Christ Is Risen! Truly, He Is Risen!

Christ is Risen: The world below lies desolate Christ is Risen: The spirits of evil are fallen Christ is Risen: The angels of God are rejoicing Christ is Risen: The tombs of the dead are empty Christ is Risen indeed from the dead, the first of the sleepers, Glory and power are his forever and ever                                St. Hippolytus (AD 190-236)                              Our wishes for a Blessed Easter to you and yours                                                                from the Board and Staff at Mass Citizens.

Clara Chooses Life

	Clara turns two today.  She is very fond of the mommy and baby on her grandmother's car.  She says "hi" to them every time she goes for a ride. Please get your plates soon.  Just go to the nearest registry office. This is far-reaching passive persuasion. I'll be looking for you on the road!  Anne

Abby Johnson Is Well And Coming to Massachusetts!

Your Pro-life Comments Needed Today!

This note just arrived from Anne Marie.  Please follow up.  Thanks, Anne http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2013/03/23/new-prenatal-genetic-tests-hold-promise-worries/pxwVIZfr00h9T5dBHZCiuK/story.html Anne If you haven't seen this, it is really incredible!  Here's a quote: Advocates for the Down syndrome community worry that wider prenatal testing will mean more expectant parents receive an alarming test result without sufficient information to make an informed choice about whether to terminate or continue the pregnancy. "I think Down syndrome is genetics' canary in a coal mine," said Dr. Brian Skotko, a physician at Massachusetts General Hospital who co-leads a clinic focused on caring for people with Down. "There are today 250,000 Americans with Down syndrome, only [about] 50,000 away from being reclassified as a rare disease," Skotko said. "We are, in the moment, potentially seeing through our society's choices the elimination of a people." Have people read and comment on this story so that most of the comments are pro-life! Have a blessed Holy Week. Anne Marie

YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION: do you need to change it?

The Primaries for the US Senate race are on April 30, 2013. In the Democratic Primary: Ed Markey is proud of having been "pro-choice" for many years.  Stephen Lynch says he is "pro-life" but has received 0% or 10% from National Right to Life for his voting record each of the last six years. Both Democrat candidates say they would vote against a nominee for Supreme Court Justice (or any other judge) who is opposed to Roe v Wade - a litmus test which is unacceptable. In the Republican Primary: Michael Sullivan has no such litmus test.  He is the only candidate who takes pro-life positions on funding, parental consent, and partial birth abortion. Gabriel Gomez says he is "pro-life" but would not vote to change any abortion laws. Dan Winslow brags about being the only candidate who has always been "pro-choice" You can see why the MCFL PAC has endorsed Michael Sullivan.  You can see why so many of you pro-lifers across the state worked so hard to get Michael Sullivan more than twice as many signatures as he needed to get on the ballot. The next step is to be sure Michael wins the Republican primary.   If you are Republican or Unenrolled, just mark your calendar for April 30th, Primary Election Day. If you are a registered Democrat, please change your registration for this primary.  It is simple!  Just send a note to your town or city clerk.  List your name,address, birth date, and say you want to change your designation to Unenrolled.  Be sure to say Unenrolled. not Independent (you will not be able to vote in the Republican Primary if you are registered as an Independent in Massachusetts because Independent has been a party of its own). When you get to the polls, ask for a Republican ballot.  Once you have voted, your registration will automatically return to Unenrolled.  You may tell them right there if you wish to go back to Democrat. YOU HAVE UNTIL APRIL 10, 2013 TO CHANGE YOUR PARTY DESIGNATION.  Do it now. For life, John Rowe, Chair, MCFL PAC

Doctor-Prescribed Suicide Poll Needs Your Vote Now!

Since we defeated Question2 here in Massachusetts, we have been helping in Vermont, Connecticut, and New Jersey where bills are threatening.  Hearings were held today in CT.  Our John Kelly, spokesperson for Q2, gave splendid testimony as did many others. This poll will influence the committee.  Currently we were behind 29% to 58%. Time to do your magic, please.  Thanks, Anne The poll is found in a tab on the top left side of the page above the video. http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/politics/weighing-in-on-assisted-suicide#.UUoWbY5IgUU

Press Release: MCFL PAC Endorses Michael Sullivan for U.S Senate

Boston, March 19:  Massachusetts Citizens for Life Political Action Committee today endorsed former U S Attorney Michael Sullivan for United States Senator. "Michael Sullivan has been a fighter for the unborn and for the right to life of all," said John Rowe, Chairman of the MCFL PAC.  "In the U. S. Senate, Sullivan will vote to prohibit abortion coverage under federal 'multi-state' health plans, vote for parental notification and not bringing minor girls across state lines to have abortions without their parents' knowing, and vote for conscience rights." Rowe continued, "MCFL PAC is proud to endorse Michael and will stand firmly beside him in his efforts to protect life in the U.S. Senate. We encourage Massachusetts voters to support him on Primary Day and Election Day." MCFL PAC Schrafft Center, 529 Main Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129

Pope Francis on Life. Wow!

I think things are going to be fine.  Anne Michael Pakaluk writes today in National Review Online "The world may end; disasters and catastrophes may befall us; crises, defaults, and insolvencies may await. Before Francis, I was unsettled and expected all that. Now, with Francis, I realize that these things may happen, of course, but I see no need to think about them. Francis represents, for me, in this first impression, the reliability of the ancient ways, the solidity of God's path, and the assurance that we should persevere in what we always thought we should." "Unsettled" is the exact word.  As more information is available about Pope Francis, it is obvious that he is a PRO-LIFER!.  The pro-life movement is non-sectarian, including people who love life who are all faiths or no faith.  We all recognize how much the effort to save lives is helped by strong Catholic leadership.  It is a good day!  Anne Pope Francis on communion for those who facilitate abortion http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/as-cardinal-pope-francis-condemned-abortion-even-in-rape-cases Pope Francis offers second blessing to pregnant woman and her unborn baby http://www.lifenews.com/2013/03/14/pope-francis-offers-his-second-blessing-to-pregnant-mom-unborn-baby/ Pope Francis: Defend the unborn from abortion even when persecuted http://www.lifenews.com/2013/03/14/pope-francis-defend-the-unborn-from-abortion-even-if-persecuted/ And here's the inside scoop by George Weigel http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/342964/first-american-pope-george-weigel?pg=3

Pope Francis Would Certainly Walk With Us

Again Mass. Citizens for Life is honored to organize and sponsor the Annual Respect Life Walk to Aid Mothers and Children on Sunday, April 28th.  Please check the list of Beneficiary Groups, http://respectlifewalk.org/about/   You will see how much good work they do -  how much they help pregnant women and their children, born and unborn..  By participating in the Walk to Aid Mothers and Children, they can raise money without having to organize their own Walks.  I can't begin to tell you how much work is involved in running a Walk..  Helen Cross and her Walk Committee accomplish miracles! We are very excited this year!  As you know, we voted for the Walk Baby online and through social media.  All the babies are adorable and you chose Julia, http://www.masscitizensforlife.org/mcfl_main/?page_id=16 We have many other new online features.  We encourage you to register and set up your sponsor page online, http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/waiver.asp?ievent=1063937&lis=1&kntae1063937=368624D02D40443EAE2D4A7DB1013FC9  You can then send the info to all your friends asking for their support.  You will be able to set your goal for what you want to raise for your chosen group.  You will be able to see how you and others are doing.  We know the beneficiary group you choose will receive many more donations than in the past because of your sponsor page. Please take a minute now to register. http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/waiver.asp?ievent=1063937&lis=1&kntae1063937=368624D02D40443EAE2D4A7DB1013FC9  I am looking outside at snow and listening to the forecast for more snow next week.  Just think how gorgeous it will be by April 28th!   That is only six weeks away.  You need to get started right now to reach your goal!  http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/waiver.asp?ievent=1063937&lis=1&kntae1063937=368624D02D40443EAE2D4A7DB1013FC9 I'm planning to raise a lot of money.  Hope you are, too! Thank you for all you do for life. Anne

You are invited to something very nice

40 Days Celebration of Life   Featuring Pro-Life Speaker, Catherine Adair Catherine Adair worked for Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts at the largest abortion clinic in New England. There she witnessed thousands of abortions. After seeing the aftermath of a second-trimester abortion, she was forever changed. Her personal experience with abortion at age 19 and time working at Planned Parenthood changed her from a prochoice feminist to a prolife activist. Her story is one of hope and of healing, and she credits God, with His infinite mercy and forgiveness, for giving her the strength to share her story.     Sunday, March 24   5 pm to 8 pm   Concannon's Village 60 Lenox St. Norwood, MA 02062   Join us to pray, hear Cathering Adair speak, share stories, and celebrate the ways God has blessed us over these 40 days of prayer, fasting, peaceful vigil and community outreach.   There is no charge for this event.  A free-will offering to cover food costs will be gratefully accepted.  Kindly rsvp ASAP (by Monday, March 18) to Anne Kane at 781-769-5398 or email annie.kane4@verizon.net so we have a headcount for food.

Join the March for Marriage

Mass Family Institute has sent us this invitation for you.  Anne Join MFI as we represent Massachusetts in the March for Marriage in our nation's capital Friends of the family, On March 26th the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the question of same-sex "marriage" and the right of Americans to protect marriage will be decided.  We believe it is imperative that political leaders, the media, and the culture see that we care about protecting marriage enough to stand up and march for it. That's why marriage supporters from across the country will converge on our nation's capital in two weeks. MFI will be there, and you can join us.  MFI is sponsoring a Deluxe Coach bus in order to bring a delegation down to DC for the Marriage March.  We will be leaving MA Monday night and arriving in DC. on Tuesday morning in time for the march.  Tuesday afternoon we will board the bus once again and travel back to MA, arriving around 2:30 am.  We currently have seats available at a cost $60 per person.  (Partial scholarships are available, courtesy of some generous donors.  Please inquire if you may qualify.)  http://www.mafamily.org/event-items/march-for-marriage/   I look forward to making this journey with you.  For our families,   Kris Mineau President

I think you will really appreciate this column from "American Thinker".  Anne March 14, 2013 What the Greatest Catholic Thinker Says about the Latest Catholic Pope Selwyn Duke With the election of Pope Francis, there are the usual complaints about how the Catholic Church has got to get with the times. The Huffington Post ran the headline, "Pope Francis Against [sic] Gay Marriage, Gay Adoption," which is much like thinking it newsworthy to write, "New Pope Believes in the Divinity of Jesus." Mother Jones laments the "missed opportunity to bring the papacy closer to where the people are." And Forbes' John Baldoni  dishes the baloney, writing of "a Catholic Church that is resistant to change but one that must certainly adapt (and rather radically) if it is going to continue to attract well-intentioned men and women who adhere to its faith but also are willing to devote themselves to its perpetuation" (hat tip: Drew Belsky). Yet this misses the point that it is creatures who must adapt to their ecosystem, and the Church is the moral ecosystem. Our modernistic culture is simply a pretender to that throne. But calls for adaptation are nothing new; it's just that primitives who once demanded it in the name of yesterday's fashions have adapted: they now demand it in the name of today's fashions. The brilliant philosopher and noted convert to Catholicism G.K. Chesterton wrote about this phenomenon almost a century ago in his essay "Why I am a Catholic": The other day a well-known writer, otherwise quite well-informed, said that the Catholic Church is always the enemy of new ideas. It probably did not occur to him that his own remark was not exactly in the nature of a new idea. It is one of the notions that Catholics have to be continually refuting, because it is such a very old idea. Indeed, those who complain that Catholicism cannot say anything new, seldom think it necessary to say anything new about Catholicism. As a matter of fact, a real study of history will show it to be curiously contrary to the fact. In so far as the ideas really are ideas, and in so far as any such ideas can be new, Catholics have continually suffered through supporting them when they were really new; when they were much too new to find any other support. The Catholic was not only first in the field but alone in the field; and there was as yet nobody to understand what he had found there. ...[For example,] when Mr. Belloc wrote about the Servile State, he advanced an economic theory so original that hardly anybody has yet realized what it is. A few centuries hence, other people will probably repeat it, and repeat it wrong. And then, if Catholics object, their protest will be easily explained by the well-known fact that Catholics never care for new ideas. Nevertheless, the man who made that remark about Catholics meant something; and it is only fair to him to understand it rather more clearly than he stated it. What he meant was that, in the modern world, the Catholic Church is in fact the enemy of many influential fashions; most of which still claim to be new, though many of them are beginning to be a little stale. In other words, in so far as he meant that the Church often attacks what the world at any given moment supports, he was perfectly right . The Church does often set herself against the fashion of this world that passes away; and she has experience enough to know how very rapidly it does pass away. ...Nine out of ten of what we call new ideas are simply old mistakes. The Catholic Church has for one of her chief duties that of preventing people from making those old mistakes; from making them over and over again forever, as people always do if they are left to themselves. So what of the mistake, made over and over again, of criticizing the Church for being stuck in the past? It is the gripe of a slave of his age. A relativist sees ideas as either old-fashioned or fashionable, as being of the past or on the cutting edge, but none of these characterizations describe the Church. She is not a creature of the age, but of the ageless. She is not of any one time, but of the one Truth.    This is why I can assert, without being presumptuous, what a man who died the year a certain person was born would say about that person when he grew up, became pope, and took the name Francis. The Truth doesn't change. And since there also are no new sins, neither do criticisms of the Church change. They just get recycled by children of time and place who never learned history and thus think their "old mistakes" are "new ideas." They might never imagine that, when Christians refused to participate in ancient Rome's pagan festivals, Roman pagans uttered a very familiar line and called them "haters of humanity."   Ecclesiastes 1:9 tells us, "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun." Generally speaking, there are no old and new ideas; there are only enduring ideas and flashes in the pan of the polity. The enduring ideas are incorrectly labeled "old" because they are valid enough to remain in constant use, so we see them embraced by grandpa; the flash-in-the-pan ideas are called "new" because it is the fate of fallacies to be forgotten and then resurrected by the next unsuspecting generation. And the young will think grandpa knows nothing of them because they're newly-born, not realizing that he only knows nothing of them because they wisely were buried long before he was born.   So, secular left, perhaps your motto should be, "Fashionable modernism: bringing you yesterday's mistakes, today." But have at it with your criticism and scorn. Just know that Catholics are used to it, for we've been thus targeted for a very, very long time. And we'll be thus targeted long after you, and your ideas, are dust.   Contact Selwyn Duke, follow him on Twitter or log on to SelwynDuke.com

Join the March for Marriage

	The Mass. Family Institute has sent us this invitation for you to attend the March for Marriage in Washington, DC on Tuesday, March 26th. Anne http://www.mafamily.org/event-items/march-for-marriage/

President, Planned Parenthood President, Cecile Richards speaks tonight at Wellesley College

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND, REGISTER http://www.wcwonline.org/march12event HAVE YOUR QUESTIONS READY (about deaths of women, botched abortions and funding to start) AND PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT HAPPENS.  Thanks, Anne Cecile Richards to Discuss "Women, Sex and Health Care" at Wellesley College Source: Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts  Incoming President of local Planned Parenthood, Martha (Marty) Walz, will also speak WELLESLEY: On March 12, Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), will visit Wellesley College to speak about how advances in and access to reproductive health care have expanded opportunities for generations of women. She will address the domestic policy and political climate, as well as the global context for this work.Since 2006, Richards has expanded PPFA's advocacy for access to health care both in the U.S. and globally, ensuring that Planned Parenthood plays a pivotal role in shaping health care coverage and services for women.   Martha (Marty) Walz, who will join Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts as President and CEO in early March, will also speak briefly and introduce Richards. Parking is available in the Davis Parking lot across from Alumnae Hall, near the Central Street entrance of the campus. Logistical questions can be directed to wcw@wellesley.edu.   WHO:  Presented by the Center for Work & Service at Wellesley College and the Wellesley Centers for Women. Featuring keynote speaker Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. WHAT:  "Women, Sex and Health Care: Hope for the 21st Century" WHERE: Diana Chapman Walsh Alumnae Hall Auditorium Wellesley College 106 Central Street Wellesley, MA 02481   WHEN: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 7-8PM

We Have a Walk Baby!

	Meet the 2013 Respect Life Walk Baby!  She is 21-month-old Julia and she is a darling! We want to thank all the families that submitted photos and all of you for voting for this year's Walk Baby.  You can register for the Walk at respectlifewalk.org. Anne

DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY MIDNIGHT

	You have until Wednesday night to vote and lobby for your favorite Walk baby.  They all are so dear! http://massprolife.com/?p=1524. We'll post the results at noon on Thursday.  Be sure you are represented! Anne

Vote Today for Your Favorite Walk Baby!

	Voting for the 2013 Walk Baby starts today!  You may vote - and get all your friends, etc to vote - until next Wednesday, March 6th.  When you see all the babies, you'll have a hard time deciding. Please vote at the Mass Citizens web site or on Facebook.  I noticed some babies already have a number of votes.  Good luck!  Anne http://massprolife.com/?p=1524.