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Judy Forsthoefel, President 131 Clover Four Rd. Celina, OH 45822 May 2009 Newsletter Meeting Date: 4th Thursday, May 28th, 8:00 PM, Coldwater Mercer Health, Meeting Rm. #2. Friends are always Welcome. Why not bring another friend with you.
AMERICA IS NOW A PRO-LIFE NATION: 5/09According to a Gallup Poll, 51 % of Americans now call themselves pro-life rather than pro-choice on the issue of abortion. That’s the first time a majority gave that answer in 15 years that Gallup has asked the question. The findings marked a significant shift over 12 months. A year ago, 50% said they were pro-choice and 44 % stated pro-life. In the new poll, 42% said they were now pro-choice. The new survey also showed that Americans remained deeply divided on the legality of abortion – with 23% saying it should be illegal in all circumstances, 22% saying it should be legal under any circumstance while 53% saying it should be legal only under certain circumstances.
STATE ORATORY CONTEST RESULTS On Saturday, April 25th, the Ohio RTL held its 2009 Oratory Contest. Eleven Chapters participated in the event this year. According to Maureen Keebaugh, ORTL, Director of External Affairs; “The young people that represented their chapters were outstanding. Their varied approach to the pro-life topics was exhilarating.” Mercer County’s winner, Megan Schaefer from Maria Stein did a fantastic job. Unfortunately, she did not place. The winner was Elizabeth Trisler from Shelby County. Thank You Megan for representing our chapter so well. We’re proud of you and wish you well in the future.
MOTHER’S DAY ROSE SALE – May 10th The annual Mother’s Day Rose Sale went real well. Most of the churches Sold Out. Thank You Chair Lady Phyllis Wenning for another Job Well Done and Many Thanks to ALL the Mothers from the various churches that took time out of their important day to sell the Roses. Thank You Theresa Jutte, owner of Roger’s Flower Shop and her staff, for assisting with our Mother’s Day Rose Project during one of their busiest days of the year. 4,875 roses were ordered – that’s a BUNCH! We Thank the following ladies who chaired this project at their church and lined up the workers: Jenny Thieman, Burkettsville; Sharon Lauber, Carthagena; Katie Dippold, Cassella; Missy Moeller, Chickasaw; Diane Wellman & Joyce Johnsman, Coldwater; Karen Knapke, Cranberry; Evelyn Kahlig, Ft. Recovery; Bridget Heckler, I.C. Church Celina; Ann Garmann, Maria Stein; Ann Thobe, Montezuma; Carol Doenges, Philothea; Mary Jo Zepeda, Rockford; Jean Siefring, Sharpsburg; Tracy Muhlenkamp, St. Anthony, Judy Grieshop, St. Henry; Marie Pottkotter, St. Joe; Alice Grieshop, St. Peter; Janice Luebke, St. Rose; Nancy Broering, St. Sebastian; Becky Rammel, St. Wendelin. What a GREAT group of ladies to work with. According to Phyllis, they go out of their way to help each other by picking up the roses for one another. Those that had roses left after their Church services, took the roses to another Church that had a later services, or gave them to a Hospital, Nursing Home or to Shut-ins. P.S. Thanks to some of the husbands who served as ‘gophers.” You’re GOOD!
NATIONAL PRO-LIFE TEE SHIRT DAY – April 28th Angie Bertke, Chair Lady for this event stated that, “all went well with the tee shirt campaign. 1,606 shirts were ordered and distributed”. It’s hard to do the math with money’s still out, but about $10,000 was spent on shirts while approx. $5,000 was taken in through contributions from the teens and donations from service & church organizations. These young people will wear their pro-life shirts all summer long. They are our ‘Walking Billboards’. Make sure you compliment a young person when you see them wearing one. Donations are still being accepted.
OBAMA SPEAKS TO THE CLASS OF 2009 – NOTRE DAME, May 17th Nearly 40 people were arrested Sunday as they tried to enter the University of Notre Dame to protest President Barack Obama’s appearance at commencement. Among those arrested were Norma McCorvey, the plaintiff identified as “Roe” in the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion. She now opposes abortion. Hundreds of people lined the streets holding signs declaring “Shame on Notre Dame” and many wore anti-abortion tee shirts, one which depicted a leprechaun throwing a baby into a trash can and the words “May 17, 2009, The day the Dome was forever tarnished”, which referred to the school’s famed golden dome, protesting Obama’s appearance. Five concerned citizens from our area made the trip to South Bend to participate. They came back with many photo’s to share, but where do we begin?? Obama’s commencement speech capped weeks of protests at the nation’s most prominent Catholic University. Critics have condemned the University’s decision to invite Obama, who supports abortion rights and embryonic stem-cell research. Some have even called for the resignation of the University’s President Rev. John Jenkins. However, sources revealed many members of Notre Dames Board of Trustees have ties to Pres. Obama or his agenda. Fr. John Jenkins has been portrayed as being somewhat helpless against them. Obama’s question to the graduating class was, “Is it possible for us to join hands in common efforts?” His pronounced message – certainly the one emphasized by the media – was that we shouldn’t demonize those who disagree with us on abortion. One must wonder why the President doesn’t follow his own advice. Only a few weeks ago, his administration released a memo cautioning against “rightwing extremists.” In the crosshairs of its inflammatory remarks were pro-lifers. The President lamented the fact that “the strong too often dominate the weak”, but that is exactly what abortion does. The strong not only dominate the weak – they kill them. Mr. Obama stated we need to “work together to reduce the number of women seeking abortions” but his policies tell a different story. (You can’t reduce the number of abortions while funding the expansion of abortion with our tax dollars by abandoning the Mexico City Policy and funding the UN Population Fund, which supports forced abortion in China. Or filling your staff with hard-core, pro-abortion advocates from Emily’s List, the National Abortion Rights Action League and Planned Parenthood isn’t the way to find common grounds with those who respect life.) Mr. Obama also supports the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), which would wipe out any law that protects unborn children & their mothers, such as parental consent, partial-birth abortion or tax funding abortion-on-demand, leaves no room for even the tiniest compromise. Words have meaning. Mr. Obama is called the most pro-abortion president in the history of our nation for good reason. During his fist months in office he has aggressively pursued a pro-abortion agenda. Mr. Obama is an elegant speaker, saying all the right words. His commencement speech was lovely, but steep with deception and compromise. Perhaps we should be paying more attention to Mr. Obama’s record than his rhetoric. While he was speaking, a baby’s cry was heard in the background. It’s chilling to consider how many more babies will die while he’s in term to reduce poverty so that will reduce abortion and as always to continue to work for “respect for the equality of women.” Hundreds of people attended an outdoor Mass and rally on campus, while students who decided not to attend their commencement went elsewhere on campus for prayer. One such student said he could not attend the ceremony because he believed Obama’s invitation violated a 2004 statement adopted by U.S. Bishops saying Catholic institutions should not honor those who do not adhere to church teachings. During the commencement Mr. Obama also received an Honorary Law Degree.
CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER STILL OPEN IN CELINA – NEW NAME, NEW PLACE With the officials of Harbor House Ministries selling their property on Fayette St., the Director of the former Elizabeth Pregnancy Services, Patty Thees, recognizing the need, has decided to open up her own Pregnancy Center. Choosing Life Pregnancy & Resource Center is located inside the Celina First Church of God, located at 850 Fairground Rd. just outside of Celina. The nonprofit organization serves women, men and families in pregnancy situations. The new Center began operation on April 1st and currently has more than 24 active clients. Patty and her assistant Barb Thees states that the new Center “is a pro-life agency devoted to assisting expectant women and their families, offering free pregnancy tests, counseling, pregnancy information on fetal development, adoption support and parenting classes. Free maternity clothing, baby clothing, diapers and other baby needs are available for those attending various classes at the Center. Thees states that the Center is always in need of baby items, especially baby beds, bassinets, and car seats. The Center is open on Mondays from 10 to 4PM and on Thursday, 1 to 7:30 PM. All other times are by appointment by calling 419-733-4847. Board members for the newly formed organization include Homer & Carol Burnett, Joyce Albers, Paulette Strine and Dixie Russell. Thees says that she is available to speak at public meetings to explain the organization. We involved with the Mercer Co. Right to Life are thrilled that Patty and her assistant Barb have decided to continue working with women in need. We have supported them and their work at Elizabeth Pregnancy Services for the past year and we plan to continue to support them at their new Center.
MOTHER’S DAY BABY Jade Liggett and Shawn Wisener, Celina, are the proud parents of the 1st baby born on Mother’s Day, Cayson Allen, born at 11:45AM at Coldwater Mercer Health. As been the custom of the Mercer Co. RTL, President Judy Forsthoefel presented the new mother with a Rose, a Nightlight, an Afghan, a pair of Booties and a Bib. CONGRATULATIONS!! (The photo of the presentation was printed in the Daily Standard and the Mercer County Chronicle.)
RESPECT LIFE MEMORIAL At Spiritual Center, 7 years later. Bricks may still be purchased. Each brick cost $20.00. For a Special Order Form, please call the Spiritual Center or Therese, 925-4000. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Officers: President: Judy Forsthoefel, 268-2911 Newsletter: Janet Gels & Sharon Hibner Vice President: Marleen Evers, 375-2475 Folding & Sorting: Ann Schroyer, 678-4786 Secretary: Lisa Homan, 419-375-2515 Sorting & Labeling: Deb Huelskamp & Volunteers Treasurer:Frank Mohlman, 678-3788 Mailing: Carol Ranley Catholic Social Services – 800-521-6419 Choosing Life Pregnancy & Resource Center: 419-733-4847 VISIT US AT OUR WEBSITE. www.mercerlife.org Larry Laloge,WebMaster. Mercer Co. RTL PHONE/FAX: 419 678-1348 |