Letter
from Msgr. Schaedel for bulletin of October 8, 2000
Dear
Parishioners,
Last
Sunday was Respect Life Sunday. As
always, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis observed this by a special Mass at the
cathedral celebrated by the archbishop.
This was followed by our participation in the “Life Chain” along North
Meridian Street, the “Life Fair” in the Assembly Hall at the Catholic Center,
and pro-life speaker, Professor Mark Ginter from Saint Meinrad Seminary.
I was
proud of Holy Rosary’s participation in Respect Life Sunday’s activities. Special thanks go to Diana Klee, our
Pro-Life Committee chairperson and to David Walden who helped with a lot of the
organizational details.
Just
days before Respect Life Sunday, the Federal Food and Drug Administration approved
use of the abortion pill, RU-486. I
find this almost unbelievable. I also
cannot believe that anyone would actually be stupid enough to use this drug. Did you notice the editorial page cartoon in
last Saturday’s Indianapolis Star? It
was a pill bottle marked “RU-486” with the following label warning of side
effects: Bleeding, Allergies, Numbed
Conscience.
Naturally,
the media flooded the Catholic Center asking for the Church’s response to the
news of the approval of this drug. Both
Archbishop Buechlein and I were asked for statements. I’d like to reprint them here:
“It is
a sad irony that the Food and Drug Administration has given public approval to
the abortifacient pill RU-486 just days before our observance of Respect Life
Sunday.
It is a
worrisome irony that a government administration whose responsibility is to
oversee health and safety approves a drug whose intent is to terminate human
life.
It is a
disillusioning irony that the climate of the Clinton administration makes
possible this further slide toward a culture of death while insistently
claiming as priorities health care and the welfare of children.
It is a
shortsighted irony that pro-abortion people hail the release of a drug that
makes abortion “more convenient” as an “advance” for women. It will almost
certainly contribute to the numbing of consciences. A numb conscience does not
create peace of soul.
I agree
with the sentiment of the late Mother Teresa of Calcutta who said that a
society willing to rid itself of innocent human life in the womb is a society
capable of ever-increasing violence. We see it before our eyes.
As
Catholics, we continue to stand for the dignity of all human life and make it a
constant preoccupation in our prayer.”
-Most
Rev. Daniel M. Buechlein, O.S.B.
Archbishop
of Indianapolis
“The
Catholic Church and Roman Catholics throughout the nation will continue to
speak out against the use of mifepristone, more commonly referred to as RU-486
or the abortion pill. The approval of the abortion pill by the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration on Thursday is a disappointing governmental decision that
will help kill unborn babies and could put the life of the mother at risk.
As
Catholics we celebrate the human dignity of all life--and that especially
includes the life of the unborn. We will reiterate this belief during Masses
this Sunday, October 1, which is our annual Respect Life Sunday.
The use
of a pill, rather than surgical abortion, does not change our opinion that the
killing of the unborn is wrong. It is the taking of an innocent life. The use
of RU-486 involves multiple office visits to a doctor and can cause physical
and emotional pain, bleeding and nausea to the mother.
Abortion-by-pills
will only further numb the moral conscience of our society by putting abortion
in the same category as taking vitamins or antibiotics.
As
Catholics who are dedicated to helping others, we will continue offering
support and spiritual guidance to women who find themselves in a crisis
situation or to women who have had an abortion.”
-Msgr.
Joseph F. Schaedel, V.G.
The
Parish Council will meet this Thursday, October 5, at 7:00 p.m. I know that one item on our agenda will be
the upcoming Stewardship Campaign and United Catholic Appeal. Anyone is welcome to attend these meetings.
In
God’s Providence,
Msgr.
Schaedel