Family Life Council

His Church continues to embrace and protect the dignity of every human person, the sanctity of human life, from the tiny baby in the womb to the last moment of natural passing into eternal life. As the Servant of God Terrance Cardinal Cooke wrote, 'Human life is no less sacred or worthy of respect because it is tiny, pre-born, poor, sick, fragile, or handicapped.' Archbishop Timothy Dolan in his first homily at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York.

The Family Life Council is a parish council under the direction of the pastor, chaired by a parish member.

MISSION: To council and assist the pastor in fostering a culture of life which upholds the sacred dignity of all life especially through marriage and family life as revealed and witnessed by Jesus Christ.

Goals: Establishing prayerful witness through evangelization and education on the sanctity of life and the sacred dignity of marriage & family life, providing articles for the bulletin and the parish web site, submitting prayers for the General Intercessions at Mass, planning & participating in prayer services, prayer groups, supporting parish support groups which enhance marriage and family life, offering responsible social action & outreach including appropriate political action initiatives, collaboration with the Archdiocese of Boston and other parishes.

Please join the Family Life Council at St. Mary Parish for a 

Baby Shower 

to benefit 

The Pregnancy Care Center & 
My Father’s House

These organizations provide help for women who choose to have their babies in spite of difficulties. We will be collecting unwrapped items for these organizations each Sunday until March 14^th when we will celebrate in the hall with refreshments after the 9:00 am and 11:00 am Masses.

My Father’s House Wish List

· Pampers/Huggies size 4 & 5

· 1 Toddler car seat

· Hooded towels for infants & toddlers

· 1 Pack & Play

· Baby Wash Cloths, Baby Bath & Baby Wipes

· 1 lightweight high chair  

· Sippy cups with no-spill inserts

· Baby & toddler board style Bibles

· Baby bottle brushes & drying racks

· “What to Expect” books

· Crib & mobiles

· Divided baby plates & utensils

· little boy and girl underpants up to size 6

· Market Basket & Wal-Mart gift cards

· 4x6 or 5x7 basic picture & collage frames

My Father’s House

83 Middlesex St., No. Chelmsford, MA  01863

978-251-8191

Pregnancy Care Center Wish List

· Nestle’s Good Start Formulas

· Baby Bottles

· Stage 1 & 2 Baby Food

· Diapers (sizes 2, 4, 5) and Baby Wipes

· Hooded Bath Towels & Wash Clothes

· Baby Toiletries: shampoo, baby bath, lotion

Pregnancy Care Center 

496 Main St., Haverhill, MA  01830, 978-373-5700

Pray to End Abortion

40 Days for Life is a National Pro-Life campaign to raise awareness to the evil of abortion. The campaign consists of 40 Days of prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil. The mission of 40 Days for Life is to turn hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life, thus bringing an end to abortion in America.

During the fall 40 Days for Life campaign, Abby Johnson, director of the Planned Parenthood abortion center in Bryan, Texas resigned her job after witnessing an ultrasound abortion. Ms. Johnson had a profound change of heart and left the facility where she had been employed for 8 years.

The spring campaign kicks off on February 17th and ends on March 28th. 40 Days for Life is one of the largest coordinated pro-life initiatives in America. Join the other members of our parish and the nation in prayer and solidarity to end abortion. If you would like more information, visit http://www.40daysforlife.com/methuen/. 

The Manhattan Declaration: A Call of Christian Conscience

Christians have defended the weak and vulnerable and worked tirelessly to protect and strengthen vital institutions of civil society, beginning with the family.

As Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical Christians we have come together to reaffirm fundamental truths about justice and the common good, and to call upon our fellow citizens to join us in defending them. These truths are:

1. The sanctity of human life.

2. The dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife.

3. The rights of conscience and religious liberty.

Insomuch as these truths are foundational to human dignity and the society as a whole, they are inviolable and non-negotiable. Powerful forces in our culture are attacking these fundamental truths like never before. As such, we are compelled to speak out forcefully in their defense, without compromise. We make this commitment as followers of Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Lord, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

For more information on the Manhattan Declaration, visit www.manhattandeclaration.org.