Denver Catholic

LOCAL NEWS I 7 DENVER CATHOLIC REGISTER I SEPTEMBER 10, 2014 Apologetics for e New Evangelization: Practical Catholicism Prof. John LaBarbara www.regonline.com/apologetics2014 • St. omas More Monday 7:00pm to 8:30pm • Nativity of Our Lord Tuesday 7:00pm to 8:30pm e Art of Living: Mastering the Virtuous Life Prof. Daniel Campbell www.regonline.com/virtue2014 • St. John Paul II Center Tuesday 9:30-11:30am • St. John Paul II Center Tuesday 7:00-9:00pm Pillars: A Journey through the Catechism www.regonline.com/catechism2014 • St. Patrick [Colorado Springs] Monday 9:30-11:30am • Shrine of St. Anne [Arvada] ursday 9:30-11:30am • St. Elizabeth Ann Seton [Fort Collins] ursday 7:00-9:00pm • St. Joseph [Golden] ursday 7:00-9:00pm e Francis E ect: Catholicism in the Footsteps of Pope Francis Prof. Sr. Emmanuelle of the Lamb www.regonline.com/francis2014 • St. Catherine of Siena Wednesday 10:00am to 12:00pm New Classes for Fall 2014 www.sjvdenver.edu BY NISSA LAPOINT Planned Parenthood said it only wants its abortion clientele to be at peace with their decision. That's why the national abortion and women's clinic released a letter assur- ing the religiously-inclined God doesn't disapprove of killing the unborn—and it has a list of clergy ready to reinforce that. Its national clergy advocacy board stated abortion is not mentioned in Scripture. "Many people wrongly assume that all religious leaders disapprove of abor- tion," its board stated in October 2013. "The truth is that abortion is not even mentioned in Scriptures—Jewish or Christian—and there are clergy and people of faith from all denominations who support women making this com - plex decision." Denver Catholic Biblical School instructor Derek Barr says the word "abortion" itself is not in Scripture, but it's riddled with references to it. Among the more than 30 passages supporting life, there are more direct passages referencing life in the womb. Wisdom 7:1-6 says "in my mother's womb I was molded into flesh" and Isaiah 49:1-6 states "from my mother's womb he gave me my name." In Ezekiel 23:36-39, people are re- buked for immolating "the children they had borne me" and for slewing "their children for their idols." Barr said, "The evidence is clear that this is seen by God as a vile injustice." "Besides all these, the Incarnation itself is great evidence against abor- tion," he added. "From the moment of conception, Jesus existed in the womb of Mary. … The 'Word made flesh' was Jesus the Christ at the very moment he became man—his conception, not at his birth." Clinic uses God to sell abortion "And, of course, to hide all of this from their parents." Belsky encouraged action. "We've been really clear from the start that concerned citizens, in particu- lar concerned parents ... need to get in touch with their legislators and demand that action be taken regarding the tax- payer funding of Planned Parenthood," he said. The organization received $540 mil- lion from government health services grants and reimbursements in the year ending June 30, 2013, according to their latest annual report. They also receive funding from the Department of Health and Human Services for sex education initiatives, he said. "When we've got Planned Parenthood counselors in multiple facilities advo- cating that 16-year-old girls do the kind of depraved and dangerous things that we're seeing in these videos," Belsky said, "it makes it pretty clear that this organi- zation is not worthy of sex education funds." Not to mention the taxpayer funds that go toward "the destruction of hun- dreds of thousands of children every year." Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the country, per- formed 327,166 abortions in 2012 ac- cording to their 2012-2013 report. He also suggested contacting school districts, superintendents and principals. "Ask them: Do you have a relationship with Planned Parenthood? Do I have to worry that when I send my child into school (they're) going to get the same sort of agenda like we're seeing in these counseling sessions?" he said, "that by the way, are funded by taxpayers." For more information, visit www. PlannedParenthoodExposed.com. Julie Filby: 303-715-3123; julie.filby @archden.org; www.twitter.com/ DCRegisterJulie Video From Page 6 Mercy Supportive Care because its min- istry and staff are rooted in the Catholic faith," he said in a statement. "They bring true Christian compassion to those who are suffering and make faith an integral part of dying. I am very appreciative of Divine Mercy's efforts to build a culture of life by educating the public on eth - ical end-of-life care and by working to spread their ministry nationwide." The hospice lived up to its mission, Foss and her sister Lora Sewald said. "It's a recognition of the person as a child of God and that death isn't just an ending but the beginning of our pilgrim- age to heaven, of preparing for eternal life," Foss said. "At the moment of death … Lora and I were at her side as Mom opened her eyes for the first time in about 24 hours and for the last time and took her last deep breath in and out and died so very peacefully." In a note to the hospice, Sewald wrote, "Thank you … for your countless hours and contributions in making Mom's final journey so beautiful, offering a level of dignity like no other." The team provided medical, sacra- mental and prayerful support not only through Rita's last days but afterward as well, attending the funeral liturgies and offering bereavement counseling. When Rita died, her children asked that memorial donations be sent to Di- vine Mercy. Thanks to donors and a matching grant from The Catholic Foundation, Divine Mercy has been able to care for a half-dozen patients. But because the or- ganization is dependent on volunteers, it fears having to turn someone away if no staff is available. "We need to hire a clinical staff," Skender said of the organization's goal to raise $250,000 for remaining start-up costs. The hospice, he said, exists to affirm and protect the end of the sanctity of life spectrum—natural death. "Their ministry has a ripple effect," Foss said. "It's not just for the patient but for the whole family. There can be heal- ing and reconciliation. … They are the hands and heart and love of God's divine mercy." Hospice From Page 3

• Cover