Pope John Paul II has declared a Year of the Eucharist to begin this October. The Church, during this special year, will meditate upon, celebrate, worship and proclaim the great gift of the Lord's Body and Blood.

The Eucharist, in its essence, is Life, because it is Christ Himself. Over the years, Priests for Life has prepared numerous resources reflecting on the relationship between the Eucharist and our pro-life commitment. We have brochures, prayers, and even the music video "This is My Body." This material can be used in your parish for pro-life holy hours, educational groups, and other events throughout the Year of the Eucharist. For more information, see www.priestsforlife.org/eucharist

Priests for Life is happy to announce that His Eminence Cardinal Renato Martino, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace at the Vatican, has joined the Episcopal Board of Priests for Life. "Cardinal Martino has been a long-time friend of our ministry," explained Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director. "I was privileged to get to know him when he served as the Holy Father's representative at the United Nations and I was serving at the Vatican's Pontifical Council for the Family. Then, when we opened our new headquarters, he honored us by coming to bless our building. We have always had the benefit of his wise counsel and long experience. We look forward to continued fruitful collaboration."

Cardinal Martino was the 2002 recipient of the National Right to Life Committee's "Proudly Pro-life Award." The other Catholic clergy who have received that award over the years are Cardinal John O'Connor (1994), Bishop James McHugh (2000), and Fr. Frank Pavone (2001).

In May of this year, Priests for Life interviewed Cardinal Martino in Rome on the subject of the political responsibility of Catholics. Here are some excerpts of the Cardinal's remarks.

During the six weeks before Election Day, The Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) will air six special programs to help prepare Catholics for our national elections to be held on November 2. This series features interviews of Vatican officials, commentary on the teachings of our bishops, and a clear affirmation that the right to life is the number one issue in determining which candidates to elect. This series is action-oriented. You will learn what you need to do, not only to cast your vote, but to influence thousands of votes! For information on air dates, and bulletin announcements, visit www.priestsforlife.org/elections.

We are proud to announce a new television series, produced by our ecumenical branch, Gospel of Life Ministries. The program "Gospel of Life" will air on the Sky Angel network, reaching new audiences of millions of Christians. Dr. Paul Schenck, who recently joined the Priests for Life team, serves as Executive Director of Gospel of Life and co-host of the program, together with Fr. Frank Pavone and Janet Morana. You can use the announcement below to publicize this new program! Visit the Sky Angel website, or call the number below, to find out how you can receive the programs.

PRIESTS FOR LIFE presents
"GOSPEL OF LIFE"

A new pro-life television series airing every

Monday at 3:30 AM Eastern

Thursday at 8:30AM Eastern and

Saturday at 7:30 PM Eastern

"Los católicos estadounidenses han buscado por mucho tiempo asimilarse a la vida cultural de este país. Pero al asimilarse, hemos sido frecuentemente totalmente "dirigidos". Hemos sido cambiados demasiado por nuestra cultura, y no la hemos cambiado lo suficiente. Si somos levadura, debemos llevar todo el Evangelio a nuestra cultura, un Evangelio de vida y alegria. Eso es nuestra vocación de creyentes. Y no hay un mejor sitio para empezar que con la promoción de la belleza y la santidad de la vida humana." ( Los Obispos Católicos de E.E. U.U., Vivir el Evangelio de la Vida, 1998, no.25).

Prayer Novena for America

Starting August 31, Priests for Life has launched a national prayer campaign of nine weeks leading up to Election Day. Please sign up and commit to prayers, Masses, Divine Mercy Chaplets, and days of fasting. The intention is that believers will be active in voting, and that our nation will embrace a culture of life. For more details, see www.priestsforlife.org/elections. Let us know your prayer commitment by writing to Priests for Life Prayer Campaign, PO Box 141172, Staten Island, NY 10314.

September intention: That both private and public schools may promote an understanding of human rights that places the right to life at the center.

October intention: That God's people may use their privilege of voting as a way to advance the Culture of Life.

____ Ten Responses to Pro-Abortion Politicians (Brochure -- $0.20 ea. -- Product #1659)

____ You Wouldn't Even Ask (Brochure about why the right to life is the fundamental issue. -- $0.20 ea. -- Product #1671)

____ CD of radio spots on Political responsibility (Can be used for broadcast, or to play at educational or spiritual gatherings -- $6.00 -- Catholic Version _______ #1660; General Christian Version ______ # 1650)

November 2, Election Day, is approaching. We need your help today! Contact us at vote@priestsforlife.org or call our election team at (718) 980-4400, ext. 297. You can sign up for election-related activities at www.votersunday.org/join.php where an online form will allow you to indicate how you can help.

Assistance is needed, and training is available, to

1. Help people to register to vote;
2. Help those who cannot get to the polls on Election Day to vote early;
3. Inform voters of the positions of candidates;
4. Inform Catholics of the teachings of our bishops on political responsibility;
5. Get bulletin inserts into Church bulletins;
6. Promote our "Study Guide" of the bishops' document Living the Gospel of Life;
7. Promote our television series on Elections 2004;
8. Monitor polling places to insure fair elections;
9. Distribute voter education information from door to door.

Now is the time! You can be sure that pro-abortion people are mobilizing their forces to make sure that the killing chambers continue to operate with the blessing of public officials. They know a lot is at stake, since the next President and Senate will shape the next Supreme Court, which will decide issues like abortion for the next generation. Do not think any amount of time or help is too small. Contact us today and experience the joy of letting your voice be heard and helping to make history as the Church fulfills her mandate to renew the face of the earth!

Attention, Pastors! Inform your People of Candidates' Positions through www.VotingInfo.org.