U.S. Bishops Call On Catholics To Support 2013 Fortnight For Freedom

                  For the second straight year, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is calling on dioceses throughout the nation to recognize and celebrate the great gift of religious freedom during a mid-summer “Fortnight for Freedom.”

                  This year’s Fortnight extends from June 21, the vigil of the Feast of St Thomas More & St John Fisher, to July 4. During this time, according to recent a USCCB news release, “all Catholics are being asked to stand together in support of religious liberty for all - our first freedom as Americans and as people made in the image of God.”

                  Here in the Diocese of Evansville, the 2013 Fortnight for Freedom will officially begin with a 6 p.m. CDT Mass on Thursday, June 20 at St. Benedict Cathedral. All are encouraged to attend.

                  “In addition to the diocesan Mass, parishes are encouraged to provide their own forms of prayer and adult education activities during the Fortnight,” said Bishop Charles C. Thompson. “We also encourage families to pray the rosary in support of life, marriage and family, and religious liberty, as well as to consider fasting or abstaining from meat on Fridays.” 

                   This year’s Fortnight for Freedom is especially significant, states the USCCB, because the HHS Mandate, which coerces religious believers to act against their most deeply held beliefs in violation of the U.S. Constitution, is scheduled to take effect Aug. 1. With this in mind, the USCCB is asking all Catholics to:

• Pray for the protection of religious liberty and increased respect for the role of faith in public life.
• Educate themselves and others by using the many resources found at www.Fortnight4Freedom.org.
  • Support and attend local diocesan Fortnight for Freedom events.
  • Encourage legislators to support H.R. 940, the Health Care Conscience Rights Act.

                   “America is at its best when religion has a place at the table,” states the USCCB in its Fortnight news release. “Faith inspires people to serve their neighbors. It brings people together. It enriches conversation on important public issues. It centers the lives of countless Americans. Religious liberty protects this central role faith plays in our public life.”

                  Please watch your parish bulletin and future issues of the Message for more details about the upcoming Fortnight for Freedom.