There are two important events that take place at the end of January. First, the annual March for Life in Washington D.C. The March began in January 1974 after the legalization of abortion in 1973. Since then, millions of Americans have attended the march in an effort to not only change the law but change the hearts and minds of Americans. Protecting the life of unborn children in the womb is of paramount importance. The principles behind the pro-life movement have far reaching consequences beyond abortion. A pro-life mentality opposes euthanasia and the killing of those with mental handicaps. It values all human life regardless of race, sex, or ethnicity.
As we know, the march this year will be under different circumstances. With the Supreme Court’s ruling we live in a Post-Roe country, but not yet a post-abortion country. Here in Rhode Island abortion is enshrined in our states constitution. There is also a push in the upcoming legislative session to enact a law requiring RI tax payers to subsidize abortion. Our work continues here in the state to protect the unborn, help parents, care for children, and work to change the hearts and minds of everyone.
Here at St. Teresa parish, I ask parishioner to pray for an end to abortion in other parts of the country, but most especially here in Rhode Island. I also ask that you pray for the conversion and healing of those who performed, obtained, or supported abortion.
The second important event at the end of January is Catholic Schools Week. This week highlights the good work of Catholic schools throughout the country. In 1950 the parishioners of St. Teresa Parish understood this and established St. Teresa School right across the street. They sacrificed to give the children of the parish a Catholic education. Because of the sacrifice of educators, parents, and parishioners today, St. Teresa School continues to educate our students in mathematics, literature, history, science, art, music, and language. Our school not only teaches the truths needed to get into a good college—although it does that without rival. More importantly, it continues to provide a daily encounter with the Good News of Jesus Christ, the saving truths of the Catholic faith, the daily instruction in the virtuous life and spiritual formation. Even amid a pandemic our students learn to pray, experience holy Mass, and confess their sins. Next weekend we will hear firsthand from some of students about their experiences at our school after all of the Masses.
We are trying to form the future scholars and statesmen, moms and dads, priests and religious, and please God, future saints. The reason our school exists—the reason our parish remains so committed to our parish school—is to form the future saints of the Church. So, I ask for your support of our school in whatever way you can.
Finally, thank you to all who supported the Cheerleaders fundraisers by purchasing and enjoying the malasadas. It was a huge success.