Planned Parenthood's Irredeemable Act

Atlanta, GA – Dr. Alveda King, Pastoral Associate of Priests for Life and niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., today criticized Planned Parenthood of Indiana for selling Christmas gift certificates that can be used for goods or services, including abortions.

“The word inappropriate hardly describes Planned Parenthood’s scheme,” said Dr. King. “To give someone a gift card from the nation’s largest abortion business is to give death for Christmas. Planned Parenthood really should call these ‘King Herod certificates’ after the Roman ruler who slaughtered tiny babies in his vain attempt to kill the baby Jesus. Better yet, it should just leave Christmas, a celebration of birth, hope, and life, completely alone.”

“Planned Parenthood’s selling of Christmas gift certificates that can be redeemed for abortion is an irredeemable act,” added Dr. King. “No amount of spin can turn this promotion into anything other than an abomination. Congress gave Planned Parenthood $300 million last year and now a chapter of this group is defiling the celebration of our Savior’s birth. As one of America’s taxpayers, I want my money back.”

Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.

Catholic Writers to Hold Online Conference

Writers, editors, agents, and other publishing professionals from around the world are gearing up for the second annual Catholic Writers’ Conference Online, which will be held February 2-9, 2009.

Sponsored by the Catholic Writer’s Guild and the Extraordinary Moms Network, the online conference is free of charge and open to writers of all levels who register by January 15.

Last year’s conference drew over 300 participants and had more than 30 editors and writing professionals from all over the country presenting. Here's what attendees had to say:

"Gas prices are high. Writers' conferences are out of reach. CWC met my need! Write ON!" Jewel Sample, author of Flying Hugs and Kisses, and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (jewelsamples.blogspot.com).

"This conference … moved beyond practical concerns of writers and revealed the creative union between writing and faith, establishing it as a source of endless inspiration. As writers, we all want to feel good about what we write. The CWCO helped to show us how." Kate Wicker, “Momopoly” (www.katewicker.com).

"If ever a newbie writer on the scene needed an added boost of confidence, input, and tips, the Catholic Writer's Conference Online was the place for them to camp out for the week. I learned so much and enjoyed being in an arena that was friendly for all who want to share the Catholic faith. Thanks for the great week of advice, information, and meeting new people." Elizabeth Weidner, “A Catholic Mum Climbing the Pillars”

“We were very happy with the caliber of publishing professionals who volunteered to participate in the last conference,” says event co-chair Heidi Hess Saxton, author and founder of Extraordinary Moms Network. “There was a nice mix of fiction and non-fiction as well as book and magazine publishing represented. Something for everyone … and you can’t beat the price!”

"On-line conferences cross economic and political boundaries. We can reach Catholic writers who normally wouldn't have a chance to meet, much less learn from, successful writers, editors and publishers. Plus, the faith-sharing is phenomenal," said Karina Fabian, author of the Catholic science fiction anthology Infinite Space, Infinite God and President of the Catholic Writers' Guild.

Early registration is recommended. Although the conference is offered free of charge, donations are accepted; proceeds will go toward future conferences. To register or for more information, go to http://www.catholicwritersconference.com.

The Catholic Truth Accepting Prayer Requests

The Catholic Truth lay apostolate is encouraging all those interested to submit their prayer requests for inclusion in a Christmas Novena of Masses. The Masses will be said at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Intentions can be submitted by visiting the Catholic Truth website (www.thecatholictruth.info) and entering the requests on the home page. All submissions are completely anonymous and there is no obligation or fee.

Founder Gary Zimak states, “This Christmas, we wanted to do something for all of those people that are in need of prayer. It’s our gift to all of our brothers and sisters.” Zimak was inspired to make this offer after looking through some literature from the National Shrine. He thought it fitting to make the announcement on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. “I can’t think of a more appropriate day to extend this offer and a more appropriate place for the Masses to be said than the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception”, says Zimak. “The motto of our apostolate is Ad Jesum Per Mariam (To Jesus Through Mary) and we completely trust in her intercessory power.”

The intentions will be forwarded to the National Shrine in time for the Christmas Novena. Even though the Catholic Truth is not accepting donations for these Masses, they encourage everyone to visit the website of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (www.nationalshrine.com) and make a donation if possible.

The Catholic Truth lay apostolate was founded to help Catholics learn more about their Faith. Their services are provided totally free of charge over the Internet. A daily blog, monthly newsletter and their 10-step plan to bring you closer to Christ are all accessible from their website (www.thecatholictruth.info). They can also be reached via email at thecatholictruth@yahoo.com.

Audio Bible Ministry Shares "The Christmas Story"

This exciting announcement is part of “The Christmas Story,” a free Audio Bible program about the birth of Jesus Christ.

“The Christmas Story” is an audio drama, word-for-word reading from the New Testament books Matthew and Luke and is produced by Faith Comes By Hearing, the world’s foremost Audio Bible ministry. This realistic audio recording was produced using multiple character voices, musical backgrounds and sound effects.

You can get this free holiday program:
• By downloading or listening free from www.FaithComesByHearing.com. (Available in .mp3 or .WAV file formats)
• By texting “CHRISTMAS” to 80672.
• At the iTunes store.

Faith Comes By Hearing produced this short, family-friendly program, which runs about 12 minutes, to help people engage in the Bible this holiday season and hear the Christmas story in a dramatic, audio format.

“This is part of the greatest story ever told,” said Jon D. Wilke, organizational spokesperson. “Everyday we need to engage in the Bible through reading or listening, and this is the time of the year we need to remember and give thanks for God’s greatest gift to humanity.”

“Gathering around and listening to this Bible story is an easy, yet powerful way to share God’s love with your family and start a memorable Christmas tradition,” he said.

Founded in 1972 as a non-profit ministry, Faith Comes By Hearing records and uses Audio Bible programs to reach Americans as well as the world’s poor and illiterate with God’s Word.