NETHERLANDS LAUNCHES INTERNATIONAL ABORTION FUND; ALLEGED NEWS

A WOMAN ROCKING A DOLL AND MOANING AS SHE REMEMBERS HER ABORTION YEARS AGO. A young girl with a stroke after funded contraception caused bleeding on her brain: her entire life and chance of having a future family of her own ruined. [1]

  A woman in a shanty town with uncontrollable haemmorhage after a funded abortion. [2]
  Parents coming home to find their teenage daughter dead in a bathroom after having had an abortion without their consent or knowledge. 
  [Women can die from sepsis after medical abortion], [3].

  A squatter camp woman undertaking suicide, unable to deal with the emotional aftermath, grief and guilt after having aborted her child.
  A young woman unable to have a family after funded contraception had affected her ability to conceive normally. [4]

  A healthy mother from a shanty town going into the abortion procedure, and developing heart issues during the procedure. Unable to go home and care for her children, a heart patient for life. 
  Abortion medications can cause a heart attack: Alleged News. [5]

These are some of the scenarios that can be seen by Charity workers who move through shanty towns and the poorest of the poor, ministering to those who have experienced funded contraception and abortion.

What is the one thing all these women - the poorest of the poor - have in common?
  Those who funded their contraception and abortions are never holding their hands in their poverty stricken shanty towns as they whimper and bleed. They are never there to take them to hospital - if there is a hospital in these poverty stricken areas.
  They are never there to tell the news to the newly orphaned children that their mother - often the only parent and bread winner - is dead.
  They are never there to wipe the tears and hear the agonized cries of the newly orphaned.

Joy upon reinstation of Mexico City Policy
Great joy was experienced in Africa upon the reinstation of Mexico City Policy.
Culture of Life Africa welcomed the news that abortion giants MSI and IPPF will lose US funding for the promotion of abortion in Africa, Alleged News.  [6]

Netherlands launches International Abortion Fund
The Dutch government is reportedly launching an international abortion fund to 'counter' the ban of most US government funding of foreign pro-abortion groups; Alleged News. [7]

  Dutch Trade and Development Minister Lilianne Ploumen announced that the fund would bankroll projects to increase access to contraception and abortion as well as 'women's education' in developing countries; Alleged News. [7]

  The Netherlands has approached other European Union members to donate to the fund, and intends to ask non-EU governments, corporations and social institutions as well; Alleged News. [7]

  The Mexico City Policy was recently restored, which denies federal funding to foreign non-governmental organizations that perform or promote abortions as a method of family planning: Alleged News. [7]
  Minister Ploumen told the Guardian that she is 'in talks with 15 to 20 countries and also foundations', Alleged News. [8]
  That includes 'a number of European countries that we work with on these issues', and 'countries in South America and Africa', Alleged News. [8]

  The Netherlands has committed $10 million to replace lost U.S. abortion funding; Alleged News. [9]

Canada considering joining Netherlands
Canada's Liberal government is considering joining the Dutch government's proposed international abortion fund, as part of its commitment to advance 'reproductive rights'; Alleged News. [8]
  Belgium has already said they are signing on, and Denmark is also considering: Alleged News.
  Minister Ploumen is looking to raise a $600 million to bail out programmes now being run by organizations such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA), the International Planned Parenthood Federation and Marie Stopes International: Alleged News. [8]

Minister Ploumen approached Canadian International Development Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and the two spoke about the initiative, Alleged News. [8]
  Bibeau's office stated the Minister is considering the Dutch proposal, and that Bibeau and Ploumen have discussed 'sexual and reproductive rights' on a regular basis'; Alleged News. [8]

Developing countries need Gynaecologists
In my journeys through shanty towns, squatter camps, people living on the streets, I have seen unbelievable misery and pain.
  Some of these situations of unbearable burden stem from funded contraception and abortion.
  What many women need is a gynaecologist and expert assistance with health and reproductive rights.
  The greatest reproductive right for a woman is to live  her reproductive life and bear children with no threat to her own life.
  The ministry of doctors dedicated to women in need has been one of the greatest blessings to the world in many centuries.

In once area I assisted in during Charity endeavour, a woman committed to living her life assisting the poorest of the poor grabbed my hand, and said: "What we need most of all are gynaecologists. We have no-one to help our women in need when they have reproductive ill health."

PERHAPS DIVINE PROVIDENCE HAS LED YOU TO READ THESE WORDS.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO ASSIST A POOR AREA TO HAVE PRO DEO GYNAECOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE?

WHY NOT SIGN THE PETITION?

http://aln.hazteoir.org/en/lf/40774-appeal-canadian-and-eu-ministers-reject-dutch-plan-international-abortion-fund

ABORTION IS MURDER!

THE RIVER OF BLOOD FROM

INNOCENT UNBORN MUST STOP!

THE LACK OF GYNAECOLOGICAL

TREATMENT FOR WOMEN IN MANY

POOR AREAS IS PRESSING!

[1] Loyola report finds that birth control pills pose small but significant stroke risk: Alleged News
https://www.loyolamedicine.org/news/loyola-report-finds-birth-control-pills-pose-small-significant-stroke-risk-09212015

[2] Symptoms to watch for after an abortion: Alleged News
http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/symptoms-to-watch-for/

[3] Health risks: Medical Abortion Deaths; Alleged News
http://abortionpillrisks.org/health-risks/deaths/

[4] Pill could harm future fertility: Alleged News
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-207039/Pill-harm-future-fertility.html

[5] Italian Woman dies of Heart Attack after taking Abortion Drugs; Alleged News
http://www.nationalrighttolifenews.org/news/2014/04/italian-woman-dies-of-heart-attack-after-taking-abortion-drugs/#.WKHWgVWLTcs

[6] Culture of Life Africa welcomes reinstation of Mexico City Policy; Alleged News
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2017/02/culture-of-life-africa-welcomes.html

[7] After Trump bans abortion funding, Dutch gov't launches global fund to bail out abortion industry: Alleged News
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/dutch-govt-launches-global-fund-to-bail-out-abortion-industry-after-trumps

[8] Canada, Europe in $600M Global Abortion Bailout after Trump ban; Alleged News
http://www.libertyheadlines.com/canada-europe-600m-global-abortion-bailout-trump-ban/

[9] Dutch commit $10 million to replace lost U.S. abortion funding; Alleged News
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-dutch-abortion-idUSKBN15C0OW

With thanks to loyolamedicine.org, ourbodiesourselves.org, abortionpillrisks.org, nationalrighttolifenews.org, lifesitenews.com, libertyheadlines.com and reuters.com

IRELAND: IRISH CATHOLIC BISHOPS' CONFERENCE MAKES SUBMISSION TO THE CITIZEN'S' ASSEMBLY

TWO LIVES, ONE LOVE. THIS IS THE TITLE OF THE SUBMISSION TO THE CITIZENS' ASSEMBLY BY THE IRISH CATHOLIC BISHOPS' CONFERENCE. [1]
 According to the document, the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference decided to respond to the invitation of the Citizens' Assembly and make the submission on the topic of Article 40.3.3 of the Constitution of Ireland [Bunreacht na hEirann]. [2]

Human life is sacred
The Bishops state "We make our submission in the hope that we can be of assistance to the Citizens' Assembly in its task of reflecting on the right to life. We believe that human life is sacred from conception until natural death and that Article 40.3.3 reflects the appropriate balance of rights."[2]

"Some people argue that the right to life of the unborn should be a matter of personal choice on the part of the mother. Others argue that, while they are opposed to abortion as a general principle, they believe that there are some children to whom the right to life does not apply, either because they have been diagnosed with a serious medical condition or because they have been conceived as a result of rape. We wish to state our firmly held belief, based on reason as well as faith, that there is no such thing as a human life without value. We accept, of course, that death is part of our human condition. What we reject is the suggestion that any person can decide when it is time for another person to die." [3]

Retention of the Eighth Amendment
The Bishops call for the retention of the Eighth Amendment.
"Article 40.3.3, sometimes referred to as the Eighth Amendment, reads:
 The State acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate that right." [4]

"The deletion or amendment of Article 40.3.3 would serve no purpose other than to withdraw the right to life from some categories of unborn children. To do so would radically change the principle, for all unborn children and indeed for all of us, that the right to life is a fundamental human right." [5]

The Joy of Love
The words of His Holiness Pope Francis in his 2016 publication The Joy of Love are quoted:

"The gift of a new child, entrusted by the Lord to a father and a mother, begins with acceptance, continues with lifelong protection and has as its final goal the joy of eternal life ... So great is the value of a human life, and so inalienable the right to life of an innocent child growing in the mother's womb, that no alleged right to one's own body can justify a decision to terminate that life, which is an end in itself and which can never be considered the 'property' of another human being." [6]

Article 40.3.3 of the Constitution
The Bishops state the following in the submission: "Some of those who advocate deleting or changing Article 40.3.3 of the Constitution, have made it clear that they wish to make abortion available on demand in Ireland. Others say that they are opposed to abortion in general, but would want to see it permitted in certain difficult circumstances.

We do not share that view, because we believe that every unborn child, irrespective of his or her medical condition or the circumstances of his or her birth, has the right to be treated equally before the law." [7]

Power of Language
The Bishops refer to the power of language.
"We wish to refer briefly to the use of language with reference to unborn children. Words like 'foetus' and 'embryo' and 'zygote' have specific technical meanings. We question why, in public discourse, healthy unborn children are always referred to as 'the baby' while those who, in the opinion of some, do not measure up to expectations are routinely defined as the 'foetus' or the 'embryo'. We are concerned that language is being used with the intention of depersonalising certain categories of unborn children in a way which seeks to normalise abortion." [8]

Voice of Ireland
All over Ireland, the voices of the people are raised that the sanctity of life of the unborn child in this land must continue to be protected.
  
The Eighth Amendment
The Eighth Amendment is a piece of legislation that ensures the protection of the most basic of human rights.
  The first issue the Citizens' Assembly has been asked to consider is that of a referendum to repeal the right to life of the unborn child, currently protected under the eighth amendment of the Constitution. [9]

Concerns of the Irish people
Concerns about abortion among the Irish people include the following:

• Thousands of Aborted babies used for heating in the United Kingdom, Alleged News [10]
• Girls aborted because they are female in the United Kingdom, Alleged News [11]
• Aborted babies cut up and body parts sold for profit, Alleged News [12]
• Baby with still beating heart after abortion procedure then had brain cut out, Alleged News [13]
• Aborted baby cells - HEK 293, human embryonic kidney cells taken from an electively aborted baby - used in research and development of artificial flavour enhancers in beverages, Alleged News [14] 
• Aborted baby cells used in facial skin creams, Alleged News [15]
• Babies tortured during and after abortion procedure, Alleged News [16]
• Deaths of women due to legal abortion procedure, Alleged News [17] and [18]
• Scientifically proven link between Abortion and later development of Breast Cancer in women, Alleged News [19] and [22]
• Scientifically proven link between Abortion and Risk of Premature Birth, Alleged News [20] and [22]
• Scientifically proven link between Abortion and Subsequent Suicide of the Bereaved Mother, Alleged News [21] and [22]
• Abortion survivors - those who survived the abortion procedure - been affected by the abortion, [23] such as having one arm sheared off during the abortion procedure [24]
• Some babies survive the abortion procedure and are left to die, Alleged News [25]
• Aborted baby parts placed into rats in experiments, Alleged News [26]

Kitchen table and Church porch

The question raised by so many on the street, around the kitchen table and church porch, is

Why consider aborting our Irish citizens when we have quantifiable evidence of the horrors visited upon women and their innocent children through this procedure?

ABORTION IS MURDER!

THE INNOCENT UNBORN OF IRELAND

MUST CONTINUE TO BE PROTECTED

[1] Two Lives, One Love. Submission to the Citizens' Assembly by the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference
http://www.catholicbishops.ie/2016/12/09/two-lives-one-love-submission-to-the-citizens-assembly-by-the-irish-catholic-bishops-conference/

[2] Two Lives, One Love. Submission to the Citizens' Assembly by the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference, page 1
http://www.catholicbishops.ie/2016/12/09/two-lives-one-love-submission-to-the-citizens-assembly-by-the-irish-catholic-bishops-conference/

[3] Two Lives, One Love. Submission to the Citizens' Assembly by the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference, pages 1 to 2
http://www.catholicbishops.ie/2016/12/09/two-lives-one-love-submission-to-the-citizens-assembly-by-the-irish-catholic-bishops-conference/

[4] Two Lives, One Love. Submission to the Citizens' Assembly by the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference, page 2
http://www.catholicbishops.ie/2016/12/09/two-lives-one-love-submission-to-the-citizens-assembly-by-the-irish-catholic-bishops-conference/

[5] Two Lives, One Love. Submission to the Citizens' Assembly by the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference, page 3
http://www.catholicbishops.ie/2016/12/09/two-lives-one-love-submission-to-the-citizens-assembly-by-the-irish-catholic-bishops-conference/

[6] Two Lives, One Love. Submission to the Citizens' Assembly by the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference, page 4
http://www.catholicbishops.ie/2016/12/09/two-lives-one-love-submission-to-the-citizens-assembly-by-the-irish-catholic-bishops-conference/

[7] Two Lives, One Love. Submission to the Citizens' Assembly by the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference, page 6
http://www.catholicbishops.ie/2016/12/09/two-lives-one-love-submission-to-the-citizens-assembly-by-the-irish-catholic-bishops-conference/

[8] Two Lives, One Love. Submission to the Citizens' Assembly by the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference, page 5
http://www.catholicbishops.ie/2016/12/09/two-lives-one-love-submission-to-the-citizens-assembly-by-the-irish-catholic-bishops-conference/

[9] Ireland: The Sanctity of Life continues to be upheld as the people make their voice heard at the Citizens' Assembly
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/12/ireland-sanctity-of-life-continues-to.html

[10] Aborted babies incinerated to heat UK Hospitals, Alleged News
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2016/03/15/aborted-babies-incinerated-to-heat-uk-hospitals/

[11] Hove campaigner loses sex-selection abortion fight, Alleged News
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-34978638

[12] Congressional Panel finds Planned Parenthood and Others Broke Law Selling Aborted Baby Parts, Alleged News
http://www.lifenews.com/2016/12/01/congressional-panel-finds-planned-parenthood-and-others-broke-law-selling-aborted-baby-parts/

[13] Live Baby Planned Parenthood Cut Up to Sell for Parts "Had a Face, Nose, and Eyelids", Alleged News
http://www.lifenews.com/2015/08/19/live-baby-planned-parenthood-cut-up-to-sell-for-parts-had-a-face-nose-and-eyelids/

[14] Pro-life groups call for Pepsi boycott over Aborted Fetal Cell Lines, Alleged News
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/pro-life-groups-call-for-pepsi-boycott-over-aborted-fetal-cell-lines

[15] Aborted Fetus Cells used in Beauty Creams, Alleged News
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/nov/3/aborted-fetus-cells-used-in-anti-aging-products/

[16] Shocking Photos of Gosnell Murder Victims Included in Grand Jury Report, Alleged News. Warning; Not Suitable for Children
http://www.operationrescue.org/archives/shocking-photos-of-gosnell-murder-victims-included-in-grand-jury-report/

[17] Graphic Autopsy Images Released of Woman Dying From Legal Abortion, Alleged News. Warning, Not Suitable for Children
http://www.lifenews.com/2013/01/09/graphic-autopsy-images-released-of-woman-dying-from-legal-abortion/

[18] Dublin Woman Who Travelled To London for an Abortion died from 'Extensive Internal Blood Loss', Alleged News
http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/dublin-woman-who-travelled-to-london-for-an-abortion-died-from-extensive-internal-blood-loss-29437862.html

[19] Link between Abortion and Breast Cancer; Alleged News
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/12/link-between-abortion-and-breast-cancer.html

[20] Link between Abortion and Risk of Premature Birth, Alleged News
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/12/link-between-abortion-and-risk-of.html

[21] Link between Abortion and Suicide; Alleged News
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/12/link-between-abortion-and-suicide.html

[22] Texas gives Women considering Abortion a Brochure Confirming Abortion Raises Breast Cancer Risk; Alleged News
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/12/texas-gives-women-considering-abortion.html

[23] The Abortion Survivors Network
https://theabortionsurvivors.com/

[24] Babies who Survived Abortion, and are Now Adults: Time for Our Voice to be Heard
https://healthimpactnews.com/2015/babies-who-survived-abortions-and-are-now-adults-time-for-our-voice-to-be-heard/

[25] How many Babies are Born Alive and Left to Die after Botched Abortions? The Numbers will Shock You, Alleged News
https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/how-many-babies-are-born-alive-after-failed-abortions-and-left-to-die-the-n

[26] Innocent Humans and Innocent Animals, Vulnerable and Defenceless used in Experiments; Scientists Transplant Organs from Aborted Babies into Rats for Future Harvest, Alleged News
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2015/07/innocent-humans-and-innocent-animals.html


Bishops make official submission to Citizens' Assembly on abortion
http://www.irishcatholic.ie/article/bishops-make-official-submission-citizens%E2%80%99-assembly-abortion

With thanks to www.catholicbishops.ie, telegraph.co.uk, bbc.com, lifenews.com, lifesitenews.com, washingtontimes.com, operationrescue.org, independent.ie, theabortionsurvivors.com, healthimpactnews.com and irishcatholic.ie

CULTURE OF LIFE AFRICA WELCOMES REINSTATION OF MEXICO CITY POLICY; ALLEGED NEWS

CULTURE OF LIFE AFRICA HAS WELCOMED THE REINSTATION OF THE MEXICO CITY POLICY; ALLEGED NEWS. [1]
President Obianuju Ekeocha of Culture of Life Africa, has welcomed the news that abortion giants  MSI and IPPF will lose US funding for the promotion of abortion in Africa; Alleged News. [1]

African cultures value human life
President Ekeocha further noted that abortion is illegal in much of Africa; Alleged News.
  She went on to state, "The bottom line is that most ordinary Africans will be unimpressed [if not offended] that the United States or any other western country has actually been, up till now, funding organizations that perform abortions given how most of the African cultures value human life from conception," Alleged News. [1]

President Ekeocha pointed out that "humanitarian aid money given to abortion organizations is humanitarian aid money not used for real healthcare, education, nutrition and water", Alleged News. [1]
"In reality organizations like MSI and IPPF do not contribute to the building up of African communities or authentic development . . .", Alleged News. [1]

Marie Stopes International
MSI has been found performing illegal abortions in a number of African countries, Alleged News. [1]
  The new documentary by Culture of Life Africa, called "Killing Africa", reportedly uncovered evidence of various practices including illegal abortions, by MSI in Uganda; Alleged News. [1] and [2]

Dignity of Africa
The dignity of various countries in Africa have been assailed by the following:

• The nation of Zambia banned Marie Stopes International from performing abortions after discovering MSI committed 490 illegal abortions in five months, Alleged News [3]
• In Kenya, Population Research Institute investigators discovered that 'manual vacuum' abortions were being performed illegally, by Marie Stopes International, Alleged News. [4] The mother organization Marie Stopes International [MSI] was sponsored by the UN Population Fund [UNFPA], Alleged News [5] 
• In Uganda, Ms Desire Kirabo, a Ugandan nurse and former center manager of the MSI Clinic in Hoima,Western Uganda, claimed that illegal abortions were carried out by medical assistants [not doctors], Alleged News. Aborted babies before the age of 14 weeks were disposed of by being 'flushed in toilet', 'after 14 weeks pit latrine[note: a pit latrine is open sewage]', Alleged News [6]

3.3 million abortions annually

According to Culture of Life Africa, MSI performs 3.3. million abortions and abortion related services every year, Alleged News. [7]

In the UK, Marie Stopes International has recently been queried by the Care Quality Commissions after inspectors found a catalogue of practices in English Clinic, Alleged News. [7]

Marie Stopes Abortion Clinics

The 2,600 safety flaws at Marie Stopes abortion clinics included the following in the Care Quality Commission report, Alleged News. [8]

• Doctors were going home for the day leaving sedated women in the hands of nurses and healthcare assistants; almost half of nurses had not been trained to do resuscitation; Alleged News [8]
• Some vulnerable women did not understand the full consequences of what they were about to do; Alleged News [8]
• Safety incidents including medical blunders and equipment failures had increased by a third in a year; Alleged News [8]
• Doctors were signing off up to 60 consent forms at a time when they were meant to be making a thorough assessment; One filled in up to 26 in two minutes; Alleged News [8]
• Foetal remains were dumped in ordinary medical waste bins rather than sealed for cremation, Alleged News [8]

The CQC was particularly concerned about safety and lack of training, warning patients were not protected from avoidable harm, Alleged News. [8]

WHY NOT SIGN THE PETITION?

http://www.citizengo.org/en/lf/40174-killingafrica-end-taxpayer-funding-illegal-abortion-africa

ABORTION IS MURDER!

THE RIVERS OF BLOOD FROM OUR

INNOCENT UNBORN MUST STOP!

[1] Culture of Life Africa welcomes Mexico City Policy as Abortion Advocates mourn Loss of Funding: Alleged News
https://www.spuc.org.uk/news/news-stories/2017/january/culture-of-life-africa-welcomes-mexico-city-policy-as-abortion-advocates-mourn-loss-of-funding

[2] Culture of Life Africa has produced a video focusing on Marie Stopes International's operations in Africa; Alleged News
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2017/01/culture-of-life-africa-has-produced.html

[3] Zambia bans Marie Stopes for committing 490 illegal abortions this year, Alleged News
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/zambia-bans-marie-stopes-for-committing-490-illegal-abortions-this-year

[4] Getting around the Law: Covert abortions in Kenya, and U.S. Aids Relief; Alleged News
https://www.pop.org/content/getting-around-law-covert-abortions-kenya-and-us-aids-relief

[5] United Nations Sponsored Women's Clinic in Kenya Admits to Illegal Abortions, Alleged News
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/united-nations-sponsored-womens-clinic-in-kenya-admits-to-illegal-abortions

[6] 'Killing Africa' documentary, Alleged News
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EX5aatOe280

[7] Killing Africa: Exposing the MSI Mission in Africa, Alleged News
https://www.spuc.org.uk/news/news-stories/2017/january/killing-africa-exposing-the-msi-mission-in-africa

[8] The 2,600 safety flaws at Marie Stopes abortion clinics included doctors going home with women under sedation and foetuses being put in waste bins rather than cremated, Alleged News
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4053726/The-2-600-safety-flaws-Marie-Stopes-abortion-clinics-including-doctors-going-home-women-sedation-foetuses-waste-bins-cremated.html


With thanks to spuc.org.uk, ifesitenews.com, pop.org, youtube and dailymail.co.uk

GSC MODULE 51: CLERICAL ATTIRE AND CHURCH REQUIREMENTS

The priest follows the Son of God, Jesus Christ

CLERICAL ATTIRE

Priests should be dressed modestly, respectfully and conservatively. 

  There are different forms of clerical attire which a priest may adopt in keeping with church requirements.  

  As in all things, the good priest is guided by Jesus in matters pertaining to priestly life and conduct.

Dress Code Guidelines

• Dark suit
• Black, light blue or light purple shirt with priestly collar
• Dark shoes
• Small crucifix pinned to coat lapel
• Crucifix on chain for formal events
• Priestly stole for sacraments
• Academic gown
• Academic colours
• Appropriate hair style
• Avoidance of extreme styles
• 
  

CHURCH REQUIREMENTS

The priest who brings the gospel to God’s people will need church requirements in order to effectively carry out the ministry. 

  Church requirements can be purchased, received as gift or donation, and in some cases made.

  Church requirements for the priest may include some or all of the following;

• Chalice [in which wine is consecrated during Mass]
• Paten [on which bread is consecrated during Mass]
• Individual communion cups
• Mass set
• Altar
• Altarcloths
• Ciborium [to hold consecrated hosts in the tabernacle]
• Tabernacle [secure locked container for consecrated hosts]
• Monstrance [in which the Blessed Sacrament is honoured during Benediction]
• Pyxes [in which Holy Communion is brought to the sick and dying]
• Crucifix
• Vestments
• Stoles
• Baptismal font
• Candle holders
• Candles
• Bibles
• Lectionaries
• Candlelighters
• Musical instruments for liturgical worship
• Certificates for Baptism, Baby Naming Ceremonies for miscarried and stillborn babies. House blessing, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, Holy Orders, Matrimony, Renewal of Vows
• Lecterns [from which the Word of God is read and the sermon is preached]
• Sanctuary chairs
• Pews or chairs
• Cassocks
• Chancel furniture
• Church furniture
• Plant stands
• Offering plates
• Anointing oils
• Chrism oils
• Mass wine
• Unconsecrated hosts
• Advent wreath
• Musical instruments
• Music books

Rev Catherine

Disclaimer: this information is not meant to replace your Priest, Theologian, Doctor or Health Professional Care

GSC MODULE 50: PASTORAL VISIT

The priest follows the Son of God, Jesus Christ

PASTORAL VISIT

The pastoral home visit by a priest is of great benefit for people, families and for the community.   The eventual fruit of the work is often unseen and not easily appreciated. 

  Alongside the work of the priest, this work is linked with dedication, love and sacrifices in the interest of the Kingdom of Heaven. 

  The actual worth and fruit of the home visit will only be known in eternity.

  The priest needs to keep in mind that visits are made on behalf of the Great Shepherd, Christ. 

  The sacrifice of time and convenience needs to be made often made by the priest when undertaking home visits. 

  Often personal events in the priest’s life require to, as it were, be placed on the ‘back burner’ when a home visit is due. 

  Sad news may have been received by the priest shortly before the home visit; the needs of the family [unless in the most exceptional circumstances] must come first. 

  This requires dedication, maturity and selflessness on behalf of the priest.

  The priest needs to give pastoral care to the congregation according to the Word of God. 

  The visit is made in service of the Word of God and the sacraments; the conduits of mercy of Almighty God. 

  By means of the home visit, the explanation of the Word of God and the sacraments and the comfort offered to families within their situations and difficulties, many find comfort and spiritual growth.

  King David wrote in Psalm 23; “The Lord is my Shepherd”.  

  God is the Great Shepherd, and He calls His priests to be co-shepherds in guiding and caring for His people. 

  There is warning in Ezekiel 34 to wicked shepherds. 

  Pastoral care is a sacred and responsible duty before Almighty God, and not to be undertaken lightly. 

  Jesus was kind and taught through pastoral visits. He met Nicodemus: the Samaritan woman, and many others. 

  After His Resurrection He appeared to the weeping Mary Magdalene and brought her hope and comfort; He baked bread and grilled fish for His hungry disciples. 

  Priests are to learn from His example.

  The service of the Word and the sacraments are the anchors on which the pastoral care of the priest is based. 

  The priest is not alone in this work; God is with Him, strengthening, guiding and leading through the Holy Spirit. 

  In the church the priest offers a public service of the Word which is meant for the whole community. 

  With pastoral home visits the priest offers a private and personal service of the Word. 

  It is a good practice for a priest to make a home visit accompanied by a chaperone; this can forestall any misunderstandings or difficulties.

  The visit of the priest is a personal contact with congregants and families which enables those visited to anchor their faith in God. 

  The faith of those visited is nurtured and protected by the priest through dedicated pastoral care. 

  The priest goes to visit the sick, those in difficulty, the griefstricken, those experiencing difficulties in their faith, youth and children. 

  The priest may choose to read a passage from the Bible and to pray with the family members in need of words of comfort and guidance. 

  The priest needs to build relationships of trust with parishioners; this takes time and constancy of authentic gospel witness.

  Discussion with the family members about difficulties being experienced within the family circle often proves helpful towards coping with, and resolving of, the challenge facing the family.    If a family member is sick, the priest offers the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. 

  The persons may wish to have a Bible passage read: or to receive the comfort of priestly prayer to God on their behalf. 

  The invalid may request the sacraments such as Baptism, Confession, Confirmation or Eucharist.    Those who are facing their final hours may with to make their Confession and receive the Eucharist, if they are still able to do so.

 Arrangement may be made during pastoral home visit for the blessing of the newborn baby, or for organization of a suitable date at the church in order for the administration of the sacrament of Baptism. 

  Comfort may be offered to a mother who has lost her child through stillbirth or miscarriage: and to the bereaved father and family. 

  The prayer, Baptism of Desire and naming of the child who has gone so early to God can be carried out.

  Small Bible studies may be held during pastoral visits; or the prayer of the holy rosary. 

  Whatever the reason for the home visit, the priest should ensure good preparation beforehand in order effectively to carry out confident and supportive pastoral ministry. 

  Teaching from the Bible and the guidance of the Church should be offered to those struggling with various issues such as drug misuse, alcohol misuse, lack of monogamy in a marriage, those dealing with the fallout from divorce or regret after abortion.

  Pastoral counselling should be given to those making decisions, such as contemplating an abortion. 

  The priest will be competent and informed on all matters pertaining to God’s Commandments and the guidance of the church, and will be able to inform the undecided mother that abortion is never allowed according to the Word of God. 

  It is important for the priest to realize that if a mother is suffering from the tragic situation of an ectopic pregnancy [that is, a failed implantation of the baby], medical treatment of the condition in order to save the mother’s life is not an abortion, it is instead a life-saving procedure. 

  It is in ethical dilemmas such as this that the priest requires to have good training and competence in matters biblical, theological, philosophical and ethical.

  It is important for the priest to remember that what happens within the family stays within the family. 

  A well balanced priest will interact with all family members during pastoral home visit with courtesy, dignity and maturity. 

  As the priest leaves the family, confidentiality remains the keynote of the priestly visit. 

  Thus will the priest become a trusted friend, true confidant and worthy representative of the Great Shepherd Jesus Christ within the family circles of the congregation.

PASTORAL VISIT TO THE SICK

When Jesus gave His disciples mandate regarding their call, He told them: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons”. [Matthew 10:8] 

  The gift of healing was one of the first special gifts Jesus gave to His disciples, and facilitated evangelisation.

  The directive to visit the sick and comfort them, to pray for their healing and to enable them to access resources of healing, continues as one of the important directives of Christ to His church.  The priest has the duty of care to visit congreganists during their times of illness.

Humanity suffers from disharmony of body and soul as a consequence of the Fall. 

  Sudden illness precipitates breakdown of daily life, as the sick person becomes unable to function independently.

  The sufferer becomes dependent upon the help offered by household, doctors and nurses. 

  He may experience anxiety and loss of employment and income. His family may be affected by these changes in circumstances.

  Issues about life and faith in God now often become prominent in the invalid’s life. 

  The question may arise why God allows the great life test of illness. Faith difficulties may develop. 

  Illness is often used by God as a resource to introspection, conversion and confession. 

  It is at precisely this point that the priestly pastoral service becomes indispensable. 

  The gospel of the Saviour can bring much support and consolation to an invalid during the course of a pastoral visit. 

  The visit to the sick is grounded in the earliest church tradition: Saint James counselled the sick to call on the community elders to pray over them and give the anointing of the sick.

Any of the following environments may require a pastoral visit;

·        Home

·        Hospital

·        Maternity unit

·        Prison infirmary

·        Military infirmary

·        Retirement complex

·        Frail care unit

·        Hospice

·        Squatter camp

·        Refugee camp

·        On board ship

The priest should check with doctors and nurses whether an invalid is able to receive Holy Communion if desired. 

  Sometimes the sacrament may not be given due to health issues: the patient may be fasting for a procedure or unable to take food and liquid for health reasons. 

  If a patient is shortly post-operative, a short and simple pastoral visit will suffice.

The priest requires discretion and tact during a pastoral visit to the sick. 

  A sufferer may experience personal difficulties and mood swings. 

  The priest should be competent to deal with any pastoral situation which may present, such as death of a congregant within the hospital or community setting.

  The pastoral visit to the sick brings the priest into close contact with illness, sorrow and death. 

  The ordinee will require wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit in order to carry out the visitation. 

  Prayer strengthens the priest during this holy task.

  The priest undertaking pastoral visit to the sick will come into contact with patients of all persuasions. 

  This requires understanding and wisdom. It is helpful – and in many cases a requirement – for the chaplain to hold a recognized qualification such as Clinical Pastoral Counselling in order to be fully competent for the ministry.

  The organized priest should have access to resources which enable effective ministry as needed. These resources may include:

·        Confessional stole

·        Bible

·        Book of rites of the sacraments

·        Holy water

·      Miniature mass kit containing chalice, paten, candle holder and candles, crucifix, white altar cloth, mass wine bottle, container with unconsecrated hosts

·    Matches or lighter for the candles. Remember candles, flame, matches and lighter cannot be used when oxygen therapy is being given due to the risk of explosion. Some priests carry a faux candle which gives light by means of a battery

·        Holy oils

·     Cotton wool to clean the priest’s fingers after using the holy oil for anointing

·       Small bowl to contain water to cleanse the celebrant’s fingers prior and after to giving holy communion or celebrating Eucharist

A small and transportable kit enables the priest to minister when called upon unexpectedly. 

  The support congregational members receive during pastoral visits may prove deeply beneficial.   They may draw peace and comfort from the visit and from the words of the Saviour. 

  The pastoral visit may prove spiritually uplifting to other patients who may wish to speak to the visiting priest. 

  Pastoral kindness is a powerful tool of evangelisation for people experiencing pain and difficulty. 

  It is a fact that many have come to faith in Jesus Christ during a priestly pastoral visit.

Rev Catherine

Disclaimer: this information is not meant to replace your Priest, Theologian, Doctor or Health Professional Care