July 2007

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Dear Lay Missionary of the Gospel of Life,

Greetings in the Name of Jesus the Author of Life!

July 1, 2007 was a glorious day for the Missionaries of the Gospel of Life and the defense of life, as twelve Lay Missionaries made their promises in two separate locations.

During a concluding Mass of the Come Aside and Rest Awhile Retreat, in Malvern, PA, Father Pavone, Founder and Moderator General, led six inquirers in their first promises. These first promise makers were then followed by four Lay Missionaries, who made perpetual or lifetime professions. (Images: www.priestsforlife.org/missionary/about-us.htm) That same day, Father Peter West, Priest Associate of Priests for Life, conducted a Promise Ceremony at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Allentown, PA, leading two more inquirers in first promises.

I want to encourage those of you who have not made promises yet to persevere in reaching that day. Whether you are past the ten month point since registering or you have just begun the process; you need to “press on to profession” as a Lay Associate of the Missionaries of the Gospel of Life.

Please download and fill out the Assessment Form at www.priestsforlife.org/missionary/lay-assessment-form.pdf (not to be confused with the registration form you filled out to sign up as an Inquirer). This form will assist those entering the process to know what key elements of the Society they should take to heart and be participating in. If it has been ten months or more since you registered (you may email missionary@priestsforlife.org or call Ray Mooney at 888-735-3448 ext 261 to confirm), please fill out and return the form as soon as possible. I want you to experience the authority, power, joy and sense of belonging that comes with the “reception of your promises.”

For those of you who have made your promises, recall them often and encourage others to become professed members of the Missionaries of the Gospel of Life. I am asking you to take the lead in “casting the vision” by leading or participating in Life Cells, and by assisting associates in completing their Assessment Form. We must encourage one another to ongoing formation as Missionaries of the Gospel of Life, that we might be as effective as possible in creating a new Culture of Life.

Here are several items for your consideration:

-Review at least weekly our website: www.priestsforlife.org/missionary.

-Review my letters to you, in particular, my letter of March 2007 regarding Assessment Form details. See www.priestsforlife.org/missionary/march07letter.htm

-If you are leading or hosting a Life Cell, please email me your updated contact information and any details you have about the Life Cell meeting place and times.

-I hope you will join me in Praying the Rosary and Fasting for Life: www.priestsforlife.org/missionary/april07letter.htm.

-Pray our two daily MEV prayers and participate in the first Friday of the month Pro-life Examination of Conscience: www.priestsforlife.org/brochures/examine.html 

I count it a great blessing to be united with you in promoting the Gospel of Life to one another, and then to the whole world. Let us persevere in the same grace and strength given to that great missionary St. Paul, who said: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6.9)

Sincerely,

Jim Pinto, Jr. M.E.V.
Pastoral Associate: Priests for Life
National Coordinator: Missionaries of the Gospel of Life-Lay Associates
E-mail: Missionary@priestsforlife.org

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