Dear Parishioners,
Welcome to our two new parish staff members working in youth faith formation! Our faith formation is well under way. Our Religious Education for youth grades 1-5 is on Monday and is called "Hearts on FIRE” (family-integrated religious education), and is held at the Grand site school. This youth faith formation program is led by Chris Kouba. Chris previously worked for our parish some years ago in this area and is very well organized.
Also new to our staff this year, heading up our youth Confirmation prep sessions, is Sam Johnson. Sam moved back to the Manitowoc area just over a year ago, comes with great passion for the Catholic Faith, and a desire to share it with our youth. These preparation sessions are for both our Catholic school and public school youth.

Our middle school formation is "Edge." High school programs are “Life Teen” and “Summit” plus the “Dead Theologians Society.” Middle school and high school faith formation is led by Elizabeth Gruenke. Elizabeth has been with us for a number of years and is doing a great ministry reaching our youth.

Our various youth faith formation opportunities are underway. I invite you to pray for them and if you know a youth is not currently attending, please encourage them to attend. Roncalli youth and teens are also welcome to attend any of our faith formation and youth ministry programs.
The Office of Pro-Life of the Bishop's Conference (USCCB) is very concerned about a piece of legislation that would make abortion on demand at any stage of pregnancy widely available across the country while limiting the ability of states to place restrictions on abortion. This is a "Dark Day in America". Your action needed more than ever! The House of Representatives
voted to pass the most radical abortion bill ever. The so-called Women’s Health Protection Act, H.R. 3755, would:
 Allow abortion on demand nationwide throughout EVERY STAGE of pregnancy
 BAN pro-life laws in every state and local government
 Force Americans to support abortions with their tax dollars
 Likely eliminate conscience protections for doctors-among other extreme actions

Of those present, all but one House Democrat (Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas) voted for the bill and all House Republicans
voted against. In his statement responding to this vote, Archbishop Joseph Naumann, Chairman of the Committee on ProLife Activities, called this bill “the most extreme pro-abortion bill our nation has ever seen.”
Time to take action once again. To step out and contact our elected representatives. Go to this link: www.votervoice.net/
USCCB/Campaigns/88618/Respond to email our elected officials. Thank our Representative for voting against H.R. 3755 and our two Senators to strongly urge their opposition to the Senate version of this bill (S. 1975) when it comes up for a vote. There will also be a postcard option available at our worship sites for those that do not have access to electronic means. Let us continue to make a strong for our faith and belief that life begins at conception and we need to do all we can to preserve that life, including ending abortion. Make your voice heard today.

Another opportunity to take part is the 40 Days of Life. This is an internationally coordinated 40-day local campaign aimed attending abortion through prayer and fasting, community outreach and a peaceful all-day vigil near local abortion businesses. Here in Manitowoc, this is taking place at the Public right-of-way outside Planned Parenthood on 1100 South 30th Street. For more information go to crossingmanitowoc.org/home.

Thank you for your action, and for all you do to proclaim the Gospel of Life. Please pray today and every given Sunday that our nation and its leaders will fully embrace this Gospel. Since October is the month of the rosary, please consider adding this intention too when you pray.

Fr. Doug
In follow up to last week's scripture that talked about marriage, here are two good options if you are looking for a couples retreat on marriage.
Retrouvaille Weekend - November 5th-7th: Call (920) 288-2043 or visit helpourmarriage.org
Marriage Encounter - November 6th & 7th: Call (920) 809-3496 or visit gbme.org