Preaching the Pro-Life Message
Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers Comments Off on Preaching the Pro-Life Message
Every Sunday, we profess our faith in God by reciting the creed that reminds us of who we are and what we believe. Sometimes, however, when life throws us a curve and we are faced with difficult personal challenges or pressure from society, we become afraid to pick up our cross and follow Jesus. While Read More
Intrinsic Connection: Contraception and Abortion
Deacon Dominic Cerrato Comments Off on Intrinsic Connection: Contraception and Abortion
Many of us are old enough to have witnessed a great cultural change. I recall growing up in the 1960s watching TV shows like “Bonanza,” “The Andy Griffith Show” and, of course, “The Beverly Hillbillies.” Perhaps I’m being too sentimental, but these programs reflected a world of baseball, hot dogs and apple pie. They embodied, Read More
The Hurting Need Our Help, Not Our Silence
Teresa Tomeo Comments Off on The Hurting Need Our Help, Not Our Silence
Almost 10 years ago, as my husband began his first diaconate assignment, our pastor shared a story as to why he believed it is so important for deacons and priests to reach out to those in the pews who may have been touched by an abortion. He explained that he received permission to pass on Read More
Our Vital Role in the Pro-life Movement
Nicole Snook Comments Off on Our Vital Role in the Pro-life Movement
Deacon Dominick Pastore’s pro-life convictions began “not too long after Roe v. Wade,” when he was a freshman in college. “At that time, I wasn’t pro-life,” recalls Deacon Pastore. “I wasn’t pro-choice. I never really gave it much thought.” His roommate, however, was a very committed Catholic who was also pro-life. A few days before Read More
Transforming a Crime into a ‘Medical Treatment’
Rita L. Marker Comments Off on Transforming a Crime into a ‘Medical Treatment’
When was the last time you heard about “aid-in-dying,” “death with dignity” or “end-of-life option”? Those are only a few of the euphemistic labels used by proponents of assisted suicide for the practice of prescribing a massive overdose of drugs to cause death. (Note: In an assisted suicide the patient does the last act such Read More
Always Leave an Opening for Hope
Stephen Fahrig Comments Off on Always Leave an Opening for Hope
“I never preach on abortion, because there might be women in the congregation who’ve had an abortion, and I don’t want them to feel bad.” A priest said this in my presence about 10 years ago, and his words have stuck with me for the last decade — not because I agree with them, but Read More
Following the Call to Serve
Deacon Gary and Val Streff Comments Off on Following the Call to Serve
Being a deacon and Respect Life Office coordinators in the Diocese of Honolulu has its perks, and its challenges, too. Our Ohana (“family”) — gets together socially to brainstorm and share what we are doing in our ministries at the parish and diocesan level. We also gather in times of need. For example, last night, Read More
Living as a Herald of the Gospel
Deacon Keith Strohm Comments Off on Living as a Herald of the Gospel
Some life experiences stay with us forever. The death of a loved one, our wedding day, the birth of a child — all of these memories endure despite the passage of time. The same is likely true for deacons as we reflect on the day of our diaconal ordination. Although I was ordained a little Read More