40 Days for Life this week: Unfilled hours

"Never underestimate what God can do when we just do the basics.  We can show up in spite of the busyness of our lives.  We can take an hour or a few hours once or twice a week during a 40 Days for Life Campaign to go out and pray.  We could easily list a hundred other things we could be doing due to our many other important obligations or due to any of the other responsibilities that constrain us every single day.  But we choose to stand for life for a few precious hours.

That's not an act that requires heroics.  The hundreds of thousands who have taken the step to volunteer discover that it really takes only a small effort to do a huge thing - to stand and pray as a witness to someone whose whole world is crashing down on them to the extent that they feel abortion is their only option.

And though our part is small, we must never downplay God's huge part - that he uses our presence to demonstrate his love.  God can get inside these abortion facilities.  He can speak to the hearts and minds of those who have come for abortions, as well as of those who work there.  We can't know their backgrounds - but he does.  We don't know the situations surrounding their pregnancies - but he does!"

Shawn Carney from the book 40 Days for Life - Discover what God has done...Imagine what He can do by: David Bereit & Shawn Carney with Cindy Lambert pp. 96-97

OPEN HOURS

Sundays (10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2) - 2 needed at 12a; 2 needed at 1a; 2 needed at 6a; 2 needed at 7a; 2 needed at 8a; 2 needed at 9a; 1 needed at 9p and 1 needed at 11p.


Mondays (9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27) - 1 needed at 12a; 2 needed at 1a; 2 needed at 2a; 1 needed at 3a; 2 needed at 5a; 2 needed at 7a; 2 needed at 2p; 2 needed at 7p; 2 needed at 9p and 2 needed at 11p.

Tuesdays (9/30, 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 20/28) - 2 needed at 1a.

Wednesdays (10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29) - 2 needed at 12a; 1 needed at 2a; 1 needed at 3a and 1 needed at 3p.

Thursdays (10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30) - 1 needed at 12a; 1 needed at 1a; 2 needed at 6a; 2 needed at 7a; 2 needed at 8a; 1 needed at 9a; 1 needed at 10a; 1 needed at 11a and 2 needed at 6p.

Fridays (10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31) - 1 needed at 6a; 1 needed at 7a; 2 needed at 8a; 2 needed at 9a; 1 needed at 11a; 2 needed at 12p and 1 needed at 2p.

Saturdays (10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1) - 2 needed at 1a; 2 needed at 2a; 2 needed at 3a; 2 needed at 4a; 2 needed at 5a; 1 needed at 6a; 2 needed at 11a; 1 needed at 1p; 2 needed at 6p; 1 needed at 7p and 1 needed at 9p.

Please sign up for an open hour (especially if you have not signed up yet), come to the sidewalk and "just do the basics" and see what God does.

For life!!

OPEN VIGIL HOURS IN OUR 24/7 40 DAYS FOR LIFE CAMPAIGN

"Ask God to help you understand the true cost of fifty-four million children - that's just in America - who have perished under the so-called banner of choice.  Think about the women whose hearts have been wounded by abortion and those at risk of making a decision for abortion - the worst decision in their lives."

- David Bereit from 40 Days for Life my David Bereit and Shawn Carney (with Cindy Lambert) - pg. 250

The above quoted book was released in 2013.  Sadly, the number of total abortions in America today is in the area of 57 million!

We have some open vigil hours for this weekend.  Please prayerfully consider filling one or more of these hours.  Ask God to help you understand the true cost of losing fifty-seven million children to abortion.

Saturday, 9/27 - 1 needed at 2 a.m., 1 needed at 3 a.m., 1 needed at 4 a.m., 1 needed at 7 p.m., 1 needed at 8 p.m. and 2 needed at 9 p.m.

Sunday, 9/28 - 1 needed at 12 a.m., 1 needed at 1 a.m., 1 needed at 2 a.m., 1 needed at 3 a.m., 2 needed at 6 a.m., 1 needed at 7 a.m., 1 needed at 8 a.m., 2 needed at 9 a.m., 1 needed at 9 p.m. and 1 needed at 11 p.m.

May God bless our work on the sidewalk during this 40 Days for Life campaign,

Gwen

Don't miss 40 DFL kick-off event with Shawn Carney!

Don't miss our 40 Days for Life Kick-off event tomorrow (Weds., 9/24) night at 7p at the Bishop O'Connor Center in Madison!  Shawn Carney will be our keynote speaker.  Shawn is one of the most sought after Pro-Life speakers in America.  We are blessed that he will be with us to kick-off our 40 Days for Life campaign!

Prayer Countdown: 2 Days to 40 Days for Life!

Let us prepare ourselves in prayer for the start of 40 Days for Life
(in 2 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.

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 for ever.

Amen.

Prayer Countdown: 3 Days to 40 Days for Life!

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.

Amen.

Prayer Countdown: 4 Days to 40 Days for Life!

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 THEY 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.

Prayer Countdown: 5 Days to 40 Days for Life!

Prayer Countdown: 5 Days to 40 Days for Life!

Let us prepare ourselves in prayer for the start of 40 Days for Life (in 5 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.

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.

Prayer Countdown: 6 Days to 40 Days for Life!

Prayer Countdown: 6 Days to 40 Days for Life!

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.

Prayer Countdown: 7 Days to 40 Days for Life!

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.

UNFILLED hours on ABORTION DAYS still this week

We still have some open hours to fill this week:

Tuesday, 9/16 - an Abortion Day - 1 needed at 1p.

Wednesday, 9/17 - only 50% filled on this Abortion Day - 1 needed at 10a; 1 needed at 11a; 2 needed at 12p; 1 needed at 2p; 2 needed at 3p; 2 needed at 4p and 1 needed at 5p.

Thursday, 9/18 - 2 needed at 5p.

Whatever you can do to fill these open hours will be so appreciated!  We really need to have a strong presence outside of Planned Parenthood especially on the Abortion Days.

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

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40 Days for Life Prayer

Heavenly Father, You have given us a gracious gift, an opportunity to serve You and those You have said are so precious to You, the smallest of little children, the preborn babies. We pray that You will bless our efforts to set aside 40 Days across our nation for fasting, prayer and 24-hour vigil.

Father, pour down Your blessings and grace on us today and give us all that we need to do Your will. Grant us the wisdom, the fortitude & love to plan & carry out this life renewing program in our state. Touch the hearts of those with the talents and resources we need, and grant them courage to step forward to be a part of these 40 Days for Life.

Bless our efforts, Lord, and let them bring peace to our communities and a renewed reverence for all life, most particularly a commitment to defending our preborn brothers and sisters, the handicapped, the abused and neglected and the elderly. Use our humble efforts to save the lives of preborn babies, to transform broken hearts and to bring those who work in our abortion centers to renewed life through repentance.
 
Living God, creator of all Life, let these vigils become an offering to You from the residents of our city, state and nation, glorifying You and bearing witness to Your intimate and sacred presence in the life of every human being You create. We ask all of this in the Name of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Prayer Countdown: 9 Days to 40 Days for Life

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 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.

40 Days for Life Co-founder Shawn Carney to Speak at Our Campaign Kickoff, Wednesday, Sept. 24

Dear Friends of Life,

I’ve got some exciting news to share with you today! 40 Days for Life Co-founder Shawn Carney will join us from Texas to speak at our campaign kickoff on Wednesday, September 24 at 7 p.m. at the Bishop O’Connor Center in Madison (702 S. High Point Drive).

Shawn is one of the most compelling, most inspirational pro-life speakers in the country so please mark your calendars and make sure to join us for a very special evening. In fact, I’m so confident that a strong kickoff event can make this fall’s 40 Days for Life campaign one of the most impactful yet, that I want to ask for your help. Would you please help us TODAY by:

1.       Marking your calendar and planning to attend the Fall 2014 40 Days for Life kickoff event with special guest Shawn Carney

2.       Inviting at least two new friends or family members to attend?

3.       RSVPing to this event on Facebook—Please also “like” this event, share it, and invite your Facebook friends to it: www.facebook.com/events/1622031961356397/

4.       Forwarding this email to your pro-life friends and family members

5.       Submitting this bulletin announcement to your church:

The Fall 2014 40 Days for Life campaign--40 days of prayer, fasting and peaceful witness in front of Planned Parenthood for an end to abortion--begins Wednesday, September 24 and runs until Sunday, November 2. Join us to kick-off  our life-saving campaign with world-renowned speaker Shawn Carney, the National Campaign Director for 40 Days for Life, on Wednesday, September 24 at the Bishop O'Connor Center in Madison (702 S. High Point Drive) at 7:00 p.m. 

Thank you in advance for joining us for this special event and for helping us invite others to hear Shawn’s life-affirming message!

In Christ's Peace,

Gwen

Vigil hours are UNFILLED on ABORTION DAYS

"Thus says the Lord: 

You, son of man, I have appointed watchman for the house of Israel;

when you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me.  

If I tell the wicked, "O wicked one, you shall surely die," and you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from his way, the wicked shall die for his guilt,

but I will hold you responsible for his death.

But if you warn the wicked,

trying to turn from his way,

and he refuses to turn from his way,

he shall die for his guilt,

but you shall save yourself." (Ezekiel 33:7-9)

Today's first reading from Ezekiel sends a stern message - You shall warn them for me or be held responsible for another's death.  Vigil for Life Prayer Warriors (and Sidewalk Counselors) can easily be equated to the "watchman" appointed for the house of Israel.  With our peaceful, prayerful witness, we are warning others of the evil that is Planned Parenthood.  Of course, we do this out of love for our neighbor.  As St. Paul said in today's second reading, "Love does no evil to the neighbor..."  (Romans 13:10)  Let us continue to expose the evil that is Planned Parenthood by warning our neighbors out of love with our peaceful and prayerful presence.  Your help is needed to fill up open vigil hours this week.

OPEN HOURS

Tuesday, 9/9 - Just 75% filled on this Abortion Day; 1 needed at 1p; 1 needed at 2p; 1 needed at 3p and 1 needed at 4p.

Wednesday, 9/10 - Only 45% filled on this Abortion Day; 1 needed at 8a; 2 needed at 9a; 2 needed at 10a; 1 needed at 12p; 1 needed at 1p; 2 needed at 2p; 2 needed at 3p.

Thursday, 9/11 - 70% filled; 1 needed at 4p and 2 needed at 5p.

Friday, 9/12 - 75% filled; 1 needed at 2p.

       

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

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VIGIL FOR LIFE - MADISON - 40 DAYS FOR LIFE FALL CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED!

It's time to start planning for our fall 2014 40 Days for Life campaign! 

(It runs from 10 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 until 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2014.)

Thank you to those of you who have already volunteered your time and talent for the campaign.  For those of you who have not discerned where your time and talent can best be used - we still have the following volunteer opportunities available:

1.  Volunteer Caller - Personally invite past participants to join this year's 40 Days for Life.

2.  Vigil Captain - Watch the vigil calendar throughout the week leading up to your chosen one day of the week to ensure that each hour is covered.

3.  Outreach - Personally invite other churches and organizations that are not currently participating in 40 Days for Life.

4.  Emergency Prayer Warrior - Give availability to cover hours either during the day or night to be called upon only after all other coverage options have been exhausted.

5. Parish Liaison - Sign your parish up to take part in the campaign.

To sign up for the above positions in support of this fall's 40 Days for Life campaign or to sign up for your own 40 Days for Life vigil hours - please call Gwen Finnegan at (608)393-8545 or e-mail her at info@vigilforlife.org.

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NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR ABORTED CHILDREN MEMORIAL SERVICES

Gravesite of an Aborted Baby

St. Michael Church

109 South Military Road

Dane, WI 53529

Day of Remembrance: Saturday, September 13 at 10:00 a.m.

Special Guest: Deacon Jack Fernan

Other Info: Gravesite is located to the right of the outdoor Fatima Shrine between the church and school.

Sponsored by: Vigil for Life Madison

Gravesite of 1,500 Aborted Babies

Holy Cross Cemetery

7301 W Nash Street

Milwaukee, WI 53216

Day of Remembrance: Saturday, September 13 at 1:30 p.m.

Special Guest: His Excellency Bishop Donald Hying

Other Info: Gravesite is in the Children's Section of the cemetery. For more info, contact Pro-Life Wisconsin at 262-796-1111.

Sponsored by: Pro-Life Wisconsin

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PRO-LIFE/PRO-FAMILY PICNIC

WHEN: Sunday, September 14 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: St. Dennis Catholic Church in Madison, WI - Event will be outdoors.  If the weather is inclement, it will be in the school gym & cafeteria.

Come out to celebrate life and the family!  VFL will provide beverages, hamburgers and hot dogs (until they run out). Please bring a side dish or dessert to share.  Yard games will be available and potato sack races will be held for both the young and young-at-heart.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE KICK-OFF EVENT

The 2014 40 Days for Life, Madison campaign will kick off on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 with a special guest appearance by Shawn Carney.  Shawn is the National Campaign Director for 40 Days for Life.  He began as a volunteer in the pro-life movement while still in college. During this time he helped to lead the first-ever local 40 Days for Life campaign. After graduating from college, Shawn was asked to serve as the Executive Director of the Coalition for Life, a local pro-life organization in Texas made up of more than 60 churches. From its beginning, Shawn has been instrumental in growing 40 Days for Life nationally and then internationally.

Shawn is a regular media spokesperson and his work has been featured on hundreds of outlets including Fox News’ The O’Reilly Factor, The Laura Ingraham Show, The Drudge Report, The Guardian, USA Today, and Christian media including The Christian Post, National Catholic Register, Sirius XM Catholic Radio, EWTN Radio, and Focus on the Family.

Shawn is one of the most sought-after pro-life speakers, addressing audiences coast-to-coast and internationally. He has executive produced award-winning pro-life documentaries, and is co-author of the #1 Top Rated Christian book: 40 Days for Life: Discover What God Has Done … Imagine What He Can Do. Shawn lives in Texas with his wife and five children.

This kick-off event will be held on Wednesday, September 24 at 7p.m. at  the Bishop O'Connor Center.    Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

The Madison 40 Days for Life campaign will begin its 24/7 prayer vigil coverage starting at 10 p.m. following this kick-off event.

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Prayer of Love and Life

By: Rev. James H. Murray

Dear Lord, through Your Apostle, St. Paul, 

You've taught us that there are three great virtues, Faith, Hope and Love, 

but the greatest of all is Love. 

Help me to understand that in order to love You and to love my neightbor, 

I must be alive. Father, help me to value my life, and all life, and give me courage to respect, defend, and, if necessary, die to protect the right of everyone to live as You will them to.

Amen.

OPEN HOUR on Wednesday, 9/3/14--an ABORTION DAY

Thank you to all who have signed up for hours this week!  You are living out Sunday's Gospel reading from Matthew 16:24: Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me."  

We have one hour left to fill for this week.

OPEN HOUR 

Wednesday, 9/3/14 - 1 needed at 5 p.m.

All other hours for the week are filled!  Praise God!

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

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VIGIL FOR LIFE - MADISON - 40 DAYS FOR LIFE FALL CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED!

It's time to start planning for our fall 2014 40 Days for Life campaign! 

(It runs from 10 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 until 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2014.)

Thank you to those of you who have already volunteered your time and talent for the campaign.  For those of you who have not discerned where your time and talent can best be used - we still have the following volunteer opportunities available:

1.  Volunteer Caller - Personally invite past participants to join this year's 40 Days for Life.

2.  Vigil Captain - Watch the vigil calendar throughout the week leading up to your chosen one day of the week to ensure that each hour is covered.

3.  Outreach - Personally invite other churches and organizations that are not currently participating in 40 Days for Life.

4.  Emergency Prayer Warrior - Give availability to cover hours either during the day or night to be called upon only after all other coverage options have been exhausted.

5. Parish Liaison - Sign your parish up to take part in the campaign.

To sign up for the above positions in support of this fall's 40 Days for Life campaign or to sign up for your own 40 Days for Life vigil hours - please call Gwen Finnegan at (608)393-8545 or e-mail her at info@vigilforlife.org.

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NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR ABORTED CHILDREN MEMORIAL SERVICES

Gravesite of an Aborted Baby

St. Michael Church

109 South Military Road

Dane, WI 53529

Day of Remembrance: Saturday, September 13 at 10:00 a.m.

Special Guest: Deacon Jack Fernan

Other Info: Gravesite is located to the right of the outdoor Fatima Shrine between the church and school.

Sponsored by: Vigil for Life Madison

  

Gravesite of 1,500 Aborted Babies

Holy Cross Cemetery

7301 W Nash Street

Milwaukee, WI 53216

Day of Remembrance: Saturday, September 13 at 1:30 p.m.

Special Guest: His Excellency Bishop Donald Hying

Other Info: Gravesite is in the Children's Section of the cemetery. For more info, contact Pro-Life Wisconsin at 262-796-1111.

Sponsored by: Pro-Life Wisconsin

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PRO-LIFE/PRO-FAMILY PICNIC

WHEN: Sunday, September 14 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: St. Dennis Catholic Church in Madison, WI - Event will be outdoors.  If the weather is inclement, it will be in the school gym & cafeteria.

Come out to celebrate life and the family!  VFL will provide beverages, hamburgers and hot dogs (until they run out). Please bring a side dish or dessert to share.  Yard games will be available and potato sack races will be held for both the young and young-at-heart.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

40 DAYS FOR LIFE KICK-OFF EVENT

The 2014 40 Days for Life, Madison campaign will kick off on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 with a special guest appearance by Shawn Carney.  Shawn is the National Campaign Director for 40 Days for Life.  He began as a volunteer in the pro-life movement while still in college. During this time he helped to lead the first-ever local 40 Days for Life campaign. After graduating from college, Shawn was asked to serve as the Executive Director of the Coalition for Life, a local pro-life organization in Texas made up of more than 60 churches. From its beginning, Shawn has been instrumental in growing 40 Days for Life nationally and then internationally.

Shawn is a regular media spokesperson and his work has been featured on hundreds of outlets including Fox News’ The O’Reilly Factor, The Laura Ingraham Show, The Drudge Report, The Guardian, USA Today, and Christian media including The Christian Post, National Catholic Register, Sirius XM Catholic Radio, EWTN Radio, and Focus on the Family.

Shawn is one of the most sought-after pro-life speakers, addressing audiences coast-to-coast and internationally. He has executive produced award-winning pro-life documentaries, and is co-author of the #1 Top Rated Christian book: 40 Days for Life: Discover What God Has Done … Imagine What He Can Do. Shawn lives in Texas with his wife and five children.

This kick-off event will be held on Wednesday, September 24 at 7p.m. at  the Bishop O'Connor Center.      Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

The Madison 40 Days for Life campaign will begin its 24/7 prayer vigil coverage starting at 10 p.m. following this kick-off event.

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March  For Life Pilgrimage to Washington DC  departing by bus from St. Mary's Elm Grove January 20-24. Includes 2 nights hotel stay ( 4 to a room). $300 per person covers room and bus. Anyone under 18 must beaccompanied by a chaperoned .Reservation with full payment due by Nov.1 or at capacity. For further information  and to register call 262-796-1111 or visit ProLifeWisconsin.org

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To Our Lord Jesus Christ, from Conception to the Day of His Birth

Seed of Abraham: From Your first moment of existence, I adore You. You were no less God before conception Nor less a man thereafter.

Sublime Christ Cell: Enshrined two hours in the body of the Virgin, I adore You. Your supernatural indwellling Sanctified all child-bearing for all time.

Evolving God-Man:Three days in Your Mother's womb gestating, I adore You. As You grow in space organically, Your glory fills both the Heavens and the Earth.

Rare Pristine Beauty: Four weeks evolving a cluster of living cells. I adore You. Wtih Your Mother in deep contemplation I ponder the mystery of Your Incarnation.

Ancient Word Wisdom: Five fortnights dormant in Your cradle of flesh, I adore You. Mary, full of grace, sustains God within: The creature Mother bears her own Creator.

Savior of Mankind: Approaching six months, viable, immaculate. I adore You. You took compassion on frail, human matter, To give it the dignity of immortaility.

True Root of Jesse: Seven full moons in the sanctuary of the womb, I adore You. Rejoice, Israel, for Mary has foretold: "All generations shall call me blessed."

Thou, Son of David, For eight months sheltered in humble pregnancy, I adore You. The woman heavy with Child now Turns to Joseph in urgent expectation.

Jesus, Judge and King, You come in the fullness of time as a Sacrament of Hope through Sion's beloved daughter. I adore You. You come to shed Light in darkness, To bring judgment and Life in abundance.

...and the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us...and we saw His glory and His truth in the Gospels, in History, in the Church, the People of God, and in His anointed Priests from age to age.

---Martin S. Rath, OSB., St. John's Abbey, Collegeville MN 56321