We need you to make coming to the sidewalk part of your Holy Week

We need you to make coming to the sidewalk part of your Holy Week

Some encouraging words from a few current 40 Days for Life Spring Campaigns...

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

“I just found out that a young woman who had an abortion scheduled at Planned Parenthood did not go through with it,” said Nikki, the local 40 Days for Life leader in Pittsburgh.

“She didn’t want an abortion, but finally succumbed to the steady pressure of her boyfriend, made the appointment and went to Planned Parenthood,” she said.

But when this woman saw the volunteers praying, she decided not to do it.

One of the people praying was a priest, who was joined by several members of his parish. “I believe seeing clergy and religious at our vigil sends a powerful statement to reach people’s consciences,” Nikki said. “Thank you to all the pastors who have made the time in their busy schedules to witness at our vigil!”

Tucson, Arizona

Matt in Tucson tells of a woman who parked her car near the prayer volunteers … and got out with a huge smile on her face. At first, she just asked, “What are you doing out here?”

The volunteers said not everyone is aware of this, but the building they’re in front of is an abortion center. “We are praying for everyone going in there today … and for an end to abortion.”

“I actually just came from the clinic,” she said, “and I had a sonogram. I am about eight weeks along and my fiancé doesn’t even know I’m here.” He was very much against the abortion, she said. “I’ve changed my mind now and I’m going to keep the baby!”

The volunteers gave her information about local pregnancy resources and told her to get in touch if they can help in any way.

“This reminded us of the importance of being out there,” Matt said. “Let us continue to pray for her.”
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Stories from the sidewalk

Last week. while on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood in Madison, a man stopped his truck in the middle of the street, rolled down his window and the woman with him yelled out to us, "I chose adoption." Isn't that beautiful? She loved her baby so much that she chose life for her baby and because she didn't feel ready to parent she chose adoption! Adoption is such a courageous and beautiful choice!

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We need your prayerful presence on the sidewalk during this Holy Week!

Tuesday, 3/31 - Just 69% filled on this Abortion Day - 2 needed at 2p; 2 needed at 3p and 1 needed at 4p.

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

Thursday, 4/2 - Just 56% filled on this Abortion Day - 2 needed at 9a; 2 needed at 10a; 1 needed at 3p and 2 needed at 5p.

Friday, 4/3 - 75% filled - 1 needed at 2p.

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

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VIGIL CAPTAIN still needed for 2nd week of each month during 365 for Life campaign. Vigil Captain is responsible for ensuring that vigil hours are filled for assigned week. If interested in volunteering your services for this essential position, please call Gwen Finnegan at (608)393-8545. 

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GOOD FRIDAY STATIONS OF THE CROSS - 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 3 - sidewalk outside of Planned Parenthood, 3706 Orin Rd., Madison - Please join Fr. Richard Heilman and his Knights of Divine Mercy for Stations of the Cross. 

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Prayer for Holy Week

Jesus, my Lord and Savior, please help strengthen my courage by giving me the courage of all those people who have been "centurions" for me. Many have faced disasters and hard times with great faith and constancy. The upper hand of evil never turned them against you. They kept going. Let me be like them, my Lord Jesus. No matter what the cross, let me never stop declaring you to be "truly the Son of God", the One who died to save me from my sins, the source of all my hope, the reason why I will never quit defending life. I pray this in your Most Holy Name. Amen.

Only 50% Filled on Wednesday-An Abortion Day

HOW CAN I REMAIN SILENT?

By: Anna 

Virginia, United States

Twenty-one years ago, I aborted my baby. I knew it was wrong with every fiber of my being. I was 17 years old, a senior in high school and already a teenage mother; my oldest daughter was one year old at the time. I regret every single day what I did to my baby and wish every day I could take it back, but I cannot. 

Unlike some, I grew up in a Christian home, raised to know better, yet, I did it anyway; I was afraid. I was afraid of the reaction of my family and friends for putting myself in this predicament once again. I was afraid of my child’s father because, when I was pregnant with my first child, he became abusive. He was adamant about not having the baby. He drove me to the clinic and paid for everything. I remembering feeling alone, and I just wanted him to say everything would be fine if I kept the baby. 

Everything about that day seems like a blur, but I remember the exact location, the room, the sound of that awful machine that sucked my baby away, and the silence I endured within afterwards because I felt I had no one to turn to. I felt so empty and sad, left to deal with my own self-torture. 

This past year I received the healing I refused for so long by attending a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat, and if I can help heal another’s wound by letting them know about my baby, my faults and the Power in the Blood of Jesus, then how can remain silent? 

Today I speak publicly for the first time about my daughter, who I named Jesse Grace. It is not easy because I hate what I did to her. If I could have only been stronger back then, she would be here now. I am sure any anger and sadness that may have occurred would have subsided by now because it has been 21 years! 

I function because I know she resides in My Father’s loving arms, and I have the Hope in my heart that eagerly waits for the day I finally get to meet her and hold her myself. Therefore, until that day I will remain Silent No More in Jesse’s honor, always.

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Will you come to the sidewalk this week to help save a young woman from years of pain and regret? 

OPEN HOURS

Tuesday, 3/24 - 94% filled - 1 needed at 2p.

Wednesday, 3/25 - The Annunciation of the Lord - Only 50% filled on this ABORTION DAY! 2 needed at 11a; 2 needed at 12p; 2 needed at 1p; 2 needed at 4p and 2 needed at 5p.

Thursday, 3/26 - Just 78% filled on this busy day! 1 needed at 9a; 1 needed at 10a; 1 needed at 11a and 1 needed at 12p.

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

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VIGIL CAPTAIN still needed for 2nd week of each month during 365 for Life campaign. Vigil Captain is responsible for ensuring that vigil hours are filled for assigned week. If interested in volunteering your services for this essential position, please call Gwen Finnegan at (608)393-8545. 

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Many schools have spring break this week. If you are not going out of town - please bring your children with you to the sidewalk this week to be a light in the darkness! To sign up for hours go to: vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview

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GOOD FRIDAY STATIONS OF THE CROSS - 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 3 - sidewalk outside of Planned Parenthood, 3706 Orin Rd., Madison - Please join Fr. Richard Heilman and his Knights of Divine Mercy for Stations of the Cross.

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PLANNED PARENTHOOD EMPLOYEE PHONE CALL REVEALS PLANNED PARENTHOOD'S DISHONESTY TO ITS OWN WORKERS 

for full article go to: liveactionnews.org/clinic-workers-phone-call-reveals-plann…/

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Come to the sidewalk this week and pray for the Planned Parenthood workers' hearts to soften and to take that courageous step to leave Planned Parenthood! To sign up for hours go to: vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview

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Prayer for Abortionists and Their Staffs

- by Jean M. Heimann

Lord, we lift up to you all abortionists and their staffs, including all technicians, nurses, receptionists, counselors, chaplains, and all who are employed or voluntarily assisting with the killing of the unborn in any way. We place each one of them in the innermost recessess of Your Sacred Heart -- Your Heart of Mercy, compassion and love for all Your children.

We pray that they will accept the supernatural graces that You give them this day to renounce the horrific killing of Your children; the psychological, physical, and spiritual harm they are doing to the women through their actions; and the tremendous spiritual, physical and psychological harm they are doing to themselves.

Give them an abundance of courage and strength and the desire to say "no" to murder and to escape the culture of death and the constant torment and resentment that they experience in their lives.

As they approach You, encourage them to draw nearer, remove the veil that covers their eyes and blinds them to the truth. Pour out Your tender, loving mercy upon them that they will see the truth, the reality, and the consequences of their actions. Draw them into the light of Your love and penetrate their souls with the light of truth, the light of Your knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.

We pray this in the holy name of Jesus, through the intercession of our Blessed Virgin Mary.

For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on them and on the whole world.

St. Gianna Beretta Molla, pray for them.
Blessed Anna Maria Taige, pray for them.
Pope John Paul, the Great, pray for them.

Will you help fill 6 hours this Thursday?

"America needs no words from me to see how your decision in Roe v. Wade has deformed a great nation. The so-called right to abortion has pitted mothers against their children and women against men. It has sown violence and discord at the heart of the most intimate human relationships. It has aggravated the derogation of the father's role in an increasingly fatherless society. It has portrayed the greatest of gifts -- a child -- as a competitor, an intrusion, and an inconvenience. It has nominally accorded mothers unfettered dominion over the independent lives of their physically dependent sons and daughters" 

"And, in granting this unconscionable power, it has exposed many women to unjust and selfish demands from their husbands or other sexual partners. Human rights are not a privilege conferred by government. They are every human being's entitlement by virtue of his humanity. The right to life does not depend, and must not be declared to be contingent, on the pleasure of anyone else, not even a parent or a sovereign." 

~ Bl. Mother Teresa ~ 

OPEN HOURS

Wednesday, 3/18 - 85% filled on this Abortion Day - 2 needed at 11a and 1 needed at 4p.

Thursday, 3/19 - Only 67% filled on this busy day at Planned Parenthood - 1 needed at 9a; 2 needed at 10a; 1 needed at 11a and 2 needed at 12p.

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

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 VIGIL CAPTAIN needed for 2nd week of each month during 365 for Life campaign.  Vigil Captain is responsible for ensuring that vigil hours are filled for assigned week.  If interested in volunteering your services for this essential position, please call Gwen Finnegan at (608)393-8545.

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 Special showing of "God's Not Dead" sponsored by the St. Joseph Parish (Baraboo) SALT Ministry team.  The showing will be at the the historic Al Ringling Theatre on Sunday, March 22, 2015 at 3 p.m. There will be no charge for the movie although free will offerings will be accepted to help support the Women's Care Center in Madison.

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 GOOD FRIDAY STATIONS OF THE CROSS - 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 3 - sidewalk outside of Planned Parenthood, 3706 Orin Rd., Madison - Please join Fr. Richard Heilman and his Knights of Divine Mercy for Stations of the Cross.

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O Mary, Mother of Jesus and Mother of us all, we turn to you today as the one who said "Yes" to Life. "You will conceive and bear a Son," the angel told you. Despite the surprise and the uncertainty about how this could be, you said yes. "Be it done unto me according to your word."

Mary, we pray today for all mothers who are afraid to be mothers. We pray for those who feel threatened and overwhelmed by their pregnancy. Please intercede for them, that God may give them the grace to say yes and the courage to go on. May they have the grace to reject the false solution of abortion. May they say with you, "Be it done unto me according to your word." May they experience the help of Christian people, and know the peace that comes from doing God's will. 

Amen. 

Make an extra Lenten sacrifice for Jesus this week - Pray to end abortion as you witness outside Planned Parenthood!

"Our final destiny is heaven - not the grave!  This means that the power of abortion - which takes more life than anything else - has also been broken.  Our pro-life movement does not simply work for victory - we work from victory!  Victory is our starting point.  We joyfully proclaim to the world that Christ is Risen, and that for this reason, we must choose life.

We then work to apply that victory to every sector of society.

The labor is intense and the obstacles many.  But we do not cower before the culture of death and wonder how we will ever overcome it.  Rather, we stand before it with victorious confidence and declare:

"Begone! You have no room here! No place here! No further authority to menace the human family!"

"Your kingdom has been conquered and Christ reigns supreme!"

Excerpt from "Keep the Fire Burning" by Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life

Looking for an extra Lenten sacrifice to make for our Lord Jesus?  Look no further!  We have lots of open hours this week!

OPEN HOURS

Tuesday, 3/10 - 75% filled on this Abortion Day - 2 needed at 3p and 2 needed at 4p.

Wednesday, 3/11 - Only 45% filled in this Abortion Day - 1 needed at 8a; 1 needed at 9a; 1 needed at 10a; 2 needed at 11a; 2 needed at 1p; 1 needed at 2p; 2 needed at 3p and 1 needed at 4p.

Thursday, 3/12 - Only 44% filled on this busy day at Planned Parenthood - 2 needed at 9a; 2 needed at 10a; 1 needed at 11a; 1 needed at 12p; 1 needed at 3p; 1 needed at 4p and 2 needed at 5p.

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

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 VIGIL CAPTAIN needed for 2nd week of each month during 365 for Life campaign.  Vigil Captain is responsible for ensuring that vigil hours are filled for assigned week.  If interested in volunteering your services for this essential position, please call Gwen Finnegan at (608)393-8545.

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 Special showing of "God's Not Dead" sponsored by the St. Joseph Parish (Baraboo) SALT Ministry team.  The showing will be at the the historic Al Ringling Theatre on Sunday, March 22, 2015 at 3 p.m. There will be no charge for the movie although free will offerings will be accepted to help support the Women's Care Center in Madison.

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Lord, we are yours.  Thank you for breathing into us the breath of life.  Thank you for claiming us as your own.  May our words and actions in defense of human life proclaim to all the world that you alone are Lord of life and death, Lord of our freedom and of our choices.  We pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

By: Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life

We need You on the sidewalk this week!

Cardinal Sean O'Malley in his homily at this year's Mass for Life at the March for Life explained the need for pro-lifers to embrace a love-based approach:

“We shall overcome the indifference only by love. A love that will allow us to see in every unborn child a precious gift, a fellow human being.”

“Christ has given us the formula for joy in the Gospel. We must learn to look on people with love. An attitude of judgmental self righteousness is not going to change peoples’ attitudes and save babies.”

“To change people’s hearts we must love them and they must realize that we care about them. They need the witness of our love and our joy. To evangelize is to be a messenger of joy, of good news.”

“We must work tirelessly to change the unjust laws, but we must work even harder to change hearts, to build a civilization of love. Solidarity and community are the antidotes to the individualism and alienation that lead people on the path of abortion and euthanasia.”

OPEN HOURS

Monday, 3/2 - 75% filled - 1 person needed at 10a.

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

Wednesday, 3/4 - Only 25% filled on this Abortion Day - 1 needed at 8a; 1 needed at 9a; 2 needed at 10a; 1 needed at 11a; 2 needed at 12p; 2 needed at 3p and 2 needed at 4p.

Thursday, 3/5 - Just 50% filled on this busy day at Planned Parenthood - 2 needed at 9a; 2 needed at 10a; 1 needed at 11a; 2 needed at 12p; 1 needed at 3p and 1 needed at 5p.

Friday, 3/6 - Just 50% filled - 2 needed at 2p.

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

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Reminder to all Prayer Warriors and Sidewalk Counselors

1. If another Prayer Warrior or Sidewalk Counselor is engaged in a conversation with a person going into or coming out of Planned Parenthood, please do not interrupt or join in the conversation unless you are invited to do so.

2. If people going into or coming out of Planned Parenthood yell at you or say unkind things when not in a conversation with you, please remember to "turn the other cheek". Truly, it is best not to respond at all; not even to say, "We are praying for you." Any response at all usually only increases their anger. Please pray for them silently however no need to yell it out to them.

3. Remember that this is a mission of love. As Cardinal O' Malley said - “To change people’s hearts we must love them and they must realize that we care about them. They need the witness of our love and our joy. To evangelize is to be a messenger of joy, of good news.”

4. We are on the sidewalk to help those who are lost and/or hurting. Be friendly and caring! As St. Paul said, we must "put on love" before coming to the sidewalk!

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VIGIL CAPTAIN needed for 2nd week of each month during 365 for Life campaign. Vigil Captain is responsible for ensuring that vigil hours are filled for assigned week. If interested in volunteering your services for this essential position, please call Gwen Finnegan at (608)393-8545.

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A movie, “The Drop Box” will be showing in Madison on March 3,4,5 at Point Cinemas 16, 7825 Big Sky Drive and East gate Cinemas, 5202 High Crossing Blvd. The movie is about Pastor Lee Jong-rak of South Korea. He, knowing many babies were just abandoned and left to die, created a Drop Box at his home where unwanted babies could be dropped off. Since 2009, 652 babies have been dropped off which he has helped survive. You can get more information at <http://www.fathomevents.com/event/the-drop-box>http://www.fathomevents.com/event/the-drop-box.

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Special showing of "God's Not Dead" sponsored by the St. Joseph Parish (Baraboo) SALT Ministry team. The showing will be at the the historic Al Ringling Theatre on Sunday, March 22, 2015 at 3 p.m. There will be no charge for the movie although free will offerings will be accepted to help support the Women's Care Center in Madison.
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Prayer for Life

O God, our Creator, all life is in your hands from conception until natural death. Help us to cherish our children and to reverence the awesome privilege of our share in creation. May all people live and die in dignity and love. Bless all those who defend the rights of the unborn, the handicapped and the aged. Enlighten and be merciful toward those who fail to love, and give them peace. Let freedom be tempered by responsibility, integrity and morality. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.