Faithful in the Diocese of Trenton are being encouraged to join with other dioceses across the nation in the third annual “Fortnight for Freedom” to be held June 21 to July 4.

Sponsored by the U.S. Catholic Bishops, the “Fortnight for Freedom” begins with the vigil of the Feasts of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More and ends with Independence Day. This 14-day special prayer, study, catechesis and public action focused on the theme “Freedom to Serve,”  is intended to raise awareness and support for the right of religious liberty and to serve the poor and vulnerable in accord with human dignity and the Church’s teachings.

Two nationally televised Masses on EWTN will bookend the Fortnight celebration.  The Opening Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, June 21 at 5:30 p.m. in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore, Md.  Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington will celebrate the Closing Mass in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, July 4 at noon.

Of noted importance to this year’s Fortnight is the Supreme Court’s decision on the Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties cases.  These cases are challenges to the HHS mandate from for-profit businesses.

Decisions in both cases are expected in late June.  Throughout the 14 days, all parishes in the Diocese are encouraged to participate in and support the Fortnight initiative.

To help build awareness and familiarize the faithful on the issues surrounding religious freedom, the diocesan Respect Life Ministry is providing parishes with the USCCB’s website address www.Fortnight4Freedom.org, which includes videos, diocesan activities, fact sheets, prayer resources, special Masses and updated action alerts, among other important information regarding Fortnight for Freedom.  Parishes were also informed of the Parish Guide to Celebrating the Fortnight which includes 14 easy suggestions. 

The Fortnight for Freedom was introduced two years ago by the U.S.C.C.B.’s Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty which called for 14 days of prayer, action and study for religious freedom in the United States and abroad. Throughout the country, a great diversity of events promoting religious freedom was held through rallies, interfaith prayer services, Masses, televised town hall meetings, conferences and other public events where speakers highlighted the various threats to religious liberty, especially the Department of Health and Human Services mandate. The Diocese collected 4784 signatures to the Project Life and Liberty petition drive in 2013 and delivered them to the appropriate legislators.

For more information contact the diocesan Respect Life Ministry at 609-403-7192 or [email protected].