FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Diocesan Parishes to Show Solidarity for Franciscan Friar Walking Tour

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NEW YORK, July 31, 2007—Parishes in the Diocese of Rockville Centre will participate in activities to show solidarity for the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, who will walk from Philadelphia to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, for nine days from August 3 to August 11, 2007. The event is called the “Future Depends on Love” Tour.

The Friars will pass through cities, suburbs, poor neighborhoods and rural areas, and stop at religious and historic sites. They will also stop to pray at abortion clinics, evangelize and serve the poor.

The Friars will work with youth groups, Pro-Life groups, college students and young adults to evangelize about chastity, community service and the Theology of the Body, Pope John Paul II’s integrated vision of the human person.

“The goal is to make people aware that this is happening,” said Alexandra Bastien, coordinator of the Young Adult Apostolate of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. “Hopefully they’ll be more inclined to discover the teachings of the Church in regards to marriage, family and the sacredness of life. We can all do something—wherever we are—to help one another in this Church family.”

Holy Name of Jesus parish, Woodbury, N.Y., will offer a Special Night of Prayer on August 3, 2007, at 7:00 p.m., featuring Holy Hour and Holy Sacrifice of the Mass with special guests Father Peter Vaccari, Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, Huntington; and the Sisters of Life, who are dedicated to the protection of the sacredness of all human life.

St. Ignatius Loyola parish, Hicksville, will extend Adoration Chapel hours until 8:00 p.m. on August 8, 2007. Petitions will be offered at all Masses during the tour.

Please contact Alexandra Bastien at 516-678-5800, ext. 616 for further information.


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About The Diocese of Rockville Centre
Celebrating its Golden Jubilee, the Diocese of Rockville Centre (www.drvc.org) was formed in 1957 and covers 1,198 square miles in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The diocese serves approximately 1.4 million Catholics (total population in both counties is approximately 2.8 million). There are 134 parishes in 115 towns. Last year over 18,000 baptisms, 18,000 confirmations, 19,000 first communions and 4,000 marriages took place in the diocese. There are approximately 22,000 students in Catholic elementary schools; 13,000 in secondary schools and 3,300 in higher institutions. There are 69 Catholic elementary and high schools and one Catholic college in the diocese. There are also 120,189 total students in religious education. Catholic Health Services of Long Island consists of five hospitals, three nursing homes, a community-based home for those with special needs and a hospice. Last year, Catholic Charities assisted more than 59,000 individuals who are poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged on Long Island. (4/20/07)
 

For more information Contact:
Sean P. Dolan
Director of Communications
516-678-5800, ext. 625
sdolan@drvc.org
 

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