November 7, 2011
Day 40
Final Rally Coverage here.
Scripture Proclamation Commentary:
Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
I want to take the time to thank all who participated in the Scripture Proclamation during the 40 Days for Life Campaign this Fall. The steering committee including myselft were doubtful as to whether all 160 segments could be filled as there were so many factors to discourage would-be participants. You have braved the cold, the rain, the noise and many distractions to make this possible. It takes courage and faith-filled conviction for a lay person to proclaim the word of God in one of the busiest places of Ottawa at one of the busiest times. Congratulations and thank you. Where the Word of God is, God is, and when His Word is proclaimed the evil one will flee offering the prayer warriors greater peace during their time of prayer. Even though the Word was only proclaimed for two hours a day, from what I am told this was likely the most peacful campaigns we have ever had. No one was assaulted and at no time were police needed to intervene. Have any badies been saved during this campaign? We don't know, but God does. I have not heard of any successful interventions at the abortuary but that does not mean there were none. We don't know how many mothers the Lord touched during this campaign to choose life instead of an abortion. We don't know how many cancelled their appointments with the abortionists. We need to continue as the Lord has taught us, that is, pray, pray, pray. With God all things are possible. He is answering our prayers as He promised. Have faith in that. Just in the last couple of days, we see that the charges against Ruth Lobo were thrown out of court. Linda Gibbons was released from jail as well and her charges thrown out of court. In the coming weeks the Supreme Court will be hearing her case and I fully expect her to win. The charter guarantee of free speech and freedom of assembly cannot be interpreted to limit ones freedom only as long as it comports with government policy. Please continue to keep Linda in your prayers and a favourable Supreme Court decision. If you go to the Life Site News web page, you will see how many other successes the pro-life movement has had during this campaign. Abortion clinics are closing, abortionists are being convicted, and governments are acting to limit abortion funding and abortion rights. We have the momentum so this is no time to fall asleep. Please continue to pray for an end to abortion. There is light at the end of the tunnel and we will get there with the help of our Lord.
Please let me know how you felt about this campaign; if any changes should be made, etc. Please tell me of your experiences (no names will be used). Did you feel some Spiritual Warfare going on? Did you feel 'empowered' as you were proclaiming?
I would like the next campaign to include the Deuterocanonical Books (Wisdom, etc.) by adding a half hour segment on certain days of the week. What do you think?
I would also like to see the Parishes that are participating in the campaign include the Mass during their day of participation. Every day should have at least one Parish offering a Mass every day during the campaign. This is the greatest of prayers. What do you think?
Anthing else? We are all one body and we would like to here what the Spriit may be saying to you.
Blessings to all,
Deacon Chuck
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DAY 29
Greetings everyone,
1) Ground Zero Report:
__________________________________________________________________
Please be sure to send us your observations, reflections, and any other pertinent information you would like to share with the other 40 Days for Life Participants. Your identity will be kept anonymous.
Pictures: please also share any pictures of your experiences at Ground Zero with us, but PLEASE, when taking pictures, please be very discreet and expeditious. Take pictures of the vigilers only (with their permission)
Never take pictures of our opponents (unless they are violent) or women going in for abortion.
2) Pro-Life News:
Winnipeg Catholic principal back at work after 40 Days controversy
http://www.lifesite.net/news/winnipeg-catholic-principal-back-at-work-after-40-days-for-life-controversy
2,300 Ontario pro-lifers rally to ‘Defund abortion!’
http://www.lifesite.net/news/2300-ontario-pro-lifers-rally-to-defund-abortion
3) Operations Report:
40 Days for Life campaign ends with a closing rally on Sunday November 6. Join us, beginning with Vespers at St. Patrick’s Basilica, 220 Kent Street at 7:00 pm., presided by our Archbishop. Afterwards, we will walk in a candlelight procession to Ground Zero (Bank and Sparks Sts.) for the wrap up. For more information call Campaign Life Coalition, 613-729-0379 or visit website www.40daysforlife.com/ottawa All are welcomed to attend.
4) Time Slot Report: Oct. 31 and November 4 are not covered by parishes. Also, for those of you planning to go out during the morning of Nov.6, please remember Daylight Savings time!
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https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0AqhKltPAk8d7dGJmOXVXbTI1X1ZXOUhQRGdsTEgxQ3c&single=true&gid=3&output=html
5) Scripture Proclamation: Tomorrow, Friday, Sunday has some empty slots.
_____________________________________________________
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0AqhKltPAk8d7dGJmOXVXbTI1X1ZXOUhQRGdsTEgxQ3c&single=true&gid=8&output=html
6) Report from America (available to read on our home page every day)
FREDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK
——————————————————-
A woman passed the 40 Days for Life volunteers in Fredericton and called out to them. “My husband made me have an abortion,” she said. “It’s never over.”
To make sure she was heard, she came closer and repeated herself. The volunteers then began to pray for her.
A little while later, a young man approached. He had just received a text message from his wife announcing she’d had an abortion.
He did not want the abortion. His wife apparently felt she couldn’t handle a fourth child. They were supposed to discuss it further. He was shocked by the news.
The mother said the pregnancy had been terminated at seven weeks. The volunteers carried an image of a baby at eight weeks. He was very much moved. He said, “I knew we shouldn’t do it.”
In her text message his wife had mentioned that said she had been assured her it was “just a bunch of cells.”
“How unconscionable,” said Peter in Fredericton. “How could anyone who cares about women lie about anything so fundamental?”
The volunteers and this distraught young dad had a prolonged conversation. They told him about the help available for post-abortion counseling. The young dad and volunteers parted with hugs. “God bless you,” he said.
“Our 40 Days for Life volunteers were exactly in the right place at the right time, both for the hurting mom and the young dad,” Peter said. “It was divine providence — the grace of 40 Days for Life at work. Praise God!”
7) Theme Days:
Day 29 Wednesday, October 26, 2011 Evangelical Pastors
Day 30 Thursday, October 27, 2011 Orthodox Bishops & Priests
Day 31 Friday, October 28, 2011 University Professors, the "Intelligencia"
Day 32 Saturday, October 29, 2011 Unsympathetic Family Members
Day 33 Sunday, October 30, 2011 Abortionists
Day 34 Monday, October 31, 2011 Aborted Children
Day 35 Tuesday, November 01, 2011 The Media
Day 36 Wednesday, November 02, 2011 Pro-Abort Protestors, Opponents
Day 37 Thursday, November 03, 2011 Grandparents
Day 38 Friday, November 04, 2011 Boyfriends
Day 39 Saturday, November 05, 2011 Lukewarm Christians
Day 40 Sunday, November 06, 2011 Abortionists
Regards,
John Pacheco
40 Days for Life Ottawa
Vigil Co-Ordinator
ottawavigil@gmail.com
http://www.40daysforlife.com/ottawa/
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DAY 22
Greetings everyone,
1) Ground Zero Report:
Day 21: From Winnipeg -
http://www.40daysforlife.com/ottawa/index.cfm?load=news&newsarticle=316&page=159
Day 21: From Ground Zero -
http://www.40daysforlife.com/ottawa/index.cfm?load=news&newsarticle=319&page=159
Day 22: Coverage from MidPoint Rally (Speeches, Audio, Pictures)
http://www.40daysforlife.com/ottawa/index.cfm?load=news&newsarticle=318&page=159
__________________________________________________________________
Please be sure to send us your observations, reflections, and any other pertinent information you would like to share with the other 40 Days for Life Participants. Your identity will be kept anonymous. Pictures: please also share any pictures of your experiences at Ground Zero with us, but PLEASE, when taking pictures, please be very discreet and expeditious. Take pictures of the vigilers only (with their permission). Never take pictures of our opponents (unless they are violent) or women going in for abortion.
2) Pro-Life News:
?Defund abortion?: Ontario taxpayers to rally in Toronto on Oct. 22nd
http://www.lifesite.net/news/defund-abortion-ontario-taxpayers-to-rally-in-toronto-on-oct-22nd
Pro-Life Speaker Announcement:
http://www.socon.ca/or_bust/?p=19427
Pro-life video challenge for Ontario youth offers $1,000 in prizes
http://www.socon.ca/or_bust/?p=19281
3) Operations Report: Please ask your parish priest to get involved in 40 Days for Life. The Bishop has asked all of the parishes in Ottawa to participate. Don't be shy. Be bold and don't give up.
4) Time Slot Report: Thursday and Friday have lots of open spaces.
___________________________________________________
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0AqhKltPAk8d7dGJmOXVXbTI1X1ZXOUhQRGdsTEgxQ3c&single=true&gid=3&output=html
5) Scripture Proclamation: We need readers for Saturday and Sunday.
_____________________________________________________
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0AqhKltPAk8d7dGJmOXVXbTI1X1ZXOUhQRGdsTEgxQ3c&single=true&gid=8&output=html
6) Report from America (available to read on our home page every day)
7) Theme Days:
Day 22 Wednesday, October 19, 2011 Abortion Appliance Manufacturers
Day 23 Thursday, October 20, 2011 Businesses Surrounding Abortuaries
Day 24 Friday, October 21, 2011 Mayor, Councillors
Day 25 Saturday, October 22, 2011 Police
Day 26 Sunday, October 23, 2011 Abortionists
Day 27 Monday, October 24, 2011 Aborted Children
Regards,
John Pacheco
40 Days for Life Ottawa
Vigil Co-Ordinator
ottawavigil@gmail.com
http://www.40daysforlife.com/ottawa/
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DAY 20
Greetings everyone,
1) Ground Zero Report:
This was only my second time praying at ground zero this fall. I had wanted to go more often, but my health hasn't been the best lately. My husband was doing errands downtown so he dropped me off on Bank Street, which allowed me a couple of hours to pray. It rained off and on, but I had brought my umbrella so I wasn't concerned. The vigil calendar had some big red zeros during the Friday afternoon time slots, so I thought this would be a good time to be there. To my surprise, as I spent nearly three hours across from the abortuary, there were only two short time periods when I was praying alone. People who had not signed up, still showed up and joined me to pray for the unborn. Maybe it was because of the rain, but there was next to no negative reaction. The previous week there had been more negative reactions and a young lady had yelled at us saying, "You're wasting your time! Go and pray at home or in church!" Today, the pouring rain kept down the amount of foot traffic, but as we got closer to rush hour, the number of cars and buses increased. I thanked God that there was so much traffic. As motorists and people in the buses were stuck in bumper to bumper traffic along Bank Street I noticed them looking at us and reading our signs. What a powerful witness myself and my fellow prayer warriors were. I prayed that God would speak to the on-lookers hearts and help them to see through the errors that the world is telling them about abortion. From time to time I noticed someone giving us a thumbs up. The babies need our prayers and our presence at ground zero. The pregnant moms, the dads, those who encourage abortion, those who perform abortion, and our politicians ... all need our prayers. I thank God that I was able to be there today.
- Wanda
__________________________________________________________________
Please be sure to send us your observations, reflections, and any other pertinent information you would like to share with the other 40 Days for Life Participants. Your identity will be kept anonymous. Pictures: please also share any pictures of your experiences at Ground Zero with us, but PLEASE, when taking pictures, please be very discreet and expeditious. Take pictures of the vigilers only (with their permission). Never take pictures of our opponents (unless they are violent) or women going in for abortion.
2) Pro-Life News:
Pro-Life Video Challenge - PLEASE SPREAD THIS TO HIGH SCHOOL AGED KIDS!
http://www.lifesite.net/news/pro-life-video-challenge-for-ontario-youth-offers-1000-in-prizes
We Want the Debate!
http://www.socon.ca/or_bust/?p=19315
Midpoint Rally was yesterday. About 40 people turned up. Coverage tomorrow.
3) Operations Report:
Question from a Vigiler - I had a question about the proper thing to have done regarding a small incident at the vigil site today around 6:00. A couple of girls came by. One was angry. She took a sign that was hanging on one of the other trees and walked away with it. I said she did not have permission to have it. A police officer was just coming by at the time - I flagged him down. He ran after the girls. The one returned with the sign. I'm wondering what the correct action is. Is that stealing? Is the sign someone's property? Does someone have a right to take a sign that's hanging on one of the tree stands? Do I have a right to chase them and use reasonable force to obtain back such property? Perhaps you could call me when youget a chance and I can explain better.
Answer:
Technically it would be stealing. However, from a prudential perspective, 40 Days asks that vigilers NOT to engage in any physical confrontation with our opponents. There is really no "upside" benefit, and there is a huge potential for negative consequences on so many different levels. The signs and other material we have there at Ground Zero can be replaced. If a police officer happens to be coincidentally driving by, then by all means inform them of the incident and also report it to us. This, of course, does not apply if you are physically assaulted. In such a case, obviously, you should defend yourself.
4) Time Slot Report: Tomorrow and Friday is almost wide open. Please take an hour.
___________________________________________________
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0AqhKltPAk8d7dGJmOXVXbTI1X1ZXOUhQRGdsTEgxQ3c&single=true&gid=3&output=html
5) Scripture Proclamation: Slots available this week starting tomorrow.
_____________________________________________________
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0AqhKltPAk8d7dGJmOXVXbTI1X1ZXOUhQRGdsTEgxQ3c&single=true&gid=8&output=html
6) Report from America (available to read on our home page every day)
7) Theme Days:
Day 20 Monday, October 17, 2011 Aborted Children
Day 21 Tuesday, October 18, 2011 School Teachers & Administrators
Day 22 Wednesday, October 19, 2011 Abortion Appliance Manufacturers
Day 23 Thursday, October 20, 2011 Businesses Surrounding Abortuaries
Day 24 Friday, October 21, 2011 Mayor, Councillors
Day 25 Saturday, October 22, 2011 Police
Day 26 Sunday, October 23, 2011 Abortionists
Regards,
John Pacheco
40 Days for Life Ottawa
Vigil Co-Ordinator
ottawavigil@gmail.com
http://www.40daysforlife.com/ottawa/
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Day 17
Greetings everyone,
Reminder: 40 DAYS FOR LIFE MID-POINT RALLY – with some inspirational and dynamic speakers at Ground Zero (near corner of Bank & Sparks Streets), Sunday, October 16, 7:00 p.m.
1) Ground Zero Report:
Need stories, reflections! Send them along.
__________________________________________________________________
Please be sure to send us your observations, reflections, and any other pertinent information you would like to share with the other 40 Days for Life Participants. Your identity will be kept anonymous.
Pictures: please also share any pictures of your experiences at Ground Zero with us, but PLEASE, when taking pictures, please be very discreet and expeditious. Take pictures of the vigilers only (with their permission)
Never take pictures of our opponents (unless they are violent) or women going in for abortion.
2) Pro-Life News:
Catholic principal faces dismissal for promoting 40 Days for Life
http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/catholic-principal-could-face-dismissal-for-promoting-40-days-for-life
Over 60% of Ontarians oppose status quo of taxpayer-funded abortion: poll
http://www.lifesite.net/news/over-60-of-ontarians-oppose-status-quo-of-taxpayer-funded-abortion-poll
3) Operations Report: Please come out to the 40 Days Midpoint Rally!
4) Time Slot Report: Lots of empty slots...C'mon everyone, we're starting to fade. Need to kick it up a notch.
___________________________________________________
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0AqhKltPAk8d7dGJmOXVXbTI1X1ZXOUhQRGdsTEgxQ3c&single=true&gid=3&output=html
5) Scripture Proclamation: Sunday and Monday have spots to fill!
_____________________________________________________
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0AqhKltPAk8d7dGJmOXVXbTI1X1ZXOUhQRGdsTEgxQ3c&single=true&gid=8&output=html
6) Report from America (available to read on our home page every day)
7) Theme Days:
Day 17 Friday, October 14, 2011 The Meandering Pedestrian
Day 18 Saturday, October 15, 2011 Fathers (Married Men)
Day 19 Sunday, October 16, 2011 Abortionists
Day 20 Monday, October 17, 2011 Aborted Children
Day 21 Tuesday, October 18, 2011 School Teachers & Administrators
Day 22 Wednesday, October 19, 2011 Abortion Appliance Manufacturers
Day 23 Thursday, October 20, 2011 Businesses Surrounding Abortuaries
Day 24 Friday, October 21, 2011 Mayor, Councillors
Regards,
John Pacheco
40 Days for Life Ottawa
Vigil Co-Ordinator
ottawavigil@gmail.com
http://www.40daysforlife.com/ottawa/
____________________________________
Day 15
Greetings everyone,
1) Ground Zero Report:
Just wanted to share with you a wonderful experience I was part of yesterday down at Ground Zero.
Following the end of Christian Community Day (gathering of all Ottawa Catholic School Board staff and support staff at the Conventioin Centre), I proceeded down to 65 Bank Street. Upon arrival, a priest (and 2 others dressed in clerics) was leading those gathered in the Rosary and later on, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Not long afterwards, a group of older teenage girls could be seen looking over at us from the McDonalds location they were standing outside. It wasn't long before 2 of the girls decided to come over. At that moment, I braced myself for what I thought would be a hefty confrontation. What transpired could have been nothing further from the truth. Myself, along with 2 members of the Holy Redeemer Knights of Columbus, entered into what could only be described as a most engaging conversation about abortion and the defence of life. During the course of our conversation, one of the girls proceeded to tell us that her mother had been seriously considering aborting her. This was obviously very disturbing to hear. When asked why, in the end, her mother had decided against aborting, the girl responded, "She woke up one morning and realized she couldn't - she knew that it was just wrong." Seeing that their two friends were heavily involved in discussion, the remainder of the group crossed Bank St. to join in on the conversation. The girls were genuinely interested in what we were doing there and what 40 Days for Life was all about. This group of 6 seventeen year olds showed themselves to be very articulate, polite and well-informed individuals. They asked questions to us concerning abortion and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as well as the morning after pill as a form of abortion. Sadly, the leader of the group informed us that 3 girls whom she knows had had abortions. Another girl in the group (who told us she was pro-choice) stated that most girls her age today view abortion as simply another means of contraception, and that it is mostly the parents who are the ones forcing their daughters to kill their babies for fear of shame. The girls then thanked us and headed off, cigarettes in hand. As I put my placard down, and finished my shift, I thanked the Lord for the blessing of sending these young girls our way. Instead of fearing a confrontation, I was given an opportunity to witness to life. Even more importantly, the Lord placed in our midst a beautiful, young, articulate girl whose mother decided against abortion and instead chose to give life - Amen to that! - Catholic Teacher
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Please note that I showed up on Wednesday morning for an unregistered hour (8 to 8:45am) before going in to work. While I was there, a young man walked up and indicated that he wanted to pray at the site for life (I forgot his name). I gave him instructions and he started to pray....I noticed in the sign up book that he committed to staying until 12 noon!! Praise the Lord! - Guy
__________________________________________________________________
Please be sure to send us your observations, reflections, and any other pertinent information you would like to share with the other 40 Days for Life Participants. Your identity will be kept anonymous. Pictures: please also share any pictures of your experiences at Ground Zero with us, but PLEASE, when taking pictures, please be very discreet and expeditious. Take pictures of the vigilers only (with their permission). Never take pictures of our opponents (unless they are violent) or women going in for abortion.
2) Pro-Life News:
Anti-abortion vigil earns credit - Participation optional at Catholic school
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/anti-abortion-vigil-earns-credit-131575338.html
3) Operations Report: Don't miss the Midpoint Rally this Sunday @ Ground Zero.
4) Time Slot Report: 2PM and 6PM open today. Lots of slots tomorrow. Come on everyone, let's push.
___________________________________________________
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0AqhKltPAk8d7dGJmOXVXbTI1X1ZXOUhQRGdsTEgxQ3c&single=true&gid=3&output=html
5) Scripture Proclamation: A couple of slots on Sunday.
_____________________________________________________
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0AqhKltPAk8d7dGJmOXVXbTI1X1ZXOUhQRGdsTEgxQ3c&single=true&gid=8&output=html
6) Report from America (available to read on our home page every day)
7) Theme Days:
Day 15 Wednesday, October 12, 2011 Sidewalk Counsellors
Day 16 Thursday, October 13, 2011 Students for Life Across University Campuses (esp. Ottawa Students for Life / Carleton Lifeline)
Day 17 Friday, October 14, 2011 The Meandering Pedestrian
Day 18 Saturday, October 15, 2011 Fathers (Married Men)
Day 19 Sunday, October 16, 2011 Abortionists
Day 20 Monday, October 17, 2011 Aborted Children
Day 21 Tuesday, October 18, 2011 School Teachers & Administrators
Day 22 Wednesday, October 19, 2011 Abortion Appliance Manufacturers
Regards,
John Pacheco
40 Days for Life Ottawa
Vigil Co-Ordinator
ottawavigil@gmail.com
http://www.40daysforlife.com/ottawa/