Fortnight for Freedom

June 21 to July 4, 2013

The United States Bishops’ have asked for “a great hymn of prayer in our country,” from June 21 (Vigil of the Memorial of St. John Fisher, Bishop and St. Thomas More, Martyr) through to July 4 – Independence Day, in support of religious freedom. In the Diocese of Trenton, these efforts will be primarily parish-based.

Prayer

All priests, deacons, and those associated with the preparation of the Sacred Liturgy, are asked to consider the following prayer practices to observe A Fortnight for Freedom. Make use of the Prayer for Religious Liberty at all diocesan and parish meetings, assemblies during the Fortnight for Freedom.

Make use of the Prayer for Religious Liberty at all diocesan and parish meetings, assemblies during the Fortnight for Freedom

USCCB Publications is currently printing & taking orders for the Mary Immaculate card in English and Spanish card featuring Our Lady of Guadalupe. There are no plans to sell any of the other four designs at this time. Vietnamese Prayer   |  Tagalog Prayer

All six prayer cards may still be downloaded for free from the links below. 

Mary Immaculate - Mary as the Immaculate Conception is the Patroness of the United States of America. Order packages of 100 cards now!
María Inmaculada - Patrona de Nuestro País

Our Lady of Guadalupe - Our Lady is the Patroness of all the Americas -- and also of our unborn brothers and sisters.
Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe - Order packages of 100 cards now!

St. Thomas More - St. Thomas More is the Patron of Religious Freedom.
Santo Tomás Moro - Patrón de las Libertades Religiosas (not available for sale)

Action

Petition Signing Drive

The diocesan Respect Life Ministry will sponsor a petition signing drive with the pastor’s approval. Appropriate materials will be provided to accomplish the drive on the two weekends during the Fortnight. Included will be handouts to help parishioners contact their appropriate legislators electronically through the NCHLA’s website (web address will be available on handouts). Results of the signature drive will be delivered to the appropriate legislators.

Ringing of Bells Witness for Religious Freedom – July 4 at 12 Noon – SIGNATURE EVENT

Any/all individuals and institutions within the four counties of the Diocese are invited to join the bellringing this Independence Day to show support for religious freedom as "our first, most cherished liberty."

Calendar

June 21

Fortnight begins with a diocesan Mass for the vigil of St. Thomas More, Martyr at 6:30 pm at St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Middletown - Reverend Joe Noche, Chaplain and Diocesan Liaison for Family Life and Pro-Life Activities, will be the principal celebrant and homilist.

Weekends of June 22/23 and June 29/30 - Parish participation

1. Prayer/intercession/preaching
2. Action –gathering signatures on petitions/letters

July 4th

Independence Day at 12 Noon
Fortnight concludes with diocesan-wide Ringing of Bells