Hello, November 5, 2008
You are probably wondering what happened after 40 Days was over. Well, we had a wonderful Victory Celebration at Our Lady of Victory.
(Check-out Lee's blog at http://www.backpew)..blogspot.com It was good to meet the people who came out to pray at the vigil and that supported the campaign in many different ways.
In case you haven't heard by now, let me tell you some of the National and local information.
National:
* A 179 cities participated in the Fall 08 campaign
* Over 10,000 people from all of the campaigns
* Latest number of babies officially reported to have being saved: 520!!! - Thanks be to God!!!
In Rochester:
* We had people participating at the vigil from 37 different Churches in our area - including from Canandaigua, Genesseo, and Caledonia to name some of the outlying areas!
* Over 250 people in our campaign!!!
* We had 4 babies saved here in Rochester, possibly 6!
So, is this it? Are we done?
Well, our original goal for the 40 Days for Life was (and still is) to have a stop of all abortions at 114 University Ave. We still haven't reached that goal. We've also heard from numerous people who want to continue to pray at the vigil site. We are hoping to organize any volunteers who want to continue standing for life by enabling a calendar and other tools to make these efforts as efficient as possible and effective. So, I have two questions for each of you and I hope you will answer:
1) Are you interested in continuing with prayer at the vigil site? We are thinking that at a minimum, to have a presence on Tuesdays and Thursdays which seem to be the current killing days at Planned Parenthood.
2) Are you interested in continuing to receive emails from me in this distribution list? There are many pro-life activities and events that are taking place and we would like to keep you informed.
Please, let me know the answers to those questions and if you have any other ideas or suggestions. Our 40 Days for Life organizing team is planning to meet this Monday at Focus Pregnancy Help Center at 86 University Ave at 6:30pm to wrap up the campaign and to plan ahead. Join us if you are able and interested in participating!
Reminders - Upcoming events:
Fr. Dennis Wilde from Priests for Life here in Rochester - This Friday, November 7th, at St. Theodore's Church, 168 Spencerport Rd, 6:30pm. On Saturday, Nov. 8th at 10AM - Rosary in front of Planned Parenthood - 114 University AVe. and then he will celebrate Mass at Focus Pregnancy Help Center, 86 University Ave. at noon (Bring and appetizer or dessert, we'll provide the beverages). Then, he will be saying the homilies at all the Masses at St. Stanislaus Church, 1124 Hudson Ave.
Thanks and God Bless,
Jose
http://backpew.blogspot.com/
40 Days for Life Continues
At least four abortions averted in Rochester.
That's the official tally as the 40 Days for Life campaign concluded November 2. And who knows how many other hearts and minds were changed?
But while the official portion of the 40 Days for Life campaign in Rochester ended yesterday, it was made clear at the "victory celebration" that the campaign will continue in other ways.
As local campaign coordinator Jose Rivera said to the more than 40 people at the celebration, Planned Parenthood may think that the effort is over, but the message is, "We're here. We mean business. We want you to stop."
The goal is, he said, "no more abortions at 114 University Avenue."
At the celebration at Our Lady of the America's Church, Rivera played a recording from the national chairman David Bereit. He reported more than 10,000 people took part in campaigns in 179 cities - with more than 450 babies saved.
"This work is merely coming to a new beginning, " Bereit declared.
In Rochester, some 250 people from 37 churches were involved in the campaign. Some of those people had not been involved in pro-life efforts of this sort before, but not want to remain involved.
Plans are already underway for the campaign to continue unofficially with volunteers signing up to provide a prayer presence at Planned Parenthood at least on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while some individuals will be continuing on their own on other days.
In addition, there was talk of a monthly prayer procession through downtown Rochester similar to the one that marked the midpoint of the campaign.
Rivera said the committee that oversaw the Rochester campaign will continue to meet to keep up the efforts, and to prepare for the spring campaign.
"I believe this is the beginning of the end of abortion in America," he said.
http://backpew.blogspot.com/
40 Days for Life - Day 39
I went down to Planned Parenthood in Rochester this morning to help out with the 40 Days for Life campaign on this, the second last day.
The calendar said only one person had signed up for a particular hour. I wanted to join that person so he or she would not be alone. But when I arrived, there were 7 people praying - some from the previous shift, and some arriving like me without having signed up to take part. A few left, others remained. At all times we had at least 5 people.
We prayed, and offered literature and help to everyone driving into and out of the Planned Parenthood parking lot. Having read this week about a beatified Secular Franciscan who worked wonders just by making the sign of the cross, I blessed every vehicle going in and out with a sign of the cross. I placed them in God's hands.
We got a number of positive responses from people - honking horns, and giving thumbs up and waves. A few people vented their pain - a couple of fingers, and one woman who rolled down her window and asked if we were giving out free condoms, then called us hypocrites.
I prayed for them all.
Several people mentioned that even after the campaign officially ends tomorrow they intend to come back to keep praying. I might just join them.
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2008day41print.pdf
What a day !!
We finished out the fall 40 Days for Life yesterday
at a concluding event in Sarasota, Florida, that was
attended by more than 300 people (along with the
local Planned Parenthood CEO, who was furious as
hundreds of people gathered outside her new 40,000+
square foot abortion mega-center that is nearing the
completion of construction.)
This day after 40 Days for Life has finished, there
are more blessings than we can count, and I thank you
for every contribution you've made to this largest
coordinated pro-life outreach in history.
It's a good day to look at where we've been -- and
where we're going.
For one thing, 40 Days for Life has gotten far more
media attention than it's ever gotten before, meaning
more people in more cities saw for themselves what
this effort is all about. Here are a few of the many
newspaper articles local teams have generated:
>> Washington Times
http://snipurl.com/4ymh0
>> Chicago Sun-Times
http://snipurl.com/4ymf6
And here's what 40 Days for Life looked like on local
TV newscasts (be sure to watch the video clips!):
>> WREG-TV Memphis
http://snipurl.com/4ymkn
>> KFSN-TV Fresno
http://snipurl.com/4ymlo
>> WPTY-TV Fort Wayne
http://snipurl.com/4ymnn
We've had numerous reports of clinics shutting their
doors on days when abortions are usually scheduled.
Other abortionists apparently decided to take time
off. "There's a sign on our clinic door -- closed
until November 5," wrote one vigil participant.
"God is moving."
In Oklahoma City, Karen reports that someone called
the clinic and was told the abortionist won't be back
until November 6. "That's two whole weeks plus two
days of closure for the clinic," she said. "I know
our prayers had an effect on him!"
The abortion businesses expect that we will simply
"go away" after 40 Days for Life is over. But they
don't know the hearts of the people who've stood
vigil and seen the results.
"Why not 365 days for life?" asked Pablo. "We could
keep the pressure on ... I'm sure we can find
volunteers."
"I agree with Pablo," wrote Ed. "Why not a perpetual
vigil for life? My wife and I drove 3 1/2 hours each
way to pray for two hours at an abortion clinic last
Saturday. We're going again tomorrow."
One of the local teams has been praying for the
security guard at an abortion center. They wave at
him, and he waves back. This has been going on since
the start of 40 Days for Life.
Just this week, he finally approached the group on
the sidewalk. "I heard that you help women if they
need food or clothes or anything for their babies. If
I find women in need, can I send them to you?"
"How do I tell the security guard no? That 40 Days
for Life is almost over, so if you find a woman in
need we won't be here anymore?" asked the local
campaign director.
"It was such a clear sign that we can not stop. If he
would have just quit the job we would have thought
our work done, but because he wants to help us with
our work it was a clear sign that we have to keep
going."
And keep going, we will. As to what form that will
take, and what specific needs we'll address -- we're
already praying hard for discernment and the Holy
Spirit's guidance.
We encourage you to do likewise. The conclusion of
this 40 Days for Life campaign is just the end of a
chapter, not the end of the book.
"I am hearing the same thing over and over," said
Jennifer. "40 Days for Life may be over, but it is
only a beginning. A volunteer told me today the
clinic workers are not going away and neither are we.
We will not quit until this clinic closes down."
Here's today's "bonus" devotional from Fr. Frank
Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life and
President of the National Pro-life Religious
Council...
-----------------------------------------------------
DAY 41 INTENTION
-----------------------------------------------------
Pray that the witness of 40 Days for Life bears
abundant fruit, and that we begin again each day to
storm the gates of hell until God welcomes us into
the gates of heaven.
-----------------------------------------------------
SCRIPTURE
-----------------------------------------------------
On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of
hell will not prevail against it.
-- Matthew 16:18
-----------------------------------------------------
REFLECTION by Fr. Frank Pavone
-----------------------------------------------------
When we read this verse, we usually think that the
Lord is promising that the church, which is His Body,
will withstand all the attacks launched against it.
Of course, that is true.
But when we think about it more carefully, we realize
that in a battle, the gates do not run out into the
battlefield to attack the enemy. Rather, they stand
still to defend the city from the enemy attacking it.
So when the Lord says that the gates of hell will not
prevail against the church, who is doing the
attacking? It is the church storming the gates!
The church, all of God's people in Christ, is called
to take the offensive, to run into enemy territory,
and to gain ground for Jesus Christ. We do not wait
for an invitation; we already have a command. We
prepare, but we do not wait for circumstances to be
perfect; we already have one who has gone before us.
During these 40 days, we have stormed the gates. We
have taken the offensive. We have pushed forward the
boundaries of the kingdom. And we must keep doing so,
in numerous ways.
Indeed, the gates of hell will not prevail. The gates
of falsehood will flee in the presence of truth. The
gates of sin will melt in the presence of grace. The
gates of death will fall in the presence of the
church, the People of Life!
-----------------------------------------------------
PRAYER
-----------------------------------------------------
Father, we praise you. We have heard the voice of
your Son, and therefore we can make our voices heard.
We have done battle with the power of evil, and
therefore we can have compassion on those still
within its grip. We have been freed from the kingdom
of darkness, and therefore we can bear witness to
your Kingdom of Light.
May the witness of all your people through these 40
Days for Life bear abundant fruit, and may we begin
again each day to storm the gates of hell until You
welcome us into the gates of heaven. We pray in the
victorious name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
-----------------------------------------------------
With just one day remaining before Americans go to
the polls to decide the most critical election in
recent history, here are some things that ALL of us
can do to positively impact the outcome on Tuesday,
November 4:
1.) PRAY AND FAST
If ever there was a time for massive, unified prayer
for our nation -- that time is NOW! Please commit to
pray fervently, and if you feel led -- fast these
last two days.
2.) EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT WHAT'S AT STAKE
Here are several short, but highly effective videos
that underscore what's at stake in the elections:
For all Christians:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwLY_HRt-AM
For Catholic Christians:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61wj4tJICcc
3.) EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT THE CANDIDATES
A great resource to learn about the candidates and
where they stand on life issues is:
http://www.politicalresponsibility.com
4.) GET TO THE POLLS EARLY TO CAST YOUR VOTE
Find your polling place by visiting:
http://www.vote411.org/pollfinder.php
Go early in the day and be willing to wait in a line,
if necessary, due to likely high voter turnout.
5.) GET LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE OUT TO THE POLLS
This is not the time to argue and debate with people
who do not understand the importance of protecting
life. We must use every available minute to encourage
pro-life friends, family members, co-workers, and
fellow believers to turnout to vote.
Also, be sure to contact the offices of pro-life
candidates and ask what you can do to help with "Get
Out the Vote" efforts. For a short video that reminds
us WHY this is important, watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5SXjYkQpDk
By each of us investing time and energy into these
activities, we can ensure that we will wake up
Wednesday knowing we did all we could to "speak up
for those who could not speak for themselves."
Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
'40 Days for Life' pro-life prayer volunteers don’t want to stop
“Even after praying and fasting for 40 days, and being involved in vigils that went round the clock, seven days a week, many of the people who are participating in this campaign simply don’t want to see it end,” said David Bereit, national campaign director of 40 Days for Life.
“Tens of thousands of people have prayed in front of abortion facilities, many for the first time," he said. "They see the impact of that peaceful presence, and they yearn to keep going.” [more...]
40 Days for Life in its final days; 441 lives saved from abortion
Let's finish strong! Amazing things have happened already during this fall's 40 Days for Life campaign, which concludes next Sunday:
- There have been at least 441 turnarounds, where women seeking abortion changed their minds.
- Several people have quit their jobs in the abortion industry, and clinics have advertised immediate openings on their staffs.
- A number of abortion centers have been closed on days when abortions are usually performed.
- Tens of thousands of people have taken part in 40 Days for Life events, many engaging in pro-life activities for the first time in their lives.
Hello,
Another reminder about this coming Sunday's Victory Celebration at the end of our campaign. Bring a dish to pass and whatever you are going to drink. We'll have coffee, plates, and silverware. Also, if you want to write down your own stories from the 40 Days campaign to share with others. We'll be sharing ideas of things to do after our campaign is done.
(Info - Sunday, Nov. 2nd, at Our Lady of the Americas Church at 864 E.Main St. (formerly known as Corpus Christi - at 5:00pm)).
PLEASE, RSVP TO THIS EMAIL IF YOU ARE COMING AND HOW MANY SO WE CAN PREPARE ACCORDINGLY. The invitation is for all to come even if you weren't able to make it to the vigil. All prayers count!
Below are more activities that were sent to me for sharing with you in regards to the upcoming elections:
From Heidi:
I think it was Mary who gave me a card with a picture of Jesus, anguished, holding an aborted baby in his hand, and under it the words "This must stop!"
The back declares that prayer is the most effective weapon for saving babies' lives, and asks people to spiritually adopt a baby in danger of abortion, to name him/her and pray for him/her daily for 9 months.
What an amazing God idea! I adopted Jonathan David on Oct. 21st. I named him after my first baby, whose life ended in an early miscarriage. I put the picture of Jesus and the baby on the wall by my kitchen sink, so every day I am reminded to pray for him and his parents. I know God will save them all, and I am excited for the opportunity to make a difference in this way. Thankful for Jesus and His saving grace in our lives, Heidi Mason :)
For more info, people can contact
Bob Paige at (248) 474-8064
P.O. Box 217
Novi, MI 48376
www.spiritualadoption.org
From Neil:
St Leo's election day
Eucharistic Adoration starting at 12midnight on Mon
until (I think) 9PM on Tues...
From Suzanne:
The United States of America faces perhaps the most serious decision in our
nation's history on November 4. We are asking all to join in 3 days of
prayer, fasting and adoration November 1, 2 and 3 to implore God's mercy
upon our country in this most important election.
The inspiration for these 3 days of fasting and prayer is found in the book
of Esther. Queen Esther, when informed of the possible annihilation of her
people, called for a three day fast prior to her interceding with the king
on behalf of her people.
Mary has been likened to Esther as she continually intercedes with the King
of kings on our behalf. This nation has been entrusted to her under the
title of Immaculate Conception. Let us ask her to pray with us and for us
that we, as a people, will choose life.
"Who knows but that it was for a time like this that you obtained the royal
dignity?" Esther 4:14
Please copy and spread this invitation to fasting, prayer and adoration on
November 1, 2 and 3 as widely as possible.
Thanks and God Bless,
Jose Rivera
www.40daysforlife.com/rochester
585-305-1224
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| Hello,
From the meeting notes, one of the action items is to invite the Priests that have been involved in one way or another. The list the team put together on Monday night was this one:
Father Panipinto (sp?) Our Lady of the Americas
Father Catanise, St. Leo’s
Father Forni, St. John the Evangelist
Father John Reif , Holy Cross
Father Bush, St. Mark’s
Father McGrath, St. Columban and St. Patrick’s Caledonia
Father Bonsignore Is he at St. Ann’s Church ??
Father Bradler at ??
Deacon James at St. Stanislaus
We need to add Fr. Jim Hewes, Fr. John Gagnier.
I already know that Fr. Joe Catanise can't make it. Please, if you know any of these priests call them and invite them personally. Also, feel free to invite your Parish priest too. Let me know if any of them are coming.
Thanks and God Bless,
Jose
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View from the choir
I am a Catholic layperson with a sense of humor. After years in the back pew watching, I have moved into the choir. It's nice to see faces instead of the backs of heads. But I still maintain God has a sense of humor - and that we are created in God's image.
http://backpew.blogspot.com/
40 Days: Praying PP out of business
To mark the midpoint in the 40 Days for Life campaign (technically, last Monday) in Rochester, we celebrated a Mass at Our Lady of Victory Church, then processed to Planned Parenthood's headquarters.
The Mass was concelebrated by the parish's administrator, Father Ron Antinarelli, and Father Joe Catanise, who has been active in the 40 Days campaign. More than 100 people crowded into the church.
After the Mass, participants gathered outside the church where they were addressed by 40 Days coordinator Jose Rivera.
We then marched through downtown Rochester praying the rosary. Along he way we got a thumbs up from a bus drive wearing a tau cross.
At Planned Parenthood, vigil participants waited,
then were joined by the processors for prayers,
He announced that at least 4 babies had been saved locally because of the campaign.
Hundreds have been saved nationally.
Ok,
I'm trying to do better with the blog so I've just updated it with a couple of entries. Go check it out: www.40daysforlife.com/rochester and click on Rochester's Blog - you won't be dissapointed!!!
If you have been checking the schedule, you may be seeing more open hours than usual (www.vigilschedule.com/rochester). We are still covering the main 12 hours during the day since the Holy Spirit seems to be moving people to be at the vigil site when we really need them. Though, I would love to employ this technique all the time, I don't think it's fair to the volunteers that are really keeping an eye on the schedule and trying to cover any 'open' hours. So, if you know you will be going to a particular hour in any given day, please sign up or send me an email and I'll mark it on the schedule for others to see. If you can't commit to any particular hour, please, continue to listen to the Holy Spirit who does have you signed up for some hours even though you may not know it yet!!!
Thanks and God Bless,
Jose Rivera
www.40daysforlife.com/rochester
Hello, November 9, 2008
Just a quick note to give you an update:
* I have enabled the vigil schedule website (www.vigilschedule.com/rochester) so anyone who wants to spend some time at the vigil site can sign up ahead of time. Our main intent is to cover the facilities operating hours of 8:00am to 7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week. But, if you feel called to go in other days too, that's ok. You never know when the Holy Spirit needs our help for a particular soul! The reason to use the scheduling tool is to allow others to see if someone is going to be there or not. Some people may feel uncomfortable being there alone (and we don't recommend it either!). If you want to sign up for a particular time each week, let me know or if you have trouble using or accessing the tool. Don't forget to dress for the weather!!!
* We would like to enable anyone who is planning to pray at the site to be "self-sustained". By this we mean to have a sign that they can hold (like "Pray to End Abortion") and to have some Truth Packets to hand out if necessary. For the signs there are two options: You can let us know you would like one and we'll provide it to you or you can make your own with some poster board and markers. I'll be sending out ideas of what messages to write. The cost of the Truth packets is about $4 each. We will provide the packets free of charge to anyone who wants them to hand out during their vigil. At the same time, we will accept any donations to help cover their costs. (we are in the process of finding out what the signs would cost).
I know that since last week, many of us are feeling discouraged. Especially, if you keep listening to the news and what the potential activities of the new administration could be. But, now is also the time to strengthen our resolve for life and to come together as the Body of Christ to be His witnesses. I can tell you from a personal experience, if you are feeling down or discouraged, spend some prayerful time at the vigil site and ask God to guide you and to strengthen you. He won't disappoint you.
As always, let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks and God Bless,
Jose
Check these two new sites locally: