In Thanksgiving...

Dear Friends,

As you join family and friends this week in thanksgiving for the many blessings God has granted to you and your loved ones, pray for your fellow Vigil for Life family members as well: 

• Give thanks to the Holy Spirit for touching and stirring so many hearts to come out and pray at Planned Parenthood during the rigorous, but successful, 24/7 campaign of 40 Days for Life. 
• Give thanks for the babies saved in answer to these prayers and for their parents who will not regret.
• Give thanks for the hearts moved after witnessing Vigil for Life warriors who pray on regardless of time, temperature, and weather.
• Give thanks for patience, knowing this is God's work even though many hours are often met with trial and disappointment.
• Give thanks for fortitude, knowing you are acting out of love and obedience to Our Lord's will.

Then ask that the success and blessings granted during 40 Days for Life continue in Vigil for Life's 365 for Life campaign:

• Ask the Holy Spirit to keep in our minds the images, the reasons we spend many hours out there in prayer - "Too many tears at Planned Parenthood today. Some of them mine. I have a hard time not responding that way, when witnessing young women, one after another, limp to cars, get in the passenger or back seat, curl into a ball and cry.....And, especially as the young women look into my eyes pleadingly, as if begging me to make the pain stop." (A partial quote from a prayer volunteer this past week.  By the way, she felt she may have changed another woman's mind by being out there that day!)
•  Pray for perseverance, that one day you might hear words similar to these spoken to a sidewalk counselor on Friday after prompting a mother to go across the street to the Women's Care Center.  As she headed to her car after her visit, she called out, "Things went very well; I guess it pays to stand out in the cold!" Sounds like a baby saved that day to me!
• Pray that more will sign up for hours; for it is through prayer that this holocaust, the greatest civil rights issue of our time, will finally end.

"Amen, I say to you:  Whatever you did for one of the least of my brethren, you did it for me, says the Lord."  Mt 25:10

Open Hours - Please Step Up and Continue To Fight for Life!

Monday, 11/25/13:  100% filled!  Praise God!

Tuesday, 11/26/13:  2 needed at 11:00, noon, and4:00pm; 1 needed at 9:00, 10:00am, 2:00, and3:00pm  Only 38% filled ON THIS ABORTION DAY!

Wednesday, 11/27/13:  2 needed at 1:00 and 5:00pm;  1 needed at 10:00, 11:00, noon, 2:00,3:00, and 4:00pm  Only 50% filled ON THIS ABORTION DAY! 

Thursday, 11/28/13:  Thanksgiving Day - Planned Parenthood will be closed but stop and pray if you can.

Friday, 11/29/13:  1 needed at 1:00 and 2:00pm

We need your continued commitment to pray and witness for an hour a week, an hour every two weeks, or an hour a month - whatever you can do....but please don't forget about this need. 

"In arid times, when duty seems difficult and daily responsibilities have no attraction, when all spiritual consolation is denied us and the beautiful light that illumines life is veiled, in these times humble prayer alone can steady us and give us hour by hour and day by day the determination to act "against our will.""  (Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur)

Go to www.vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview to sign up for hours or email info@vigilforlife.org.

Reminder:  Respect Life Retreat This Weekend!

This will be your last chance to sign up for the Respect Life Retreat this Friday, 11/29, and Saturday 11/30. Don't miss out on this special time of reflection and prayer with Retreat Master Father Eric Nielsen, the Servants of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Vigil for Life prayer warriors.

Be sure to get your reservation in soon for this wonderful pro-life retreat at beautiful Durward's Glen near Baraboo, WI! This event will offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, the Liturgy of the Hours, silent prayer and time for personal reflection. See: www.durwardsglen.org/ for more information about Durwards Glen.

The cost per person is $65 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.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

40 Days is Over...But the Battle for Life Isn't!

"Our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens..."  (Ephesians 6: 12-13)

Where are we today in this struggle?  Are we making any headway... in our battle with the culture of death?  Do we care enough to make time in our schedule to pray and witness for life out in the trenches?  Or are we becoming apathetic, indifferent, desensitized? 

40 Days for Life has ended...we accomplished a lot!

In Madison this fall there were 2 babies saved from abortion (that we KNOW of!).  

Internationally, 476 lives were saved for a total of 8,012 since the campaign began in 2007.  Again, these are the ones we KNOW of! So, yes, we ARE making headway and, in God's time, we will win.  However...it is incumbent upon us to do all we can in the fight.

"When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'"  (Luke 17: 7-10)

We are obliged to keep going in our 365 for Life campaign going on now! But apathy is settling in again.  OUT OF SIGHT...OUT OF MIND... it seems that we are falling into Satan's trap, finding excuses to not go out to Planned Parenthood where abortions continue throughout the year and contraception is handed out like candy at Halloween, while mothers are lied to about abortion being "the solution to their problem" and our kids, poisoned psychologically and physically:

• I did my part; it's over for another year. 
• I can sit back now and relax. 
• It's getting colder and, besides, I just don't have the time to spend an hour out there.
• I'm too busy; somebody else will do it.

We are called upon to be warriors, to protect and defend the innocent victims! 

"Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground."  (Eph 6:12-13)  In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all flaming arrows of the evil one.  (Eph 6:16)

There are many hours to fill this week!  We cannot continue this battle without your help!

Open Hours - Please Step Up and Continue To Fight for Life!

Monday, 11/18/13:  100% filled!  Praise God!

Tuesday, 11/19/13:  2 needed at noon, 1:00, 2:00, and 4:00pm; 1 needed at 9:00 and 11:00am and3:00pm  Only 31% filled ON THIS ABORTION DAY!

Wednesday, 11/20/13:  2 needed at 10:00, 11:00,noon, 1:00, 3:00, 4:00, and 5:00pm;  1 needed at8:00, 9:00am and 2:00pm  Only 15% filled ON THIS ABORTION DAY! 

Thursday, 11/21/13:  2 needed at 5:00pm; 1 needed at 3:00 and 4:00pm

Friday, 11/22/13:  1 needed at 1:00 and 2:00pm

Go to www.vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview to sign up for hours or email info@vigilforlife.org. 

A prayer warrior sent the following link to a beautiful song and video, written from the perspective of a preborn child.  I hope it will motivate you to sign up for an hour for all the voiceless innocents who count on us to be their voices.

PLEASE WATCH:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTYbVT9ntT8.  

Watch the entire video for the whole story!!

Announcements:

• St. Ambrose Academy Benefit Dinner -Come celebrate the 10th anniversary of St. Ambrose Academy with esteemed guest, Bishop Robert Morlino on Saturday, December 7, 2013, at the Alliant Energy Center (1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI  53713).  St. Ambrose Guardians for Life contributed many hours to our recent 40 Days for Life campaign.  Join fellow prayer warriors in supporting this wonderful school!  For reservations call (608) 827-5863 orinfo@ambroseacademy.org or visit www.ambroseacademy.org.
•  Reminder - 40 Days for Life "A Future and a Hope" webcast
  and teleconference
  DATE: Monday, November 18
  TIME: 8:00 PM
  FORMAT: Simulcast (attend via phone or webcast; it's
  your choice)
  REGISTER TO ATTEND THE EVENT BY VISITING:
  http://40daysforlifewebcast.com

During this one-time-only FREE event, you will:

* Learn the STUNNING RESULTS that God accomplished
during the just-completed 40 Days for Life campaign
... and how these victories point to even bigger
success over the next 12 months

* Find out why 2014 is poised to be a MASSIVE TURNING
POINT for the entire pro-life movement -- and what we
need to do together, with God's help, to leverage
this historic opportunity

* Be the very first to hear breaking news about the
latest abortion center closures -- these case studies
will reveal the THREE KEYS that will help YOU save
more lives ... change more hearts and minds ... and
stop abortions for good in your community

• Reminder - Respect Life Retreat Friday, Nov. 29th through Saturday, Nov. 30! - Time is running out!  Be sure to get your reservation in soon for this wonderful pro-life retreat at beautiful Durward's Glen near Baraboo, WI!  The Servants of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Vigil for Life will be hosting this Sixth Annual Respect Life Retreat.
  Our Retreat Master will be Fr. Eric Nielsen from St. Paul's in the Diocese of Madison. This event will offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, the Liturgy of the Hours, silent prayer and time for personal reflection.See: www.durwardsglen.org/ for more information about Durwards Glen.
  
  Spaces for the Respect Life Retreat are limited, so please call now to reserve your room. The cost per person is $65 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.Note: If you are unable to attend and would like to donate so that someone else can, please contact Jen or Bette.

MONDAY: Important webcast event!

Dear Friends,
 
I just heard from Shawn Carney and David Bereit, leaders 
of 40 Days for Life, and I am VERY excited about what 
they have planned:
 
http://40daysforlifewebcast.com 
 
Following the just-completed 40 Days for Life campaign
-- one of the most successful pro-life initiatives ever 
conducted -- 3,349 people filled out surveys to help 
shape what's next for our unified efforts ... 
 
... and next Monday, November 18, at 8:00 PM, David and Shawn 
will be sharing the plans for saving more lives ...
closing more abortion centers ... and helping more 
abortion workers to quit ... on "A Future and a Hope" 
-- a LIVE webcast and teleconference event. 
 
Here are the details:
 
*****************************************************
 
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
 
EVENT:   40 Days for Life "A Future and a Hope" webcast 
         and teleconference
 
DATE:    Monday, November 18
 
TIME:    8:00 PM 
 
FORMAT:  Simulcast (attend via phone or webcast; it's 
         your choice)
 
REGISTER TO ATTEND THE EVENT BY VISITING:
 
http://40daysforlifewebcast.com 
 
*****************************************************
 
During this one-time-only FREE event, you will: 
 
 * Learn the STUNNING RESULTS that God accomplished 
   during the just-completed 40 Days for Life campaign 
   ... and how these victories point to even bigger 
   success over the next 12 months
 
 * Find out why 2014 is poised to be a MASSIVE TURNING 
   POINT for the entire pro-life movement -- and what we 
   need to do together, with God's help, to leverage 
   this historic opportunity
 
 * Be the very first to hear breaking news about the 
   latest abortion center closures -- these case studies 
   will reveal the THREE KEYS that will help YOU save 
   more lives ... change more hearts and minds ... and 
   stop abortions for good in your community 
 
Shawn and David have some surprises in store for us on 
Monday night's webcast, so be sure to register now at: 
 
http://40daysforlifewebcast.com 
 
This is the great news we've been waiting for, and I hope 
you (and everyone you know) can join me on the phone or 
via the web on Monday night!

Urgent Prayer Request!

Dear Prayer Warriors,

I just received this urgent prayer request and ask that you storm heaven, asking God for His mercy and blessings on this mother, her child, and the grandmother:

Please pray for a woman who is pregnant (12 weeks).  She is 39 and wants a child so much, yet her first pregnancy ended up in an abortion very early on as the tests showed severe abnormalities.  She miscarried a second baby who had down syndrome.  She is pregnant again and there is a 90% chance that this baby has Down Syndrome.

Grandma is so distraught and worried about her daughter.  She has been encouraged by a very supportive friend, who sent this prayer request, to seek help from the Women's Care Center and attend a Rachel's Vineyard retreat with her daughter. 

This friend told Grandma that God doesn't make junk, that this baby and the others were perfect in His eyes.  She was touched almost to tears. 

St. Gianna and St. Gerard, please intercede for them!  Our Lady of Guadalupe, we entrust them to your care!

Successful 40 Days Vigil...Now on to 365 for Life!

In This Issue:

• 40 Days for Life Successful Results - Thanks to All of You!
• Closing Prayer Vigil and Celebration - Link to Photos
• 365 for Life Hours This Week - Help!
• Respect Life Retreat
• Pro-Life Wisconsin March for Life Trip - 2014

Dear Friends,

God is great!  He provided the graces for us to persevere through the trials - harassment, fatigue, chilly, wet weather, etc. - and carry out the work we are obliged to do.  It wasn't easy and, most of the time, if we're honest, we didn't want to do it.  But we can officially enter another successful 40 Days for Life campaign into the books.

Even with obstacles (verbal provocation, eggs and an empty water bottle thrown at prayer volunteers), nothing was going to stop this long distance race.  You persisted and overcame the bumps in the road. In fact, these heckling incidents are a testimony that we are getting under the devil's skin; we are having an effect and he knows it!

"If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of God rests upon you."

Congratulations!

As a result of our efforts to involve more groups, parishes, and men, we were able to fill many hours prior to the campaign, lightening the load when the vigil actually started.  Some days were 85 - 90% filled prior to our start date.  The following groups and parishes helped make this happen and we thank you!

• 18 parishes signed up for weekly 2-hour time slots, not only from the Madison area but from outlying communities as well
• Groups within parishes also took weekly 2-hour slots - Cenacle Group from IHM, Daughters of Isabella from St. Joseph's in Baraboo, St. Paul's Student FOCUS Group from UW campus, St. Ambrose Academy - Guardians for Life
• Servants of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who are out at Planned Parenthood every Friday all year round
• Knights of Divine Mercy, 5 Knights of Columbus Councils from Madison area and outlying areas

And of course, ALL OF YOU!  Thanks to all of you prayer warriors who sacrificed to make sure these hours in prayer were covered.  We hope you will continue signing up for hours throughout the year keeping in mind that abortions go on after 40 Days for Life ends.

Without the following people, the vigil doesn't happen; we appreciate your dedication!

• The parish liaisons who worked hard to fill their parish time slot commitment
• The vigil captains calling to fill hours
• The vigil coordinator - Mary Markielewski
• The vigil liaison coordinator - Judy Hoffman
• The events team who planned the Kick-Off, Mid-Point, and Closing Rallies
• The communications team - Rebecca McDermott and Meg Matenaer

As a result of ALL of your prayer and witness, we had 2 babies saved and 3 turnaways from Planned Parenthood......THAT WE KNOW OF!  Thank you, Lord, for these blessings!

Closing Event

Last Tuesday we held our closing prayer vigil at Planned Parenthood.  It was a rainy, windy evening but around 40 braved the weather and joined Father Zuhlsdorf (Fr. Z, as he is known) in a Rosary.  Father gave a beautiful homily and reflection, urging us onward in this marathon as we start our 365 for Life prayer vigil.  We thank Fr. Z for leading us in prayer despite not feeling well.  Afterward we headed over to St. Peter's for refreshments and social time with our vigil family.  Closing Event pictures will be posted on the website shortly; just click on this link to see them:  vigilforlife.org

365 for Life Open Hours This Week! - HELP!

Monday, 11/11/13:  100% filled!

Tuesday, 11/12/13:  2 needed at 1:00, 3:00, and4:00pm; 1 needed at 10:00 and 11:00am  ONLY 50% FILLED!

Wednesday, 11/13/13:  2 needed at noon, 1:00,3:00, 4:00, and 5:00pm; 1 needed at 8:00am and 2:00pm  ONLY 40% FILLED!!

Thursday and Friday:  100% filled!  Praise God!

Only 2 days this week with open hours!  Can you find the time to help the helpless?  Go to www.vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview to sign up for hours. You can also email info@vigilforlife.org.

"Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need." (Psalm 112)

Respect Life Retreat

On Friday, November 29 through Saturday afternoonNovember 30th, the Servants of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Vigil for Life will be hosting the Sixth Annual Respect Life Retreat.

This special pre-Advent retreat will be held once again in the beautiful retreat center of Durward’s Glen near Baraboo, WI.

See: http://www.durwardsglen.org/ for more information about Durwards Glen and like them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Durwards-Glen-Retreat/273634562654204?fref=ts

Our Retreat Master will be Fr. Eric Nielsen a wonderful Catholic priest from the Diocese of Madison. This event will offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, the Liturgy of the Hours, silent prayer and time for personal reflection. Those who are involved in work to build a culture of life are invited to attend, but the retreat is open to everyone.

Spaces for the Respect Life Retreat are limited, so please call now to reserve your room. The cost per person is $65 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 email Jen Dunnett at vitapretiosa@gmail.com to reserve your place.

Note: If you are unable to attend and would like to donate so that someone else can, please contact Jen or Bette.

Pro-Life Wisconsin March for Life Pilgrimage to DC 2014

Please join Pro-Life Wisconsin from January 19th - 23rdas we travel by motor coach to Washington DC for the annual March for Life. This is a perfect pro-life opportunity for families and adult individuals to join over 500,000 others from across the US and beyond as we call for the recognition in law of the personhood of all preborn babies at all stages of existence, without exception.

For more details and to request a registration form, call 262-796-1111 or visit www.ProLifeWisconsin.org.Space is limited and full payment is required to hold a spot.

A Successful 40 Days for Life...365 for Life Starts Today!

" Well done, my good and faithful servant...."  (Matthew 25:23)

Dear 40 Days for Life Prayer Volunteers,

The final day of our prayer campaign has arrived!  It has been one with incidents of persecution but also one filled with blessings and prayers answered.  God Is Good!  We are thankful for His grace to overcome the temptation to say no when asked to sacrifice as well as the grace to stand in witness at a place where we are not welcome.  Thank you, Lord, for the laborers and for the fruits of their labors!  It was not easy but, to quote 40 Days for Life leader David Bereit, "you did it anyway!" 

"But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust."  (Matthew 5: 44-45)

You did a fantastic job!  Thank YOU for making this another successful 40 Days for Life! 

As we continue with our next phase, our 365 for Life prayer vigil, let us ask Him to watch over and protect us, to guide us as we strive to change hearts, and to give us the grace to do His holy will.

365 for Life Vigil Schedule Begins Monday, Nov. 4th!

So now we revert to our year-round vigil calendar schedule until next fall's 40 Days for Life campaign.  We will be out there every day during Planned Parenthood's business hours.  Please consider signing up for a weekly or monthly commitment.  

Mondays: 9 to 11am

Tuesdays: 9am to 5pm (Abortion Day!)

Wednesdays: 8am to 6pm (Abortion Day!)

Thursdays: 1 to 6pm

Fridays: 1 to 3pm

We are all tired but we cannot rest until each life is recognized as a person, until all are granted their God-given right to live.  Don't sit back now!  Check your schedule and sign up for open hours.....someone's life depends on it!

Open Hours This Week

Monday, 11/4/13 - 100% filled!  Thank You, Lord!

Tuesday, 11/5/13 - 2 needed at noon, 1:00,2:00, 3:00, and 4:00pm; 1 needed at 10:00am    11 HOURS OPEN!!

Wednesday, 11/6/13 - 2 needed at 8:00, 9:00,10:00, 11:00am, noon, 3:00, and 5:00pm; 1 needed at 2:00 and 4:00pm   YIKES!  18 HOURS OPEN!!

Thursday, 11/7/13 - 2 needed at 1:00, 2:00,3:00pm; 1 needed at 4:00pm

Friday, 11/8/13 - 1 needed at 2:00pm

Go to www.vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview to sign up for hours. You can also email info@vigilforlife.org.  God will reward you for your vigilance!

Reminder: 40 Days for Life Closing Event - Tuesday Evening, Nov. 5, 2013

Don't miss our closing prayer vigil with Father Z and refreshments and fellowship afterwards.  Here are the details:

6:30pm - Prayer at the Vigil Site (Planned Parenthood (3706 Orin Road, Madison, WI). The Knights of Columbus Honor Guard will also stand guard at the vigil. 

7:15pm - Refreshments and fellowship at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 5001 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison, WI 53704

Join us and share with fellow 40 Days for Life supporters your stories of the campaign as you enjoy some refreshments and treats!  See you there!

6th Annual Respect Life Retreat Coming Soon!

On Friday, November 29 through Saturday afternoonNovember 30th, the Servants of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Vigil for Life will be hosting the Sixth Annual Respect Life Retreat.

This special pre-Advent retreat will be held once again in the beautiful retreat center of Durward’s Glen near Baraboo, WI.

See: http://www.durwardsglen.org/ for more information about Durwards Glen and you can like them on Facebook also https://www.facebook.com/pages/Durwards-Glen-Retreat/273634562654204?fref=ts

Our Retreat Master will be Fr. Eric Nielsen, a wonderful Catholic priest from the Diocese of Madison. This event will offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, the Liturgy of the Hours, silent prayer and time for personal reflection. Those who are involved in work to build a culture of life are invited to attend, but the retreat is open to everyone.

Spaces for the Respect Life Retreat are limited, so please call now to reserve your room. The cost per person is $65 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 atvitapretiosa@gmail.com to reserve your place.

Take time apart from your efforts to defend life in order to be strengthened by Jesus Christ, Who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6)

+Servants of Our Lady of Guadalupe

**The first event is meeting at the Planned Parenthood, Orin Rd, Madison and then traveling to Durward's Glen. The retreat ends Saturday evening at the Planned Parenthood in Portage, WI.

More details will be provided when participants are signed up.

RSVP to Jen Dunnett at vitapretiosa@gmail.com or 715-340-2779
If anyone would like the flyer for this event it is in the process of being made. Jen would be happy to email it to you when it is finished. She will be sending out the bulletin announcement to all the Dioceses of our state.

Announcement: Pro-Life Wisconsin March for Life Pilgrimage to DC 2014

Please join Pro-Life Wisconsin from January 19th - 23rd as we travel by motor coach to Washington DC for the annual March for Life. This is a perfect pro-life opportunity for families and adult individuals to join over 500,000 others from across the US and beyond as we call for the recognition in law of the personhood of all preborn babies at all stages of existence, without exception.

For more details and to request a registration form, call 262-796-1111 or visit www.ProLifeWisconsin.org. Space is limited and full payment is required to hold a spot.