Vigil for Life

Closing Brunch and 365 for Life!

2011-11-04T16:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

The final open hour for 40 days for Life has been filled ... praise God, and thank you for your efforts!

Closing Brunch this Sunday, 11/06/11, at noon! Join us at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish for a great event!

Join us for an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast as part of our Closing Brunch to celebrate the good the Holy Spirit has worked through all of us with 40 Days for Life! The Closing Brunch is this Sunday, November 6, 2011 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish (5101 Schofield Road Monona, WI 53716). Come at 12:00 p.m. for brunch. Free will offerings will be accepted for the brunch. Otherwise, join us at 12:30 p.m. for the program, which will include a spiritual reflection by Fr. Bart Timmerman, pastor at Immaculate Heart of Mary, and a talk by Matt Sande from Pro-Life Wisconsin. For those who are interested, you can remain after the scheduled program to see the pro-life video “180,” which is about 30 minutes long. This video is fantastic, but not suitable for children. Check out more information at heartchanger.com/. Contact Laura Karlen at 608-445-2064 or laura@vigilforlife.org for more information.

365 for Life” to Resumes: Can you make a monthly commitment?
Our vigil on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood, where, as far as we know, children die by abortion potentially every day, cannot end.While we will not keep watch 24/7, please join us in remaining on the sidewalk. We talked with the security guard at Planned Parenthood yesterday and mentioned to him that we will be out in January and February. He seemed surprised. We said that we would not being going away. Let us continue to witness love in action to this security guard for the conversion of his heart, all those in the abortion industry and the men and women tempted to abort their children. Can you help keep our word to the security guard? Can you make a monthly commitment to pray on the sidewalks for an hour or two?
How can you sign up for “365 for Life”? There are 4 ways:

Email Laura Karlen (laura@vigilforlife.org) with the time, day of the week, and week of the month (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th) you are available.
Visit vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview for hours that are currently scheduled for the “365 for Life” initiative. To add new hours, which is encouraged, see step 3.
Print out and mail this commitment form: vigilforlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/365-for-Life-Initiative-Commitment-Form-rev.-11.04.11.pdf.
Contact Laura Karlen at 608-445-2064 or laura@vigilforlife.org.

Respect Life Retreat

From Friday, December 2, 2011 through Saturday afternoon December 3, 2011, the Servants of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Vigil for Life will be hosting the Fourth Annual Respect Life Retreat. This special Advent retreat will be held once again in the beautiful retreat center of
Durward's Glen (http://www.durwardsglen.org/) near Baraboo, WI. Our Retreat Master will be Father William Vernon from St. Christopher Parish in Verona. This event will offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, the Liturgy of the Hours, silent prayer and time for personal reflection. Anyone who is involved in work to build a culture of life is invited to attend.
Spaces for the retreat are limited, so please call now to reserve your room. The cost per person is $55, and checks may be made payable to "The Servants of Our Lady of Guadalupe." (Financial assistance may be made available for those in need.) Please call Jen Dunnett at 715-340-2779 or email her at vitapretiosa@gmail.com to reserve your place. Take time apart from your efforts to defend life to be strengthened by Jesus Christ, Who is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life"(John 14:6).

Praise God’s Name for the goodness of 40 Days for Life! “My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.” Luke 1:46-47, 49. Amen!

Home Stretch: Last Call for 40 Days for Life Hours!

2011-10-31T15:30:00.001-07:00

This is the final week of 40 Days for Life and you have been very faithful and responsive to our mission of saving human life, made in God's image and likeness. We're asking you for your heroic sacrifice for a little longer as we hit the home stretch. There are many hours to be filled and WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!

Tuesday, 11/1/11: 1 hour left to fill

Wednesday, 11/2/11: 17 hours left to fill

Thursday, 11/3/11: 14 hours left to fill

Friday, 11/4/11: 20 hours left to fill

Saturday, 11/5/11: 24 hours left to fill

Sunday, 11/6/11: 15 hours left to fill YIKES!!!

(Reminder: We need hours filled only until noon on Sunday since this is the last day of the 40 day vigil. Be sure to come to our Closing Brunch at noon at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish - 5101 Schofield Road in Monona!)

Please find it in your heart to give a few more hours of your time in this last week by visiting

http://vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview

or by calling Laura Karlen at 608-445-2064

(email: laura@vigilforlife.org).

Thank you in advance for answering the call for LIFE!

Hours Needed, Closing Brunch and More!

2011-10-27T18:34:00.001-07:00

In this issue:

Urgent Hours for 40 Days for Life
Closing Brunch Announced for Sunday, 11/06/11, at noon!
Personhood Amendment
“365 for Life” to Resume
Respect Life Retreat

Dear Friends,

By the grace of God and your generous responses to our calls for help, 40 Days for Life goes on. Please keep up your commitment to maintain a 24/7 vigil on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood. Let us not become weary but remain strong, strengthened by the Holy Spirit!

Urgent Hours for 40 Days for Life

Beginning tomorrow and into the weekend we have hours that remain unfilled. Can you help? Please sign-up online at http://vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview or contact Laura Karlen at 608-445-2064 or laura@vigilforlife.org. Here are our needs:

Friday (10/28/11): 4 hours left to fill –almost there!

Saturday (10/29/11): 16 hours to fill –help!

Sunday (10/30/11): 15 hours to fill –we need you!

Monday (10/31/11): 12 hours to fill –lend a hand!

Closing Brunch Announced for Sunday, 11/06/11, at noon!

We are happy to announce that we are able to offer our courageous prayer warriors an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast as part of our Closing Brunch to celebrate the good the Holy Spirit has worked through all of us with 40 Days for Life! The Closing Brunch is Sunday, November 6, 2011 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish (5101 Schofield Road Monona, WI 53716). Come at 12:00 p.m. for brunch. Free will offerings will be accepted for the brunch. Otherwise, join us at 12:30 p.m. for the program, which includes a spiritual reflection by Fr. Bart Timmerman, pastor at Immaculate Heart of Mary. There will be time for fellowship too before we close 40 Days for Life at 2:00 p.m., in time for the Packers game! Contact Laura Karlen at 608-445-2064 or laura@vigilforlife.org for more information.

Personhood Amendment

40 Days for Life and Vigil for Life are not political organizations. However, all of us have a desire for abortion to end. Therefore, we want to share with the you the great news that State Representative Andre Jacque began circulating the Wisconsin Personhood Amendment for co-sponsorship in the State Legislature. If passed, the amendment would extend the right to life found in our state constitution to every human being at any stage of development, including pre-born children. As such, when Roe vs. Wade is overturned, Wisconsin babies would be protected as citizens under the state constitution. The Personhood Amendment will be formally introduced in the next few weeks.

If you feel so called, you can contact your State Representative and encourage him or her to co-sponsor this important amendment. You may use this link to look-up your Representative’s contact information: http://legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/waml/waml.aspx. All the other information you might need is available at the new PersonhoodWisconsin.com web site. Click here: http://personhoodwisconsin.com/. The web site can give you the background you want about personhood and why this is the next step in the pro-life movement. There is also a petition that you can sign and circulate. No doubt, you will hear more about personhood in pro-life circles in the coming days and weeks. This is an exciting development, and we want you to be informed!

“365 for Life” to Resume

Although we may feel tired after 40 Days for Life, we cannot vacate the sidewalks in front of Planned Parenthood. This sends the message to Planned Parenthood that the workers, abortionists and administrators simply need to be patient, and, after 40 days, we’ll all go home. This cannot happen! God gives us the supernatural graces we need to be persistent.

While we do not plan to maintain a 24/7 vigil after Sunday, November 6, we do intend to be out for a while every day that Planned Parenthood is open, if not some time on Saturday and Sunday too. This is the simple plan of our “365 for Life” initiative. Can you make a commitment to be on the sidewalk one time per month? This seems like a small sacrifice compared to the number of hours many of you have spent on the sidewalk. But, we need your small sacrifices each month (or week!) of the year with the end goal of shutting down Planned Parenthood! We ask you to begin praying about what you can do as part of “365 for Life.”

Respect Life Retreat

From Friday, December 2, 2011 through Saturday afternoon December 3, 2011, the Servants of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Vigil for Life will be hosting the Fourth Annual Respect Life Retreat. This special Advent retreat will be held once again in the beautiful retreat center of

Durward's Glen (http://www.durwardsglen.org/) near Baraboo, WI. Our Retreat Master will be Father William Vernon from St. Christopher Parish in Verona. This event will offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, the Liturgy of the Hours, silent prayer and time for personal reflection. Anyone who is involved in work to build a culture of life is invited to attend.

Spaces for the retreat are limited, so please call now to reserve your room. The cost per person is $55, and checks may be made payable to "The Servants of Our Lady of Guadalupe." (Financial assistance may be made available for those in need.) Please call Jen Dunnett at 715-340-2779 or email her at vitapretiosa@gmail.com to reserve your place. Take time apart from your efforts to defend life to be strengthened by Jesus Christ, Who is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life"(John 14:6).

This is a lot of information to digest, but there are many good things ahead for our Vigil for Life family! Please get involved and stay involved. All glory to God for the good things in Madison!

13 Days to Go, and Help Needed!

2011-10-24T15:39:00.001-07:00

We are approaching the end of this prayer vigil - ONLY 13 MORE DAYS UNTIL WE CROSS THE FINISH LINE!

We need you to hang in there and sacrifice a little longer. We have many hours this week which need to be filled.

Tuesday 10/25/11: we have 4 hours to fill.

Wednesday 10/26/11: we have 16 hours to fill.

Thursday 10/27/11: we have 21 hours to fill.

Friday 10/28/11: we have 18 hours to fill.

Both Saturday and Sunday are only abour 45% filled.

PLEASE HELP!!!!

If you have not yet participated, we need you NOW as a shot in the arm to our prayer vigil campaign! The vigil captains are spending many hours on the phone asking for your help. If they leave messages, please give them a call and take an hour or more. Better yet, save them a call and go online to sign up for hours by visiting:

http://vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview or by calling Laura Karlen at 608-445-2064

(email: laura@vigilforlife.org).

We need you NOW! Our trust is in the Lord - praise God!

Urgent Help Needed!

2011-10-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

Once again, we are urgently in need of your sacrifices this weekend and into early next week to keep our vigil going! We need your IMMEDIATE ACTION to fill many vigil hours in the coming days. If you can, sign up for a regularly scheduled hour or hours to save on phone calling by our volunteer vigil captains. We especially need prayer warriors for the overnight hours! Our vigil captains are working very hard to make sure the 40 Days for Life are a success. Please say yes to their request to fill an hour or more when they call!

Please sign up RIGHT AWAY by visiting http://vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview or calling Laura Karlen at 608-445-2064.

Friday (10/21/11), we have 5 hours to fill.

Saturday (10/22/11), we have 17 hours to fill.

Sunday (10/23/11), we have 26 hours to fill!

Monday (10/24/11), we have 15 hours to fill. Yikes!

We need you NOW! 40 Days for Life requires heroic sacrifice, and we are asking for your heroic sacrifice on behalf of the unborn babies and the mothers and fathers who need to be shown another way.

Our trust is in the Lord -praise God!

Turnaround at Planned Parenthood!

2011-10-17T09:55:00.001-07:00

Last week Wednesday, we had a "turnaround" at Planned Parenthood - a couple left Planned Parenthood right after coming! This is what sidewalk counselor Dan had to say:

"At about 1:15 p.m., one man came outside just after he walked in with a young woman. I asked him if they were going to be ok. He actually stopped and responded, 'Say what?' I continued, 'If.Your. Friend. Is. Pregnant. We. Can. Help. Free ultrasounds – pregnancy test, diapers - clothing. Go back inside and get her out of there. It’s the best thing you will do all day. This is an evil place.' He was still listening but looked perplexed, so I repeated myself, pointing to heaven, 'For the love of God, get her out of there!' He waved, saying, 'Ok,' and went inside. And he did get her out of there! Their total stay couldn’t have been for longer than five minutes. When they came outside, the man looked to me as I pointed to heaven and said, 'Amen! Thank you!' He gave me the thumbs up and walked his friend to the car."

Thank you, Dan, for giving this couple the encouragement they needed to leave Planned Parenthood behind!

Have you been out to pray yet? If you haven't, now is the time so that we can keep on having such opportunities for the conversion of hearts.

Midpoint Vigil with Bishop Morlino: Join us tomorrow, Tuesday, October 18, at 6:00 p.m. for a candlelight midpoint vigil with Bishop Robert Morlino. He will lead us in prayer and motivate us spiritually to continue with the sacrifices that 40 Days for Life requires. The vigil will be on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood (3706 Orin Road Madison, WI 53704). Come and be encouraged to go to the sidewalk for the first time... or to return to the sidewalk refreshed spiritually!

Our vigil captains have been doing a great job filling the holes in our vigil schedule -thank you, vigil captains! However, sometimes, the need is too great to rely just on our vigil captains. That's where we need your vigilance with our vigil calendar. Will you check in every few days to help ensure that our 24/7 vigil is filled? Can you lend a helping hand so that our most stalwart prayer warriors can have a few days "off" to rest? Right now, here are our needs:

Tuesday (10/18/11): 7 hours to fill!

Wednesday (10/19/11): 17 hours to fill -help!

Thursday (10/20/11): 17 hours to fill -we need you!

Sign-up RIGHT NOW at http://vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview or by contacting Laura Karlen (608-445-2064 or laura@vigilforlife.org)!

40 Days for Life is a superhuman effort, and we need the contributions of each person to make 40 Days for Life possible. For this, we place our trust in the Lord.

Tomorrow: Join us for Special Mass to Recognize Dignity of the Unborn

2011-10-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, Friday (10/14/11), there will be a beautiful Mass and ceremony (with reception too!) at 6:00 p.m. at St. Mary's in Pine Bluff (3673 County Road P Cross Plains, WI 53528) to recognize the dignity of all children lost before birth due to miscarriage and stillbirth. Even if you haven't experienced this loss recently or before, we still encourage you to attend! Weather permitting, it will also be an opportunity to see the breath-taking Miracle of Life Rosary Garden on the grounds of St. Mary's!

On Tuesday, October 18, Bishop Morlino will be joining us at the vigil site (the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood, 3706 Orin Road Madison, WI 53704) for a Candlelight Midpoint Vigil at 6:00 p.m. He will encourage us with a spiritual reflection and lead us in prayer. This is a must-attend event!

On Saturday (10/15/11), we still have 14 hours to fill!

On Sunday (10/16/11), we still have 17 hours to fill!

On Monday (10/17/11), we still have 14 hours to fill!

We still need you! If you haven't yet participated in this year's 40 Days for Life campaign, we need you NOW to relieve the dediated prayer warriors who have been keeping vigil so far! If everyone helps, our campaign can continue without a hitch! To sign-up, visit http://vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview or contact Laura Karlen at 608-445-2064 or laura@vigilforlife.org.

Upcoming Events

2011-10-11T17:38:00.000-07:00

We have been negligent in inviting you to 2 important upcoming events:

1. Friday, October 14 at 6:00 p.m.: 3rd Annual Naming and Commendation Mass for Miscarried and Stillborn Babies at St. Mary's of Pine Bluff: The Mass begins at 6:00 p.m. and will include a naming ceremony in church and a reception in the church narthex. The Knights of Divine Mercy Schola, directed by Aristotle Esguerra, will provide music for the liturgy.

Following the ceremony, participants are invited to pray at the Miracle of Life Rosary Garden. In the center of the Miracle of Life Rosary Garden, there is a special space to bury babies lost before birth.

While Fr. Heilman has encouraged the Knights of Divine Mercy and their families to attend the event in keeping with their mission of protecting the dignity of women and children, we invite all of you to attend as well, especially those of you who have ever lost a child before birth. We will be there to honor the baby we lost recently through miscarriage, Gerard Francis.

For more information on the naming ceremony or the Miracle of Life Rosary Garden, contact St. Mary Parish at 608-798-2111. The address for St. Mary is 3673 County Road P in Cross Plains. You can also visit RosaryGarden.org to learn more.

2. Tuesday, October 18 at 6:00 p.m.: 40 Days Midpoint Vigil with Bishop Robert Morlino: As a firm supporter of 40 Days for Life, Bishop Robert Morlino will offer us some spiritual encouragement and lead us in prayer during our candlelight midpoint vigil at the vigil site on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood (3706 Orin Road Madison, WI 53704). On Tuesday, we will be halfway through our 40 Days for Life campaign. Now is the time to refuel spiritually for the second half of the campaign. Join us and Bishop Morlino in prayer.

Mark your calendars now, block off time for these events in your schedules, and join us!

Also, here are some 40 Days for Life needs:

Wednesday (10/12/11): 5 open hours!

Thursday (10/13/11): 9 open hours!

Friday (10/14/11): 20 open hours -can you help?!

Saturday (10/15/11): 20 open hours!

Sunday (10/16/11): 27 open hours -yikes!

As you can see, we could use a helping hand to fill our vigil hours.These openings later in the week are too many for our vigil captains -mighty though they are- to fill without your immediate response! Sign-up online at http://vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview or by contacting Laura Karlen at 608-445-2064 or laura@vigilforlife.org.

Saved baby? and HELP needed!

2011-10-06T21:03:00.000-07:00

Saved Baby?

On Monday afternoon, there were 3 prayer warriors on the sidewalk right after Planned Parenthood staff had left. 5 minutes later a car full of 4 women pulled up. The women walked up to the door of Planned Parenthood and saw that the door was locked. The women then crossed to the other side of the street to the future Women's Care Center to read the sign by the gate.

One of the prayer warriors asked, "Do you ladies need help with anything?" One of them, a young woman, said "Yes, I'm looking for information about an abortion. The prayer warriors started to talk to the woman and her sister about abortion. By looking at her, it was obvious that the young woman was very pregnant and quite sad. The prayer warriors referred her to resources to help. When they mentioned the physical and psychological negative effects of abortion, the sister of this young woman responded, "Yeah, but isn't the psychological trauma of having a baby and giving it away worse?" One of the prayer warriors was able to speak to the women on the benefits of adoption versus the consequences of abortion. She shared that, even if you give your baby up for adoption, you can know that you gave some person out there the gift of life. At that point, the pregnant woman started to cry and walk away.As the pregnant woman walked back to the car she turned around and shouted, "I know. I have two children of my own already!"

After the pregnant woman went to her car, the prayer warriors spent some more time talking to the sister. She said that she also had kids and would never have an abortion. She said she thought about it for the last two, but does not regret choosing to give them life. the prayer warriors encouraged this woman to talk to her pregnant sister to see that the pregnant sister received help from the resources the prayer warriors provided.

The interaction seemed rushed, and the prayer warriors weren't able to get the names of the women before they left. Have you seen the pregnant mom? The young pregnant woman, probably in her 20's, had a darker complexion with dyed red hair and tatoos on her neck and right shoulder. She also had some facial piercings. The woman looked obviously pregnant. We pray that she will never decide to come back to Planned Parenthood. Please let us know immediately if you have seen a woman with this description.

Needs for This Weekend for 40 Days for Life

Friday (10/07/11): 3 open hours!

Saturday (10/08/11): 13 open hours -can you help?!

Sunday (10/09/11): 30 open hours -YIKES! We need help desperately for Sunday! Can you help us on the Lord's Day?

Monday (10/10/11): 16 open hours

Given the possiblity of a saved life through 40 Days for Life, we need to keep up our 24/7 vigil, especially for those women who come after hours, just like in the story we just shared with you. Please respond NOW with your help. We need sacrifices from every one of you! Sign-up online at http://vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview or by contacting Laura Karlen (608-445-2064 or laura@vigilforlife.org).

May God use you as an instrument to bring about more babies and mothers saved from abortion!

Abortion Facility Closing and 40 Days for Life Updates

2011-10-03T18:36:00.000-07:00

Rockford Abortion Facility Closed Indefinitely by Illinois Department of Health!
HELP Needed for Wednesday (10/05/11), Thursday (10/06/11) and Friday (10/07/11) for 40 Days for Life!
40 Days Updates: Please Read!
New Women's Care Center Blog Post on the Rockford Abortion Facility's Closing vs. the Women's Care Center of Madison's Opening

Thank you to all of you who responded when the situation looked desperate for 40 Days for Life. As always, the Lord provides... but He needs you to accomplish His work! We are so grateful for your dedication to sustain a 24/7 vigil.

We heard great news on Friday afternoon last week! And now, we would like to share that news with you, in case you haven't heard it!

Rockford Abortion Facility Closed Indefinitely by Illinois Department of Health!

The pro-life group in Rockford joyfully informed pro-lifers across the border in Wisconsin that the Illinois Department of Health has closed indefinitely the Northern Illinois Women's Center abortion center citing the center's failure to meet health and safety standards. Visit http://www.prolifecorner.com/node/921, the Rockford group's web site, to read more of the grisly details. Praise God for this great news! He has used the pro-lifers who peacefully witnessed and counseled women outside of that facility for many years for His greater glory! We pray that the center will never re-open.

What does this mean for Madison? There are two things. One, God answers the fervent prayers of those on the sidewalks. We must strive to actually shut down the Madison Planned Parenthood abortion facility (and all Planned Parenthood locations, for that matter). This should be our goal and our fervent prayer to God. 40 Days for Life and our "365 for Life" initiative are key in accomplishing this goal. Two, we should expect that women who would have gone to the Rockford abortion facility may instead come to Madison. If you're a trained sidewalk counselor, please consider coming to the sidewalk during the time that Planned Parenthood is open, roughly 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each week day. If you're not trained, you can still reach out to women by handing out a resources brochure kept in the Official Vigil Bag. You can also print the brochure off here: http://vigilforlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Madison-CPC-Brochure.pdf. Let's lovingly intervene to save lives and preserve souls!

HELP Needed for Wednesday (10/05/11), Thursday (10/06/11) and Friday (10/07/11) for 40 Days for Life!

By God's grace and with your sacrifices, we have been able to start off 40 Days for Life strong. But, we're going to need your help as the week goes on. We have the following needs:

Wednesday (10/05/11): 10 hours to go!

Thursday (10/06/11): 17 hours to go!

Friday (10/07/11): 21 hours to go!

Can you help us fill these hours? Please visit http://vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview to sign-up online or contact Laura Karlen at 608-445-2064 or laura@vigilforlife.org. If you receive a call or message from a vigil captain or vigil coordinator, it means that we are in a crunch to fill hours. Please sign-up NOW to give our vigil captains a rest!

40 Days Updates: Please Read!

It is such a blessing to have all of you coming out to the sidewalks! We do have a few updates and reminders for you:

Do not access the Our Lady of Victory (3711 Orin Road Madison, WI 53704) property for any reason. This site is under construction to prepare for the opening of the Women's Care Center. You must find street parking and remain on the public areas around Planned Parenthood.
If you find that you are unable to stand for your entire vigil hour, especially if you are elderly or disabled, you may bring your own folding chair and use it to rest on the terrace/parkway between the public sidewalk and the road or on the sidewalk. If you put your chair on the sidewalk, please be aware so that you do not block the way for passers-by.
The Offical Vigil Bag and 2 signs must remain at the vigil site and be handed off between leaving prayer warriors and arriving prayer warriors.

New Women's Care Center Blog Post on the Rockford Abortion Facility's Closing vs. the Women's Care Center of Madison's Opening

Echoing the news we shared with you about the closure of the Rockford abortion facility, the Northern Illinois Women's Center, the Women's Care Center's newest blog post also compares the "house of horrors" with the inviting atmosphere women will find at the Women's Care Center of Madison, once it opens. Please check out the blog at http://womenscarecentermadison.wordpress.com/. Leave a comment there or on the WCC Facebook page. Remember to "like" the WCC on Facebook too!

Let us pray that one day we will be able to excitedly share the news of the closure of the Madison Planned Parenthood abortion facility. Lord, hear our prayer!

Urgent Help Needed for 40 Days + Rules of the Road

2011-09-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

Urgent Needs for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday for 40 Days for Life so that We Can Maintain the 24/7 Vigil!
Rules of the Road -Guidelines for Participation in 40 Days for Life
Prayer
2 Courtesy Announcements

Dear Friends,

The kick-off event last night was fantastic with the spiritual encouragement offered by Deacon Ray Lukesic and the testimony given by Dr. Nancy Fredericks from the Madisoin Surgery Center. If you didn't catch Dr. Fredericks' talk, see the courtesy announcements below for another opportunity. We have no doubts that God has great plans for 40 Days for Life this year... if only we can get over a few starting hurdles.

Right now, while today and tomorrow are "filled" with all the vigil hours covered (praise God!), Friday and especially Saturday, Sunday and Monday have so many hours open that our campaign seems to be in jeopardy of never leaving the ground. We need the immediate action of all of you to see to it that 40 Days for Life can actually start as a 24/7 campaign! Do not despair: if each of us makes a sacrifice right away to sign-up for our first hour or sign-up for more hours for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, we will overcome this difficult start to 40 Days for Life.

Urgent Needs for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday for 40 Days for Life so that We Can Maintain the 24/7 Vigil!

If you go to the online calendar (http://vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview), you will see the following percentages of filled hours for these days:

Friday (09/30/11): 71% with 14 hours to fill, too many for our vigil captains to handle!

Saturday (10/01/11): 21% with 38 hours to fill, so many that our campaign is threatened!

Sunday (10/02/11): 44% with 27 hours to fill, yikes!

Monday (10/03/11): 33% with 32 hours to fill, too many to make phone calls to fill!

We cannot do this 40 Days for Life campaign without the immediate, superhuman sacrifice of each of you! Please help us in any way you can to carry 40 Days for Life through this first weekend. True, a 24/7 campaign is difficult, as you can see, but the blessings that come from this level of sacrifice are indescribable. Keep the faith! Help 40 Days for Life RIGHT NOW!

Sign-up online (http://vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview) or by contacting Laura Karlen (608-445-2064 or laura@vigilforlife.org).

Rules of the Road -Guidelines for Participation in 40 Days for Life

These guidelines are also availabe here: http://vigilforlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Rules-of-the-Road-2011-rev.-09.27.11.pdf.

40 Days for Life Fall 2011

Rules of the Road

Vigil Purpose: To pray, fast and peacefully witness to end abortion at Planned Parenthood on Madison’s east side.

Vigil Location: The sidewalks in front of Planned Parenthood (3706 Orin Road, Madison, WI 53704).

Vigil Hours: 24/7 Wednesday, September 28, 2011 to Sunday, November 6, 2011.

PLEASE BE PUNCTUAL FOR YOUR VIGIL HOUR SO THAT THIS VIGIL CAN BE SUCCESSFUL!

Parking: There is free 2-hour parking available on Orin Road on both sides of the street.

Meeting Place: Participants should gather near the driveway to Planned Parenthood to meet up with the coming and going prayer warriors. This is a mobile vigil, so moving around and walking while praying is acceptable. You must hand off the Official Vigil Bag and signs by the Planned Parenthood driveway. Stay on the sidewalk or terrace (parkway) and do not block the sidewalk. DO NOT STEP ONTO PLANNED PARENTHOOD’S PRIVATE PROPERTY!

Official Vigil Bag: This bag contains the Vigil Binder (3-ring binder) with sign-in forms, copies of the Statement of Peace (see below) and contact information. The bag also holds pamphlets to hand-out (optional) and an Incident Log. One person per vigil hour should carry the Official Vigil Bag. Please do not add items to the Official Vigil Bag. Do not set down the bag.

Signing-In: Please sign in for your vigil hour by initialing next to your name on the vigil schedule print-outs stored in the Vigil Binder in the Official Vigil Bag.

Statements of Peace: All participants are invited to sign a Statement of Peace electronically by logging onto the online scheduling web site (http://vigilforlife.org/calendar/) as you would do to sign-up for hours. If you have not yet signed the Statement of Peace electronically, there will be a window that pops up to bring you to the online form when you log in. Basic contact information is required to sign the form. The Statement of Peace will remain “on file” for you for all future Vigil for Life activities. If you cannot sign the Statement of Peace electronically, you can download the form from the home page of www.vigilforlife.org under “Important Documents.” There will be paper copies of the Statement of Peace in the vigil bag for those without computer access. These forms will then be entered electronically.

Weather: The weather could become extreme during this vigil, with rain, heat or cold. Dress carefully for the weather. If you must take cover from the weather, please pray from your car.

Our Lady of Victory (OLV) Building: This building is under construction in preparation for the opening of the Women’s Care Center. Out of respect for the construction and opening of this crisis pregnancy center, we will not be accessing the building or property.

Restrooms: If you need to use the restroom, you may visit the PDQ gas station on the corner of Anderson and Stoughton Road. Walk to the corner of Orin Road by the Planned Parenthood sign and turn left to cross the street. The PDQ gas station is one block away.

Contact Information: You should call (not email), Laura Karlen, at 608-445-2064 immediately for the following reasons:

1. You will not be on-time. It is important that you are punctual. If you will not be, please call.

2. You cannot make your vigil hour for any reason and are unable to arrange for a substitute.

3. You feel uncomfortable for any reason. There is also an Incident Log in the Official Vigil Bag to record any incidents.

Police Information: You have a right to hold vigil outside of Planned Parenthood. If you feel like others are preventing you from doing so or are threatening, contact vigil coordinator Laura Karlen right away at 608-445-2064. Our police contact is Captain Cameron LeMay. The non-emergency police number is 608-245-3652. As always, obey all law enforcement personnel. If you are confused about your rights and obligations, do not hesitate to call Laura Karlen or the Madison Police Department to clarify.

Signs: There are 2 official signs. One is a 40 Days for Life sign. The other one is an Option Line sign. The Option Line is national hotline that offers counseling and resources to abortion-minded men and women. The first sign identifies that we are prayer warriors with 40 Days. The second sign offers help to the men and women who go into Planned Parenthood without us even needing to open our mouths. PLEASE DO NOT BRING OTHER SIGNS. The official signs may be worn or carried. If you choose not wear/carry these signs, please put them in OLV during your shift and bring them back out for the incoming prayer warriors. Do not set them down on the ground, lean them against a tree, etc. You may not leave them unattended.

Literature: There are pamphlets in the Official Vigil Bag that you may give out as you feel called. As always, be courteous and do not block entrances, exits, the road, or the sidewalk.

Prayer

Let us pray,

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Thou on those who evermore,

Thee confess and Thee adore,

In Thy sevenfold gifts, descend;

Give them comfort when they die;

Give them life with Thee on high;

Give them joys which never end. Amen.

Father, through Jesus, Your Son, You sent the Paraclete to be at our side, to reconcile all Creation to you. Grant that I may be forever open to Jesus' invitation to "Receive The Holy Spirit!" Father, open our hearts to accept Your forgiveness for our sins and to offer that same forgiveness to those who we feel have offended us. For merciful forgiveness is the essence of Your love revealed in Your Son.

Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Your Heavenly Fruits -Your charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity , goodness, faith, mildness and temperance, that I may, by faithful submission to your Inspiration, merit to be united eternally with You in the love of the Father and the Son. Amen.

2 Courtesy Announcements

Dr. Fredericks Speaks at Holy Redeemer Saturday: Saturday, 10/01/11, Holy Redeemer with host Dr. Nancy Fredericks (who spoke at our kick-off event... she was fantastic!) for Respect Life Month, after the 8:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Redeemer. Arrive at 9:00 a.m. if you want to come just for her presentation. Check out this interview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5-YijHQ3dE> on Youtube. If you missed Dr. Fredericks on Tuesday, you can catch her on Saturday.

Lifechain Event Sunday: On Sunday, 10/02/11, you can join the Lifechain at the corner of Regent and Park St. from 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Friends, thank you for your attention to all of this important information. Again, we ask that you do not delay to sign-up for your first or for more vigil hours to start up 40 Days for Life. We ask that God use each of you to intervene so that 40 Days for Life can begin and continue!

40 Days for Life Starts Tomorrow: Sign up for hours, and attend tonight's kickoff!

2011-09-27T08:27:00.000-07:00

Let us prepare ourselves in prayer for the start of 40 Days for Life (TOMORROW!), asking for the Holy Spirit to inspire and strengthen us!

Let us pray,

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Bend the stubborn heart and will, melt the frozen warm the chill. Guide the steps that go astray!

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them forever. Amen.

40 Days for Life needs you in order to start off strong! We need 2 more people for TOMORROW (09/28/11) for the 11:00 p.m. St. Francis Xavier folks have graciously filled Thursday, but Friday and Saturday look scary. Please respond NOW by visiting http://vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview or contacting Laura Karlen (608-445-2064 or laura@vigilforlife.org).

Friends, we look forward to seeing you TONIGHT at the kick-off at 5:30 p.m. for fellowship at St. Peter's Church (5001 N. Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704). The program will begin at 6:00 p.m. Dinner will be served shortly thereafter. If possible, please bring a side dish or dessert to pass. Dr. Nancy Frederick's story of her intervention at the Madison Surgery Center is one you don't want to miss!

40 Days for Life Countdown: 3 Days and Kickoff Event Tomorrow Night

2011-09-26T13:10:00.000-07:00

Let us prepare ourselves in prayer for the start of 40 Days for Life (in 3 days!), asking for the Holy Spirit to inspire and strengthen us!

Let us pray,

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Heal our wounds--our strength renews; On our dryness pour Thy dew, Wash the stains of guilt away.

Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do Thy holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight path of Thy commandments to that goal of eternal life for which I long.

Help fill our last day of the "365 for Life" initiative and the first day of 40 Days for Life!! We're not there yet and need a helping hand!

Tuesday (09/27/11): We still need 1 person for the 9:00 a.m. hour, 1 person for the 10:00 a.m. hour

Wednesday (09/28/11): 9 hours left to fill -help!

To sign-up, visit http://vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview or contact Laura Karlen (608-445-2064 or laura@vigilforlife.org).

Kick-off Event: Join us to kick-off 40 Days for Life with fellowship and prayer. Come at 5:30 p.m. for fellowship. The program will begin at 6:00 p.m. and includes Dr. Nancy Fredericks from the Madison Surgery Center and Deacon Ray Lukesic. All of this will take place at St. Peter's Church (5001 N. Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704). If possible, bring a side dish or dessert to pass. See you there!

40 Days for Life Countdown: 4 Days ... and help needed!

2011-09-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

Let us prepare ourselves in prayer for the start of 40 Days for Life (in 4 days!), asking for the Holy Spirit to inspire and strengthen us!

Let us pray,

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

If Thou take Thy grace away, nothing pure in man will stay, All his good is turn'd to ill.

Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation; and may merit at last to see the eternal light in Thy Light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen.

The last day of our "365 for Life" initiative, Tuesday (09/27/11), we have open hours. The first day of 40 Days for Life, we also have openings.

Tuesday (09/27/11): 2 people for the 9:00 AM hour; 1 person for the 10:00 AM hour.

Wednesday (09/28/11): 1 person for the 10:00 AM hour; 1 person for the 11:00 AM hour; 2 people for the 10:00 PM hour; 2 people for the 11:00 PM hour

Can you help? Please sign up online right away at http://vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview or by contacting Laura Karlen (laura@vigilforlife.org or 608-445-2064).

40 Days for Life Countdown: 5 Days!

2011-09-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

Let us prepare ourselves in prayer for the start of 40 Days for Life (in 5days!), asking for the Holy Spirit to inspire and strengthen us!

Let us pray,

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Light immortal! Light Divine! Visit Thou these hearts of Thine, And our inmost being fill!

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father; show me the nothingness of earthly things, that I may realize their vanity and use them only for Thy glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond them to Thee, and Thy eternal rewards. Amen.

Sign-up today for 40 Days for Life if you haven't already... and see you Tuesday for the kick-off!

40 Days for Life Countdown: 6 Days + Kickoff Invitation

2011-09-23T16:15:00.000-07:00

Let us prepare ourselves in prayer for the start of 40 Days for Life (in 6 days!), asking for the Holy Spirit to inspire and strengthen us!

Let us pray,

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Thou in toil art comfort sweet, Pleasant coolness in the heat, solace in the midst of woe.

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen my weakness, give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome and separated from Thee, my God and greatest Good. Amen.

You are all invited to attend our kick-off event for 40 Days for Life next Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at St. Peter's Church (5001 N. Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704). Join us for fellowship at 5:30 p.m. The program will begin at 6:00 p.m. with Dr. Nancy Fredericks, the Madison Surgery Center anethesiologist who put her career on the line to stop the late-term abortion plans there. Deacon Ray Lukesic will lead us in prayer. We will provide a main entree. If possible, please bring a side dish or dessert to pass. We look forward to seeing you there... and bring a friend!

40 Days for Life Countdown: 7 Days

2011-09-22T15:50:00.001-07:00

Let us prepare ourselves in prayer for the start of 40 Days for Life (in 7 days!), asking for the Holy Spirit to inspire and strengthen us!

Let us pray,

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Thou, of all consolers best, Visiting the troubled breast, Dost refreshing peace bestow.

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a love for God, that I may find satisfaction only in His service, and for His sake lovingly submit to all legitimate authority. Amen.

Thank you to all who signed up to fill the open hours today! We do have one open hour tomorrow, Friday (09/23/11), at 1:00 p.m. If you can help, please contact Laura Karlen immediately (608-445-2064 or laura@vigilforlife.org) or sign-up online at http://vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview.

Countdown to 40 Days for Life: 8 Days

2011-09-21T18:45:00.000-07:00

Let us prepare ourselves in prayer for the start of 40 Days for Life (in 8 days!), asking for the Holy Spirit to inspire and strengthen us!

Let us pray,

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Come. Father of the poor. Come, treasures which endure; Come, Light of all that live!

Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set you, my Lord and God, before my face forever, help me to shun all things that can offend You, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Your Divine Majesty in heaven, where You live and reign in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God world without end. Amen.

We are in need of help with our "365 for Life" initiative tomorrow (09/22/11) and Friday (09/23/11).

Thursday (09/22/11): 1 person for the 3:00 p.m. hour, 1 person for the 4:00 p.m. hour, 2 people for the 5:00 p.m. hour

Friday (09/23/11): 1 person for the 1:00 p.m. hour

If you can help, please contact Laura Karlen immediately at 608-445-2064 or laura@vigilforlife.org or sign-up online at http://vigilforlife.org/calendar/. Thank you for helping out in a pinch!

Countdown to 40 Days for Life: Prayer to the Holy Spirit

2011-09-20T17:52:00.000-07:00

Let us prepare ourselves in prayer for the start of 40 Days for Life (in 9 days!), asking for the Holy Spirit to inspire and strengthen us!

Let us pray,

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Holy Spirit! Lord of Light! From Your clear celestial height, Your pure beaming radiance give!

Almighty and eternal God, Who has vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Spirit, and has given us forgiveness from all sins, vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us your sevenfold Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen.

Friends, we also need help with tomorrow for "365 for Life," that's Wednesday, 09/21/11. We need 2 people for the 9:00 a.m. hour and 1 person for the 10:00 a.m. hour. Visit http://vigilforlife.org/calendar/ to sign-up online or contact Laura Karlen immediately at 608-445-2064 or laura@vigilforlife.org if you can help. Thank you in advance for helping with this day!

Sidewalk Counseling Training and 40 Days for Life Line-Up

2011-09-15T22:14:00.001-07:00

In this issue:

Are you ready for the sidewalk? Sidewalk counseling training Saturday (09/17/11), 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Open Hours for "365 for Life" next week
40 Days for Life Volunteer Line-up
40 Days for Life Sign-up
Women's Care Center blog update: A Second Opinion

Have you received a call from a cheerful 40 Days for Life volunteer about the upcoming campaign? If you have, check out our online calendar at http://vigilforlife.org/calendar. If you haven't yet received your call, it should be coming soon, and don't hang up the phone -- we're not solicitors! Now is the time to sign up for 40 Days for Life. Have you signed up yet?

Are you ready for the sidewalk? Sidewalk counseling training Saturday (09/17/11), 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Our sidewalk counseling training is in time for 40 Days for Life so that YOU will be READY for the sidewalk. Join us this Saturday, 09/17/11 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Peter's Church (5001 N. Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704) to equip yourself to reach out to men and women on the sidewalk. Take a step forward in faith to share the good news about life and helpful resources to those in crisis. If possible, let us know if you plan to attend so we can estimate attendance. Contact Laura Karlen at 608-445-2064 or laura@vigilforlife.org."

Open Hours for "365 for Life" next week

Tuesday (09/20/11): 1 person for the 9:00 a.m. hour, 2 people for the 10:00 a.m. hour

Wednesday (09/21/11): 1 person for the 9:00 a.m .hour, 1 person for the 10:00 a.m. hour

Contact Laura Karlen (see above) or visit our online calendar (see first paragraph) RIGHT AWAY if you can help!

40 Days for Life Volunteer Line-up

For our upcoming campaign, Laura Karlen will be overseeing 40 Days for Life as the campaign director. We are so grateful to have some other trustworthy and hard-working volunteers joining the campaign team in key roles. We want you to know the names of these volunteers in case you get a phone call or e-mail from them. In this case, please respond to them!

Bette Weisshaar is the vigil coordinator. She will be watching the online calendar closely throughout the campaign and assisting our 7 vigil captains (and 2 vigil captain assistants) in filling last-minute hours. If Bette sends out a urgent hours e-mail, please respond right away! Those e-mails mean that we are struggling with our campaign and need a boost!

Judy Hoffman is the church coordinator. Judy will be seeing that 40 Days for Life's message is getting out in the community. You can help her by promoting 40 Days at your church or with your organization. Contact Laura Karlen at 608-445-2064 or laura@vigilforlife.org to be put in contact with Judy.

Amy Lang is coordinating all the calls to past 40 Days for Life participants. It is important that we call you to invite you back to participate in the campaign: you are our base of support upon which we can build momentum and bring new people into the Vigil for Life "family."

Del Teeter is the events coordinator, putting together the kick-off, midpoint and closing events. These events are essential for growing the campaign, offering more opportunities to build the culture of LIFE. You can help us grow our campaign by attending these events and inviting others to attend with you.

A hearty "thank-you" to these volunteers for their sacrifices for the success of 40 Days for Life -- all glory to God!

40 Days for Life Sign-up

If you take a look at our online vigil calendar, we have one day filled for our campaign: the folks at St. Francis Xavier in Cross Plains have signed up for a full day! WOW! That's the great news and a challenge to all churches out there! Can your church match St. Francis Xavier?

The bad news is that our schedule looks bleak beyond that one day. Can you hop on the calendar and sign up today? Can you involve your bible study or men's group? All hands on deck! Sign up at http://vigilforlife.org/calendar or by contacting Laura Karlen (608-445-2064 or laura@vigilforlife.org).

Women's Care Center blog update: A Second Opinion

On the sidewalk, we pray for the conversion of the hearts of the people entering and exiting Planned Parenthood. We pray that they will find "another way." This week's Women's Care Center blog post discusses that other way. A second opinion. Women can leave Planned Parenthood and find options and resources across the street at the WCC. Check out this new blog post here or on Facebook. You can also find out how to support the Women's Care Center on the blog page by clicking on "Donate."

We look forward to seeing many of you on Saturday at the sidewalk counseling training and at our kick-off event on Tuesday, September 27! May God bless you in all things.

Join ConQuest Madison Boys Club!

2011-08-24T20:41:00.000-07:00

Looking for your son to grow in virtue, character, and leadership?

Come try out the Madison ConQuest Boys Club!

What: ConQuest – First Meeting
Enjoy sports, formation and food for boys 5-15. Plus an Intro to Conquest for parents
Refreshments for everyone
When: Monday, September 12, 2011
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Where: Bishop O’Connor Center
702 S. High Point Rd., Madison

Open to all boys ages 5-16, ConQuest is a national network of Catholic leadership clubs and camps. Starting our 8th year, our club is led by dads who train the boys to become self-disciplined and confident Catholic leaders, who possess moral integrity and are committed to improving the communities in which they live. We meet each Monday evening at the Bishop O’Connor Center or Schoenstatt Heights for food, sports, fun, and a structured program focused on faith and virtues.

Come to our first club meeting to find out what ConQuest is all about!

For more information:
www.conquestmadison.com www.conquestclubs.org Ryan Gray (608-556-4276)Dave Yanke (608-843-9542)
Email: president@conquestmadison.com

Vigil for Life to host national civil rights speaker

2011-02-21T16:06:00.000-08:00

In this issue:

VFL to host national civil rights speaker Ryan Bomberger on Wednesday March 23
Sidewalk counseling training leads to first turnaround at Madison's Planned Parenthood
Help Needed for "365 for Life"!

Ryan Bomberger to speak on March 23

Ryan Bomberger, co-founder The Radiance Foundation and TooManyAborted.com, will speak in Madison on March 23 at 7 p.m. at the Bishop O'Connor Center (702 S. High Point Road, Madison), courtesy of Vigil for Life, Pro-Life Wisconsin and the Diocese of Madison.

Ryan is an adoptee and adoptive father, who has exposed the abortion industry's penchant for targeting minorities. Ryan's Black and Unwanted billboard campaign made national headlines in Wisconsin this year, drawing attention to the fact that with only six percent of Wisconsin's population, African Americans account for nearly a quarter of all abortions. His powerful multimedia live presentation illuminates the truth about pressing social issues, especially abortion and adoption.

This event is FREE and open to all ages. A reception will follow Ryan’s presentation.

Madison will also be hosting two other first-class events this spring:

The Day at the Capitol (Thursday, March 10, 9 a.m.-noon) will feature Lieutenant Governor and Vigil for Life supporter Rebecca Kleefisch, top pro-life legislators, a full breakfast, and a comprehensive training on how to engage your legislators.
Pro-Life Wisconsin's Annual Awards Dinner on Saturday April 10 will honor Juneau County District Attorney Scott Southworth, who risked his career in opposing the imposition of Planned Parenthood's explicit sex education curriculum on his community's public schools. The Event will be headlined by Joe Scheidler, considered by many to be the "Father of Pro-Life Activism."

Hope to see you there!

Sidewalk counselor training leads to first Planned Parenthood turnaround!

Vigil for Life and Pro-Life Wisconsin's February 11-12 sidewalk counselor training prepared more than 30 people (from all across Wisconsin and even Iowa!) to serve as the last line of defense for women considering abortion.

And we're happy report tonight that one of the newly trained counselors re-directed a couple from Planned Parenthood to the very pro-life Our Lady of Hope Clinic! Well done!

In the coming days, we'll be posting the sidewalk counselor training materials on the newly revamped Vigil for Life website.

Help Needed for "365 for Life"!

We need your help today for "365 for Life" in two ways:

1. We still have openings this week (9-11 Tuesday, 9-10 on Wednesday, and 1-3 on Friday). If you are not available for these times, please consider other open times in February and March, especially monthly commitments, to maintain and expand our perpetual presence. Sign up at http://vigilforlife.org/calendar/.

2. We need help your help in our outreach efforts for "365 for Life." A few of you have already volunteered to help with making phone calls to "recruit" prayer warriors. Thank you! We do need a THREE more volunteers. Contact Laura Karlen at 608-445-2064 or laura@vigilforlife.org if you can help!

365 for Life Update

2011-01-28T07:19:00.000-08:00

Pro-lifers are on the move! The March for Life drew hundreds of thousands of pro-lifers to Washington D.C. while the Walk for Life in San Francisco drew a record 50,000 people.

Here in Madison, faithful prayer warriors braved sub-zero temperatures for a Novena of the Stations of the Cross the nine days up to the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Volunteer Mary Ann shared with us this encouraging story from the novena vigils: "I saw a 5 year old little girl come two days in a row during the Novena. She willingly got up at 4:45 a.m., got herself dressed, put her coat on and pulled on her boots. She walked to the car in the frigid weather. I saw her kneel in front of the fourth Station as she looked up at the image. The headlight she was wearing illuminated the picture and I saw her hands clasped in prayer. I will never forget that image."

On Saturday, the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, Fr. William Vernon led about 70 people in prayer as we remembered the 53 million babies lost to abortion since 1973. As Fr. Vernon prayed exorcism prayers, the temperature seemed to drop suddenly and, crows began making noise. Be assured that the powers of evil and darkness do not like our prayers, fasting, witness and faithfulness. Let us remain steadfast in Christ!

Sign-ups needed for next week for the "365 for Life" initiative

We are in need of volunteers for the "365 for Life" initiative on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood next Wednesday and throughout the month of February. We are especially looking for people willing to make a monthly commitment. If you do make a monthly commitment before our sidewalk counseling training on 02/11/11 and 02/12/11, you will be entered into a drawing to win a copy of Abby Johnson's fantastic book "UnPlanned"! Please contact Laura Karlen (608-445,2064 or laura@vigilforlife.org) or visit http://reitzinternet.com/vfl to sign-up.

Sidewalk Counseling Training: 2 Identical Sessions at St. Peter's in Madison

We have two identical sidewalk counseling trainings upcoming in Madison, both at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Madison (5001 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison, WI 53704). Please plan on attending one of these sessions:

Friday, February 11 at 6:30 p.m. (at St. Peter's)Saturday, February 12 at 10:00 a.m. (at St. Peter's)

These trainings will be provided by representatives from the Servants of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Rachel's Vineyard. Free will donations will be accepted for the training.

Our Lady of Victory Prayer

2011-01-28T07:12:00.000-08:00

Prayers are needed for the Our Lady of Victory building as the pro-life owners discern God's will for the building and His help in carrying out that will. Please offer prayers on their behalf. You might use this litany to Our Lady of Victory:

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the World, Have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.

Our Lady of Victory, Pray for us.
Triumphant Daughter of the Father, Pray for us.
Triumphant Mother of the Son, Pray for us.
Triumphant Spouse of the Holy Ghost, Pray for us.
Triumphant Choice of the Most Holy Trinity, Pray for us.
Triumphant in Thy Immaculate Conception, Pray for us.
Triumphant in Crushing the Head of the Serpent, Pray for us.
Triumphant Over All the Children of Adam Pray for us.
Triumphant Over All Our Enemies, Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Embassy of the Angel Gabriel, Pray for us.
Triumphant in Thy Espousal to St. Joseph, Pray for us.
Triumphant at the Scene of Bethlehem, Pray for us.
Triumphant in Thy Flight Into Egypt, Pray for us.
Triumphant in Thy Exile, Pray for us.
Triumphant in Thy Humble Dwelling at Nazareth, Pray for us.
Triumphant in Finding Thy Divine Child in the Temple, Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Earthly Life of Our Lord, Pray for us.
Triumphant in His Passion and Death, Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Resurrection, Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Ascension, Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Descent of the Holy Ghost, Pray for us.
Triumphant in Thy Sorrows, Pray for us.
Triumphant in Thy Joys, Pray for us.
Triumphant in Thy Entrance into the Heavenly Jerusalem, Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Angels Who Remained Faithful, Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Felicity of the Blessed, Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Graces of the Just, Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Announcement of the Prophets, Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Desires of the Patriarchs, Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Zeal of the Apostles, Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Light of the Evangelists, Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Wisdom of the Doctors, Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Crowns of the Confessors, Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Purity of the Numerous Bands of Virgins, Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Triumph of the Martyrs, Pray for us.
Triumphant in Thy All-Powerful Intercession, Pray for us.
Triumphant under Thy Many Titles, Pray for us.
Triumphant at the Hour of Our Death, Pray for us.

Lamb of God, Who taketh away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who taketh away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who taketh away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us, Lord.

V. Pray for us, O Blessed Lady of Victory!
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let Us Pray

O Victorious Lady! Thou who has ever such powerful influence with Thy Divine Son, in
conquering the hardest of hearts, intercede for those for whom we pray, that their hearts
being softened by the rays of Divine Grace, they may return to the unity of the true
Faith, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Salve Regina

Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To Thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To Thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in the valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us. And after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary, Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who, fled to thy protection,implored thy help, and sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee I come; before Thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate! Despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.

Sidewalk Counselor Training Scheduled!

2011-01-19T20:20:00.000-08:00

This Saturday, January 22, 2011, we will stand witness and remember the 53 million babies killed by abortion in the United States, abortion which is not safe, legal or rare. Do not let Saturday pass without praying for an end to the horrors of abortion and for the healing in our country through God's Mercy. Besides your prayers from wherever you are, please consider the following items.

Help needed FRIDAY for "365 for Life" initiative

Our stalwart sidewalk counselor who comes out every Friday afternoon will be traveling to Washington D.C. for the March for Life this week. And so, we need help in Madison on Friday (01/21/11). We need 1 more person to pray at 1:00 p.m. and 2 more people to pray at 2:00 p.m. If you are able to lend a hand this Friday, please sign up at reitzinternet.com/vfl/monthview or call Laura Karlen at 608-445-2064. We also need 2 people for next Tuesday for the 2-hour stretch (9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.).

Roe v. Wade Vigil with Fr. William Vernon Saturday!

We are blessed to have Fr. William Vernon lead us in prayer on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood (3706 Orin Road, Madison, WI 53704) on Saturday, 01/22/11 at 1:00 p.m.to commemorate 38 years since the Roe v. Wade decision. We Americans have been wandering in the desert for 38 years... let the Lord use us to lead our country out of the desert! Join us on the sidewalks!

Sidewalk Counseling Training Times and Location for 02/11/11-02/12/11

Mark your calendars! We are offering sidewalk counseling training by seasoned sidewalk counselors in two sessions:

Friday, 02/11/11 at 6:30 p.m.
St. Peter's Catholic Church
5001 N. Sherman Avenue
Madison, WI 53704

Saturday, 02/12/11 at 10:00 a.m.
St. Peter's Catholic Church
5001 N. Sherman Avenue
Madison, WI 53704

We hope that you are able to join us for these needed trainings. In San Antonio, simply having sidewalk counselors out every abortion day reduced the number of abortions by 46%! Think of the lives saved! We need YOU out there and want to get YOU ready!

Please contact Laura Karlen at 608-445-2064 or laura@vigilforlife.org with questions.
Friends, thank you for your help with these items. And please say a prayer for the March for Life in Washington D.C. and the Walk for Life in San Francisco. May God use these events for His Glory and for His Plan to end abortion.

Win a free copy of Abby Johnson's expose of Planned Parenthood!‏

2011-01-13T19:24:00.000-08:00

Vigil for Life and Pro-Life Wisconsin's 365 for Life Initiative is off to a great start! It is nothing short of remarkable to know that for the last two weeks, there has been a prayer presence at Planned Parenthood for every woman who comes for an abortion.

To ensure this presence continues through next week, however, we need help. Can you sign up for a two-hour shift? If you can't fill both hours, find a friend and each take an hour! Click here to sign up. You can also call 608-445-2063 or email info@vigilforlife.org to sign up.

We've also got an exciting incentive to help sweeten the deal! Every participant that signs up for a regular monthly vigil slot by February 10 will be entered into a drawing to win a copy of Abby Johnson's book Unplanned, which was released this week! You might remember Abby as the former Planned Parenthood director who joined the pro-life movement in 2009, largely due to the presence of loving prayer warriors like you! We'll give away one copy at each Sidewalk Counseling Training session (held on Friday February 11 and Saturday February 12--save the date!). You don't need to be present to win.

Reminders!

Fr. Rick Heilman will lead Stations of the Cross at Planned Parenthood (3706 Orin Road) beginning tomorrow (Friday 1/14) at 6:30 a.m. and lasting every day until the Roe vs. Wade anniversary on 1/22.
Speaking of the Roe vs. Wade anniversary, you're invited to join us in prayer on Saturday, 1/22 at 1 p.m. at Planned Parenthood to memorialize the 53 million children who have lost their lives to abortion since 1973.

Vigil for Life formally partners with Pro-Life Wisconsin

2011-01-03T20:06:00.000-08:00

After years of close partnership, Vigil for Life has formally affiliated with Pro-Life Wisconsin—an arrangement that will lead to increased collaboration and foster new opportunities to build a Culture of Life in Dane County and beyond. From the moment Pro-Life Wisconsin invited Vigil for Life founders to start Madison’s first fall 40 Days campaign, to side-by-side efforts to derail the proposed Madison Surgery Center abortion site, to the new 365 for Life Initiative, the VFL-PLW partnership has proven extremely beneficial to pre-born babies in Southern Wisconsin. We look forward to continuing to work together to save the lives of those threatened by the abortion industry.

Baby Saved on First Day of 365 Initiative!

2011-01-03T20:04:00.000-08:00

Looking for a little extra motivation to sign up for the 365 Initiative? Consider this: it only took one day to save our first baby.

Earlier today, an older couple brought a frightened-looking young mother to Planned Parenthood, but the woman kept looking back toward the sidewalk. Even after entering the building and approaching the registration desk, the young mother kept peering out the window at a prayer warrior who simply held a sign that said “Life for Baby.”

The glances back to the sidewalk continued as an animated conversation began between the double doors of Planned Parenthood. By the grace of God, the woman never passed through that second set of doors, and the conversation ended with the mother exiting the building with a big (and relieved looking!) smile. Praise God!

We may not record a saved baby every day. But in giving up a short amount of time once a month you WILL save babies. Together we’ll save more than we ever know because it’s impossible to count the number of women scheduled for abortions who see us on the sidewalk—a sign of hope and an answer to their prayers—and keep on driving. So please, commit to signing up for a monthly or one-time two hour slot on the sidewalks. As always, you can call 608-445-2063 with questions or for additional information.

BREAKING: VFL Announces perpetual presence at Planned Parenthood

2010-12-08T19:09:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Vigil for Life and Pro-Life Wisconsin Dane County announced yesterday plans to bring a prayerful presence to Planned Parenthood every day it's open.

Looking to build on momentum generated by five successful 40 Days for Life campaigns and the derailment of late-term abortion plans at the Madison Surgery Center, the "365 for Life" initiative looks to ensure that every woman who comes to Madison for an abortion has a chance of being offered hope by prayer warriors and sidewalk counselors.

Here’s the plan: Individuals and groups sign up for recurring 2-hour shifts on a weekly or monthly basis. Here's the schedule:
• Monday-Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
• Thursday and Friday: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

If you, your group, or your church cannot make the allotted time, we ask you to attempt to find a replacement (we will provide a list of willing prayer warriors). For example, if your church signs up to pray every Tuesday, only 10 participants going out once a month are needed to fill the schedule!

Sign up and stand up. All you need to do is choose your regularly scheduled time (ex: the 1st Tuesday of each month). You can sign-up by contacting Laura Karlen at 608-445-2064 or laura@vigilforlife.org. Soon, you will be able to sign up online as you did during 40 Days for Life. You will receive reminder e-mails before your vigil time for your convenience. After you sign up, we will equip you with guidelines and resources to bring with you to the sidewalk.

Let's get rolling TODAY! God willing, we will begin holding vigil on Monday, January 3.

If you can't get involved in the "365 for Life" initiative by signing up for a monthly vigil, you can still help our efforts. Anyone can help us in the following ways:

1. Outreach. Can your group or organization contribute to our initiative by taking a weekly or monthly block? Let Laura know.
2. Volunteer Calling. Would you be willing to contact the Vigil for Life group by phone so this initiative reaches beyond the Internet? You would be making phone calls over the span of a week or two according to your availability. Let Laura know.
3. Being "On-Call." Even if you can't commit to always being out a certain day in the month, you can still be involved by signing up to be "On-Call." Coordinators or individuals would contact you to fill in our schedule as needed. Let Laura know and indicate your availability.
4. Stop by. Now that there are set times each work day that people will be on the sidewalks, you can stop by and join the group.
5. Give us your feedback. Do you have any ideas or concerns you want to share to help us chart out this initiative? Let Laura know.

As always, you can contact Laura Karlen at 608-445-2064 or laura@vigilforlife.org.

Praise God for the moment and resources He has given us! We trust that, with God's blessing, our presence will change hearts and minds day-in and day-out with the outcome of ending Planned Parenthood's lucrative business at 3706 Orin Road in Madison, WI. The Lord always provides.

May Our Lord bless you today and our "365 for Life" initiative.

In Christ,

Laura and Steve

BREAKING: UW pulls out of abortion plans at the Madison Surgery Center!

2010-05-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to share the joyous news that abortion plans at the Madison Surgery Center have been abandoned! All praise and glory be to God Almighty! Official confirmation can be found in this letter from the Attorney General's office.

Throughout all the ages, God has chosen the most unlikely of people to serve as his instruments of mercy and grace. And here in Madison, Wisconsin, He has done so again!

It wasn't politicians or judges or people with money and influence that won this battle. It was the humble, the meek, and the lowly who came before God asking for deliverance. The working dads. The mothers and children. Retirees and students. The Lord has done great things for us, and Holy is His Name!

When we undertook this mission to prevent the Madison Surgery Center from becoming a late-term abortion facility, our prospects were dim. But you brought the Light of Christ to Madison. You said yes to the Lord's call. And for your faithfulness, God has had mercy on His people, sparing us from this great horror.

Friends, there will certainly be more developments in the coming days. For now, let us rejoice! Praise to Jesus Christ!

Sad news...

2010-04-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord! --Job 1:21

Dear Friends,

Two weeks ago, we were delighted to share with you the news that we were expecting our second child--a baby who we have wanted and have prayed for for two years. Today, I am saddened to share with you the news that our beloved child--whom we have given the name Gianna Maria Karlen--has passed into eternal life as the result of a miscarriage.

On Monday, May 3 at 6:00 p.m., we will bury this child at St. Mary's Church in Pine Bluff. We invite you to join us for a short graveside service. You can gather in the church shortly before 6:00, and we will proceed to the cemetery. After the burial, we will say the Rosary. While we don't have money to feed you all, we do invite you to join us for an informal meal at the Middleton Culvers. You can find directions below.

Friends, we know that many couples wait to announce they are pregnant until the first trimester passes so they can get through the months that are most dangerous for the baby. We understand and respect this decision. But even though we knew we faced an increased risk of miscarriage, we know life begins at conception and decided to share the news of our pregnancy with you right away.

Many of you reading this email have suffered miscarriages. And because our society dehumanizes life in the womb, it can be difficult to celebrate the life and mourn the death of a pre-born child. In very publicly grieving the loss of our child, we want to witness to the fact that even though our child passed away very early in her development, she was indeed a unique and individual human being created by the Hand of God in the image and likeness of God. If you have lost a child to either miscarriage or abortion, we hope that perhaps this letter might do just a little bit to help you feel able to fully mourn your son or daughter.

There were sixteen days from the time we learned that of Gianna's existence to yesterday when we learned of her passing, and each was a blessing that brought us great joy we will never forget. A great portion of that great joy came from the kindness of many of you. We offer our deep thanksgiving to all of you who sent us kind words--so many of you did that we did not have enough time to thank you all. Know that it was not for lack of appreciation, and please keep us in prayer going forward.

Many friends have generously offered to help us in any way they can. And if you'd like to make that same offer, here is the one thing you can do that would bring us the greatest comfort: Find a friend and take an hour to go pray at Planned Parenthood--particularly during business hours if you can. Every day, babies just like ours die, but without anyone to love and mourn them. Your prayer and witness at an abortion facility may very well be the only act of love these children receive in their short lives. And if you'd like to send us an email to let us know you have dedicated time in prayer in honor of our child, it would bring us great consolation to know that perhaps her short life served to save the life of another pre-born baby.

Directions to St. Mary's Church in Pine Bluff
Directions to Culvers in Middleton

In Christ,
Steve and Laura

PS: Remember that tomorrow (Saturday) morning, David Stiennon will be providing the First Saturday presentation at Holy Redeemer at 9 a.m. (following the 8 a.m. Mass).

Baby Shower date and location confirmed! Please RSVP.

2010-04-28T12:22:00.000-07:00

We are overjoyed to invite all of you and your families to the baby shower for Sarah and Melord upon the recent birth (April 2, 2010) of their son Zion, who was spared from abortion by God's grace and the intercession of prayer warriors.

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend this joyful occasion:

What: Baby Shower for Sarah, Melord and Baby Zion
When: Sunday, May 23, 2010 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Where: St. Maria Goretti Parish Center, 5313 Flad Avenue Madison, WI 53711

Cake and beverages will be served. If you would like to, we also invite you to bring a snack or dessert to share.

Please RSVP by Sunday, May 16, 2010 so that we can prepare adequately. Please RSVP by contacting Steve Karlen at 608-445-2063 or steve@vigilforlife.org.

The family is registered at Target for baby items. Please consider making a sacrifice for this family by purchasing a gift or contributing toward a larger gift. If you would rather make a donation or have it on your heart to contribute toward a larger item, you can send a check to Vigil for Life (P.O. Box 45104, Madison, WI 53711 and write "Baby Shower in the memo line. Click here to visit the baby registry.

First Saturday Breakfast and Presentation

May 1st, we will hold our monthly First Saturday event and are happy to welcome David Stiennon, who will be promoting the Madison Fertility Awareness Project with his presentation, "Educating for Life: Preventing Abortions by Witnessing for NFP." David will address how pro-life, pro-family witness at the Farmer's Market and other events is necessary to provide a viable alternative to Planned Parenthood. This presentation will follow 8:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Redeemer. David will begin speaking at 9:00 a.m. We will also continue the First Saturday Fatima devotions per usual. Join us!

Prayers Partners Needed at Weekly Vigils

We need prayer partners at our weekly vigils so that at least two people are present. We would appreciate very much your commitment to pray each week or frequently. Please call Laura Karlen at 608-445-2064 to volunteer or ask questions. The schedule is as follows:

Madison Surgery Center: Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. with Steve Karlen
Planned Parenthood: Thursdays at 4:00 p.m. with Laura Karlen

We also need a prayer partner for a prayer warrior at Planned Parenthood Fridays at 7:00 a.m. We pray that God will provide us with prayer partners--thank you in advance!

God bless all of you in your endeavors. Let our work give glory to God!

Vigil for Life to be featured in nationwide 40 Days for Life teleconference

2010-04-20T13:53:00.000-07:00

Vigil for Life to be featured in nationwide 40 Days for Life teleconference

On Tuesday, April 20, the national 40 Days for Life team will hold a teleconference and web simulcast to share breaking news regarding the future of 40 Days for Life.

Due to your excellent work on the streets, Vigil for Life Coordinator Steve Karlen will join the telecast to discuss how our success in Madison can serve as a model for other communities.

Each year hundreds of cities and tens of thousands of people join 40 Days for Life campaigns around the nation. That Madison will be one of three cities featured in tomorrow night's teleconference is a great testament to your faithful witness at the Madison Surgery Center and Planned Parenthood. Keep up the great work. And if you'd like to tune in, you can join the simulcast at 8 p.m. on Tuesday night!

Baby shower for saved baby scheduled

You might remember that a baby saved by sidewalk counselors at Madison's Planned Parenthood was born on Good Friday. Vigil for Life has tentatively scheduled a baby shower for Baby Zion and his mother Sarah for Sunday, May 23 at 1:30 p.m. We are still firming up the location and will announce it when it's ready. Please plan to attend.

You can find Sarah's registry here. If you choose to, you can also write a check to "Vigil for Life" and put "Baby Shower" in the memo line. Donations will be pooled and put toward larger items on the registry. You can mail your donation to

Vigil for Life
P.O. Box 45104
Madison, WI 53711

Weekly vigils scheduled; prayer partners needed

We've begun hosting weekly vigils at Planned Parenthood and the Madison Surgery Center.

Join Steve at the MSC on Tuesday mornings at 8:30 a.m.
Join Laura at Planned Parenthood Thursday afternoons at 4:00 p.m.

We'd greatly appreciate prayer partners during these hours. If you'd like to volunteer to join us on a weekly or monthly basis, please call 608-445-2063.

Courtesy Announcements

Catholics: Richard Blaney heads up the perpetual adoration program at Holy Redeemer Church, which is always in need of scheduled adorers and substitutes. Can you help him out? He's been a steadfast supporter of Vigil for Life and has directed his adorers to help with our efforts often. If you're willing to answer the call, contact him at 608-271-6539.
Wisconsin Right to Life will host Abby Johnson on May 12 at 7 p.m. Abby was the former director of Planned Parenthood in College Station, Texas before converting to the pro-life movement. Click here for additional information.

He is Risen

2010-04-09T21:13:00.000-07:00

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad! --Psalm 118: 24

On behalf of Vigil for Life, please accept our wishes for a wonderful and blessed Easter season for you and your families. Jesus Christ who had died is risen. Allelujah!

All human cruelty and callous indifference, all our frustration and despair, every destroyed life and broken heart is answered by this most holy season. And so, as we go forth this year continuing our labors to pray, fast and witness for an end to abortion, let us never forget that the beginning and the end of our work is the resurrection of the Lord.

Please read on for highlights from this spring's 40 Days for Life campaign in Madison.

40 Days for Life Madison 2010: Year in Review

After only three months since the end of the fall campaign, Vigil for Life embarked on an ambitious effort: holding another 40 day vigil--this time at the Madison Surgery Center. With the fall campaign still fresh in mind, with harsher weather, and with a very public location that would result in much more open hostility, we had our doubts as to whether the vigil could be pulled off. But we placed those doubts in the Hands of the Lord and trusted that if He wanted this vigil to happen He would find a way to fill the 960 hour long prayer shifts. And did He ever!

We were delighted, humbled and amazed by the way you all turned out to this vigil. Here is an overview of some of the highlights and success stories:

Making a Difference

Prayer Warrior Tom reported that a man who came to work at the MSC in a service van came over to the sidewalk to ask about the late-term abortion plans. When Tom filled him in, he replied, "Well, I think I will call my boss and tell him that I will not do service here anymore."
MSC staff routinely thanked participants for being out on the streets.
The Vigil provided a street presence while Pro-Life Wisconsin discovered and publicized numerous accounts of corruption and illegal activity involved in the University of Wisconsin's plans to perform late-term abortions and its relationship with Planned Parenthood.
Still no abortions at the MSC--Nearly 15 months after the targetted start date! This results in an estimated 150 saved babies since January of 2009!

Incredible Efforts

Many people got involved for the first time--many coming from more than an hour away to pray!
Close to 50 people gathered for the closing vigil, led by Pastor Jeremiah Johnson who led praise and worship music and offered a powerful reflection.
The national 40 Days for Life team featured Madison--called you "defenders of true freedom" in its widely distributed campaign email and blog.
This vigil drew participants from more Christian faiths and more churches than the previous one.
On March 21, nearly 200 of you packed the sidewalks to pray the Stations of the Cross.
Scores of people packed a special Mass praying to keep abortion out of health care reform and then filled a 40 hour adoration vigil that ran concurrent with 40 Days for Life

Putting the Abortion Industry on the Defensive

A student newspaper on campus published a pro-abortion piece bashing vigil participants while admitting abortion kills a person.
One day a counter-protester showed up--drawing further attention to the treachery of UW Health and Meriter Hospital.
The campaign (along with a concurrent vigil in Wausau) so riled the abortion industry that several pro-abortion organizations attempted to launched a mass fundraising campaign in response to our presence on the street. The entire statewide effort drew only a paltry 63 donations!

Well done!

Keeping It Up

Every Tuesday at the MSC at 8:30 a.m. We will continue our witness at the MSC with a weekly vigil at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesdays. A prayer partner is needed to keep 2 people out there at a time. Please contact Steve Karlen at 608-445-2063 if you can plan on praying on Tuesdays.
Every Thursday at Planned Parenthood at 4:00 p.m. We will stand at the foot of the Cross at Planned Parenthood Thursdays at 4:00 p.m., which is a busy time. A prayer partner is needed to keep 2 people out there at a time. Please contact Laura Karlen at 608-445-2064 if you can plan on praying on Thursdays.
Is there a time that you would like to pray at either location? Grab a prayer partner and head out two-by-two, as our Lord sent out His disciples. Let us know what you have in mind so we can multiply our vigils!

Lastly, we'd like to thank a prayer warrior who will be leaving the Madison area for her incredible efforts this past year. Jenny Hakes has been praying outside the Madison Surgery Center each Saturday morning for most of the past year. She's been a regular participant in 40 Days for Life and was featured in the Wisconsin State Journal for her efforts this winter. Jenny will be relocating to Texas.

Thank you Jenny Your efforts have gone above and beyond what we could have asked. You leave large shoes to fill and will be greatly missed.

Have a Blessed Easter!

BREAKING: Baby spared at Madison's Planned Parenthood born safely!‏

2010-04-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

Late last summer, we received an urgent text message from Jen of the Servants of Our Lady of Guadalupe asking us to pray for Sarah and Melord--a couple she met at Madison's Planned Parenthood. Facing financial difficulties, they had come with the intention of aborting their child. Jen, along with Mark from Pro-Life Wisconsin's Dane County affiliate, counseled the couple and offered to help in whatever way they could.

Jen and Mark's kindness made the difference. At 12:05 this morning, Sarah gave birth to a seven pound baby boy named Zion! I just spoke with Melord who reported that both mom and baby are doing well.

But our work isn't done yet. Vigil for Life plans to throw a baby shower for Baby Zion and his parents later this spring. Stay tuned for the date, time, location and registry information, and please plan to help support this young family.

Congratulations to Jen and Mark, and big time thanks to all of you who pray and witness on the streets!

Vigil for Life draws national attention

2010-03-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

Weekly Vigils Begin!

As 40 Days for Life draws to a close at the Madison Surgery Center, we will keep the momentum going with 2 weekly vigils, one at the Madison Surgery Center and one at Planned Parenthood. The schedule is as follows:

Madison Surgery Center: Tuesday, March 30 at 8:30 a.m. with Steve Karlen

Planned Parenthood: Thursday, April 1 at 4:00 p.m. with Laura Karlen

Please join us!

40 Days for Life Madison draws national attention

Earlier this week, the national 40 Days for Life team featured Madison's 40 Days campaign in its daily email and blog. Click the link to see a wide-frame shot of the Stations of the Cross vigil that drew 150 people last weekend. Special thanks, once again, to Mary Ann Croft (who organized the event) and Fr. Rick Heilman's Knights of Divine Mercy for making it happen!

The phrase “defenders of true freedom” comes from today’s devotional. Those words in a nutshell describe the people who have taken a leap of faith, during this 40 Days for Life campaign, to pray and fast for an end to abortion.

The 40 Days for Life team in Madison, Wisconsin stands witness in front of the Madison Surgery Center, where late-term abortions were scheduled to begin in January of last year.

“For 14 months, our vigils have held them off,” said Steve Karlen, the 40 Days for Life coordinator in Madison. This center had been projected to do about 125 late-term abortions a year.

Steve said an enthusiastic community overcame the challenges “of a very hostile anti-life college campus at the end of a very cold winter.” Rather than just one or two vigil participants, it was not uncommon to see eight or twelve out at a time.

Organizers hoped to have 25-to-30 people attending a recent prayer service. “Instead,” said Steve, “we had nearly 200 people pack the sidewalks to pray.”

Announcements

There will be a Rachel's Vineyard retreat April 16-18 in the Madison area for anyone suffering the emotional and spiritual pain of abortion. For information contact: HelpForYou@straphael.org or 608-821-3177 or call Mary at 608-221-9593, meadmt@sbcglobal.net.
Pro-Life Wisconsin’s Spring Awards Dinner will be held Saturday, April 17 at 6 p.m. at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Visitor’s Center) in La Crosse. Click here for more information on registration.
The Cenacles of Life meet at St Mary's of Pine Bluff on Saturday mornings at 6:45 am to pray 10 decades of the most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. All are welcome to join them.

The Most Critical Week for the Pro-Life Movement in 37 Years

2010-03-15T12:54:00.000-07:00

Decades from now, Americans might very well look back on this week's expected vote on the health care bill as the most devastating expansion of abortion since Roe vs. Wade OR as the beginning of the end for the abortion industry.

Congressional leaders have confirmed that abortion funding will NOT be taken out of the health care bill. Rep. Bart Stupak--who has led the fight to remove abortion funding--said Congressional leaders told him that without abortion funding "more children will be born, and therefore it will cost us millions more."

With abortionists going out of business at a staggering rate, this health care bill is designed to save a dying industry from total collapse. A final vote could come as early as Friday or Saturday. That's why Vigil for Life is pulling out all the stops to stop this abortion mandate! Please join us for any or all of these events!

Also, we've got a bunch of vigil hours still open this week. Please sign up, especially if you haven't been out yet.

Vigil for Life Schedule for the week of 3/15

March 9-17: Nine days of prayer to keep abortion funding out of health care reform: We've already had more than 120 confirmed participants on Facebook alone! One Catholic prayer warrior named Dorothy has committed herself to saying the Hail Mary 1,000 times a day for these nine days! If you haven't participated, it's not too late!
March 15-?: Call your representative in Congress and ask him/her to oppose the pro-abortion health care bill. Click here for step-by-step instructions!
Thursday, March 18: Will Goodman and Jen Dunnett of the Servants of Our Lady of Guadalupe will bring the traveling Missionary Relic Image from the Marian Center for Peace in the Diocese of La Crosse to 40 Days for Life at 1 S. Park Street. All are welcome.
Thursday, March 18 at 7 p.m.: Join Vigil for Life and the Knights of Divine Mercy for a special pro-life Mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pine Bluff (3673 County Highway P, Cross Plains, WI 53528). All are welcome and encouraged to attend!
Thursday, March 18 at 8 p.m.-Saturday, March 20 at noon: Following the pro-life Mass, St. Mary's in Pine Bluff will begin 40 Hours of Eucharistic Adoration to petition the Lord to spare us from passage of the pro-abortion health care bill. Contact Steve Karlen at 608-445-2063 or steve@vigilforlife.org to sign up for hours!
Friday, March 19 at 6 p.m: Silent Night: Lenten Presence and Prayer at St. Mary's in Pine Bluff. An evening of prayer, a meatless meal and a talk from Mark Kimble, who will be conducting a 900 mile hike through the Appalachian Mountains. Proceeds from the hike will support Vigil for Life and other pro-life organizations. Please RSVP to Jeanne Breunig at 608-831-3139.
Sunday, March 21 at 5 p.m.: Fr. Rick Heilman and the Knights of Divine Mercy will lead Stations of the Cross at 40 Days for Life on Sunday, March 21 at 5:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Madison Surgery Center (1 S. Park Street). All are welcome. Attendees can meet at the corner of Park Street and Braxton Place.

"So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." -Luke 11:7

A call to nine days of prayer to keep abortion out of health care reform

2010-03-09T09:19:00.001-08:00

We are now halfway through 40 Days for Life! If you haven't yet signed up, now is the time. Before we know it, the closing vigil will be upon us.

The campaign has confirmed 209 saved babies nationwide (Praise God!). That number does NOT include the estimated seven babies who would have perished at the Madison Surgery Center since February 17 had pro-life efforts not caused repeated postponements of the late-term abortion plans.

Urgent: A call to prayer to keep abortion funding out of health care reform

The President and members of Congress are calling for a final vote on proposed health care legislation. The vote will likely take place late next week--possibly as early as Wednesday. The current bill before Congress would allocate massive amounts of tax dollars to fund abortion, making it the greatest expansion of abortion in the United States since Roe vs. Wade.

Many of you will remember last year's push to defeat the so-called Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), which would have eliminated all restrictions on abortion--even forcing pro-life medical staff to choose between performing abortions and losing their jobs. After much prayer and public outcry, that bill never came up for a vote. However, the current health care bill stealthily incorporates many of the same troubling components as FOCA.

That's why Vigil for Life is calling for nine days of intensified prayer and fasting--beginning March 9 and running through March 17. From the vigil site, from home, from church or from wherever you may be, please commit the next nine days to praying that health care legislation respects human life. We've been throwing a lot at you lately, but the stakes have never been higher. We've seen here in Madison how our prayer can make a difference. Let's entrust our nation to the Lord as well. Here is a prayer we encourage you to use:

Lord God, I thank you today for the gift of my life,
And for the lives of all my brothers and sisters.
I know there is nothing that destroys more life than abortion,
Yet I rejoice that you have conquered death
by the Resurrection of Your Son.
I am ready to do my part in ending abortion.
Today I commit myself
Never to be silent,
Never to be passive,
Never to be forgetful of the unborn.
I commit myself to be active in the pro-life movement,
And never to stop defending life
Until all my brothers and sisters are protected,
And our nation once again becomes
A nation with liberty and justice
Not just for some, but for all,
Through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Two Announcements

This morning we received an urgent email from 40 Days for Life leaders in Green Bay. A young woman (whose name we do not yet have) in her second trimester of pregnancy is scheduled for an abortion Friday, March 12 at the Madison Planned Parenthood on Orin Road. We've been asked to have people on hand to pray for her. Jen and Will of the Servants of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be on hand starting at 1 p.m. If you decide to go before 1 p.m., please have at least one friend with you. If you can't go, pray from home!
On Sunday, March 21 at 5 p.m., Fr. Rick Heilman and the Knights of Divine Mercy will lead Stations of the Cross in front of the Madison Surgery Center. Fr. Rick and the Knights previously used the same strategy to successfully drive a strip club out of business within six months of its opening. We'll have further details on the event in the week ahead. For now, please plan to attend!

Three Important Updates

2010-03-03T19:55:00.000-08:00

When we returned from church Sunday morning, we had well over 50 prayer shifts to fill for this week. We asked for your help, and you responded in a big way--filling more than 40 of them by Monday afternoon! Well done! While all of this week's shifts are now filled, you can still schedule for the weeks ahead. And with a beautiful forecast for the coming days, feel free to stop in and pray at any time!

Now for three VERY important announcements:

It's time for First Saturday again. Our speaker this month will be long-time pro-life activist Elise Rose, PhD., who will speak on a pro-life topic following the 8:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Redeemer Parish. At 10:00 a.m. (after the talk and a light breakfast), we will join the 40 Days for Life vigil at the Madison Surgery Center.
Would you like to add another component to your peaceful witness to the sanctity of life? We'd like to add an outreach team of individuals who feel called to hand out literature to passersby at the Madison Surgery Center. If you'd like to participate, email steve@vigilforlife.org or call Steve at 608-445-2063.
Members of Congress intend to pass so-called health care reform legislation by Easter. As currently written, the bill would publicly fund abortion for any reason, making it the largest expansion of abortion in America since Roe vs. Wade. As such, we ask you to please pray daily that any legislation respect the dignity of all human life.

You're making history out there. Keep up the great work!

40 Days update; Vigil signups needed!

2010-02-28T10:47:00.000-08:00

We've now passed the one-quarter mark of this 40 day vigil, and encouraging reports continue to flow in. While we have all received our share of scorn for our public witness in a high traffic area, we have been surprised and delighted to learn that most of you report getting more encouragement, thumbs up and friendly waves than angry responses! Please continue to share your experiences at the vigil site.

We also had the distinct pleasure of speaking with a woman this week whose daughter Marielle is about to turn 10 years old. When Marielle sent out invitations to her birthday party, she directed her friends not to bring gifts for her, but to buy baby care items to donate to Pregnancy Helpline in solidarity with 40 Days for Life! We rejoice and praise God for the generosity and love of this young lady!

Signups still needed for THIS week!

You all have done a terrific and admirable job of filling all the slots thus far with time to spare. Thank you!

We now humbly ask you to help us fill this coming week. As we write this post, we still have 50 hours to fill next week--including a whopping 38 from Thursday through Sunday! Please click here to view the schedule and sign up online or by calling Steve at 608-445-2063.

We also know that many of you have been dropping in to pray unannounced--which is terrific. One of the greatest blessings of this campaign has been to regularly have 4, 6, or even 8 people out at a time! At the same time, with our schedule looking thin right now, we'd appreciate you signing up in advance if you know that you'll be able to make it out to the site. Please know that you are always welcome to join the vigil--scheduled or not!

Lastly, it is still necessary for us to have a minimum of two people out at a time. As such, please make sure to be on time (or early) for your scheduled hour. We don't want to leave anybody stranded at the vigil site. Overall, we have been delighted by the lack of problems with punctuality, but we do need to stress the point.

Thanks for your great work. Because of your efforts and God's grace, we are as confident as we've ever been that these late-term abortion plans can be thwarted for good!

Estimated number of babies spared from abortion at the MSC by pro-life efforts since 1/6/2009: 145

UW Medical School caught performing abortions at Planned Parenthood

2010-02-22T18:54:00.000-08:00

As we near the completion of one week of prayerful witness outside the Madison Surgery Center, we could hardly be more delighted with the way the vigil has gone.

You've done a great job peacefully and lovingly standing witness on behalf of the unborn and the parents in danger of being victimized by the schemes of UW Health and Meriter Hospital. Pro-life employees at 1 S. Park Street are grateful and encouraged. Pro-abortion employees are rattled that light is exposing their treachery for all the community to see. Keep up the great work, and please share your stories from the sidewalks! Click here or call 608-445-2063 to sign up for hours.

An Extra Guideline for Prayer Warriors

Vigil for Life is a diverse group of Christians with different levels of experience and confidence on the streets. That's why we want to make it clear to all of you that we invite you to pray with us in a way that you feel comfortable with.

So if you want to stand with a sign, we encourage it. You can even hand out the literature (blue paper slips) now found in the Official Vigil Bag to passersby, staff, or employees if you desire (just stay on the sidewalk and be courteous!). But if you're more comfortable praying silently without a sign, that's great, too. And if the person or people you're signed up with are more demonstrative than you're comfortable with, feel free to pray on your own. If the opposite is true, please don't be offended that your partner in prayer might prefer a more subtle approach.

More Troubling Revelations Expose Deadly Scheming at the University of Wisconsin

Pro-Life Wisconsin revealed today that UW Health has been funding an arrangement with Planned Parenthood where medical students perform abortions as part of their instruction. The arrangement may very well constitute a violation of state law, which prohibits tax dollars from financing abortions. The University of Wisconsin Medical School's OB/GYN Department curriculum features eight weeks of students working at Planned Parenthood assisting with abortions and other so-called family planning practices.

The revelation is the latest in a string of disturbing stories exposing unethical or illegal activities surrounding the proposed late-term abortion facility at the Madison Surgery Center. Recently, it was discovered that the UW had experimented on pancreatic tissue harvested from aborted babies. And earlier this month, the Middleton Police Department refused to comply with an Open Records Request regarding an illegal investigation of pro-lifers by the MPD and the US Department of Homeland Security.

Day 1: Already an encouraging update out of the Madison Surgery Center

2010-02-17T19:25:00.000-08:00

This afternoon, a contact we have inside 1 S. Park Street told us "They're already talking about you in there! Patients are asking about the 'protest' outside."

Certain staff members actually told patients that we only came out because the weather was nice and that we'd be gone soon. That may be true if--and only if--UW Health and Meriter Hospital decide no babies will die at the Madison Surgery Center.

Why would employees lie to patients? They don't want their patients to stop and consider the fact that they might be going in for a surgery just down the hall from a proposed killing center. Our peaceful, loving witness is shining the light of Truth on the Madison Surgery Center, and it is bound to open eyes. Let's strengthen our resolve and pray these abortion plans out of existence!

If you haven't signed up yet, we still have a lot of shifts open after this week. Click here to take some time. And be sure to share stories from the vigil site with us!

40 Days for Life at 1 S. Park Street: Rules of the Road

2010-02-16T19:48:00.000-08:00

Rules of the Road

Vigil Purpose: To pray, fast and peacefully witness to end late-term abortion plans at the Madison Surgery Center and make others aware of these plans.

Vigil Location: Madison Surgery Center (MSC) – 1 S. Park Street Madison, WI 53715

Vigil Hours: 6:00 a.m. –Vigil Open (6:00 a.m. hour participants will “open” the vigil)****
6:00 p.m. –Vigil Close (5:00 p.m. hour participants will “close” the vigil)****

****Those who will “open” or “close” the vigil should read the “Vigil Open/Close Instructions” in the binder in the Official Vigil Bag****

YOU MUST BE PUNCTUAL FOR YOUR VIGIL HOUR, ALLOWING FOR PARKING TIME, FOR THIS VIGIL TO WORK!

Parking: There is free 2-hour parking available on Braxton Place off Park Street (northbound: Braxton Place will be the right-hand turn right on Park Street before the Madison Surgery Center; southbound: Braxton Place will be the first left-hand turn from Park Street after the Madison Surgery Center). If this parking is filled, free parking is available at St. James Catholic Church (1204 St. James Court: by foot/car, from Regent, turn left onto Brooks St. and right onto St. James Court).

Meeting Place: Participants should gather at the corner of Park St. and Braxton Pl. The prayer warriors can then move to another place along Park Street or Regent Street in front of the MSC during their shift if they desire, but should meet at Park and Braxton to hand off the Official Vigil Bag and signs. Stay on the sidewalk and do not block entrances or pedestrian traffic.

Official Vigil Bag: This bag contains a binder with sign-in forms, copies of the statement of peace and contact information, literature to hand-out (optional), tissues and few other items. One person per vigil hour should carry the Official Vigil Bag. Please do not add items to the Official Vigil Bag that will make it heavy.

Signing-In: Please sign in for your vigil hour by initialing next to your name on the vigil schedule print-outs stored in the binder in the Official Vigil Bag.

Statements of Peace: All participants must sign a Statement of Peace for the Spring 2010 vigil. Copies will be available in the Official Vigil Bag or online at www.vigilforlife.org.

Weather: This vigil is taking place during winter conditions. Dress more warmly than you expect is necessary. Feel free to warm up in your car. We are also welcome to warm up or use the restrooms at Faith Community Bible Church across Regent from the MSC. If severe weather makes driving to your vigil hour impossible, please contact vigil coordinator Steve Karlen at 608-445-2063.

Contact Information: You should call (not email), Steve Karlen, at 608-445-2063 immediately for the following reasons:
1. You will not be on-time. It is important that you are punctual. If you will not be, please call.
2. You cannot make your vigil hour for any reason.
3. You feel uncomfortable for any reason. There is also an Incident Log in the Official Vigil Bag to record any incidents.

Police Information: You have a right to hold vigil outside of the MSC. If you feel like others are preventing you from doing so or are threatening, contact vigil coordinator Steve Karlen right away at 608-445-2063. You may also call our police contact, Sgt. Schmitz. Sgt. Schmitz’s cell phone number is 608-209-8722. The non-emergency dispatcher number is 608-266-4275. As always, obey all law enforcement personnel. The MSC security person might make odd requests which are not legally binding. If you are confused about your rights and obligations, do not hesitate to call Steve Karlen or the MPD to clarify.

Signs: There are 2 official 40 Days for Life/Vigil for Life signs available for your use that may be worn or carried. If you choose not wear/carry these signs, please keep them nearby during your shift. You may not leave them unattended. The purpose of these signs is to identify the vigil and to witness as to why we are present.

Literature: If you so choose, there is literature in the Official Vigil Bag that is suitable to give out to pedestrians or Madison Surgery Center employees as they come in and leave from the building. As always, be courteous and do not block entrances, exits, the road, or the sidewalk.

Christ’s Love for St. Valentine’s Day

2010-02-08T12:40:00.001-08:00

Send the love of Christ –a bouquet of flowers- to the person in your letter range on Friday, February 12th for Valentine’s Day.

If your last name starts with the letters A-D, send a bouquet to: James Woodward, CEO of Meriter Hospital 202 S. Park Street Madison, WI 53715 608-417-6210
Letters E-H: Biddy Martin, Chancellor of UW-Madison 161 Bascom Hall Madison, WI 53706 608-262-9946
Letters I-L: David Walsh, Chair of UW System Board of Regents 150 E. Gilman Street Madison, WI 53801
Letters M-P: Lisa Brunette, Media Relations for UW Hospital and Clinics 635 Science Drive Madison, WI 53711 608-263-5830
Letters Q-T: Donna Katen-Bahensky, UW Hospital and Clinics 600 Highland Avenue Madison, WI 53792 608-263-6400
Letters U-Z: Jeffrey Grossman, M.D., UW Medical Foundation 7974 UW Health Court Middleton, WI 53562 608-263-7013

Full Text of Steve Karlen's Speech at Wisconsin's Second Annual Defend Life Rally

2010-02-08T12:18:00.000-08:00

They thought we’d lose interest. They thought we’d forget. They thought we’d go away.

My friends, have you lost interest? Have you forgotten? Do you plan on going away?!

That’s right! And we won’t go away until UW Health and Meriter scrap their plans to perform abortions for good. They have tarnished their reputations, alienated staff, and driven away patients in hordes. But it’s not too late to make things right. To those with the power to reverse this terrible decision we say fix it now!

Fix it now and save yourselves the irreversible stigma of turning your healing facilities into death camps. If you act on these plans to kill at the Madison Surgery Center, no amount of public relations or outreach will ever be able to wash the stench of death from that building.

Friends, the struggle for life is a struggle we will win. History is on our side. We live in a great nation, but it’s a nation that’s no stranger to bitterly divisive debates over who should be considered a human being and who should be granted the rights associated with personhood. This is nothing new. Abortion is merely the latest in a long line of these controversies. But when all is said and done, never, ever, has history sided with those who seek to dehumanize a particular segment of society.

They were wrong when they said African Americans were property. They were wrong when they brutalized Native Americans on the Trail of Tears. They were wrong when they stuck Japanese Americans in internment camps. They were wrong when they denied immigrants from China, Southern Europe, Ireland, Eastern Europe and Latin America basic civil rights. And they’re as wrong today as they’ve ever been when UW Health and Meriter say that tearing a baby limb from limb is health care. They’re wrong!

It’s not just history that’s on our side. The future is on our side as well. But let me back up a moment. In my home, we often talk about the great admiration we have for those of you who have been working on this cause for a long time through some very dark days. I know that many of you have been striving to build a Culture of Life for 5, 10, 20, 30, or even 37 years. And you may not have ended abortion yet, but you fought to protect me and my generation—the survivors of Roe v. Wade. And you’ve paved the way for young people to become the most pro-life generation since the generation born during the Great Depression. Look around and see the fruits of your labor.

And so on behalf of all of us—the survivors—this is my message to all of you who have spent your lives laboring to keep the flame alive through lost court cases, lost elections, broken promises and broken hearts: Thank you! And help is on the way!

And it starts today. No longer will we be told to wait until it’s more politically expedient to end abortion. No longer will we wait for the right candidate to ascend to office. No longer will we wait for that fifth Supreme Court justice to overturn Roe v. Wade. THIS is the year we take our country back!

Now I’m not so naïve that I believe it will be easy. But the road before us is certainly no more difficult than that lay before the great British Statesman William Wilberforce when he set out on his one-man quest to end the slave trade. In fact, Wilberforce’s perseverance inspires me so much that I keep a quote of his framed on the wall of my living room where I can see it every single day. The quote reads, “Never! Never will we desist. Until we extinguish every trace of this bloody traffic, of which our posterity—looking back on these enlightened times—shall scare believe it has been suffered to exist so long a disgrace and dishonor to this country!”

With years of hard work and relentless faith, William Wilberforce ended the slave trade. And we here today can end abortion if we follow his example. So join us at the 40 Days for Life campaign wherever you’re from. Here in Madison, we’ll be starting a 40 day campaign on Ash Wednesday. And we desperately need your help. Please consider taking just one hour a week for six weeks and we can cover our shifts.

Friends, we know the victory is ours because it’s been won in Jesus Christ. So let us serve as servants of the Lord and go forth and change the world. Thank you. God bless you.

Viva Cristo Rey! Long live Christ the King!

BREAKING: UW Health says abortions have not started because of "protesters"

2010-02-05T12:27:00.000-08:00

Make sure to attend Wisconsin's Second Annual Defend Life Rally which will be held tomorrow on Library Mall (the 700-800 block of State Street) at noon. The rally will last an hour, and will be followed by a march to the Madison Surgery Center. The event features an all-star cast--the most dynamic panel of pro-life and Christian leaders that will appear in Wisconsin this year!

National Recording Artist Aaron Thompson
Julaine Appling, Wisconsin Family Council
Barbara Lyons, Wisconsin Right to Life
Bob Dorn, State of Wisconsin Knights of Columbus
Fr. Eric Nielsen, Roman Catholic Diocese of Madison
Peggy Hamill, Pro-Life Wisconsin
Laura and Steve Karlen, Vigil for Life
Senator Glenn Grothman
Amanda Detry, University of Wisconsin Students for Life
Dee McCoy, Silent No More
Chris Slattery, EMC Frontline Pregnancy Care--New York City

We can expect counter-protesters to be present again. We sat down with the Madison Police Department yesterday to discuss this and they will take care of any problems. We will simply remain silent, avoid confrontation or engagement, remain courteous, and allow police to ensure our right to demonstrate is not hindered.

UW Health says abortions have not started because of protesters; Spring 40 Days for Life seen as key to further delay

On Thursday we spoke with a journalist who reported that UW Health Communications said the Madison Surgery Center has not begun performing abortions because of the presence of "protesters." While we have long known our presence has been instrumental in delaying these plans, this marks the first time any of the organizations involved have gone on record admitting it.

It also indicates that tomorrow's rally and the Spring 40 Days for Life campaign (which begins in only 12 days!) will be key to demonstrating our willingness to continue publicly witnessing against these plans. Having spent a great deal of time planning the rally, we need MANY signups for 40 Days for Life. Please click here to sign up for a weekly hour. If you can't commit to a weekly hour, please sign up for an hour or two the first week of the vigil when the need is most urgent.

Internal emails reveal University of Wisconsin-Madison has harvested aborted babies' organs for research purposes

Last week, Pro-Life Wisconsin announced that University of Wisconsin-Madison internal emails prove the University performed medical research on pancreatic tissue obtained from abortion facilities. The discovery calls into question UW Health's assertion that organs will not be harvested from babies aborted at the Madison Surgery Center.

The emails also reveal a culture of secrecy in which UW Health and MSC staff conspired to shift meeting locations so staff members would not learn of their plans to perform late-term abortions.

The time is now: Let's end abortion in Wisconsin‏

2010-01-26T19:44:00.000-08:00

This Friday, we were privileged to attend the March for Life in Washington, D.C. The march marked the 37th anniversary of Supreme Court decisions that decriminalized abortion in America--costing more than 50 million lives and countless broken hearts.

The day was dominated by an overwhelming sense of hope and solidarity as more than 350,000 people of all ages gathered to send a powerful message: We will no longer tolerate the scourge of abortion in America.

Instead of relying on the courts or politicians to end abortion, pro-lifers are going to their own hands, feet and--most importantly--knees. The results are unmistakable. Nationally, the pro-life movement has stalled efforts to federally fund abortion. Locally, we've kept abortion out of the Madison Surgery Center for over a year. In fact, 40 Days for Life National Director David Bereit asked us to present to a conference in Washington on Thursday because YOUR efforts have been so effective!

Not since the Civil Rights movement has our nation seen anything resembling this groundswell of prayer and witness. The flood waters are rising, and deep cracks now appear in the culture of death. We couldn't all be in Washington last week, but each of us can help build a Culture of Life here in Wisconsin. Join us!

Wisconsin's Second Annual Defend Life Rally will take place on Saturday February 6 at noon on Library Mall (the 700-800 block of State Street in Downtown Madison). Plan to attend and bring a friend. Spread the word at your church. Print and share the flier. Post it and invite friends on your Facebook page!
40 Days for Life-Madison: Spring 2010. We're only a few weeks away. Click here to view the calendar and sign up for hours! We urge you all to sign up for a weekly time slot and to commit to bring a friend. The first two weeks of each campaign tend to be the hardest to schedule. If you're not ready to commit to a weekly hour, please consider taking some time early on to help us out! If you have technical problems, call 608-445-2063 with your desired hours.