The Holy Innocents and the Holy Family

Dear Vigil for Life Family,

Yesterday was the Feast of the Holy Innocents, the martyrs who were sacrificed in King Herod's attempt to wipe out the threat to his throne, Jesus, the Christ Child.  Today we have our own Herods who take innocent human life on the altars of convenience, the innocents who threaten to disrupt careers and block the accumulation of material comforts.  And then we have what follows....the souls of the mothers and fathers who made this choice, weighed down with the burden of guilt and despair.

Today is the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, a reminder to us all that it is in the setting of the family unit where we learn how to give and receive love.  No other institution can take its place; it is the juncture between individuals and society, indispensable and necessary for the good of all mankind.  And yet, this foundation of society is also threatened; Pandora's box is open once again for even more evil to develop and spread.

It would be easy to give up, give in, and throw in the towel but we know we are asked to do otherwise.  Much prayer, fasting, and sacrifice must be done to change hearts and overturn these paths of destruction.  This change IS happening - look at the growth of the 40 Days for Life campaign, the number of states introducing Personhood amendments to protect the preborn, the number of abortion mills closing and workers quitting.  We are getting there!  Pray for the fortitude and perseverance to stay the course!

"At night there are tears, but joy comes with dawn."  (Ps 30:6)

Join us in our 365 for Life campaign, praying for an hour out on the sidewalk of Planned Parenthood for the preborn innocents, their parents, the family, and the Herods inside who destroy life.

This week will be a challenging one to fill hours!  The temperatures are dropping and the sacrifice asked of you will be great.  But it is when conditions are tough like this that good things happen.  Clients, workers, and drive-bys are touched and changed when they see such dedication under adversity.

Open Hours - PLEASE SIGN UP FOR AN HOUR!

Monday, 12/30/13:  1 needed at 9:00am

Tuesday, 12/31/13:  2 needed at noon, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00pm; 1 needed at 10:00am  Only 31% filled ON THIS ABORTION DAY!

Wednesday, 1/1/14: Planned Parenthood is closed but prayer warriors are welcome to stop and pray!

Thursday, 1/2/14:  1 needed at 3:00

Friday, 1/3/14:  100% filled  Praise God!

Go to www.vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview to sign up for hours or email at info@vigilforlife.org.  Blessed are you....Your faithfulness will be rewarded!

Urgent Prayer Request Update:

I received the following email with the latest from the friend of a mother who is pregnant now and told that this child will most likely have Down's syndrome; she really wants a child, has lost several babies, and was considering abortion when the first email was sent.  Her mother, the grandmother, is very worried about her daughter and is in great distress.  Please keep them in your prayers!

"To all who are praying for Life!
Update:  The woman who I spoke of earlier that was debating about abortion or not, has not had an abortion and grandma appreciates everyone's prayers, keep praying.... This is really, really hard on Grandma right now.  So please keep storming Heaven with prayer.  Thank you!" (Friend of the Family)

God Bless You!

Finally, I want to thank all of you for the kind notes, well-wishes, and support I have received since announcing my stepping down as director of Vigil for Life.  It is appropriate that my last email occurs on the Feast of the Holy Family since, in human terms, you Vigil for Life friends have been a holy family for me, a real-life example of living one's faith.  God truly blessed me when He put me on the pro-life path; I just didn't know how blessed I would be!  I am humbled and so thankful for your support throughout - you always came through when hours needed to be filled, volunteer positions were open, and prayers requested.  I know you will give Gwen this same level of support!  I will be in the trenches with you out on the sidewalk and helping wherever I can so I know I'll see you as much as ever!

I'll leave you with one of my favorite Mother Teresa quotes, one which I hope will keep us going when we question whether we're doing any good out there:  "We can do no great things; only small things with great love."

See you out there....God bless you!

Have a Blessed Christmas!

Dear Vigil for Life Family,

As we enjoy our families and create more wonderful memories at this Christmas time, pray to God our Father to come make His dwelling place within our homes during this season and throughout the year. Celebrate His presence by making for each other memories that reflect His generous love, healing forgiveness, and lasting peace.

"Behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the peoople.....A Savior has been born for you."  Lk 2:10-11

Please take some time this week in gratitude for this great gift by spending time in prayer at Planned Parenthood.  When our week 4 vigil captains call, please say yes to an hour!

Open Hours This Week

Tuesday, 12/24/13: Planned Parenthood is closed but stop by and pray!

Wednesday, 12/25/13: Planned Parenthood is closed but what better day to pray out there than on the birthday of the Christ Child?

Thursday, 12/26/13:  1 needed at 3:00, 4:00, and 5:00pm  Only 70% filled!

Friday, 12/27/13:  2 needed at 1:00pm; 1 needed at 2:00pm

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

God bless you all with safe travels this Christmas. May Christ, the Light in our darkness, illuminate your souls this Christmas and bless you and your family.

Empty Manger Caroling Event CANCELLED

Dear Vigil for Life Friends,

Due to the weather forecast of freezing rain beginning late this afternoon and snow tonight, we are cancelling the Empty Manger Caroling event tonight.  It's always a tough call on these things because weather predictions can be off on the timing but we feel it would be best for everyone's safety to cancel.

Please offer your prayers at home instead for those who experience the "empty manger" in their hearts due to abortion.  Also pray for those awaiting the birth of their child with joy as we all await the birth of Jesus. 

God is Full of Surprises...

In This Issue:

• Another Sidewalk Story - Praise God!
• Open Hours This Week
• Announcements

Dear Vigil for Life Supporters,

Ever have those days when you think all is in order? Your schedule is set and you can predict how things will go as you move through your day, from one hour to the next?   Nothing different planned; nothing different expected.  This was how last Tuesday appeared and everything fell into place as I thought it would....until I arrived at Planned Parenthood for my vigil shift.

I knew it would be frigid out there so I was dressed in preparation for the wind and low temps.  With Rosary and pro-life brochures in hand, I got out to pray for the next hour.  I saw a fellow prayer warrior at the end of his vigil hour on his knees, calling out to two young women about to enter the abortuary, "I'm praying for you!"

They paused and looked his way, unsure of what to do.  They went in but left after a few minutes and drove out. We assumed they had left but suddenly noticed them standing down the sidewalk from us, looking in our direction.  We asked if we could help in any way; they appeared hesitant but were curious about why we were there and what we were doing.  They agreed with our pro-life discussion and finally explained why THEY were there.....they had been raped and knew of no other place to go for follow-up examinations in case they had contracted disease.

We prayed over them, asking God to heal them, protect them, watch over them; we prayed that all men would respect women as beautiful creations made in God's image and likeness.  We asked God to provide them with the help they need to heal physically and spiritually.  We encouraged them to not go back to Planned Parenthood but instead seek help through Our Lady of Hope Clinic and the resources that the Women's Care Center could provide.  There were tears during these moments together but I think these were tears of joy knowing that God provided loving and caring soldiers for them that day.  They were excited, relieved, and hopeful as they drove away, waving to us, and (I have to say) so were the two prayer warriors who shared this beautiful time with them.  We never expected to spend our prayer hour for life in this manner!  Usually we are out there praying that God in His mercy will spare the preborn but this day, God saved two young adult lives! 

Please pray for these two young victims, that God will bless them, comfort them, and heal them....ALSO NOTE: If no one had been out on the sidewalk in vigil, the only alternative would have been Planned Parenthood and their ways!  THIS is why it is so important that we have a presence and fill those open hours!  Please open your hearts and give an hour of your time - I know how good it feels; even on the coldest of days, it truly warms your heart to know you're giving back to God for all He has given.

"For He will save the poor who cry out and the needy who have no one to help them."  - Ps. 72:12

Lord, help us to come to the aid of those who have no help and whose lives are endangered. (Father Pavone: Pro-Life Reflections for Every Day)

Open Hours - Please Step Up and Pray for Life!

Monday, 12/16/13:  1 needed at 9:00am

Tuesday, 12/17/13:  2 needed at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00pm  Only 50% filled ON THIS ABORTION DAY!

Wednesday, 12/18/13:  2 needed at 11:00, noon, 1:00, 3:00, and 4:00pm;  1 needed at5:00pm  Only 45% filled ON THIS ABORTION DAY! 

Thursday, 12/19/13:  2 needed at 5:00pm; 1 needed at 3:00 and  4:00pm  Only 60% filled!

Friday, 12/20/13:  100% filled  Praise God!

Go to www.vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview to sign up for hours. You can also call Bette at 608-358-5963 or email at info@vigilforlife.org.  Blessed are you....Your faithfulness will be rewarded!

Don't Forget! "Empty Manger"Caroling at Planned Parenthood THISThursday, 12/19/13, at 6:00 P.M.

Join us as we point to the “Empty Manger” not yet filled with the Christ, which reminds us of the many empty “mangers” in the hearts of post-abortive men and women.  Bring your voices and fill Orin Road with the beauty of Christ's coming and the joy of children!
 

What:  "Empty Manger" Caroling
When:  Thursday, December 19, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Planned Parenthood’s sidewalk
3706 Orin Road
Madison, WI 53704

We will provide caroling song sheets. Bring a flashlight and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Questions? Contact Bette Weisshaar at 608-358-5963 or info@vigilforlife.org.

  
Reminder: Pro-Life Wisconsin March for Life Pilgrimage - You are invited to participate in one of the most exciting pro-life events of the year! Join Pro-Life Wisconsin for their annual pilgrimage to Washington D.C. for the March for Life, January 19-23, 2014. 
Travel is by motor coach and the pilgrimage includes two nights at the Capitol Hill Hyatt. Space is limited. Click here to download a registration form with additional details.

Mark Your Calendars - Vigil for Life Madison Roe vs. Wade Prayer Vigil

Join Vigil for Life in prayer as we commemorate the 41st anniversary of  Roe vs. Wade.  Father William Vernon (pastor of St. Christopher Parish in Verona/Paoli) will lead us in prayer on the sidewalk of Planned Parenthood, 3706 Orin Road, Madison, on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at 6:15pm.  This year also marks the 10th anniversary of Planned Parenthood's opening on Orin Road.  Come pray with us for its closure!

God bless you in this Advent Season

New Vigil for Life Director

Dear Friends,

It is with mixed feelings that I announce I am stepping down from the directorship of Vigil for Life.  As of January 1st the new director will be Gwen Finnegan, an avid pro-life warrior.  Gwen has been a devoted vigil captain, has spent many hours praying at Planned Parenthood, and has been involved with the Respect Life Campaign with the Diocese of Madison.  You can read more about Gwen in an upcoming article in the Catholic Herald (possibly this week?).

I will continue to be very involved with the Vigil for Life but in a more background role.  It has been a blessing and a privilege to have been in this position and to have met so many wonderful and inspirational people.  I thank each of you for the support you have given to me and for your sacrifice when called upon as warriors for Christ.  I know you will do the same for Gwen in her new role.

You truly have been instrumental in my faith journey!  See you out on the sidewalk!

By The Way....Many Open Hours Still To Fill This Week!

TODAY, 12/10/13:  1 needed at noon, 3:00, and4:00pm

Wednesday, 12/11/13:  2 needed at 11:00, 1:00,3:00, and 4:00pm; 1 needed at 9:00, noon,2:00, and 5:00pm  Only 40% filled!

Thursday, 12/12/13:  1 needed at 1:00, 3:00,4:00, and 5:00pm

Please give an hour, especially today and Wednesday when abortions are done all day!  We can't continue this vigil without your commitment!  Go to www.vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview to sign up for hours or email info@vigilforlife.org.

God bless you all,

Bette

Our Lady of Guadalupe Touches a Heart?

In This Issue:

• Our Lady Speaks to All Who Will Listen
• Open Hours This Week
• Announcements

Dear Friends,

Last Wednesday, one of the days abortions are done all day long at Planned Parenthood on Orin Road in Madison, I spent an hour praying with a fellow prayer warrior.  It was cold and damp, an unpleasant atmosphere with gusts of wind adding to the misty conditions.  By the time I arrived, he had already been there an hour.  He stood, holding a framed picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe, carrying the Christ Child in her womb, turning to make sure that those driving into the parking lot and those driving by would see her image.  He was determined to spend yet another hour showing mothers that THEIR Blessed Mother, so young and with child, said yes. 

It seemed that many ignored him but there was one young woman who paused as she pulled into her parking space. She studied him and Our Lady's image for a few minutes and then left, never getting out of her car.  He wondered if a light turned on in her heart and prompted her to leave once she considered the next step she was about to take?  We may never know if this is in fact what happened, but she did leave without going into the abortuary.   

As we continued our time together, I noticed that periodically he would crouch down or bend in order to stretch his back.  He was in great discomfort but didn't want to leave before his shift was over. He persisted, offering up his pain for the babies dying inside Planned Parenthood that day and for all who have lost their lives there in the past almost 10 years since they've been in operation.  His faith and dedication to changing the culture was impressive and inspiring; he is a frequent face out there praying in the trenches.

I'm sharing this experience with you for your own reflection and meditation, hoping that you will consider signing up for an hour, saying "yes" as Our Lady did and "yes" as this prayer warrior did that day and so often does when called by a vigil captain.  Can you offer up some time to the Lord to work in His vineyard?

"The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest....Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."  Matthew 9:35-10:1

Please take a look at the open time slots for this coming week (Dec. 12th is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe!) and in the coming months.  Consider what days and hours you can give to this important mission.  We can all do something!

Open Hours - Please Step Up and Pray for Life!

Monday, 12/9/13:  100% filled!  Praise God!

Tuesday, 12/10/13:  2 needed at noon, 1:00, 2:00,3:00, and 4:00pm; 1 needed at 9:00, 10:00, and11:00am  Only 19% filled ON THIS ABORTION DAY!

Wednesday, 12/11/13:  2 needed at 8:00, 11:00,noon, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, and 5:00pm;  1 needed at 9:00am Only 15% filled ON THIS ABORTION DAY! 

Thursday, 12/12/13:  1 needed at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00,4:00, and 5:00pm  Only 50% filled!

Friday, 12/13/13:  1 needed at 2:00pm

Go to www.vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview to sign up for hours or email info@vigilforlife.org.  Your faithfulness will be rewarded!

"Empty Manger"Caroling at Planned Parenthood on Thursday, 12/19/13, at 6:00 P.M.

Let us bring joy and an awareness of the wonder of the unborn child to Planned Parenthood as we await Christ’s birth on Christmas Day. Join us as we point to the “Empty Manger” not yet filled with the Christ, which reminds us of the many empty “mangers” in the hearts of post-abortive men and women.  What could be more moving than a carol of Mary with the Christ Child in her womb sung outside of an abortion mill where the innocents’ lives are taken?
 

What:  "Empty Manger" Caroling
When:  Thursday, December 19, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Planned Parenthood’s sidewalk
3706 Orin Road
Madison, WI 53704

We will provide caroling song sheets. Bring a flashlight and wear weather-appropriate clothing.  Questions? Contact info@vigilforlife.org.

Reminder Announcements: 

• 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 visitwww.ProLifeWisconsin.org. Space is limited and full payment is required to hold a spot. 

•  Prayer Vigil on Mondays at Planned Parenthood – PARK ST.

The Servants of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be holding prayer vigils outside the Planned Parenthood at 2222 S Park St, Madison, WI 53713TOMORROW and every Monday, weather permitting!  Check with Jen to see if tomorrow'svigil will go on as scheduled.

The arrival time is 3:00pm but won’t start until 3:15pmto give attendees time to find a place to park.  Meet on the sidewalk in front of the library once you are parked.

This Planned Parenthood location dispenses the Morning After Pill (so they are chemically aborting babies), dispenses contraception, and refers women to Orin Road for surgical abortions. 

Prayers will be the Divine Mercy chaplet and the rosary. There will be signs to hold and literature to hand out along with the Maafa 21 movie about Planned Parenthood and their black genocide agenda since this is an area with a lot of minorities. 

Afterwards all are invited to go to Culvers on Todd Drive to get a hot chocolate.

Please join us! If you have any questions you can email info@vigilforlife.org.

Planned Parenthood Busy--Full Parking Lot

In this Issue:

• Successful Respect Life Retreat
• Sign up for Hours for 365 for Life
• Empty Manger Caroling - Details to Come
• Vigil for Life Roe vs. Wade Event - To be Announced Soon
• Pro-Life Wisconsin March for Life in January
  
• Courtesy Announcements

Successful Respect Life Retreat

A big thank you to Father Eric Nielsen, retreat master for the Respect Life Retreat, which was held this past Friday andSaturday at Durward's Glen and to Jen Dunnett and Will Goodman of the Servants of Our Lady of Guadalupe!  Thanks also to Jen's mother and others who worked so hard preparing and serving meals.  The 18 to 20 in attendance had a blessed experience due to these efforts in a beautiful location!

Open Hours in 365 for Life Schedule This Week - Rescue the Weak!

The parking lot was full, customers leaving with brown paper bags containing contraception or heading home after ending the life of their children.  Planned Parenthood was doing a booming business not unlike the scene of shoppers on BlackFriday.  It's hard to be out there watching the Brinks truck drive in and pick up the money bag week after week, dollars paid for abortifacient, carcinogenic contraception and murderous abortion.  

But, if we're not out there to bring attention to this, who will be? In an indifferent world saturated with moral relativism and selfish ideals, it is paramount that we let the world know that this has to stop! 

"Defend the lowly and the fatherless; render justice to the afflicted and the destitute.  Rescue the lowly and the poor; from the hand of the wicked deliver them."  Psalm 82: 3-4

Please help by signing up for your hour to pray:

Monday, 12/2/13:  100% filled!  Praise God!

Tuesday, 12/3/13:  1 needed at 3:00 and 4:00pm 88% filled ON THIS ABORTION DAY!

Wednesday, 12/4/13:  2 needed at noon;  1 needed at 9:00,10:00, 11:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, and5:00pm  Only 50% filled ON THIS ABORTION DAY! 

Thursday, 12/5/13:  1 needed at 1:00, 2:00, and3:00pm

Friday, 12/6/13:  100% filled!  Thank you, Lord!

We need your continued commitment to pray and witness for an hour a week, an hour every two weeks, or an hour a month.  Can you help? 

"He who has compassion on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his good deed."  Proverbs 19:17

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

Vigil for Life Events - Stay Tuned!

• Empty Manger Caroling prior to Christmas
• Roe vs. Wade Vigil in January

We are working out the details of these two events and will let you know soon so you can mark your calendars!

Pro-Life Wisconsin March for Life Pilgrimage

You are invited to participate in one of the most exciting pro-life events of the year! Join Pro-Life Wisconsin for their annual pilgrimage to Washington D.C. for the March for Life, January 19-23, 2014. Travel is by motor coach and the pilgrimage includes two nights at the Capitol Hill Hyatt. Space is limited. Click here to download a registration form with additional details.  Don't miss this life-changing event!

Prayer Vigil on Mondays at Planned Parenthood - PARK ST.

The Servants of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be holding prayer vigils outside the Planned Parenthood at 2222 S Park St, Madison, WI 53713 TOMORROW, Dec. 2nd, and every Monday.

The arrival time is 3:00pm but won't start until 3:15pm to give attendees time to find a place to park.

Meet on the sidewalk in front of the library once you are parked. 

This Planned Parenthood location dispenses the Morning After Pill (so they are chemically aborting babies), dispenses contraception, and refers women to Orin Road for surgical abortions.

Prayers will be the Divine Mercy chaplet and the rosary. There will be signs to hold and literature to hand out along with the Maafa 21 movie about Planned Parenthood and their black genocide agenda since this is an area with a lot of minorities. 

Afterwards all are invited to go to Culvers on Todd Drive to get a hot chocolate. 

Please join us!  If you have any questions you can call or text Jen Dunnett at 715-340-2779. 

 

St. Ambrose Benefit Dinner - Last Call!

 

If you haven't yet made reservations for St. Ambrose's 10th Anniversary Benefit Dinner with special guest Bishop Morlino, it's not (quite) too late but please act NOW!

Please contact the school office at (608)827-5863 if you'd like to reserve a seat at the dinner.  It promises to be an extra-special event nextSaturday, December 7, at the Alliant Energy Center.  Seats are still available for this wonderful celebration.  Don't miss it!