The U.S. bishops have issued a call to action to defend religious liberty and urged laity to work to protect the First Freedom of the Bill of Rights. They outlined their position in “Our First, Most Cherished Freedom.”
The bishops have called for “A Fortnight for Freedom,” the two-week period from June 21 to July 4—beginning with the feasts of St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher and ending with Independence Day—to focus “all the energies the Catholic community can muster” for religious liberty.
To read Bishop John Noonan's homily regarding the HHS mandate, which many believe infringes on religious freedom, click here.
Your prayers are needed to ensure the future of our nation will allow for religious freedom, as guaranteed by our constitution.
The following prayer cards are available to download from the USCCB in English and Spanish:
• Mary Immaculate; María Inmaculada
• Our Lady of Guadalupe; Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
• St. Thomas More; Santo Tomás Moro
Parishes please read the Suggested USCCB Prayer Resources for Conscience Rights and Religious Freedom Also available in Spanish.
All of the faithful are called to engage in activies that will unite the community on this important issue.
Suggested Activities
Weekly Rosary Group dedicated to Religious Liberty
Gather to pray around the flagpole
Include the St. Michael Prayer and/or the Prayer for Religious Liberty at Masses
Pray for the courage of our Priests and Bishops
Pray the Novena for Faithful Citizenship
Host a Prayer Service for Faithful Citizenship
Include Faithful Citizenship Intercessory Prayers in the Prayers of the Faithful
Nightly Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction
Mass for Religious Liberty on July 4
To watch a video about a news conference held on February 25, 2012 at St. James Cathedral, click below.
Updated March 1, 2012:
More information can be found at www.usccb.org/conscience. Thank you for your urgent actions and prayers on behalf of this nationwide effort!
For a PDF of the English version of the bulletin insert created by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, click here. For a PDF of the insert in Spanish, click here.
