From Father Steven - May 1, 2022

​Dear Brothers and Sisters, 
Believe it or not, it’s already May!!! May is a month in which in the church we honor our Blessed Mother, in our families we honor our own mothers, and in our day to day lives we feel the warmth of life coming up (hopefully). In this month I would like to bring to your attention to issues that regard life, one about the beginning of life and the other about its end.
 On Mother’s Day, we are always appreciative of our own mothers and we are grateful for everything that they have sacrificed and done for us. One aspect that often we don't consider is the choice of being a mother, that is, accepting the child sent by God. Surely on many occasions, the news of a new pregnancy comes with great joy. However, other times, when there are some hardships in the life of the couple that make such news quite frightening. It is not common that a person will deliberately kill their child in their womb. Rather, the thought process goes through a different route. Thoughts like, I can’t have a child now or I will not be able to raise this child properly can that lead someone to abort their babies. The pregnancy centers are here in order to help mothers to feel that they are not alone, and yes, they will be able to raise their children. It is not a matter of forcefully convincing someone to have their child, but accompanying them in a path that is full of uncertainty and fear. Our pregnancy centers here are doing a great job in providing many ways to assist mothers in their need. One way to help pregnant mothers who are deliberating whether or not to continue their pregnancy is to have an ultrasound test. Besides having medical insight, the ultrasound will help mothers to see their child and hear their heartbeat. The First Concern Pregnancy Center here in Marlboro is currently raising funds to purchase an ultrasound machine to assist not only troubled mothers, but anyone who needs help. Next week, on Mother’s Day, I would like to urge you to consider giving a special gift to mothers who are struggling with their decision of being mothers. The Knights of Columbus are helping in this project and they will be collecting donations next week after all the masses. Our fundraising goal is $14,000.00 which the Knights of Columbus will match for a total of $28,000.00 towards the purchase of the ultrasound machine. Checks can be made to Knights of Columbus and if you would like to donate online, please check the QR code on the next page.
 
Next, I would like to address an old issue that comes back every now and then, which is how to help those babies when they become elderly at the end of their life. Again, people can make ill decisions when frightened or greatly concerned with their future. Please read the message below from the Bishops of Massachusetts.
God Bless,
Fr. Steven
 
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD NOW! Say NO to Physician Assisted Suicide in Massachusetts
 
The Massachusetts State Legislature is considering passing into law two deeply troubling bills this session which would legalize Physician Assisted Suicide. The bills, House 2381 and Senate 1384, are identical in text and titled “An Act relative to end of life options”. “The Catholic Bishops of Massachusetts stand united in our strong opposition to Physician Assisted Suicide. It is an affront to life and a dangerous precedent for determining end of life issues. Physicians are trained to care for the ill, not to hasten death.”.  Here are some troubling facts to consider before you act:
 
1.  The bills would allow a physician to provide a deadly drug mixture to an individual diagnosed with less than 6 months to live that, when consumed, would cause death.
 
NOTE- The diagnosis could be wrong. Countless individuals have outlived that 6-month diagnosis and enjoyed many more precious months and years with family and friends.
 
2.  No Real Safeguards - A vulnerable individual who is physically disabled, depressed, or fears being a “burden” may be subject to undue influence by others to take the drug mixture, especially if there is a financial benefit as an incentive.
 
3. The primary focus of elected officials should be dedicated to legislation providing quality health care, mental health care and palliative care to the sick and dying – particularly in the underserved, poor and minority communities that suffer the most at the time of need.
How can your voice be heard?
 
Call or email Senator is James Eldridge—617-722-1120 and Representative is Danielle Gregoire—617-722-2140 let them know you are a Massachusetts voter, and say NO to Physician Assisted Suicide! Log on to www.macatholic.org and follow the links to find contact information for:
 
· Members of the legislative Joint Committee on Health Care Finance who will be considering these bills.
 
· Your individual State Senator and Representative via address and zip code link.
 
For individuals without internet access, please call the Massachusetts Catholic Conference at 617-746-5630 for legislative contact information.
 
 Boston Pilot - Statement of the four Roman Catholic Bishops of Boston, Fall River, Springfield, and Worcester (December 8, 2017)