It is a busy time for the pro-life community. Here in California, on 8/30, our State Senate will vote on SB 623, which would continue a pilot program sponsored by Planned Parenthood allowing non-physicians, including midwives, to perform first trimester abortions. Since 2007, about 8,000 abortions have been performed under this program. As you may recall from July’s Pro-Life Report, the Assembly Health Committee passed SB 623 along a strict, party-line vote, 13 to 6. As expected, SB 623 went to the full Assembly in August, where it was approved 46 to 24 on a mostly part-line vote. It is now before the Senate. The California Catholic Conference opposes SB 623, and provides an “Action Alert” link where we may email our legislators on SB 623:
http://capwiz.com/cacatholic/issues/alert/?alertid=61764626&PROCESS=Take+Action
On Saturday, August 25, I was privileged to attend the diocesan Respect Life Ministry reunion at St. Anthony’s on Florin Road. His Excellency Bishop Jaime Soto spoke brilliantly on religious freedom and building a Culture of Life, even quoting from de Toqueville’s famous “Democracy in America.” Speakers from the Sacramento Life Center, Rachel’s Vineyard, and the California Catholic Conference also addressed the gathering of about 200 volunteers, with some from parishes as far away as Alturas. Director of Evangelization & Catechesis for Sacramento Diocese Steve Patton moderated the event and made a DVD on Natural Family Planning available to us for a one-dollar donation. The talk given by Ashley and Lisa of the Sacramento Life Center on sexual purity was especially powerful. Bishop Soto received a standing ovation for praying with 40 Days for Life on public sidewalks outside of abortion businesses. Wynette Sills, our local 40 Days for Life leader, addressed us as well, highlighting the importance of cultivating empathy in order to make opponents our friends. In the words of Bishop Soto, legislators and their staff “are not smarter than us” and we should not be shy about talking with them in person about respect for life issues, which the Bishop strongly encouraged us to do.
Bishop Soto will celebrate the 40 Days for Life Opening Mass on Tuesday, September 25, at 6:30 pm at St. Philomene’s Parish, 2428 Bell Street, preceded by the Holy Rosary at 6 pm. This year’s 40 Days for Life vigils will again take place at the public sidewalk in front of the abortion business at 1750 Wright Street. Volunteers will pray there and offer assistance to women, Monday–Saturday, 7 am to 7 pm, from Wednesday, September 26th through Sunday, November 4th. Please keep this peaceful, life-saving ministry in your prayers, and sign-up as a volunteer at: www.40daysforlife.com/sacramento/
Fraternally in Christ,
Bill James
Culture of Life Director
K of C Council 953