On Thursday, January 6, 2022, the New Jersey Legislature advanced S49/A6260, legislation similar to the proposed S3030/A4848 “Reproductive Freedom Act.” This new legislation would codify in state law the right to abortion through all nine months of pregnancy. The bill will be voted on by the full Senate and Assembly on this coming Monday, January 10. In writing Jan. 5 to legislators representing citizens of the Diocese, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., urged them in the strongest possible terms not to allow this legislation to move forward. “Consider what is at stake in the content and consequences of this legislation,” he stated. “It is not simply a matter of ‘choice’ or even ‘freedom.’ The Act being proposed is concerned with human life at its very beginning and its intentional termination and destruction.” Please go to www.TrentonMonitor.com or the NJCC website to access an Action Alert and to learn more about this proposed legislation that denies all rights of a child in the womb, and please contact your Senate and Assembly representatives encouraging them to oppose and vote against this bill. On this Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, let us recall that both John and Jesus were unborn children in their mother’s womb when Mary visited Elizabeth and heard the words, “Blessed are you among women and Blessed is the fruit of your womb.”

In the interest of safety and precaution, The Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley is requesting that you wear a mask in church. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe.