The “Fortnight for Freedom,” is a 14-day period of prayer, education and action in support of religious freedom, from June 21-July 4 that was called for by the Ad Hoc Committee on Religious Liberty of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops because of concerns over threats to religious freedom, both at home and abroad.
In the Diocese of Harrisburg the following events are resources are available to assit in defending our first freedom.
Opening Mass – Friday, June 22, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Parish, 87 Marsh Drive, Carlisle. Bishop Joseph P. McFadden will open the Fortnight for Freedom on the feast of St. Thomas More with this Mass All are encouraged to attend. Following the Mass, the St. Thomas More Society of Central Pennsylvania will host a light breakfast in the school cafeteria. This will be a time to greet the Bishop, mingle with others.
Closing Mass – Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at 9: a.m. at St. Patrick Cathedral, 212 State Street, Harrisburg, PA
Video Novena for Liberty
Bishop Joseph P. McFadden will lead a special on-line daily video Novena during the Fortnight for Freedom, June 21 to July 4, 2012. The prayer sessions will include a special daily reflection on the importance of Religious Liberty. Join with Bishop McFadden and witness for religious liberty. The prayer sessions will be available on this page. Links will also be shared via the Diocesan Facebook page.
Video Presentations
These video recordings of four presentations from, “A Forum on Religious Freedom and Health Care Reform” took place on May 22, 2012 at St. Margaret Mary Church, Harrisburg.
“Moral and Pastoral Perspectives on the H.H.S. Mandate” by Fr. David L. Danneker, Ph.D., a Medical Ethicist and Pastor , St. Peter Church, Elizabethtown
“The Next Mandate: Abortion Services” by Michael Ciccocioppo, PA Pro-Life Federation.
“Answering Tough Questions About the H.H.S. Mandate” by Amy Hill, Pennsylvania Catholic Conference
“Church and State: Relative Competencies” by Fr. Paul Schenck, Director of the Respect Life Office, Diocese of Harrisburg