April 24, 2012 - NCHLA has updated its Action Alert on the Department of Health and Human Services’ contraceptive mandate. See: nchla.org/actiondisplay.asp?ID=292. 

·        The primary focus of the Action Alert is the HHS “Advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM)” published March 21 in the Federal Register 16501-8. HHS is seeking comments on how the final rule for the contraceptive mandate published February 15 can accommodate religious organizations. The ANPRM does not correct the fundamental problems in the mandate. Comments on the ANPRM are due by June 19. A final rule on the matter of the ANPRM will be issued at a subsequent unspecified date.

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BISHOPS ISSUE STATEMENT ON RELIGIOUS LIBERTY:

"OUR FIRST, MOST CHERISHED LIBERTY"

Read the statement dated April 12, 2012

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CATHOLIC BISHOPS CALL FOR PRAYER

FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

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BISHOPS PROMISE TO CONTINUE 'VIGOROUS EFFORTS' AGAINST

HHS VIOLIATIONS OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN
HEALTH CARE REFORM MANDATE

A Statement of the Administrative Committee

of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Please read the full letter dated March 14, 2012

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Please visit the US Bishops' website for more information:

www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/conscience-protection/

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If you are facing emergent medical situations regarding end of life decisions, the National Catholic Bioethics Center (www.ncbcenter.org/emergency_consultation.asp) will respond ASAP with help from an ethicist, doctor, etc. The number to call is (215) 877-2660. Even though the site states "Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM" for emergency consultation questions, calls are returned even after hours.

THE RESPECT LIFE OFFICE offers advocacy, education, and outreach in pro-life areas; in particular, in the areas of chastity, abortion and euthanasia. Most of the parishes have a pro-life coordinator, and through them, many in our diocese are involved in educational programs, in caring for those facing pregnancy in difficult life situations and other challenges, and in working for appropriate laws to protect the lives of the unborn, the elderly, and other lives at risk.

The Respect Life Office endorses the following pregnancy resource centers located in the Diocese of Joliet: Birthright (Joliet and Kankakee), Woman's Choice Services (Lombard and Crest Hill), Waterleaf Women's Center (Aurora) and Catholic Charities (serving the seven counties of the Diocese of Joliet).  We support a prayerful, respectful, and lawful witness at local abortion clinics. The Diocese sponsors Rachel's Vineyard Retreats for post-abortive women and men two times per year.  Call 1-866-99-4-GIVE for more information.