Correction to Sunday Update

In the most recent Sunday update titled UNITY, there was a note from the NCHLA regarding H.R. 7.  Just found out that unfortunately this bill - H.R. 7 contains exceptions.  

The two exceptions it contains are:

1.  Act of Rape or Incest

2.  Preserving the life of the mother

Therefore, due to these exceptions contained in this bill - H.R. 7 - Vigil for Life and Pro-Life Wisconsin are not promoting it or advocating for it.

Unity

Dear Friends of Life,

In today's second reading, St. Paul tells us to "...be united in the same mind and in the same purpose" (1 Corinthians 1:10). While we are all "united in the same mind and in the same purpose" on the sacredness of life from conception to natural death many others especially those going into Planned Parenthood are not.  Many times people just do not take the time to really think about the tragedy of abortion.  So - it is up to us who are "united in the same mind and in the same purpose" to ask them to pause and to really think about the tragedy of abortion by bringing them the truth with love.

OPEN HOURS

Wednesday, 1/29 -  Only 45% filled on this Abortion Day - 1 needed at 9a; 1 needed at 10a; 1 needed at 12p; 2 needed at 1p;  1 needed at 3p; 1 needed at 4p; 2 needed at 5p

Thursday, 1/30 - 60% filled - 1 needed at 2p; 1 needed at 4p; 2 needed at 6p

Friday, 1/31 - 100% filled; Praise God; the God of life!

To sign up for hours, go to: vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview.

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FRIGID TEMPERATURES

We are under a Wind Chill Advisory for Monday, 1/27 and a Wind Chill Warning untilnoon on Tuesday, 1/28 (wind chills as cold as - 50 are forecast).  If you are signed up to pray on Monday, 1/27 or Tuesday, 1/28 - please don't feel that you need to stand outside on the sidewalk in these frigid temperatures.  (It certainly would not be safe to be out there for an hour.)  If you do spend time on the sidewalk, be sure to bundle up appropriately and to head back to your vehicle as soon as you feel it is too cold.  Other ideas:  You can park your car across the street from Planned Parenthood and pray in your vehicle or better yet spend some time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament praying for those babies at risk of losing their lives to abortion and for their mothers who are most likely very scared and in crisis.  If you'd rather not venture out, please pray from home. 

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PRAYER VIGIL IN OBSERVANCE OF ROE V. WADE

This past Tuesday, 1/21 we held our prayer vigil in observance of the 41st anniversary of the tragic Roe v. Wade decision.  It was led by Fr. William Vernon of St. Christopher Parish in Verona/Paoli.  It was a BEAUTIFUL prayer vigil!  Thank you so much, Fr. William, for all of the prayer, thought and time you put into preparing for it.  

We were also very blessed to be able to end this prayer vigil with Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction in the chapel of the Women's Care Center.

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STORIES FROM THE SIDEWALK

We had two turn-aways in one day!  Praise Him - O Jerusalem!  The turn-aways happened on Wednesday, 1/22.  One during the the 11a hour and one during the 1p hour.  Our sidewalk counselors were able to speak to these women and direct them to the Women's Care Center to which the women happily obliged.  We are so blessed to have the Women's Care Center right across the street!  Thanks be to God!

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FROM THE NCHLA (National Committee for a Human Life Amendment)

Update: The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act (H.R. 7) during the week of January 27. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) made this announcement at the March for Life Rally on the Mall in Washington, D.C.

Recently we forwarded to you a message with a request for action in support of H.R. 7. If you have not yet already responded, please click on the link below and send your message today!

Here is background information on this important measure:

The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act would place in permanent law a consistent policy that the federal government should not use tax dollars to support or promote elective abortion. Since 1976 this principle has been embodied in the Hyde amendment to annual appropriations bills funding the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and in numerous similar provisions governing a wide range of domestic and foreign programs. There has long been popular and congressional agreement in favor of this policy.

It is often assumed that the consensus against public funding of abortion is already fully implemented. In recent testimony, Richard Doerflinger, Associate Director of the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, stated, "The fact is that Congress's policy has been remarkably consistent for decades, but the implementation of that policy in practice has been piecemeal, confusing and sometimes sadly inadequate." The current patchwork approach to implementation has time and again left loopholes that then needed to be addressed. Most recently, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) "contains at least four different policies on this issue," and developments since enactment reveal ways "it allows expanded federal support for abortion, if not corrected by later legislation." H.R. 7 would address these problems.

Thanks for all that you do in support of life!

Michael Taylor

Executive Director

Click the link below to log in and send your message:

www.votervoice.net/link/target/nchla/MJJiMJJfb.aspx

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END OF LIFE ISSUES PRESENTATION

The Janesville Catholic Churches' Respect Life Committee invites you to Holy to the Last: End-of-Life Issues and the Mind of the Church. This informative presentation, by Mother Marie Julie Saegaert, will answer many of the ethical questions Catholics have about their own medical decisions and difficult situations regarding loved ones who are dying. Topics will include: advance medical directives, living wills, assisted nutrition and hydration, extraordinary/ordinary (disproportionate/proportionate) means, principle of double effect, palliative care, and other ethical and religious directives in healthcare. The event will be held Sunday, January 26, 1:30 at St. Patrick School Auditorium in Janesville. It is free and open to the public and refreshments will be served.

FREE Pro-Life Wisconsin Movie Showing

This Friday: Showing of Powerful New Film Gimme Shelter in Madison

Pro-Life Wisconsin is proud to partner with Movie to Movement to sponsor a showing for the powerful new film, Gimme Shelter. This movie, featuring many celebrity actors, will be in theaters around the country, and it contains a strong pro-life message. Gimme Shelter shares the story of a young, homeless woman in a crisis pregnancy situation who finds welcome and safety in a shelter for single mothers. 

Pro-Life Wisconsin will be hosting a free, private showing on Friday, January 24th at 5:15p.m.

 at Point Cinema in Madison (7825 Big Sky Dr., Madison). The film will also be playing in theaters throughout Wisconsin. Advanced registration is required. For more details and to get tickets, contact our Outreach Director, Emma Scuglik, at escuglik@prolifewisconsin.org.

(Pro-Life Wisconsin will receive credit for attendees 60 years and older.)

NOTICE: This movie contains intense images and mature content and is intended for adult audiences. It is rated PG-13.

A Ministry of Love

"I will mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy.  Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.  Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

A MINISTRY OF LOVE

"For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: we should love one another...Whoever does not love remains in death...Children let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth." 

(1 John 3: 11-18)

Following is a video of Bishop Daniel Conlon speaking on the 6th anniversary of Planned Parenthood's "Abortion Fortress" in Aurora, Illinois.  In it, he speaks of how love is the basis of the Pro-Life movement.

networkedblogs.com/SRiRE

We must all agree that what really brings us to the sidewalk is indeed love.  Love for God, love for Jesus, love for life, love for one another, love for our neighbor, love for those ever so precious babies - those perfectly beautiful gifts from God who are still being formed in their Mother's wombs and love for the young mothers who are scared, confused & often have no support for choosing life for their perfectly beautiful babies.  Can you imagine if we stopped showing up to the sidewalk?  If we did, who would bring love to the one place in Madison that needs it most?  

Let us keep showing up to the sidewalk with our love.  

OPEN HOURS THIS WEEK

Monday, 1/20 - 100% filled - Praise be to God; the God of love!

Tuesday, 1/21 -  Just 69% filled on this Abortion Day - 1 needed at 12p; 2 needed at 1p; 1needed at 2p; 1 needed at 3p .

Wednesday, 1/22 - Only 15% filled on this Abortion Day also the 41st anniversary of the tragic Roe v. Wade decision - 2 needed at 8a; 2 needed at 9a; 2 needed at 10a; 2 needed at 11a; 2 needed at 12p; 2 needed at 1p; 1 needed at 2p; 1 needed at 3p; 1 needed at 4p; and 2 needed at 5p.

Thursday, 1/23 - 100% filled- Praise be to God; the God of love!

Friday, 1/24 - 75% filled - 1 needed at 2p.

To sign up for hours go to: www.vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview or call Gwen at(608)393-8545.

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PRAYER VIGIL IN OBSERVANCE OF ROE V. WADE DECISION

Join Vigil for Life in prayer as we observe the 41st anniversary of the  Roe v. Wade decision.  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! 

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THE LOSS OF A PRAYER WARRIOR

Al Zeller, a very dedicated Vigil for Life Prayer Warrior, passed away this past Sunday.  He will be missed by so many.  We know that the love he brought to the sidewalk will be with us when we are there.  Here is a link to his obituary:

host.madison.com/news/local/obituaries/zeller-alan-r-al/article_29edb751-c59b-585a-9d49-7fc5542f9c66.html

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MADISON CITY COUNCIL PROPOSES "BUFFER ZONE" LAW

The news about this came to us this past Tuesday, 1/14.   We were first alerted of it by a reporter from the WSJ calling for an interview who had this article in Wednesday's paper:

 host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/madison-to-consider-law-to-create-protest-buffer-zone-near/article_3ee1821f-ec29-5a41-aa10-1111f1230406.html

On Wednesday,1/15, Laura Karlen, a Vigil for Life Board Member was interviewed by NBC 15: 

www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Protester-buffer-for-abortion-clinics-considered-240263851.html

If you have not already - we hope that you will help give voice to VFL through comments you can make to the city council up until 3p on Tuesday, January 21st, 2014.  When making comments, please keep in mind that we are kind, peaceful and prayerful people.  Here is the link to the website that gives instructions on how to make comments:

www.cityofmadison.com/Council/meetings/Register.cfm

The city council will vote on this on January 21st, 2014 at their meeting that begins at 6:30p.  If you cannot make it to our Prayer Vigil, please pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

If the law (which is completely unnecessary and very much in violation of the 1st amendment's right to free speech) is passed, we will still bring our love to the sidewalk.  It may, however, restrict our sidewalk counseling.  

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 DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?  

Seeing is believing -  All are welcome to attend this special presentation at St. Ignatius in Mt. Horeb on Monday, Jan. 20 from 6:30p - 9p. To watch a video preview, go to:www.sciencetestsfaith.com

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END OF LIFE ISSUES PRESENTATION

The Janesville Catholic Churches' Respect Life Committee invites you to Holy to the Last: End-of-Life Issues and the Mind of the Church. This informative presentation, by Mother Marie Julie Saegaert, will answer many of the ethical questions Catholics have about their own medical decisions and difficult situations regarding loved ones who are dying. Topics will include: advance medical directives, living wills, assisted nutrition and hydration, extraordinary/ordinary (disproportionate/proportionate) means, principle of double effect, palliative care, and other ethical and religious directives in healthcare. The event will be held Sunday, January 26, 1:30 at St. Patrick School Auditorium in Janesville. It is free and open to the public and refreshments will be served.

Madison City Council's Proposed "Buffer Zone" Law

 Dear Friends of Life -

As many of you may have read or heard, a member of the Madison City Council has proposed a "buffer zone" law. The city council will be voting on this proposed law at their meeting onTuesday, January 21, 2014.  The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30p.

This is the same evening we are having our Prayer Vigil in observance of the 41st anniversary of the tragic Roe v. Wade decision.  Our Prayer Vigil will begin at 6:15p outside of Planned Parenthood on Orin Rd. as originally scheduled.

We hope that you will help give voice to VFL through comments you can make to the city council up until 3p on Tuesday, January 21st, 2014.

When making comments, please keep in mind that we are kind, peaceful and prayerful people.  Here is the link to the website that gives instructions on how to make comments: ttps://www.cityofmadison.com/Council/meetings/Register.cwww.cityofmadison.com/Council/meetings/Register.cfm 

For more background on the proposed "buffer zone" law, please refer to the article that was in Wednesday's WSJ:  host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/madison-to-consider-law-to-create-protest-buffer-zone-near/article_3ee1821f-ec29-5a41-aa10-1111f1230406.html

If you are not able to make it to the Prayer Vigil, please try to make it to the City Council meeting.  If you are not able to make it to either our Prayer Vigil or to the City Council meeting, please pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament at 6:30p on January 21st, 2014.  

FOR LOVE, LIGHT and LIFE -

The Vigil for Life Team

Alan Zeller Obituary

Al Zeller was very involved with Vigil for Life. He and his wife, Nancy, spent many hours on the sidewalk outside of Planned Parenthood in prayer. He will be missed!

Eternal rest grant unto him , O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

host.madison.com/news/local/obituaries/zeller-alan-r-al/article_29edb751-c59b-585a-9d49-7fc5542f9c66.html

THINK OF THINGS DIFFERENTLY

"Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.  John tried to prevent him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?"  Jesus said to him in reply, "Allow it for now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness."   Then he allowed him.  (Mathew 3: 13 -15)

In this passage from the holy Gospel according to Matthew telling us of the Baptism of Jesus, John tells Jesus he doesn't think he should be baptizing him.  Jesus tells John to think of things differently, "Allow it for now".  

Borrowing from a reflection (from Sadlier) on today's gospel - What is Jesus asking us to think differently about?  It will most certainly be something that will bring us closer to Him. 

And, then in turn, by bringing our prayer and peaceful witness to the sidewalk outside of Planned Parenthood - we are asking those who are on their way in and who are on their way out of Planned Parenthood to think of things differently.  After watching the video METAMORPHOSIS (metamorphosisvideo.com/index.php/mwatch-video)  - we are reminded that no woman really wants to have an abortion and that if we are just able to help them to think of things differently; that will make all the difference. 

In order to do this, we need your prayer and peaceful witness (and sidewalk counseling if you feel called) on the sidewalk outside of Planned Parenthood.  This past week was a very cold week.  We know the cold has kept many away from the sidewalk.  Now that the dangerous windchills have passed, and especially if you have not signed up for an hour recently - if we may be so bold, we ask you, if you are able to, please think of things differently.  

One Prayer Warrior who hadn't been to the sidewalk in awhile called to sign up for an hour during one of the coldest days this past week.  When thanked, she queried, "Isn't that part of the suffering?"  She thought of things differently.  God bless her!

We have many OPEN HOURS this week:

Monday, 1/13 - 100% filled - Praise God!

Tuesday, 1/14 - Just 56% filled on this ABORTION day - 1 needed at 11a; 1 needed at 12p; 1 needed at 1p; 2 needed at 3p;  and 2 needed at 4p.

Wednesday, 1/15 -  Only 20% filled on this ABORTION day - 2 needed at 8a; 1 needed at 9a; 2 needed at 10a; 2 needed at 11a; 2 needed at 12p; 1 needed at 2p;  2 needed at 3p; 2 needed at 4p;  and 2 needed at 5p.

Thursday, 1/16 - 70% filled - 1 needed at 4p and 2 needed at 5p.

Friday, 1/17 - 100% filled - Praise God!

To sign up for hours go to: www.vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview .

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PRAYER VIGIL IN OBSERVANCE OF ROE V. WADE DECISION

Join Vigil for Life in prayer as we observe the 41st anniversary of the  Roe v. Wade decision.  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!

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PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF MADISON MARKED 10TH ANNIVERSARY 

On January 8, 2014, Planned Parenthood of Madison marked its 10th anniversary as Madison's only abortion mill.  Sadly, business was booming that day.  The parking lot and the waiting room were both packed.  Please sign up for an hour.

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9 DAY NOVENA FOR LIFE

Please join our bishops in a beautiful 9 day novena for life from January 18 - 26, 2014.  To do so go to: 

www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/january-roe-events/nine-days-of-prayer-penance-and-pilgrimage.cfm .

You can sign up to receive the prayers in daily e-mails; on a mobile app; as a printed copy from the web etc.

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MARCH FOR LIFE IN WASHINGTON D.C.

There are still some spots open on the Pro-Life Wisconsin motorcoach going to the 41st annual March for Life January 19-23 in Washington D.C.  Full payment is required to hold a spot.  For details and a registration form, call 262-796-1111 ext. 11.

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MARCH FOR LIFE IN CHICAGO

If you are not able to make it to D.C. yet would still like to take part in a March for Life, there is one being held in Chicago on Sunday, January 19th from 1p - 3p.  It starts at Federal Plaza.  For more information go to: www.illinoisrighttolife.org/UpcomingEvents.htm 

or go to: www.facebook.com/MarchForLifeChicago .

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END OF LIFE ISSUES PRESENTATION

The Janesville Catholic Churches' Respect Life Committee invites you to Holy to the Last: End-of-Life Issues and the Mind of the Church. This informative presentation, by Mother Marie Julie Saegaert, will answer many of the ethical questions Catholics have about their own medical decisions and difficult situations regarding loved ones who are dying. Topics will include: advance medical directives, living wills, assisted nutrition and hydration, extraordinary/ordinary (disproportionate/proportionate) means, principle of double effect, palliative care, and other ethical and religious directives in healthcare. The event will be held Sunday, January 26, 1:30 at St. Patrick School Auditorium in Janesville. It is free and open to the public and refreshments will be served.

The Light of Christ

 O COME LET US ADORE HIM, CHRIST THE LORD!

Today we celebrate The Epiphany of the Lord when the "Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews?  We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." (Matthew 2: 1-2)  The star of Bethlehem gave a great light to help the magi find the One whom they were seeking - the baby named Jesus.  

O my Jesus, the true Light of the World, 

You came to save us.

Help us to be good bearers of Your Light in this world,

So that those who are now in darkness

Will see Your Great Light in us and find You

The One whom we all seek.

Amen.

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STORIES FROM THE SIDEWALK

On Tuesday, Dec. 31st, two of our dedicated Prayer Warriors spoke to a woman as she came out of Planned Parenthood.  The woman was offered some printed information by one of our Prayer Warriors and declined with a, "No thanks."  Then, the other Prayer Warrior said to the woman, "If you're Catholic, I'll give you my rosary."  The woman replied that she was Catholic but that it wasn't necessary for our Prayer Warrior to give her rosary to her.  Our Prayer Warrior said that she wanted to give it to her.  The woman accepted it.  Our Prayer Warrior asked the woman if she knew how to pray the rosary and gave her some information in order that she may do so.  When the woman departed from our Prayer Warriors, they prayed for her faith, for her to never enter Planned Parenthood again and for Planned Parenthood to close soon.

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Isn't that beautiful?  God is so full of surprises.  These two Prayer Warriors were bearers of the Light of Christ to this woman by inviting her back to finding Jesus through the gift of a rosary.  For it is through praying the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary that Mary, our Immaculate Mother, wants to bring us all closer to her Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Please let us know if you are interested in having a few rosaries (with instructions on how to pray the Most Holy Rosary) to hand out to people you encounter on the sidewalk outside of Planned Parenthood (should such an opportunity arise for you) and we will send you a few. (Keep in mind they don't have to be Catholic to be offered a rosary.) Contact us at info@vigilforlife.org.  Handing out rosaries (and instructions on how to pray the Most Holy Rosary) will only strengthen our mission.

Speaking of our mission, please remember to bring Jesus through Mary to the doors of Planned Parenthood with the prayer from American Life League.  To find this prayer go to: www.all.org/upload/2010/08/10/PPprayers2up.pdf  Please print it out and take it with you when you pray outside of Planned Parenthood.  It would be great if you would make it the first prayer you pray upon your arrival to the sidewalk.

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FRIGID TEMPERATURES

We are under a severe Wind Chill Warning until Tuesday, 1/7 at noon (wind chills as cold as - 50 are forecast).  If you are signed up to pray on Monday, 1/6 or Tuesday, 1/7 - please don't feel that you need to stand outside on the sidewalk in these frigid temperatures.  (It certainly would not be safe to be out there for an hour.)  If you do spend time on the sidewalk, be sure to bundle up appropriately and to head back to your vehicle as soon as you feel it is too cold.  Other ideas:  You can park your car across the street from Planned Parenthood and pray in your vehicle or better yet spend some time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament praying for those babies at risk of losing their lives to abortion and for their mothers who are most likely very scared and in crisis.  If you'd rather not venture out, please pray from home.  

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PRAYER VIGIL IN OBSERVANCE OF ROE V. WADE DECISION

Join Vigil for Life in prayer as we observe the 41st anniversary of the  Roe v. Wade decision.  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!

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PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF MADISON 10TH ANNIVERSARY ON JANUARY 8, 2014

On January 8, 2004, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin held the grand opening of the Planned Parenthood abortion mill on Orin Road in Madison. Eight Hundred people were in attendance for that grand opening.  We must pray for all the people who helped fund and build this facility, and for all who worked and who currently work there; for their past and current customers, as well as for all who have died there.  As mentioned above, we must all continue to pray for its closure!

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OPEN HOURS 

Please bring your light to the sidewalk (after the severe Wind Chill Warning has expired) outside Planned Parenthood:

Wednesday, 1/8 - Only 20% filled- 2 needed at 8a; 1 needed at 9a; 1 needed at 10a; 2 needed at 11a; 2 needed at 12p; 2 needed at 1p; 1 needed at 2p; 2 needed at 3p; 1 needed at 4p; 2 needed at 5p and 2 needed at 6p.

Thursday, 1/9 - Just 40% filled -1 needed at 1p; 1 needed at 2p; 1 needed at 3p; 1 needed at 4p; 2 needed at 5p and 2 needed at 6p.

Friday, 1/10 - 100% filled!  Praise God!

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

If you are on Facebook and have not "liked" our page - Vigil for Life - please do so today!