SPRING 40 days for Life

ANNOUNCING!!!!  The Spring 40 Days for Life Campaign will be in San Antonio!   Juan Gaona, one of our very own prayer warriors, has undertaken the huge project of organizing this campaign and he will be the contact person for it. 

Join us for our “Catch the Vision” meeting Tuesday, February 17th at 7pm.  We will be meeting in the Jubilee Hall of St. Mary Magdalen located at 1710 Clower Street.

Sign up on the Vigil Calendar Now! http://www.40daysforlife.com/sanantonio/

Spring 40 Days for Life Kick Off Rally

Location:  The Original Donut Shop and Tacos (Directions)
Dates:   February 24-24, 2009
Time:   STARTS: 7:00 PM     ENDS: 8:30 PMJoin us as we “Kick Off” our Spring 40 Days for Life in San Antonio!  Our Campaign will officially begin Wednesday, February 25th at 7am but we will be gearing up for the next 40 days of prayer this evening!  Come get motivated and get involved with adding a physical, prayerful presence to ending abortion in our great city!

 

The vigil will be held at the Planned Parenthood located at 104 Babcock, for 12 hours a day, from 7am-7pm.  If you would like more information about getting involved with the Spring 40 Days for Life Campaign please contact Juan by e-mail at BABYRESCUE@hotmail.com or call him at 210-367-1687

 

This spring, from February 25 – April 5 of 2009, San Antonio will be uniting with other cities across North America and around the world for a massive coordinated pro-life mobilization – the 40 Days for Life campaign. People of faith are praying that, with God’s help, this effort will help bring an end to the tragedy of abortion.

40 Days for Life is a focused pro-life campaign that has generated measurable lifesaving results in more than 200 cities where it has been implemented. Some locations have reported as much as a 28% drop in local abortion numbers and hundreds of new people getting involved in local lifesaving ministry efforts. The 40 Days for Life campaign is made up of three key components:

·         Prayer and Fasting: inviting people of faith throughout San Antonio and South Texas to join together for 40 days of fervent prayer and fasting for an end to abortion

·         Peaceful Vigil: standing for life through a 40-day peaceful public witness outside the local Planned Parenthood at 104 Babcock (the corner of Babcock and Fredericksburg) from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM for the duration of the campaign.

·         Community Outreach: taking a positive, upbeat pro-life message to every corner of our city through media efforts, church presentations, petition drives, and public visibility. Learn how you can “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” here in San Antonio by contacting Juan Gaona at 210-367-1687 or by visiting: www.40daysforlife.com/sanantonio

Reminders by Frank for MLK Jr. Day

The following was contributed by Frank:

I and some friends are going to the march to pass out some literature. We’ll be meeting at the Bill Miller across the street from the Alamodome.

Georgia Right to Life is pleased to announce that Catherine Davis will be leading GRTL in outreach efforts to the African American community. In 2006, Catherine Davis ran for the 4th District Congressional Candidate because she had a desire to impact her community. Now just a few years later, she will have that opportunity by helping GRTL to preserve the legacy of the African American community. In Georgia and America, African Americans have been disproportionately targeted by those who support the practice of abortion. As a result, over 57% of the abortions done in the state are done on black women while they only make up 29% of the population. As the new director of minority outreach for GRTL, Catherine will work to dramatically decrease the number of abortions while educating Georgians about the holocaustic impact this practice has had on the Black community. “Preserving our legacy has become a driving ambition for me,” Catherine noted. “There are some individuals and organizations that have as their mission to eliminate blacks from America. Most of us do not know about these plans and I am working to make sure they are exposed.”

Do you know the Preamble for your state?

Texas 1845, Preamble: “We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.”

After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong! (Please note that at no time is anyone told that they MUST worship God.)

‘Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants.’ – William Penn
BLESSED IS THE NATION WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD … PSALM 33:12

Friday’s Pro-Life Workshop

Thanks to Amy, Alice, David and Alan for all of their efforts in organizing a most informative pro-life workshop held at Our Lady of the Atonement academy. Thanks to Father Phillips for his opening prayer and allowing us to meet at the Atonement Academy and to Teri, Lisa, Carol, and Mary Ann who took time out of their Friday night to share their experiences with 54 interested San Antonio residents. The following is a brief synopsis of what we learned from women who have dedicated so much of their lives to saving the lives of the most innocent.

Allied Women’s Center: Teri Haring, the Director of the center let us know that the center has seen a very large increase in women coming to the center over the last 18 months, more than all the years past, she really thinks it is because women are coming there after seeing our signs at the Babcock clinic. They are willing to help any women we talk to with the assistance of diapers, clothes, other needs. Amy has a key to the facility if we need to access it.

Operation Outcry: Lisa Dudley let us know that they are still working on getting petitions before the supreme court from post abortive women to present the facts about the aftermath of abortion. They are also doing education with the movie,  Beyond the Dark Valley.

Mary Ann Parks of Project Rachel of San Antonio and Carol Seward, a member of the Catholic Pro-life Committee of North Texas and sidewalk counselor trainer shared some of the following:

We are living in a Post Abortive Nation—everyone has been impacted in some way by abortion, whether they know it or not. So, how do we communicate with the Post Abortive Nation and the Pre Abortive women?

The Women should not be left alone, presence is so important at the facilities. Every women is trying to preserve a “value” by having an abortion. You can help by trying to connect to what that “value” (feeding/taking care of other children, stress for husband/boyfriend/family, education, approval from friends/job/society) is. Many times, the abortion is for someone else. Women by nature, are not typically selfish.

We must always remember why we are out there, to save the lives of the child and parents. Our actions are critical in whether a child lives or dies. We must meet the women where “they are at” and resist the temptation to tell them why we believe abortion is wrong (“abortion is murder” , “don’t kill your baby”). We have the choice of being effective, or being “right”.

The five C’s

Our Nation has been Conditioned to react negatively to Pregnancy: Pregnancies are often referred to as a “worse nightmare” and a mistake. Our culture has mandated that pregnancy requires a “choice”. Pregnancy has become the modern day plaque. This is what we’re up against.

64% of women are Coerced into having an abortion. Some great websites with lots of facts about abortion, as well as sheets to print out for sidewalk counseling can be found here and here.

Women are Conflicted – They’re going against their maternal instinct (a very powerful instinct) by getting an abortion…so, we have to realize at the point of the abortion, the women truly believe they’re doing the “right” thing. In order to be successful, we MUST meet them where they are at.

People in “Crisis” are susceptible— through nature, women who become pregnant develop a biologic crisis/ biologic dependence— she seeks out advice from others. Consequently, our conditioned culture has accepted abortion as an acceptable choice.

Captive – It’s important to remember that a pregnant women walking through the doors of an abortion facility has their baby held hostage. Focusing on them (not their baby) and meeting their perceived needs is critical in saving the life of the child. Remember that “value” they are trying to save. (see above)

Often, post abortive women get pregnant again around the date that their aborted baby was supposed to be born.

It’s important our non-verbal language sends the right message. The way we dress and interact with others speak loudly to the women entering the abortion facility. While on the sidewalk— we should limit chit-chat (especially joking around), as the woman’s current frame of mind may lead her to believe we are “Talking” about her… Treat the sidewalk as a somber, sober place.

May God bless all of us in our efforts to do His will in protecting the unborn.

PRO LIFE EVENTS in SA

Contribution and call to action from Sarah:

“Refocusing”
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday January 17, 2009
Assumption Seminary (Brown Room)
(2600 W. Woodlawn Ave., San Antonio, TX 78228
(just east of Pastoral Center)
What are challenges and realities in “refocusing” our minds, hearts and energies toward what is important for us? Fr. David Gutierrez will offer scriptural insights and stimulate discussion.
For more info contact yam@archsa.org

Roe v Wade Anniversary Pro-Life Activities

• Jan 17 – San Antonio Rally for Life, sponsored by San Antonio Right to Life, 2-3pm, Milam Park. Keynote speaker: Rick Doucette, Archdiocesan Pro-Life Director (For more information, contact Mary Thomas at 690-9801)
• Jan 22 – Pro-Life Holy Hour, St. Matthews Catholic Church, after 6pm vigil Mass celebrated by Bishop John Yanta, retired bishop of Amarillo.
• Jan 24 – Archdiocesan Commemoration of the 36th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade, St. Mary Magdalen Parish 1710 Clower, San Antonio, 78230, 8-9:30am, peaceful rosary procession to Planned Parenthood, followed by 10am Memorial Mass for Life.
• Jan 24 – Texas Rally for Life, 1pm, State Capitol: Archdiocesan sponsored 56-passenger tour bus leaves for the Texas Rally for Life after Mass. Reservations required, call 210-734-2696 to reserve seats. First come first served (see www.texasrallyforlife.org for more info).

Thank you Sarah for all that y0u do.

Another video of some of our favorite people

help stop pro-abortion radical’s attempt to make abortion universally recognized human right

Contribution from Sandra.

Dear friends,

On December 10th, radical pro-abortion groups will present petitions asking the
UN General Assembly to make abortion a universally recognized human right.

We have met the challenge and you can help.

We have initiated a petition drive that calls for governments to interpret the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as protecting the unborn child from abortion. Along with a coalition of pro-life groups from around the world, we will present our petitions at a press conference at UN headquarters.

So far, in only three weeks we have generated 46,417 names endorsing our petition; that is 15,000 a week! I now fully expect that we will present 100,000 names on December 10th, the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In order for this to happen, though, I need your help and I need it now.

If you have not signed the petition, do so now … by going directly to http://www.c-fam.org and click on the icon “UN Petition for the Unborn Child,” located on the right hand side of the screen. Then, scroll down and sign the petition, send this email or one of your own to ALL OF YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

If you have already signed the petition, send this email or one of your own to ALL OF YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS and urge them to sign it.

What we are trying to do is create a real global internet campaign that will shock the pro-abortion radicals at the UN on December 10th!
To help you, the petition has been translated into 11 different languages and each can be found … by going to http://www.c-fam.org

Yours sincerely,

Austin Ruse

President

C-FAM

PS We absolutely must submit more names to the UN than the pro-abortion radicals. They are bigger, richer and stronger than we are. So, act now! Please send this message to all of your friends

from Mary
“Glory be to Thee, my God
for those who forgive for love of Thee”
Francis of Assi

Never Silence Life

 www.neversilencelife.com

Hello to All,

Just wanted to pass on this Great oportunity to stand in the gap.

I would like to gather as many of us as possible to participate in this. Times and other details are TBA so please keep in touch via myspace and/or email.

We will be sieging on Monday January 19, 2009(inaguration day) we will be preparing the way for Thursdays(01/22/09) Roe vs. Wade 36th anniversary national siege. We feel that sieiging at the courthouse downtown San Antonio on the day of inaguration is quite important as well.

I will be out there from 8am – 11am (01/19/09) so that any one who cares to join in during those hours can come and go as needed being that it is a work day. Thanks in advance for all those who support this issue. MANY MANY MANY blessings on those who receive this and are moved by the Spirit to stand in the Gap for the unborn and unsaved!

Thanks and Have a BLESSED DAY

~ Sarah Gonzalez

www.myspace.com/bound4lifesatx

 

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is no friend to women or children

There has been some confusion as to why we should NOT support the Komen for the Cure. I found a Position Statement on the Life Issues Institute website that sums it up quite nicely.

1.  Public records indicate that Susan G. Komen for the Cure (“Komen”) affiliates in at least 22 states (Missouri is not among them) have provided sizable grants to local Planned Parenthood chapters for breast health care services.

Despite Komen donations for breast health care services, Planned Parenthood (the largest single abortion provider in the country) stated in its 2004-2005 annual report that 9,900 more abortions were performed and 26,000 fewer breast exams were provided in 2004 than in 2003.
Donors cannot control how an organization designates its funds. Therefore, money donated for a specific service, i.e. breast health care, directly frees up funds to support other areas of an organization’s agenda, i.e. contraception services, “safe” sex education and abortion services.

2.  The Komen website dismisses the link between procured abortion and increased risk of breast cancer. However, the research of Joel Brind, Ph.D., a professor of Endocrinology and founder of the Breast Cancer Prevention Institute, and the work of Dr. Janet Daling, a leading cancer epidemiologist and pro-choice advocate, invalidate a dismissal of the link. Daling said, “I would have loved to have found no association between breast cancer and abortion, but our research is rock solid, and our data is accurate. It’s not a matter of believing, it’s a matter of what is.”

3.  Komen endorses embryonic stem cell research that requires the destruction of embryonic human life, stating that “embryonic stem cells…have the most potential” for cancer stem cell research.  The destruction of human life at any stage of development is never morally acceptable. Embryonic stem cell research is also unnecessary since adult stem cell research has a proven record of cures and treatments.

getting involved

From Karen Klotz 

There are two bills that are in their first stage.  We all need to be diligent about contacting Senator John Cornyn, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, and Speaker of the House, Tom Craddick. Also, anyone else that might be in your district that could help.

Bill #1 would require all doctors to perform an ultrasound and show their pregnant patients the living organs inside of their babies AND they would have to let the mother listen to the babies heartbeat. AMEN!!! 

Bill #2 Issuance of “Choose Life” license plates and the creation of the CHOOSE LIFE account in the general revenue fund in TEXAS!  AMEN!!!! This bill would be solely for the purpose of serving women who choose life. It will also help women who choose adoption. It will also help provide clothes, diapers, whatever needed to women who need assistance. It is Bill HB 109.

We need to let all of our legislators know that we want these passed. We have to speak for these unborn children and this is one way to do so among others.

Karen wants to urge us to read up on and to sign a petition against the Freedom of Choice Act, saying that it’s very important to get as many people as you can to sign the petition against it.