A Message from Fr. Rafferty
Regarding Supreme Court Ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson
June 25, 2022
Dear Friends,
Yesterday the United States Supreme Court issued its much anticipated and previously leaked ruling in the Dobbs v. Jackson case. The court overruled the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that found a constitutional right to abortion. Many legal commentators found fault with Roe’s rationale. It was often cited as a case of the court legislating from the bench. In fact, the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who supported abortion, wrote that the issue remained socially contentious because the court had prematurely removed it from the political processes that might have led to some form of political settlement.
It is important to recognize the decision reversing Roe does not ban abortion. It returns the issue to the states. The political process, specifically the Executive and Legislative branches of government, will regulate abortion. Polls regarding public sentiment on abortion are unreliable because the phrasing of the question impacts responses. However, in the five decades since Roe our society has witnessed medical advances including ultrasound imaging and in utero surgery that make a strong case for life. While state legislation will vary it is difficult to imagine majority support for an abortion late in a pregnancy. For example, nations that have legalized abortion through legislation or referendum adopted limits such as twelve weeks. Not only was Roe unique in that it skirted the democratic process, but its virtual lack of limits was also beyond international standards.
A significant effect of this decision is likely to be saved lives. Nonetheless, legislation protecting life may often fall short of our pro-life ideals. Fostering a culture of life cannot be limited to the legislative realm. As a pro-life community, we must discourage abortion even when permitted by civil law. That effort includes promoting pro-family social policies. In his most recent blog message, Cardinal Sean called us to, “Change people’s hearts, heal divisions, and work for a more just society.”
In Christ,
Father Tom
Dear Friends,
Yesterday the United States Supreme Court issued its much anticipated and previously leaked ruling in the Dobbs v. Jackson case. The court overruled the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that found a constitutional right to abortion. Many legal commentators found fault with Roe’s rationale. It was often cited as a case of the court legislating from the bench. In fact, the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who supported abortion, wrote that the issue remained socially contentious because the court had prematurely removed it from the political processes that might have led to some form of political settlement.
It is important to recognize the decision reversing Roe does not ban abortion. It returns the issue to the states. The political process, specifically the Executive and Legislative branches of government, will regulate abortion. Polls regarding public sentiment on abortion are unreliable because the phrasing of the question impacts responses. However, in the five decades since Roe our society has witnessed medical advances including ultrasound imaging and in utero surgery that make a strong case for life. While state legislation will vary it is difficult to imagine majority support for an abortion late in a pregnancy. For example, nations that have legalized abortion through legislation or referendum adopted limits such as twelve weeks. Not only was Roe unique in that it skirted the democratic process, but its virtual lack of limits was also beyond international standards.
A significant effect of this decision is likely to be saved lives. Nonetheless, legislation protecting life may often fall short of our pro-life ideals. Fostering a culture of life cannot be limited to the legislative realm. As a pro-life community, we must discourage abortion even when permitted by civil law. That effort includes promoting pro-family social policies. In his most recent blog message, Cardinal Sean called us to, “Change people’s hearts, heal divisions, and work for a more just society.”
In Christ,
Father Tom
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We truly are grateful for the generosity of parishioners during these difficult times. God Bless!
We truly are grateful for the generosity of parishioners during these difficult times. God Bless!
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Year of the Eucharist Announced by Cardinal Seán O’Malley
Cardinal Seán O'Malley has declared a Year of the Eucharist for the Archdiocese of Boston to bolster the faith of those who already believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and to encourage those who struggle with this belief. Over the course of the next year and a half, the Cardinal invites all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Boston to learn more about the Eucharist and to spend more time before the Eucharistic Lord, asking Him to reveal Himself to you. The year will officially begin on Holy Thursday 2020 and end on the Feast of Corpus Christi 2021. Please read this letter from the Cardinal and watch the video below for his message.
