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ARCHBISHOP BELTRAN

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May 3, 2009

The Good News...

                  . . . A Happy Mother’s Day!

To every mother in our Archdiocese, I send very, very special greetings. I pray that Mother’s Day will be for each of you a special day filled with God’s grace and blessings.  On my part, I will begin a special Novena of Masses for all mothers on Saturday, May 2, culminating on Mother’s Day. During that nine-day period, I will be celebrating Masses at 10 different churches located all over our Archdiocese. Therefore, mothers, you are being remembered and prayed for daily. A blessed and happy Mother’s Day!

Some years ago, I was introduced to the fine work being done by Birth Choice. I recognized that Birth Choice was doing outstanding ministry, reaching out to help the poorest and most abandoned mothers among us.  Those were generally young, single, unemployed pregnant women. Some were only teenage girls. Many were abandoned. All were in need.

The Birth Choice and volunteers were reaching out with true compassion but they too needed help.  Therefore, I authorized a special  collection to be taken up at all Masses in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City on Mother’s Day. Each year I receive a report and a grateful acknowledgement from Birth Choice. It is so  wonderful that through our parishes, every Catholic person in the Archdiocese can assist in this beautiful, effective, pro-life effort. The problem, however, is that the amount we collect, while appreciated, is never adequate. In fact, last year the amount collected decreased!

It is my firm conviction that the Birth Choice ministry is very helpful, very effective. It is an expression of the love we have for God and for neighbor. It is a sign of our willingness to collaborate and to reach out to the truly needy. Therefore, with a hope to increase the support for this Birth Choice ministry, I recently wrote to our priests. I now share the main thrust of that letter, hoping it will encourage you to help.

“I am writing to you today about an important ministry and soliciting your assistance and support. For the last 36 years, Birth Choice has been a most effective pro-life service here in Oklahoma. Founded and staffed by dedicated lay persons, it is a model of people putting their faith into practice. Birth Choice has saved many babies from abortion. Birth Choice has guided, assisted and inspired suffering and confused girls and young women from desperation to hope. Birth Choice has proclaimed the Gospel of Life throughout our communities. Birth Choice people don’t just speak about charity, love and compassion, they practice it every day.

During the past year, Birth Choice has struggled to provide necessary services to the many women who seek their assistance. They have hardly been able to continue operating Rose Home, which houses and serves needy girls and young women and their babies and children. The financial help that Birth Choice needs is not for luxuries but for life!

Each year, I direct all pastors to have a second collection at every Mass on Mother’s Day to assist Birth Choice. Last year the total proceeds from all parishes in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City was $46,459.90, which was $6,000 less than the previous year. Therefore, this year I am asking you to take up the Mother’s Day special collection once again. However, I urge you to solicit the support and generosity of your people. I know, as you and your parishioners know, the economic downturn is affecting everyone, but especially those like the clients of Birth Choice who are the most vulnerable. Please, therefore, ask your people to be generous to the May 10 Mother’s Day collection.”

And again, I am asking every Catholic person of this Archdiocese, please be generous. Please make a financial contribution to next Sunday’s Mother’s Day collection at your parish. Thank you and God bless you.