In anticipation of the August 1 implementation of the birth control mandate, the bishops of the United States are calling upon the faithful to fight this encroachment on the religious liberty of Americans by spending 14 days in prayer and faith-filled activities meant to remind us of how precious is this fundamental human right.

In a handout prepared by the bishops, the faithful are being called to mark the 2nd Fortnight for Freedom from June 21 to July 4, 2013.

"This 14-day period will be in celebration of the many rights we enjoy as American citizens and to patriotically pray for our nation."

They are suggesting 14 ways to participate in this sacred event:

1.  Celebrate a memorial Mass for SS. Thomas More and John Fischer on June 21 (vigil) or June 22 (their feast day) to open the Fortnight of Freedom.

2.  Present a Catholic movie night for members of your parish, such as A Man for All Seasons about the martyrdom of St. Thomas More or For Greater Glory about the struggle for religious freedom in Mexico.

3.  Invite a local or national figure to speak to your parish about religious liberty. Alternatively, encourage parishioners to read "Our First, Most Cherished Liberty", a document of the Bishops' Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty.

4.  Host a concert with religious music and/or performing artists.

5.  Plan a "Pancakes for Patriotism" or "Fish Fry for Freedom" event to raise awareness about the Fortnight and featuring information about the plans within the parish  and diocese for the Fortnight.

6.  Organize day-long (or multi-day) Eucharistic Adoration.

7.  Sponsor a presentation on the history of Catholicism in the United States.

8.  Host a study group on Dignitatis Humanae, the groundbreaking document from the Second Vatican Council on religious liberty, using the 14-day reflection piece found at FortnightforFreedom.org.

9.  Lead a Eucharistic Procession through your community on a path that passes important government or civic buildings.

10. Host a panel discussion on important public policy issues to individuals of faith.

11. Sponsor a day of service within the community, perhaps at a town or city park, to help clean up trash or conduct routine maintenance.

12. Pray a daily rosary in your parish for the cause of religious liberty each day of the Fortnight.

13. Host a patriotic sing-along for the children of the parish and community.

14. Organize an Independence Day family picnic with a special Mass to close the Fortnight for Freedom.

Click here for more information about the Fortnight for Freedom.

© All Rights Reserved, Living His Life Abundantly®/Women of Grace®  http://www.womenofgrace.com