Tuesday, January 31, 2012
New Poll Shows 79% of Americans Support Limits on Abortion
A poll taken for the Knights of Columbus and Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY, released Monday, January 23, shows 79% in favor of laws prohibiting abortion after the first three months of pregnancy. 51% were in favor of laws prohibiting all abortions except in cases of rape, incest, to save the life of the mother, or not at all. The results are similar to an earlier poll taken two years ago.
The Unbearable Wrongness of Roe
The following article is by Michael Paulsen and published by the Witherspoon Institute:
Click here to read more...39 years ago, the Supreme Court delivered a radical, legally untenable, immoral decision. It has forfeited its entitlement to have its decisions respected, and followed, by the other branches of government, by the states, and by the people.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Spring 2012 Campaign Begins With Feb. 7 Meeting
Good morning and welcome to our Spring 2012 40 Days for Life campaign updates! It is a joy to be with you to pray and witness for life in our city of Alexandria, VA. Our spring campaign will be led by our former event coordinator, Mrs. Sara Dina, and she has a few words of welcome and encouragement to share with you:
Dear Friend of 40 Days For Life Alexandria,
We read in the Psalms, "If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts." Whenever God calls, it is up to each of us to heed His voice and harden not our hearts.
In this 40th year of legal (but not moral!) abortion in America, God is calling Christians to stand up for the innocent children being slaughtered by abortion, and also to stand for their mothers who will be irreparably harmed by their "choice." Both myself and the other team leaders of 40 Days for Life Alexandria all hope that each of you will heed Christ's call and invite you to join us for our spring 2012 campaign.
This spring, from February 22 through April 1, we will be witnessing for life in three ways:
Please come to our "Cast the Vision" meeting on February 7 to learn more about our campaign and how you can get involved. The meeting will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 6222 Franconia Road, Alexandria, at 7:30 PM in the parish hall. If you have any questions, please contact me at sara.40days@cox.net or 703-971-0678.
If you are a previous 40 Days for Life volunteer, and are ready to sign up for vigil hours, please visit www.40daysforlife.com/alexandria and sign up on our online vigil calendar. If you have questions or need assistance, contact our Vigil Coordinator at maryellen.40days@verizon.net or 703-780-2922.
I look forward to meeting each of you and standing in loving witness with you for the unborn and their mothers!
Dear Friend of 40 Days For Life Alexandria,
We read in the Psalms, "If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts." Whenever God calls, it is up to each of us to heed His voice and harden not our hearts.
In this 40th year of legal (but not moral!) abortion in America, God is calling Christians to stand up for the innocent children being slaughtered by abortion, and also to stand for their mothers who will be irreparably harmed by their "choice." Both myself and the other team leaders of 40 Days for Life Alexandria all hope that each of you will heed Christ's call and invite you to join us for our spring 2012 campaign.
This spring, from February 22 through April 1, we will be witnessing for life in three ways:
- Prayer and fasting (as the Lord leads);
- Community outreach; and
- Peaceful prayer vigil at a local abortion facility.
Please come to our "Cast the Vision" meeting on February 7 to learn more about our campaign and how you can get involved. The meeting will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 6222 Franconia Road, Alexandria, at 7:30 PM in the parish hall. If you have any questions, please contact me at sara.40days@cox.net or 703-971-0678.
If you are a previous 40 Days for Life volunteer, and are ready to sign up for vigil hours, please visit www.40daysforlife.com/alexandria and sign up on our online vigil calendar. If you have questions or need assistance, contact our Vigil Coordinator at maryellen.40days@verizon.net or 703-780-2922.
I look forward to meeting each of you and standing in loving witness with you for the unborn and their mothers!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Are you planning to attend the March for Life?
The National Pro-Life Alliance is looking for volunteers who will attend the March for Life to collect petitions to support a Life at Conception Act.
On Monday, January 23 a quarter million pro-life Americans will gather on the Washington DC mall to protest the 39 years of abortion-on-demand that began with the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973. As Martin Fox, President, National Pro-Life Alliance, notes,
And please forward this email to any friends or family who may attend the March for Life as well.
On Monday, January 23 a quarter million pro-life Americans will gather on the Washington DC mall to protest the 39 years of abortion-on-demand that began with the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973. As Martin Fox, President, National Pro-Life Alliance, notes,
It's important to cry out in protest against the slaughter. But it is even more important to change the law to protect the innocent unborn. If you -- or anyone you know -- are planning to attend the 39th annual March for Life, I hope you will join me, your National Pro-Life Alliance staff, and scores of other dedicated pro-lifers from around the country as we collect petitions to demand that Congress act.If you can volunteer, please click here so they can arrange to meet you at the march.
And please forward this email to any friends or family who may attend the March for Life as well.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Living Your Faith in the Workplace with Marjorie Dannenfelser
Marjorie Dannenfelser, President, Susan B. Anthony List, is speaking on Thursday, February 9 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Raymond of Peñafort Parish. St. Raymond’s is located at 8760 Pohick Road, Springfield, VA 22153.
As president of Susan B. Anthony List (SBA List) and one its original organizers, Mrs. Dannenfelser leads this organization dedicated to electing candidates and pursuing polices that will reduce and ultimately end abortion. To this end, the SBA List emphasizes the election, education, promotion and mobilization of pro-life women. Under her leadership, the organization has grown to more than 330,000 members nationwide. She was recently named one of Newsweek’s top ten “Leaders of the Christian Right." For more information, please contact: straymondprolife@aol.com.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Fall 2011 Campaign Report
Thank you very much for your participation in this fall's 2011 40 Days for Life Alexandria campaign! This fall saw our first documented save as well as lots of positive reactions from the local workers and Alexandria residents. With your help we are slowly working to build a culture of life in our community.
Our efforts this fall centered around three main areas:
1) PRAYER AND FASTING
Marie, our prayer coordinator, helped to invite local clergy to participate in our efforts by offering prayers for our campaign intentions. We were blessed to have several priests celebrate Mass for us including Arlington Bishop Paul Loverde. We printed and distributed prayer cards containing a 40 Days for Life campaign prayer as well as a reminder about fasting. We encouraged all our volunteers both prior to and during the campaign to commit to daily prayer and fasting for an end to abortion and for the intentions of 40 Days for Life. Volunteers prayed together and individually at the prayer vigil and various campaign events: the kickoff rally, midpoint prayer vigil, and final celebration dinner. Through the power and mercy of God we are winning this spiritual battle of hearts and minds for a culture of life.
2) VIGIL
Mary Ellen, Tom, Jacinta and others helped coordinate a daily vigil at the abortion facilities at 2830 and 2807 Duke Street from 7am to 7pm daily during the 40 Days campaign. Judging from our online vigil calendar where volunteers signed up for weekly or daily time shifts to come and pray and witness for life, 99% of the slots were covered, a nearly 20% jump from last time. Volunteers prayed individually or in groups, holding positive pro-life signs, and occasionally offering flyers to those passing by. There were many positive conversations and opportunities to share the message of life through this vigil, through which the abortion facilities were covered in constant prayer and those working in the vicinity were reminded of the daily reality of abortion in their neighborhood.
3) COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Paul, Jonathan, Keith, Eric and Sara aided our outreach efforts to our neighbors in the Alexandria through church outreach and networking, rallies and training events, press releases sent to local media outlets, crowd contact and sign-holding in the streets of Alexandria, and door-to-door distribution of pro-life information including local resources for women who may be in a crisis pregnancy. Recruitment efforts were made at 23 different churches and throughout the Catholic diocese of Arlington, and promotional articles were published in several Christian publications. We hosted two sidewalk counseling training sessions for our volunteers, held informational and kickoff meetings, and nearly doubled the size of our existing volunteer list by the end of the fall campaign.
As you can imagine, a comprehensive effort such as this is not possible without the help of many individuals and organizations. We are grateful to all those who assisted, in particular Bishop Ireton High School, the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, St. Mary Church in Alexandria, and many financial donors who helped us cover the expenses of signs, printing, supplies, and the like. We look forward to expanding our partnership with local Christian and pro-life organizations as we continue our efforts this spring.
For those of you who are wondering, "What's next?" we remember that the fight against abortion is not yet ended in our city. Hundreds of babies are killed each year, and as long as our abortion facilities remain open for business we have the duty to stand up against this injustice. Duke Street's continuing vigil is happening from Tuesday through Friday each week now (approximately 8:30am to 5:30pm daily), and there are still several shifts in need of a prayer volunteer or two during the hours that abortions are performed. I invite you to take an ongoing role in this witness by emailing Mary Ellen (maryellen.40days@verizon.net) for more information, or to let her know the days and times that you are able to participate each week. Signs and literature from the fall campaign are available for your use; just let us know what you need and we will be sure to get it to you.
Finally, if you have been blessed through this fall campaign and feel inspired to help in a leadership role, please know that our first Spring 2012 Campaign planning meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 6, at 7:30pm. I invite you to come and learn more about the 40 Days for Life campaign and meet our core leadership team. Message me for more information or for meeting details. We would be very happy to have your assistance as it is always needed!
Our efforts this fall centered around three main areas:
1) PRAYER AND FASTING
Marie, our prayer coordinator, helped to invite local clergy to participate in our efforts by offering prayers for our campaign intentions. We were blessed to have several priests celebrate Mass for us including Arlington Bishop Paul Loverde. We printed and distributed prayer cards containing a 40 Days for Life campaign prayer as well as a reminder about fasting. We encouraged all our volunteers both prior to and during the campaign to commit to daily prayer and fasting for an end to abortion and for the intentions of 40 Days for Life. Volunteers prayed together and individually at the prayer vigil and various campaign events: the kickoff rally, midpoint prayer vigil, and final celebration dinner. Through the power and mercy of God we are winning this spiritual battle of hearts and minds for a culture of life.
2) VIGIL
Mary Ellen, Tom, Jacinta and others helped coordinate a daily vigil at the abortion facilities at 2830 and 2807 Duke Street from 7am to 7pm daily during the 40 Days campaign. Judging from our online vigil calendar where volunteers signed up for weekly or daily time shifts to come and pray and witness for life, 99% of the slots were covered, a nearly 20% jump from last time. Volunteers prayed individually or in groups, holding positive pro-life signs, and occasionally offering flyers to those passing by. There were many positive conversations and opportunities to share the message of life through this vigil, through which the abortion facilities were covered in constant prayer and those working in the vicinity were reminded of the daily reality of abortion in their neighborhood.
3) COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Paul, Jonathan, Keith, Eric and Sara aided our outreach efforts to our neighbors in the Alexandria through church outreach and networking, rallies and training events, press releases sent to local media outlets, crowd contact and sign-holding in the streets of Alexandria, and door-to-door distribution of pro-life information including local resources for women who may be in a crisis pregnancy. Recruitment efforts were made at 23 different churches and throughout the Catholic diocese of Arlington, and promotional articles were published in several Christian publications. We hosted two sidewalk counseling training sessions for our volunteers, held informational and kickoff meetings, and nearly doubled the size of our existing volunteer list by the end of the fall campaign.
As you can imagine, a comprehensive effort such as this is not possible without the help of many individuals and organizations. We are grateful to all those who assisted, in particular Bishop Ireton High School, the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, St. Mary Church in Alexandria, and many financial donors who helped us cover the expenses of signs, printing, supplies, and the like. We look forward to expanding our partnership with local Christian and pro-life organizations as we continue our efforts this spring.
For those of you who are wondering, "What's next?" we remember that the fight against abortion is not yet ended in our city. Hundreds of babies are killed each year, and as long as our abortion facilities remain open for business we have the duty to stand up against this injustice. Duke Street's continuing vigil is happening from Tuesday through Friday each week now (approximately 8:30am to 5:30pm daily), and there are still several shifts in need of a prayer volunteer or two during the hours that abortions are performed. I invite you to take an ongoing role in this witness by emailing Mary Ellen (maryellen.40days@verizon.net) for more information, or to let her know the days and times that you are able to participate each week. Signs and literature from the fall campaign are available for your use; just let us know what you need and we will be sure to get it to you.
Finally, if you have been blessed through this fall campaign and feel inspired to help in a leadership role, please know that our first Spring 2012 Campaign planning meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 6, at 7:30pm. I invite you to come and learn more about the 40 Days for Life campaign and meet our core leadership team. Message me for more information or for meeting details. We would be very happy to have your assistance as it is always needed!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
40 Days for Life: A Time of Many Blessings
Today is the last day of our 40 Days for Life in Alexandria this fall. We have prayed, fasted, and worked together for a culture of life in our community. Today we celebrate the conclusion of our efforts, and rejoice in the victory that Christ has already won over death and sin. Our vigil will end with a simple prayer rally from 12:30-1pm, and we look forward to seeing you at our 3pm potluck celebration at Queen of Apostles church hall in Alexandria.
In one of his Sermons Augustine writes, "Let us sing now, not in order to enjoy a life of leisure, but in order to lighten our labors. You should sing as wayfarers do -- sing, but continue your journey. Do not be lazy, but sing to make your journey more enjoyable. Sing, but keep going."
Indeed we celebrate today, even though much is left to do. We rejoice in so many blessings and signs of God's love, while lamenting the ongoing tragedies of our times. We thank the Lord for His mercy, even as we must continue to seek his favor.
And so our task does not end with Day 40 in the effort to safeguard and develop a culture of life. We will continue to stand vigil, to pray and to spread the word for the unborn. We will seek out new ways to be involved in the pro-life movement. And we will stick together as a team and as Christians, remembering the words of our Lord and Master, "With God, all things are possible."
In Proverbs, Chapter 16, we read, "Entrust your works to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. The Lord has made everything for his own ends, even the wicked for the evil day... When the Lord is pleased with a man's ways, he makes even his enemies be at peace with him... In his mind a man plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps." In this spirit, we commend all our efforts to the Lord. Great things He has done and will continue to do -- to Him be the glory!
Several photos follow of children who attended our vigil with their parents to pray and witness for life. You can see the smiles on their faces as they hold their signs and pray for an end to abortion! Don't they help us to see more clearly the value and dignity of all human life?
In one of his Sermons Augustine writes, "Let us sing now, not in order to enjoy a life of leisure, but in order to lighten our labors. You should sing as wayfarers do -- sing, but continue your journey. Do not be lazy, but sing to make your journey more enjoyable. Sing, but keep going."
Indeed we celebrate today, even though much is left to do. We rejoice in so many blessings and signs of God's love, while lamenting the ongoing tragedies of our times. We thank the Lord for His mercy, even as we must continue to seek his favor.
And so our task does not end with Day 40 in the effort to safeguard and develop a culture of life. We will continue to stand vigil, to pray and to spread the word for the unborn. We will seek out new ways to be involved in the pro-life movement. And we will stick together as a team and as Christians, remembering the words of our Lord and Master, "With God, all things are possible."
In Proverbs, Chapter 16, we read, "Entrust your works to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. The Lord has made everything for his own ends, even the wicked for the evil day... When the Lord is pleased with a man's ways, he makes even his enemies be at peace with him... In his mind a man plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps." In this spirit, we commend all our efforts to the Lord. Great things He has done and will continue to do -- to Him be the glory!
Several photos follow of children who attended our vigil with their parents to pray and witness for life. You can see the smiles on their faces as they hold their signs and pray for an end to abortion! Don't they help us to see more clearly the value and dignity of all human life?
Thank you so much for all your prayer and support over the course of this fall's 40 Days for Life in Alexandria! It has been a blessing and inspiration to work with you in our campaign. We look forward to seeing and working with you again soon!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Day 38: Revised List for Pregnancy Center Donations
I had the honor of speaking recently with Tami of the Paul Stefan Home, who sent me a revised wish-list for their organization which provides lodging and personal development assistance to expectant and needy mothers. If you would like to donate some items at our celebration dinner on Sunday, I invite you to take a look at the list below. Our original list, which includes items for MaRiH pregnancy center just a few blocks west from the abortion facilities on Duke Street, can be found by clicking here.
Paul Stefan Home: Needed Items (Revised)
- Walmart or Target gift cards
- Maternity clothes or gift cards
- Towels/wash cloths
- Bassinet/crib sheets and pads
- Window treatment for 3 large windows: 104x50, 120x72, 156x72 (call for details)
- Two irons/ironing boards
- One microwave
- One pair of ladies winter boots or shoes, size 9.5
- One ladies winter coat, size XL
- Food plastic storage containers
- Hand and dish soap
- Kitchen and bathroom cleaners
- Paper towels, tissues, toilet paper
- Ladies sanitary products
- Transporting ladies to appointments and classes
- Assembling and dismantling baby cribs
- Painting, yard care, and assistance managing and organizing donations
At Sunday's dinner, we will have a table to collect your donations, as well as information about MaRiH and the Paul Stefan Home effort. Thank you for your solidarity and generosity towards local women in need!
Many RSVPs have come in for our victory celebration dinner on Sunday. We're really looking forward to seeing everyone! Please consider signing up for a final prayer time at our vigil, and walking with Paul's outreach team this coming Saturday beginning at 9:30am. Our vigil will conclude Sunday with a simple prayer rally from 12:30-1pm at the vigil site, to which all are invited to attend. Let us intensify our prayer as we reach the end of our campaign!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Day 37: Details for the Continuing Vigil
Let not kindness and fidelity leave you; bind them around your neck;Good morning, and welcome to Day 37 of our campaign! So far almost 450 children have been reported saved through our world-round efforts, thanks be to God! Here in Alexandria, coordinator Mary Ellen has come up with a continuing vigil plan, which I would like to share with you today:
Then will you win favor and good esteem before God and man.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not;
In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths (Pr. 3:3-6).
As you may know, abortions are done at two clinics near our vigil site on Tuesdays, Wednesday afternoons, Thursdays, and Fridays. Last summer we were able to staff a continuing vigil on Fridays. Now we would like to expand our continuing vigil to other days of the week, taking account of clinic hours and the times that abortions are performed. The new projected vigil days and times are as follows:
Tuesday: 8:30am - 5:30pmSeveral people have already committed to ten hours of the schedule listed above, leaving 25 additional hours that we would like to cover if possible. If you have been blessed by your participation in the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil and would like to continue this witness, please contact Mary Ellen at maryellen.40days@verizon.net, letting her know the days and times that you prefer. She will be happy to help you find a place in the continuing vigil effort.
Wednesday: 10:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday: 8am - 6pm
We read in Columban's Instruction, "The author of life is the fountain of life; the creator of light is the fountain of spiritual illumination. Therefore, let us seek the fountain of light and life and the living water." We have only a few days left in our 40 Days for Life campaign in Alexandria, but through perseverance in prayer, vigil and outreach, we can help to make them rich in blessings of light and life for others. We look forward to seeing you at our final potluck celebration at Queen of Apostles church this Sunday!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Please RSVP for our Victory Celebration!
"Wisdom has built her house, she has set up her seven pillars.
She has slaughtered her beasts, she has mixed her wine, she has also set her table" (Proverbs 9:1-2).
Well, our 40 Days of prayer and witness are almost at an end, and we would love to celebrate their conclusion with you at our Potluck Dinner and Victory Celebration this Sunday! After a long period of prayer and fasting, you must be ready for a bit of festivity! Let's come together to celebrate God's blessings, enjoy food and fellowship, and reflect on what God has accomplished in our community this fall.
Please indicate whether you will be attending by clicking on one of the following links:
Thank you for your response!
St. Augustine writes in his Sermons on 1 John,
The entire life of a Christian is in fact an exercise of holy desire. You do not yet see what you long for, but the very act of desiring prepares you, so that when he comes you may see and be utterly satisfied... So, my brethren, let us continue to desire, for we shall be filled.Our prayer and fasting has reminded us of our need and desire for the Lord in our community, particularly in the area of respect for life. There are only a few days remaining in our 40 Days for Life this fall! Come out to our vigil one more time if you can, and we hope to see you in person on Sunday!
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| Photo: Attendees at last fall's 40 Days for Life Victory Celebration Dinner. |
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