked, as though he were thinking, "Wait a minute; you're not supposed to want to do that…"

I was reminded of Jenna's story by Pope Francis's recent apostolic exhortation The Joy of Love (Amoris Laetitia). In it, the Holy Father explains, "Love opens our eyes and enables us to see, beyond all else, the great worth of a human being" (AL 128).

Jenna's encounter with this man illustrates the heart of the Gospel of Life. We are created to behold all people with the gaze of Christ, loving them for their own sake. Remembering that St. John Paul II called us to a "civilization of love and life" (EV 27), we recognize that this gaze is meant for each and every person. Pope Francis also reminds us that Jesus "never failed to show compassion and closeness to the frailty of individuals" who had fallen (AL 38).

We are all in need of God's mercy, and we are all called to show Christ's compassion to others – including people with whom we disagree on life issues. Doing so does not undermine our efforts to protect lives.

Each human being has "a place in God's heart from all eternity" (AL 168), and love for everyone is foundational to our pro-life efforts.

In a homily at the Chapel of Santa Marta, Pope Francis spoke about "the God of surprises" (October 13, 2014). Following in Christ's footsteps, let us seek to be God's people of surprises – like Jenna was for this man on his birthday. Instead of being hostile or defensive, may our efforts to promote respect and protection for all human life reflect "a love that constantly opens doors" (AL108). *Name changed to protect privacy.

Anne McGuire is Assistant Director of Education and Outreach for the USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities. To learn more about the bishops' pro-life activities, visit www.usccb.org/prolife.

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LIFE ISSUES FORUM: THE 70-DAY-AFTER ABORTION PILL

By Deirdre A. McQuade April 8, 2016

Much to the delight of abortion advocates, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has loosened its guidelines for the powerful abortion drug, RU-486/Mifepristone, marketed as "Mifeprex." It may now officially be used up to 70 days gestational age, rather than 49, and administered by non-physicians where allowed by state law -- including nurse practitioners and physicians' assistants.

Think about that for a moment: seventy days. That means that, since conception occurs around two weeks after a woman's last period, the child in her womb could be eight weeks along in development.

That's three quarters of the way through the first trimester! At that stage, the baby's heart has been beating for five weeks, and has grown up to an inch and a half long. Her arms bend at the elbow, toes have formed, and she possesses all the organs she will have in adulthood. This is obviously not the so-called "morning-after pill," though often confused with it. It is the "seventy-day-after" pill for destroying an innocent, developing human being.

How does this drug cause a chemical abortion? Mifeprex first starves the developing child by cutting off her nourishment in the womb. But using that drug alone can lead to "incomplete" abortions, putting women at risk of life-threatening infections. So Misoprostol is typically given to induce contractions, expelling the developing child, and thus "completing" the abortion. If that combination of drugs still does not "work," then she must undergo a second abortion, this time surgical. Past experience suggests this is often done when the drugs are taken beyond 49 days, as the guidelines now allow.

To continue this story go to the following link: http://www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/life-issues-forum/the-70-day-after-abortion-pill.cfm

Letter from the PRESIDENT This is my last letter to you as President of RTLO. I have had the privilege to serve as Board President for the past 2 years and nearly 5 years since I joined this awesome group of people who willingly give up their time and talent to serve on the Board of Directors of RTLO. Just before getting involved I had been asking the Lord in my prayers to "enlarge my territory" and use me to serve in new, deeper ways. He did just that and more than I could have ever imagined.

Thank you to all who have encouraged me along the way and have taken time to pray for me during these past 2 years. It has been appreciated more than you could know. Thank you to all those who continue to work to defend life in this community. Whether you answered phone calls, folded newsletters, helped out at events, raised money, or just liked us on Facebook we're all in this together.

And now I ask you to do the same for my successor as you did for me. Dr. Gayle Rhodes will make a great Board President and I pray the Lord richly bless him and his family. We have a young and energetic Board of Directors who will also need your support. May we each one continue to fight for life, doing so out of love and not duty or pride. Please also continue to support our entire sister pro-life organizations in the community as they tirelessly serve you. Let's make Owensboro one of the strongest pro-life cities in the country and let's do it by loving God and loving people.

Thank you, Jerry Embry President, RTLO

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Board Members Officers Jerry Embry President Gayle Rhodes 1st Vice President Kevin Dorth 2nd Vice President Stacey Davis Secretary Wes Hamilton Treasurer Board Members at Large Taryn Rice Newsletter Editor Katelyn Stallings Michelle Byrne Kenny Barr John Thompson Mike Mudd Laura Ruth Edge Stuart Squires Shannon Sandefur Andy Norris Robin Beatty Executive Director

YEARLY DUES REMINDER Lifetime Dues $500 Family $30 Student $15 Amount enclosed:_________ Name:__________________________________ Address:__________________________________ ________________________________________ Phone:__________________________________ Email___________________________________

Your membership runs with the calendar year: January through December

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Marilee’s Message

Have you ever thought about who is really affected by abortion? Most people only think about the obvious victims who are the mother and her baby, but no one really thinks about the other victims of abortion.

The victims I am speaking of today are the siblings of the aborted child. I came across an article a few weeks ago that truly opened my eyes to this reality. A grown woman had just found out that her mother aborted her sibling 14 years before she was born. In the article, she had written a letter to her aborted sibling, telling them how sorry she was that they didn’t get to share their lives with each other. She talked about how her heart yearned for the sibling she had never met, and how sorry she was that no one loved that child, but somehow loved her and her brother. She went on to tell her sibling how she didn’t understand how her mother could have killed her child and that they had both been robbed of a beautiful life together as best friends, and siblings. She could imagine what her life could have been like with her older sibling on Christmas and Birthdays, and how she will forever miss and love someone that she never got a chance to meet.

This article made me realize that someday, I will have to tell my sons what I did to their sibling. I will have to try and make them understand why, but how can I really? They can’t understand, and they will likely feel just like this woman feels, and will miss someone they have never met for the rest of their lives. This crushes me, but there is nothing that I can do about it. This day is inevitable. Right now, they are 4 years old and 18 months old. I can only hope that being raised in the pro life movement, that they will have a better understanding and will be able to forgive me the way that our Lord has. But that is something that I will live in fear of until that day comes.

The pain of abortion reaches so much further than mother and child. It reaches siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and everyone who loves that mother and her child. This evil can destroy families and loved ones in a way that can be irreversible.

What we do here at Right to Life is so important. Education is the key. The public has to be aware of the truth. If they don’t have the knowledge, how can they know what a person like me has faced and endured at the hands of this evil industry? How can they understand that it is not just a one day experience and then we all move on with our lives as if nothing happened? We have to keep fighting until abortion is at its end. We have to work to save all the millions and millions of siblings in the world that feel what this woman felt and that ultimately my two beautiful sons will feel someday as well. I will always have to live with that, but I don’t have to stand by and do nothing. We can change this! We can fight this! And someday, WE WILL WIN!

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Calling All Artists!!!

Agency Manager 4565 Hwy 2830 (Old US60 E) Phone: 270-684-3227 Fax: 270-684-3031 Cell: 270-313-3195

WIMM Catholic Radio

Would you like to enter a month-long art exhibition spotlighting local artists? Call Right to Life of Owensboro at 270-685-4922 to reserve your spot now!

WHEN: Monday, June 1st - Tuesday, June 30th WHAT: Art Exhibition with Opening Night Event Saturday, June 11th from 6-8pm ART FORMS ACCEPTED: painting, sculpture, photography, sketch, charcoal, pastel, etc.

THEME: “Life is Precious� - all art must reflect this theme as interpreted by the artist.

SPECIFIC CRITERIA: There will be no art accepted that contains any of the following: - gore -nudity -vulgar language -negative aspects of life -pro-abortion propaganda or imagery There will be a $5 entry fee per piece.

ARTIST AGE: With this exhibition we are showcasing the talents of individuals that are 18 or older. Please respect this criteria when reserving your spot in our show. **Although there is a minimum age requirement to participate, the show is open to all levels of talent, amateur through professional.

Please reserve your spot today! All art must be submitted, along with a short description of your piece, no later than May 20th.

You may submit your work to the Right to Life of Owensboro office, located at 1115 Tamarack Road Suite 200, Owensboro, KY 42301. Contact us at 270-685-4922.

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Honor and Privilege

What an honor and a privilege it has been to serve you all for the last 3 1/2 years. God has blessed me abundantly in my role as Executive Director. I hope I have been able to portray the Father’s love and acceptance to all those I have encountered. Please continue to pray for all those who are in a troubled pregnancy or are at the end of their lives in need of God’s loving mercy as they face the challenges that lie before them.

Please be assured of my prayers and I ask for the same.

In His Love and Mercy, Robin Beatty

Right to Life of Owensboro

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May Community Event- May 5, WKU-O Chalk Out- June 15, RTLO Office Sidewalk Story/Craft Time for Kids– 6-9 thru 7-18, RTLO Office Art Show– TBA, The Creme Golf Scramble– July 16, Ben Hawes Walk for Life– September 3, Our Lady of Lourdes Banquet– TBA, The Hines Center

Local Pro-Life Agencies Birthright 270-570-5319, Terri LaHugh Care Net Pregnancy Center 270-685-5077, Donna Flaspoehler Catholic Charities of Owensboro 270-852-8328, Rita Heinz Opportunities for Life

The RTLO mission, in part reads...

“The purpose for which RTLO is organized is to encourage among the general public an understanding of the dignity and worth of each human life, whatever his or her state or circumstances; to foster respect for human life before and after birth, particularly for the defenseless, the incompetent, the impaired and the incapacitated: to promote and encourage passage of amendatory and statutory measures which will provide protection and support for human life...”

1-888-496-3638, Brenda Thomson Project Rachel 270-683-1505, Betty Medley Rachel’s Vineyard 270-570-4717, Debbie Ward

Celebrate Life Celebrate Life Celebrate Life Celebrate Life Celebrate Life Celebrate Life Celebrate Life Celebrate Life Celebrate Life

NEED HELP? CALL 1-800-822-5824 or 270-685-5077 Jerry Embry Robin Beatty President Executive Director ________________________________________________ Phone:270-685-4922 Fax 270-684-0625 rtlo1973@att.net Online: www.rtlo.org 1115 Tamarack Road, Suite 200, Owensboro, KY 42301 ________________________________________________

Right to Life of Owensboro, Inc.

NON-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Owensboro, KY 42301 Permit No. 120