Ulster Gives Pro-Life Witness: Jan. 23 Nat'l. Day of Prayer for Legal Protection of Unborn Children

Jan. 28, 2022 - Port Ewen and Esopus, New York - On the 49th anniversary of the  Roe v. Wade holding of the U.S. Supreme Court which imposed legal abortion across America, Presentation-Sacred Heart Parish joined parishes throughout Ulster County to give prayerful expiation, witness, and protest.  In light of the designation of January 23rd as the National Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, "The events at our two churches as well as at cooperating parishes in Ulster County implemented the initiative launched by the Ulster Deanery Respect Life Committee, which coordinates the Catholic pro-life movement in Ulster County.," explained Fr. Arthur Rojas, administrator of Presentation-Sacred Heart Parish and Moderator/Spiritual Director of the Ulster Deanery Respect Life Committee.

At both churches of Presentation-Sacred Heart Parish, U.S. and Vatican flags were lowered in mourning, distress, and protest in line with the Committee's initiative along with a Mass of Reparation at 8 a.m. at Presentation, followed by a Holy Hour, and later at Sacred Heart with another Holy Hour of Reparation.  Explained Fr. Rojas, "The lowering of the flags declares that while abortion still may be legal, that does not make abortion morally just.  We are grateful to the dozens of participants at our two churches."  Indeed, according to sources at the Ulster Deanery Respect Life Committee, about 400 persons participated at Masses, Holy Hours, and related events in at least eight parishes of the Deanery.

Presentation-Sacred Heart Parish is affiliated most gladly to the Ulster Deanery Respect Life Committee.  The next meeting of the Committee is on Tuesday, February 22nd at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph's CHurch, New Paltz, New York.  All Catholic parishes in Ulster County are welcome to send delegates to the meeting.  For more information, kindly contact Fr. Rojas at frrojas@presentationsacredheart.org or 845/331-0053.