From the NYS Catholic Conference: 

Legislation designed to intimidate and silence pro-life pregnancy
centers has passed through a Senate committee and can be voted on 
by the full Senate at any time.  The bill, S.2264/A.2352 would force
pregnancy centers to disclose to prospective clients the services they
do not provide (ie. abortion), or face stiff penalties. This legislation
Is unnecessary, as it seeks to address a problem that does not exist, and
Is discriminatory, as it seeks to silence all pro-life speech and actions,
leaving pregnant women with only the “choice” of abortion.  Please
urge your lawmakers to oppose this bill.

Proponents of doctor-assisted suicide (A.2694/S.3947) are again
pushing their agenda in New York. They seek to make it legal for 
terminally ill patients to receive life-ending drugs.  These policies are
dangerous for patients, caregivers, and vulnerable populations,
such as the elderly and disabled.  Suicide is not medical care.
Please tell your Senate and Assembly representatives that you
oppose this dangerous and deadly practice.  

To voice your opinion on any issue, go to the Catholic Action
Network (CAN) on  www.nyscatholic.org, click on “Take Action”
then on “Latest Action Alerts.”  If you are not a member of CAN,
please join.



Bread for the World urges us to call 800-826-3688  or
Email our members of Congress to co-sponsor and
pass the global nutrition resolution (HRes.189/S.Res. 260.
Visit  bread.org/activist for a sample letter.

St. Thomas the Apostle Church
Public Policy Ministry will host a “Food for Thought” program on Monday,
October 21, 2019 (Reservations required). Fellowship, light refreshments
and a table of resources will begin at 6:30 pm in St. Thomas School,
42 Adams Place, Delmar, NY, with the program to follow at 7:00 pm.

John McDonald will discuss the drugs which are causing the overdose crisis
and inform us about the measures the Legislature passed during the budget
process this year and bills that he carries as well as other bills in the
Legislature that address the epidemic. He will also discuss treating the
crisis as a healthcare issue vs. a criminal justice issue. John sits on the
Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Committee in the NYS Assembly; he is a
practicing pharmacist and president of Marra’s Pharmacy in Cohoes, NY.

Keith Brown will be talking about the need to move away from criminalization
and toward health-based approaches to the overdose crisis, as well as
presenting some effective strategies like naloxone, medication treatment,
Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Initiative, syringe access, Overdose
Prevention Centers, and drug checking. Eric Yetto, who is dedicated to helping people
struggling with addiction, will share his journey via the film Heroin and in person. He is
recovering and has a responsible job and a family. Kimberly Trapani, Project Manager,
Director and Producer of All Consuming Filming Heroin, has an MBA in Psychology,
Education and Business, and is dedicated to promoting hope and wellness to people
struggling with addiction brain disorders without judgment. She has been successful at
sending positive messages of hope and life for years. This is a cause that has
personally affected her.

“Crazy” socks will be sold that evening with an opportunity to share faith and
support by donating a pair to someone in recovery. The socks are $13 a pair or 2 pair for $26.00 We will have a note card for those who wish to give a pair to a person who is in recovery. 

Public Policy - An advocacy ministry that works on the policy issues identified by the NYS Bishops Conference, which are found by logging onto NYSCatholic.org.  The social justice ministry also works to encourage parishioners to become active and vocal in support of legislation that serves the vulnerable and uncounted in our society. If you have questions or would like to get involved, please contact Marie Copeland at 518-439-4050, or email mariecopeland62@gmail.com

Catholic Action Network ~ the Public Policy Ministry suggests that you make your voice heard by joining the Catholic Action Network at www.nyscatholic.org .The Catholic Conference says that the legislative activity will focus on the Bishops' agenda which includes important matters such as:

• affordable housing
• education funding

The Bishops will oppo se efforts to legalize physician assisted suicide, legalized prostitution, and commercial gestational surrogacy

Be prepared to "Take Action" on these important issues. If you have questions or need assistance in signing up for the Catholic Action Network, please contact Debbie Agney at debbie.agney@gmail.com or call 518-756-6049.

Formerly referred to as the Pax Christi group, members participate in a prayer for peace the first Saturday each month at the Peace Pole in the grassy area near the Church.   Everyone is welcome to join this prayer group.  If you have questions or would like to get more involved, please contact the Parish Office at 518-439-4951.