Category Archives: Diocesan News

Hispana, experta en prevención del abuso, da entrenamiento diocesano

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Por Maureen Smith
MADISON – La Dr. Mónica Applewhite, de reconocido prestigio internacional en prevención del abuso, ofreció un entrenamiento de un día a maestros, directores y empleados diocesanos el martes 4 de enero en la escuela católica St. Joseph. En los dos días siguientes se realizaron grupos de trabajo con sacerdotes y ministros laicos. Applewhite es de la Argentina y ha dedicado 25 años estudiando el tema y creando programas, para diferentes organizaciones, en leyes de prevención y de ambiente seguro para niños, jóvenes y poblaciones vulnerables en general.

MADISON – Mónica Applewhite responde las preguntas de los periodistas locales, durante un receso de la sesión de entrenamiento.(Foto por Maureen Smith)

El matrimonio no es juego, es un sacramento para poder caminar juntos

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Por Berta Mexidor
JACKSON – El Día Mundial del Matrimonio 2019, a celebrarse el próximo domingo 24 de febrero, tendrá la presencia de 5 parejas hispanas que celebran bodas de topacio y plata, con cuarentiuno y veinticinco aniversarios de casados respectivamente. La Misa, oficiada por el obispo Joseph Kopacz, honrará a todas las parejas casadas y en especial a todos los que marcan una fecha significativa. La celebración está organizada por Charlene Bearden, de la Oficina del Ministerio de la Familia, de la Diócesis de Jackson.

JACKSON – Ernesto e Irma Sanchez celebraron sus bodas de plata. (I-d) Irma Sánchez, después de la bendición del padre Odel, recibe el vino de la comunión de manos de su esposo, Ernesto Sánchez en ceremonia celebrada el pasado 28 de enero en la Catedral de San Pedro. (Foto cortesía de Sr. y Sra. Sánchez)

A esta fiesta de acción de gracias por el amor conyugal asisten Miguel Solano Torres y Concepción Herrera Pérez, de la Catedral de San Pedro, quienes estarán celebrando sus bodas de topacio, por sus cuarentiún años de matrimonio.
En la ceremonia estarán acompañados por las parejas de Ernesto e Irma Sánchez, de la Catedral de San Pedro, Mario y Carolina Lemus de la Inmaculada Concepción en West Point, Monte y Mónica Mayo, de la Basílica de Santa María en Natchez y Carmen e Isidro Vieyra de Santa Teresa de Jackson quienes celebran veinticinco años de casados.
Ernesto e Irma Sánchez, de la Catedral de San Pedro es una pareja de mejicanos provenientes de Sinaloa, se conocieron cuando trabajaban en una maquiladora. Al año de noviazgo se casaron; ambos tenían entonces veintiún años.
Con los años emigraron a los Estados Unidos y residen en Mississippi por más de trece años. Aquí han crecido sus dos hijos, Janeth Guadalupe (24) y Ernesto Javier (19).
La pregunta para un matrimonio de muchos años se impone ¿Que les ha permitido estar juntos por más de 25 años? La respuesta de Irma no se hace esperar, “el amor a la familia y estar agarrados de la mano de Dios”, dice. Irma comenta además que la conexión con Dios es lo que los ha ayudado a salir adelante.
Ernesto e Irma pertenecen al Movimiento Familiar Cristiano y desde hace 6 años son coordinadores de la primera etapa del movimiento. Esto los ha llevado a ayudar a otras parejas y a crecer ellos mismos. “El Movimiento Familiar nos ha ayudado en el bienestar de la familia y el matrimonio” añade Irma.
Al preguntarle cual sería el consejo que les darían a una pareja de jóvenes veinteañeros por casarse, Irma responde que los jóvenes deben saber que el matrimonio no es fácil y que el reto más difícil para las parejas es aprender a comunicarse y a dialogar, por eso les diría que ” dejen que Dios siempre esté presente en la familia. El matrimonio es muy difícil y la cercanía con Dios siempre pone la solución para salir adelante” – y concluye “… El matrimonio no es juego, es un sacramento por el que Dios los ayuda a caminar juntos”.

New view for South Jackson’s Greenview Drive

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By Tereza Ma and Maureen Smith
JACKSON – Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area (HHMCA) celebrated a six-year transformation on Greenview Drive next to St. Therese Parish on Wednesday, February 6. The transformation started with “Catholic Build,” an annual partnership between Habitat and Jackson-area parishes. Habitat started quietly purchasing lots and dilapidated homes on Greenview in 2012. They partnered with St. Therese and other Catholic parishes, Episcopal churches, a local bankers’ association, teams of women, the City of Jackson and corporate sponsors such as Nissan, to rehabilitate or knock down and rebuild homes for Habitat-sponsored families.

JACKSON – (l-r), Dr. Johnny Anthony, Episcopal Father Ron Pogue, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, Natasha Thomas, Rev. Ronnie Crudup, Merrill McKewen and narator Harrison Young. (Photos by Tereza Ma)

According to Habitat, in 2015, 48 of the 69 residences on the street were vacant, abandoned or classified as substandard housing. Only four homes were owner-occupied. At the time of the celebration, Habitat had acquired 36 properties, demolished 23 and built 22 new homes. Five more derelict homes are set to be demolished through the city’s Blight Elimination Project. Fourteen lots will remain open for development. In short, Greenview is a street reborn.
At the celebration, held at St. Therese, Harrison Young, the president of the local Habitat board of directors, delivered a short history of the project and thanked the many groups who stepped up to participate in the project, giving special praise to the late mayor Chokwe Lumumba, who was mayor when the project started. Lumumba’s son Chokwe Antar Lumumba, who is the current mayor, was on hand for the celebration.
Rev. Ronnie Crudup, pastor at New Horizons Church International, offered the opening prayer. His congregation has been involved in a number of South Jackson revitalization projects. Dr. Johnny Anthony, who represented community stakeholders called Greenview the answer to many prayers from many people – not just families who live in neighborhood, but business owners, developers and community leaders.
Merrill McKewen, HFHMCA executive director, fondly remembered the late mayor and honored the amazing volunteers who worked to fulfill what she called “God’s will” for the street and surrounding community.

Homeowner Natasha Thomas, whose dream of owning house came true.

Homeowner Natasha Thomas became emotional when she spoke about what this project has meant to her. The 29-year old mother said she very proud that her dream of owning a house came true.
Episcopal Father Ron Pogue, dean at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral, said all God’s children should have a decent home and related the story of the street to the logo of St. Andrew cathedral. It contains a cross for St. Andrew and a phoenix representing rebirth because their church burned down three times, but rose from ashes each time. Greenview, he said, has been reborn from ashes to new life. He invited all gathered to raise their hands to bless the street before the celebration closed.

Catholic Day at the Capitol: restorative justice should drive reform

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By Sue Allen
JACKSON – There is renewed hope that progress in the area of criminal justice reform will be made during this legislative session. Governor Phil Bryant’s stated commitment to reform and signs of bipartisan support for some bills are strong indicators that important bills dealing with various aspects of reform may pass and be signed into law.
The Faith In Action Team (FIAT) and Catholic Charities felt this would be a good time to focus Catholic Day at the Capitol on the human and societal costs of the current system and the complexities involved in bringing about reform as well as the ways people can support the effort.
Catholic Day at the Capitol is set for Wednesday, Feb. 27, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The day includes Mass, lunch and a rally at the capitol steps. “Experience tells us that enhancing and enforcing penalties often fails to resolve social problems, nor do they result in reducing the crime rate. Moreover, this method can create serious problems for the community, such as overcrowded prisons and people held without [valid] convictions…In many cases the offender fulfills his punishment objectively, serving his sentence but without changing inside or healing his wounded heart,” stated Pope Francis on May 30, 2014.
Keynote speaker John Koufos has his own powerful redemption story that led him from a career as a high-profile New Jersey defense attorney representing gang members and violent offenders, to his own imprisonment for a hit-and-run DUI which nearly killed a young man. His story continues into his newest role as the National Director of Reentry Initiatives and the Executive Director of the Safe Streets and Second Chances initiative. John’s personal experience of the challenges facing men and women trying to return to life in society after imprisonment lend an authenticity to his presentations.
John’s presentation will be followed by a panel of speakers, moderated by André de Gruy, Mississippi Public Defender and member of the Faith In Action Team. In addition to de Gruy himself, the panel will consist of Marvin Edwards, prison ministry coordinator and promoter of the re-entry program Getting Ahead While Getting Out; James Robertson, Director of Employability and Criminal Justice Reform from Empower Mississippi; Christina Dent, a columnist and community organizer whose passion is promoting the de-criminalization of drugs with discussion groups around the book, Chasing the Scream; and Amelia McGowan, Senior Attorney at the Mississippi Center for Justice.
The capstone speaker is Haley M. Brown, a prosecuting attorney in Oktibbeha County, who brings yet another perspective of restorative justice as a more humane and effective means of helping individuals and society recover from criminal behavior in ways that bring about both justice and true healing.
Not everyone can make the trip to Jackson to attend the Catholic Day at the Capitol, but everyone can pay attention to the many aspects of this vital issue. Everyone can be better informed about the Catholic teaching on Restorative Justice, which is rooted in Scripture. Those who cannot attend can find more information and resources through the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ “Responsibility, Rehabilitation, and Restoration: A Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice;” “Criminal Justice-Restorative Justice,” both available on their website, usccb.org; or by visiting the Catholic Mobilizing Network (https://catholicsmobilizing.org/restorative-justice)
Those planning to attend should register online at the Catholic Charities Jackson website: https://catholiccharitiesjackson.org/events/catholic-day-at-the-capitol-2019/

(Sue Allen is the coordinator for Parish Social Justice Ministry for Catholic Charities of Jackson.)

In memoriam: Sister Deanna (Mariel) Randall, BVM

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Sister Deanna (Mariel) Randall, BVM

DUBUQUE, Iowa – Sister Deanna (Mariel) Randall, BVM died Friday, Feb. 1, at Caritas Center, Dubuque, Iowa.
She was buried in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.
She was born on July 6, 1937, in Denver to Lesley and Margery Pavela Randall. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1956, from St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Oklahoma City, Okla.
In the Diocese of Jackson, sister served as Montessori administrator, director, and/or teacher at Jackson Christ the King and Jonestown Learning Center near Clarksdale. She also ministered at schools in Oak Park, Grayslake, and Chicago, Ill.; Denver, and Bellerose, N.Y.
She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by a sister Juanita (Ray) Johnson, Pine, Colo.; a niece; a nephew; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 62 years.
Memorials may be given to the Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa 52003, or online at www.bvmsisters.org/donate

In memoriam: Sister Marise Barry, OP

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Sister Marise Barry, OP

SINSINAWA, Wis – Sister Marise Barry, OP, died Feb. 6. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse,
Feb. 15, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
Sister Marise made her first religious profession as a Sinsinawa Dominican Aug, 5, 1951, and her perpetual profession Aug. 5, 1954. She taught for 19 years and served as principal for five years and in congregation leadership for six years. Sister Marise worked in the social service field for 21 years as social worker, therapist, and counselor. She served in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, New York, Alabama, the District of Columbia, Mississippi and Massachusetts.
In the Diocese of Jackson, Sister Marise served as a social worker at DePorres Health Center in Marks, 1981-1987.
Sister Marise was born May 25, 1931, in Chicago, the daughter of Willard and Catherine (Garrity) Barry. Her parents and a brother, John Barry, preceded her in death. She is survived by nephews and her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared 67 years of religious life.
Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or online at www.sinsinawa.org/donate

Emergency expansion lights up St. Dominic campus

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By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – St. Dominic Hospital is expanding and updating its emergency department. Hospital leaders sponsored a celebration of the project Tuesday, Feb. 12. Work has already begun, so organizers had to get creative with this event. In lieu of a groundbreaking, hospital, community and diocesan leaders were invited to light up twirling red emergency lights as an official kick-off to the overall project.
The department has gone from seeing 45,000 to 60,000 patients annually in a few short years. The expansion will sit in a space once occupied by the original chapel and an office building. When opened in mid-2020, it will feature, 20 patient rooms, two trauma treatment areas, an exam room, onsite imaging and rooms specifically for mental health. Once the expansion is ready, the existing department will be renovated to match the layout and flow of the new center, adding another 16 rooms and one more exam room.

JACKSON – Work has already started on an expansion to the St. Dominic hospital emergency department.(Photo by Maureen Smith)

The current location had some challenges such as a lack of a dedicated emergency traffic lane and parking. These will be addressed with the expansion. Work is well underway. Those gathered for the celebration could see out of the tent onto a deep hole where infrastructure for the new building will be put into place.
St. Dominic Health Services president Claude Harbarger outlined the project in his opening remarks and welcomed the dignitaries on hand including Bishop Joseph Latino, Bishop Emeritus for the Diocese of Jackson, who blessed the site and the people who will work there. Sister Dorothea Sondgeroth, associate executive director for the St. Dominic Health Services Foundation gave the invocation.
The foundation has raised $7.5 million, but continues to seek $2.5 million for the $10 million it will take for the whole project. Donors can use the St. Dominic donation page on its website, https://payment.stdom.com, and select the Emergency Department Campaign to give to the project.

Parish event calendar

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

BROOKSVILLE The Dwelling Place, Seven Last Words of Christ, March 22-23. The retreat will examine selected reflections by several prominent voices within the church, among them Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, Bishop Robert Barron and Father James Martin. Presenter: Melvin Arrington, parishioner of Oxford St. John and a retired professor of Spanish. He is a student of the life and writings of Venerable Archbishop Sheen. Begins with dinner at 6:30 Friday and concludes mid-afternoon on Saturday. Donation: $100. Details: (662) 738-5348 or email dwellpl@gmail.com for more information.
COVINGTON, Louisiana, Married Couples Retreat, March 16-17, at St. Joseph Abbey Christian Life Retreat Center. Come away for rest and spiritual strength and nourishment. Going on a Married Couples Retreat does not mean that something is failing but rather it is a falling into the graces of our Lord. Suggested donation: $275 per couple. Details: www.faithandmarriage.org or call (504) 830-3716.
CULLMAN, Alabama, Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, Flannery O’Connor: suffering and redemption in the life and literature of a great world writer, Tuesday, March 12. In the more than 50 years since her death from Lupus at the age of 39, Flannery O’Connor’s literary and spiritual legacies have continued to grow. The retreat will acquaint newcomers with a complete overview of her life and work. Presenter: David King, professor of English and Film Studies at Kennesaw State University. He has published and presented widely on Catholic artists and writers and enjoys sharing the richness of the Catholic aesthetic and intellectual tradition. Cost: $30, includes lunch. Details: (256) 734-8302, retreats@shmon.org or www.shmon.org.
METAIRIE, LA, the Southern Regional Conference of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, “The Spirit of Truth: Signs Wonders and Miracles” on Friday-Sunday, March 29-31 beginning at 7 p.m. and concluding with 11 a.m. Mass. It will be held at the Copeland Tower Suites and Conference. All priests, religious brothers and sisters, deacons and their families are invited to attend at no charge, but pre-registration is requested. Details: (504) 828-1368 OR info@ccrno.org or www.ccrno.org.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS

AMORY St. Helen, Book Discussion Group will read The Rent Collector by Cameron Wright Monday, March 11, at noon in the parish hall. Everyone is invited to read the book and plan to join the discussion. Details: church office (662) 256-8392.
FLOWOOD St. Paul, Women’s Guild Lenten Day of Reflection, “Refreshing the Body, Mind and Soul” Saturday, March 23, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Deadline to register is March 18. No cost, suggested donation for Domestic Violence Shelter. Details: wgstpaul@gmail.com or Renee Gosselin (601) 966-5452; Linda Rainey (601) 212-9802; Cheryl Marsh (860) 823-7878 or Renee Carpenter (601) 214-9457.
GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, Yoga Classes continue each Tuesday evening at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. The cost is $7 each class and is donated back to the parish. Details: Teresa Speer at (769) 233-1989.
GRENADA St. Peter, Lenten Retreat, Saturday, March 16, begins at 9 a.m. and ends with 6 p.m. Mass. Bishop Sam Jacobs, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Houma Thibodaux, will be the special speaker. Details: church office (662) 226-2490.
JACKSON St. Richard, Yoga classes focused on basics through foundation poses to promote flexibility, balance and a more relaxed body. This session will have a special focus on awareness of the core muscles. Classes continuing to meet Fridays from 9 – 10:15 a.m. in the Chichester Room on the following dates: March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and April 5. The cost is $8 per class. Proceeds go to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Richard. Checks can be made out to St. Vincent de Paul. Details: claudiaaddison@mac.com or (601) 594.3937.
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, Fat Tuesday Pancake Supper, Tuesday March 5, at 5:15 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Youth are needed to cook and serve. All monies raised will go to benefit their youth group activities. Details: church office (601) 856-5556.
MERIDIAN Catholic Community of St. Joseph and St. Patrick, Mardi Gras Party hosted by Knights of Peter Claver and Servants of Mary, Saturday, March 2, 6-10 p.m. Adults only please. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Adult Sunday School is currently studying Robert Barron’s series The Mass. Details: Karen Verucchi at (601) 870-5388.
PEARL St. Jude, Women’s Retreat, Saturday, March 9, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Retreat Directors: Fran Lavelle, diocesan director of Faith Formation, and Father Lincoln Dall. Morning prayer, adoration, and the sacrament of reconciliation will be a part of the day. Forgiveness, reconciliation, and learning from the saints will be our themes. All women are invited. Details: Call the parish office to register in advance: (601) 939-3181.
SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, Mark’s Gospel live, Friday, March 15 at 7 p.m. A first century story of love and healing. Solo performance by Father Joseph Morris. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.
TUPELO St. James, North Mississippi Journey of Hope with special guest Father Burke Masters. Meet and greet Thursday, April 25, luncheon, Friday, April 26, 12–1 p.m. Father Masters is a former Mississippi State baseball player and current chaplain of the Chicago Cubs. This free luncheon will showcase the great work that Catholic Charities does in Mississippi. Meet and greet is $25, luncheon is free, but reservations are required. Details: To be a table captain for the event, go to https://catholiccharitiesjackson.org/joh/ or (601) 326-3714 or (601) 326-3758.
YAZOO CITY St. Mary, course on the Book of Revelation, Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. in the Parish Office. Please remember to bring your Bible to class. Details: (662) 746-1680.

YOUTH BRIEFS

JACKSON St. Richard, The St Richard Special Kids Parish Ministry will be hosting a Spring Art Show on Saturday, April 6, from 5-7 p.m. in Foley Hall. Pieces from the “Through Their Eyes” photography collection, a new series of saint icons, candles, as well as ceramic pieces will be available for purchase. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, Movie night, Friday, March 1. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the movie “I Can Only Imagine” starts at 6:45 p.m. Bring your favorite tailgating chair. Pizza, popcorn and nachos will be provided. Details: church office (601) 856-5556.

40 Days founder to speak at Mississippi kickoff event

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JACKSON – Shawn Carney, the national president of the peaceful, prayerful, effective 40 Days for Life project, will tell the story of this groundbreaking effort in Jackson on March 6. Carney will be speaking at 40 Days for Life Kickoff, which is set for 6 p.m. at 2903 North State Street in Jackson, the site of the state’s last abortion clinic.
“People in Jackson have made extraordinary sacrifices to expose the abortion industry and to protect pre-born children and their mothers from abortion,” Carney said. “I’m honored to be able to join these folks in prayer. Their efforts illustrate why we’re seeing historic changes – more mothers choosing life, more abortion workers experiencing conversions and leaving the abortion industry, and more abortion centers closing their doors for good.”

GREEN BAY, Wisconsin – Shawn Carney, president and founder of 40 Days for Life, at right in stocking cap, speaks at a 2018 event. Carney will speak at the kickoff to the prayer vigil to end abortion in Jackson on March 6. (Photo courtesy of 40 Days for Life)

“We are tremendously pleased that Shawn will be here to support our 40 Days for Life effort,” said Barbara Beavers, spokesperson for the local 40 Days for Life campaign in Jackson. “He’s an energetic, enthusiastic speaker and we know he will be an inspiration.”
Jackson is one of 6,020 communities around the world conducting simultaneous 40 Days for Life campaigns from March 6 through April 14.
40 Days for Life is an intensive campaign that focuses on 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion, peaceful vigil at abortion facilities, and grassroots educational outreach. Since 40 Days for Life began, 15,256 mothers have chosen life for their children; 186 abortion workers have quit their jobs; and 99 abortion centers where 40 Days for Life vigils have been held have gone out of business.
Carney led the first-ever 40 Days for Life campaign outside a Planned Parenthood abortion facility in Bryan/College Station, Texas in 2004 and has helped coordinate more than 20 national 40 Days for Life campaigns that have engaged communities coast to coast – and internationally.
Planned Parenthood recognized the effectiveness of Carney’s efforts when it labeled Bryan/College Station “the most anti-choice place in the nation.” Following more than a dozen 40 Days for Life campaigns at that location, Planned Parenthood closed that abortion center in the summer of 2013.
To learn more about 40 Days for Life, visit: www.40daysforlife.com. For information about the Jackson campaign, visit: www.40daysforlife.com/Jackson-2
For assistance or for more information, please contact Barbara Beavers at plm@prolifemississippi.org or 601-956-8636.

Mississippi moves toward more restrictions while other states expand abortion

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By Jacob Comello
WASHINGTON (CNS) – Since the end of January, the legislatures of New York, Virginia and other states have made headlines by approving or introducing policies that relax abortion restrictions, even in the third trimester and during labor.
Meanwhile, lawmakers in Mississippi passed a pair of bills that would prohibit abortions as soon as a fetal heartbeat is detected — which can be as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant indicated earlier this year he would sign such a bill into law.
Similar bills are making their ways through the legislatures in five other states, mostly in the Southeast.
Last year the state passed one of the most restrictive laws in the nation to ban abortions after 15 weeks, but that ban was halted by a federal judge. State Attorney General Jim Hood said at that time he would appeal to have the law reinstated.Pro-Life Mississippi immediately praised the passage of the bills. “We thank all our representatives and senators who helped on the Mississippi Bill HB732 and SB2116 to ban abortion when a fetal heartbeat is detected. We pray that others will check their heart and see the importance of saving lives in Mississippi,” organization president Laura Duran wrote in a press release.
Now New Mexico is one step closer to passing a similar bill that loosens the state’s already liberal abortion laws and would erase virtually all abortion restrictions in the event that the landmark Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade is overturned.
The “Decriminalize Abortion Bill,” or H.B. 51, has now made its way through the New Mexico House of Representatives, receiving the body’s overall approval in a 40-29 floor vote Feb. 6 after being confirmed by several committees. It is now headed for the Senate, where it will be the subject of further debate and another vote.
According to the Santa Fe New Mexican daily newspaper, there are three main parts of New Mexico’s pre-Roe abortion law that would be invalidated by the act: a prohibition that makes abortion a felony; language that permits abortions in some circumstances as determined by a physician, such as rape or threat to a mother’s life; and an opt-out provision for hospitals or providers that register moral or religious objections to performing the procedure.
Most of these were invalidated already by Roe v. Wade or the New Mexico Court of Appeals, giving New Mexico some of the laxest abortion policy in the country.
But if Roe v. Wade is eventually overturned, this state law would ensure that abortion would be available on-demand in New Mexico.
In multiple statements, the New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops has condemned the bill and urged Catholics in the state’s three dioceses to take action against it.
In one statement released before H.B. 51 had passed the House Judiciary Committee, the bishops criticized the bill as a whole but especially the portions that would be in effect even without a Roe v. Wade repeal. For example, as per the Jan. 31 release, “H.B. 51 guarantees that parents will NOT be involved in their minor daughter’s abortion,” which the bishops see as extremely damaging and opening the door to abuse.
Additionally, in that statement the bishops lamented the lack of protections for doctors who object to abortion on moral or religious grounds: “H.B. 51 strips away the only explicit conscience protection for doctors and other medical professionals that protect them from being forced to participate in abortions. … Medical professionals should not have to worry that the state of New Mexico and private companies could have the power to force them to choose between their faith and their profession.”
The statement included statistics collected from the New Mexico Alliance for Life, which seemed to demonstrate that the principles of the bill are not attuned to New Mexican opinion. Included were claims that “67 percent of New Mexicans support parental involvement in a minor’s abortion” and that “70 percent of New Mexicans oppose allowing abortions after five months up to birth.”
After H.B. 51 had cleared the House, the bishops released another statement, again denouncing the elimination of religious protections, which would be enforceable without a Roe overturn: “Two parts of the statute are not void by the U.S. Supreme Court and are enforced. We oppose H.B. 51 and urge our legislators to protect the conscience of our health care workers and protect women by maintaining the conscience clause and requirement of the doctor.”