Marian Helper Winter 2012-2013

Help pave the way for God’s mercy whole world would change. Number two is par- ents taking authority for their children’s own good. They must say “no” sometimes. If their children are listening to music that is inappro- priate, tell them “no.” If their children are constantly putting their own needs above the needs of others, tell them “no.” Number three is leading by example. A child will most likely grow up sharing their parents’ value system. We have to be way more attuned to these things. We no longer take things at face value. We demand proof. Catholics are not immune to this, particularly the youth. Absolutely. Let me just say, first, the Church’s own views on what we call “hot-button” issues are greatly misunderstood and misrepresented. As Catholic leaders, educators, and parents, we all have to brush up on our catechesis. We have truth on our side —and logic. We need to be able to speak knowledgably about our faith. We cannot just say, “Don’t do drugs, don’t have pre- marital sex, don’t support gay marriage, don’t have abortions” without explaining why. So let’s tackle the “hot-button” issues, beginning with contraception. When using contraception, what you’re doing is you’re saying, “I want to give myself to you but not completely, I’m going to put up a barrier between us.” With this barrier, you sepa- rate the “unitive” — that is, we are designed to unite in true love — from the “procreative,” which are the two purposes of marriage. You’re blocking your love from being so great that it can create a third person. Only God—not a piece of latex or a pill — should determine when life should or shouldn’t enter the world. Abortion? Contraception actually leads to a mentality in which abortion is viewed as a valid choice. So when a couple is not open to life, the mentality can easily become, “We will terminate this preg- nancy because it wasn’t supposed to happen.” What we need to do a better job teaching is that God is the author of life, not us. Therefore, the child has rights that even the mother cannot take away. Since life begins at conception, abor- tion is murder. Now, what I get asked a lot by the girls is, “What about conception brought about through rape or incest?” What God wants us to know is we already have one victim, so why would we want to make a second victim of such violence? Abortion is an act of violence against an innocent life, and at no time can we justify the killing of an innocent person for the crime of another. Victims of rape or incest often say that abortion made things worse. The beautiful thing about God is He will always make a greater good out of even the worst evil. So the child is that greater good. The ones who keep the child will have the opportunity to see that greater good. They will also be more likely to forgive. How do the girls you explain this to receive it? I have gotten through solidly to probably a third of them. The other third will really think Continued on page 28 Create a lasting tribute with an engraved paving stone in the Blessed John Paul II Plaza at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. Add your personalized paving stone to the Blessed John Paul II Plaza: MemorialsOn EdenHill.org/ JPIIPlaza 1-800-671-2020 Memorialize a loved one, create a tribute, or celebrate a special event such as a birthday, First Holy Communion, wedding anniversary, or ordination.