I am an adjunct college professor of English, freelance writer, wife, and the mother of three girls ages 15,11, and 6. We homeschool during the day while I write on the computer, and on warm eveni...
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UK survey reveals lower abortion rate.
by
Leticia V.
Posted in: Blog Posts in Down Syndrome
After the widespread introduction of screening for Down's syndrome in 1989, the number of babies born with the condition in the UK each year fell from 717 to 594 at the start of this decade. Since 2000, the birth rate has increased, reaching 749 in 2006, the latest year for which figures are available. Figures from the National Down's Syndrome C...
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When Will Christina be able to receive First Holy Communion?
by
Leticia V.
Posted in: Blog Posts in Down Syndrome
I was contacted by a journalist writing an article for a Catholic magazine about special needs children and the sacraments. She is looking for input from Catholics with special needs children, or those who work with our children in religious instruction. If you have something to say on this subject contact me at marysjoys@yahoo.com or leave a co...
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National Down Syndrome Society Times Square Video
by
Leticia V.
Posted in: Blog Posts in Down Syndrome
We planned to see this montage of people with Down syndrome live at Times Square last September, but we had just moved, and it proved impossible. So we just enjoyed seeing Christina's picture (in the first minute) of this inspiring video essay about the joy of life found by those who happen to have Down syndrome.
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New Down syndrome education center
by
Leticia V.
Posted in: Blog Posts in Down Syndrome
This is good news! Down syndrome advocacy has never been stronger, and it's bearing fruit.In the United States a new nonprofit organization established to create new opportunities for young people with Down syndrome;Down Syndrome Education USAhas plans for the first Down Syndrome Education and Research Center based in the US. The new center, ass...
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Do you wear a veil?
by
Leticia V.
Posted in: Blog Posts in Down Syndrome
Adoro te Devote has a thoughtful post on wearing veils in church. I have a veil in my purse, and wear it to Latin Masses, but when I try to wear it on regular Novus Ordo Masses, my girls get embarrassed, so I refrain, even though I'd prefer to wear it. I love the sense of modesty and specialness which the veil carries with it. Quite the opposi...
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Raising Joey and Cause of Our Joy bloggers meet
by
Leticia V.
Posted in: Blog Posts in Down Syndrome
Blogger Mommy of Raising Joey finally got to meet Christina and I last Saturday night. We have been emailing for over 2 years, and she has plans for me to get involved in the Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress, where she is making major strides reaching out to physicians and Genetic Counselors to educate them about the truth of life with Down sy...
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On the Depression we may be facing
by
Leticia V.
Posted in: Blog Posts in Down Syndrome
Elizabeth at The Divine Gift of Motherhood has a post on what happens when we put our trust in money. We’re headed for a recession, the experts all said in the summer. Now they predict it will get worse, much worse, before things get better. Many have put their trust in Obama, thinking he will take care of their mortgages, car payments, me...
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Some spiritual nutrition from my local Friary
by
Leticia V.
Posted in: Blog Posts in Down Syndrome
Feeling spiritually drained after the election? Need a mini-retreat to remember God is still in charge of the world, no matter who forgets Him? Just watch these videos from the Friary of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Griswold, CT. You will be spiritually re-charged and ready for the struggles ahead. MaryCast #27: Catholic Dogma, Doctrine, and Disc...
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Adopting children with Down syndrome: pros and cons
by
Leticia V.
Posted in: Blog Posts in Down Syndrome
Here's a wonderful article in the Washington Post about the family of Mommy Life's Barbara Curtis. She and her husband Tripp have adopted three children with Down syndrome. They surrendered their family plans to God and He has blessed them abundantly. Here's Barbara's reaction when their biological child with T21 was born,"In 1992, Jonny wa...
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An Invitation to join us for the March for Life 2009
by
Leticia V.
Posted in: Blog Posts in Down Syndrome
Last year I casually mentioned to an email correspondant that I wanted to get mothers of children with Down syndrome together to march together in the March for Life. I felt that since our children are the most threatened by abortion, with a rate of 90%, that we ought to represent ourselves as a group. Eileen, who is more of a mover and shaker, ...
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A Mother's hearfelt plea for President elect Obama
by
Leticia V.
Posted in: Blog Posts in Down Syndrome
A true show of Christian charity from Elizabeth who writes at The Divine Gift of Motherhood.I have been giving a great deal of thought to the issue of what to do as a Pro-Life advocate in a country which will now be led by a President and Congress that is largely pro-choice. President-Elect Barack Obama comes to this position with a great deal o...
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Our Lady of America pray for our nation tomorrow
by
Leticia V.
Posted in: Blog Posts in Down Syndrome
Tonight at the election Mass at the Friary, the Friars continued to pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament for the entire night. Offer your prayers for people of faith to come out in strength and vote for LIFE.Remember this image where it seems that you see an unborn child of light in Our Lady of Guadaulpe's womb? This inexplicable event coincid...
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They're starting to listen in the medical profession!
by
Leticia V.
Posted in: Blog Posts in Down Syndrome
from the National Down Syndrome CongressThis past weekend in Los Angeles, an amazing panel of presenters which included self advocates Karen Gaffney, Lee Jones, and Meredith Martin, along with NDSC board vice president Carlene Mattson, wowed the audience in a plenary session titled, We're More Alike Than Different: Having Down Syndrome in 2008. ...
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All Hallows Eve Mass at the Friary
by
Leticia V.
Posted in: Blog Posts in Down Syndrome
Dozens of innocent children dressed as saints filled the church to overflowing, so that the doors were opening to the warm evening. As Father delivered this powerful homily on the election and the Sanctus was chanted, I watched the traquil faces of the parents, whose restless children failed to disturb their meditations. They relished the opport...
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The Catholic Origins of Halloween
by
Leticia V.
Posted in: Blog Posts in Down Syndrome
Here's one of my most popular posts from last year; it's from articulate homeschooling mother Judith Mathieu-Conley. Her husband is in the hospital, so please send him your prayers.Where did Hallowe'en come from? Before I reverted to the Catholic faith, I used to cringe thinking about Hallowe'en. But when I think of the gargoyles on the Cathedr...
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Under Her Starry Mantle
by
Leticia V.
Posted in: Blog Posts in Down Syndrome
Aussie Annie has some inspiring words for us from Down Under regarding John McCain's recent visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. He was also given a Miraculous Medal by Eduardo Verastegui. See photos on her post.
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