The Winds of Change Blew In Reno
National Campaign Daily Intention
May the spirit and example of the Good Samaritan fill the hearts and minds of all our citizens.
Table of Contents
- National Campaign Daily Intention
- National Campaign News
- It’s Been a Most Incredible Week!
- Local Campaign News
- The Winds of Change Blew in Reno
- You Are Needed at the Sidewalk
- Please Bring Adopt A Day to Your Church
- Coming Events
- Reno CPC Benefit Event, Oct 1st, 6 – 9 pm
- First Saturday Rosary, Oct 3rd, 9:00 am
- Respect Life Mass – Oct 4th, 9:30 am
- Life Chain Sunday – Oct 4th, 2 – 3:30 pm
- Allow us to Announce Your Pro-Life Prayer Gathering Here
- 40 Days through Scripture
- Day 8: Mark 12 – 16
- National News
- Amendments in Senate Finance Committee “Mark-Up”
- Video Vignette
- What's So Bad About Abortion?
- Get Involved
- Get a Free Sample of HLA Publications
- Campaign Materials
- Two Hearts Catholic Books & Gifts to Carry 40 Days for Life Items
- Free 40 Days for Life Items - Bumper Sticker, Bracelet & More
National Campaign Daily Intention
May the spirit and example of the Good Samaritan fill the hearts and minds of all our citizens.
Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. “A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. “So, too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the ands of robbers?”
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”—Luke 10:30-37
Here Jesus commands us to show mercy to the victims of the culture of violence and death. But why did the priest and Levite fail to show mercy? Perhaps they feared that the robbers were hiding just around the next corner to attack them. They asked them‐selves, “If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?” The Samaritan, however, reversed the question, and asked, “If I don’t stop to help this man, what will happen to him?” In working to save the unborn, let’s not worry about what will happen to us if we act; let’s worry about what will happen to the unborn if we don’t.
Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director
Priests for Life
National Campaign News
It’s Been a Most Incredible Week!
Well, here we are! The first week of the fall 40 Days for Life campaign is complete. Since it's been a most incredible week, I'd like to share some "most incredible" happenings, in categories large and small.
Weather-wise, we've seen a bit of everything – warm in the south, cool in the north, a lot of rain in the east. But clearly, the honor for Most Incredible Weather Report goes to Colorado Springs for Day 1 of the campaign.
"Colorado Springs woke up this morning to a howling wind," Michele told me. "I looked outside and there was blowing snow." Snow! The wind died down and the snow stopped, but it was still pretty cold. But more than 60 people showed up -- in winter coats, hats and mittens -- for the opening event of the 40 Days for Life campaign. "No," Michele said, "the cold won't keep us away!"
We've seen tons of great pictures from many local efforts, but the Most Incredible Picture of a 40 Days for Life Banner Hanging from a Church Bell Tower is definitely from Pensacola, Florida, where Sacred Heart Cathedral's very tall banner features the 40 Days for Life logo and a scripture verse, John 10:10 – "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." Go here to see the banner on the bell tower: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=292
We also have photographic evidence for the Most Incredible Falsehood from Planned Parenthood – the banner hanging from the walls of an abortion center in St. Louis with the message, "Defend the truth." Click here to see the abortion center's banner: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=292
Defending the truth? That's what YOU are doing! Planned Parenthood is the nation's largest abortion chain and despite the constant claim that Planned Parenthood somehow "reduces abortions," this organization's latest annual report shows a record total of 305,310 abortions for the previous year -- numbers that continue to go up. That's indefensible.
Local campaigns had many good TV news reports thus far (you can check them out through the links on our news page at http://40daysforlife.com/news.cfm )
But I thought the Most Incredible TV News Report came from WFMZ-TV, whose report on 40 Days for Life in Phillipsburg, New Jersey gives a fair, objective view of the campaign -- and an interesting look at those who "defend" the abortion business. See the video report here (note that there's a commercial before the news story begins), and please pray for the lone "pro-choice" supporter. You'll see what I mean: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=292
While mentioning incredible things, an incredible pro-life event that takes place during this fall's 40 Days for Life is the annual Life Chain. It's happening this Sunday, October 4. People will line the sidewalks in communities across North America to stand up for life. You can find out much more at: http://nationallifechain.org
If you've never taken a public stand for an end to abortion, please consider this invitation. It will give you a first taste for pro-life activity that will whet your appetite for doing even more – like taking part in the nearest 40 Days for Life vigil, for instance! ;-)
Without a doubt, however, even in a most eventful week of lives saved, hearts consoled and prayers answered, my Most Incredible Inspiration is -- YOU! YOU are the ones who answer God's call to speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves. It has been genuinely amazing to watch you in action. And I can't wait to see what happens these next 33 days!
Local Campaign News
The Winds of Change Blew in Reno
Apparently, Dr. Stutes didn’t have a peaceful day of rest on Tuesday, as several prayer volunteers commented on seeing him at the abortion site today. One volunteer observed him, along with a clinic worker, fighting to better anchor down the large signs he has placed outside the facility, as the winds were buffeting it about. This person commented on how the struggle they were having against the strong winds reminded them of how the winds are used in Scripture as a symbol of the power of the Holy Spirit, and here were Dr. Stutes and his worker, battling against the winds, which blew their signs around. Last year, these large signs were completely blown from the site by the strong, cleansing winds. What will be seen when the light of day again shines on the sidewalk?
I was most pleased to learn that among those who shared their experiences with me, that they did not respond in kind to his several tirades of nasty comments and empty threats. I am happy to learn that we continue to demonstrate that we are there to share the love of Christ with those who come to the abortion site, regardless of their reason for being there, regardless of the role they are playing in this tragedy.
Another prayer volunteer told me that while at the sidewalk she and another were approached by a woman who drove up to ask why they were there. Apparently Rachel was able to provide what this observer considered to be a beautiful defense of life, which may have been one of the first times this woman who approached with her questions had ever heard a well articulated defense for why abortion is never a valid option. Thank you Rachel, and thank you Therese who last year offered to her church an excellent program on the reasons that abortion can not be defended by a Christian. Rachel was one of the many participants in this workshop from whom we are now seeing good fruit.
It was also reported that someone may have left a religious candle at the abortion site, perhaps having placed it on the fence or one of the blue boxes within the abortion site property. This was conjectured by one of those reporting to me the events of their time at the sidewalk, and a tirade of Dr. Stutes as he took pictures of the candle (which may have been on the ground near the speaker box) and shouted various things to those who had come to pray in peace. I’m uncertain if the candle was or wasn’t placed on the fence or speaker box, but either way, I’d like to offer this word of caution. If you place anything on the fence, that may constitute trespass and we must NOT trespass upon the private property of the abortion site. It is even more a case of trespass if one were to reach into the site to place something on one of the blue speaker boxes. Please, do not do anything while you are there that could put you in a position that could result in an arrest or other legal action. Assume that the cameras are always functional and that they will be watching every minute of the tape, 24 hours long.
The abortionist has already demonstrated his willingness (perhaps even desire) to prosecute us for any transgression. We do not want to provide him with the opportunity to do so. Also, if it was in fact a candle, this is likely to elicit an especially strong response, as it is my understanding that while at the previous abortion site location on Mill Street, the facility was the object of an attack by a firebomb. This occurred more than 15 years ago while there were a large number of people present, when the approach was to protest, rather than pray. The majority of those present recognized one another from their time spent together at the sidewalk, but no-one recognized the individual who came, threw the firebomb and then immediately left. There has been some conjecture that this person was never associated with the Pro-Life movement, but it has never been proven one way or the other.
I ask that we please not repeat such behavior under our watch! And please, do not place anything within the property, which includes on top of the fence.
If you approach the site and someone has placed something on the fence, if the person responsible is present, please ask them to remove it, so as to reduce the likelihood of anyone facing legal troubles. At the same time, if you didn’t place it there, and don’t know who did, I would recommend not touching anything, as it is on private property. If there is a lit candle, it might be prudent to blow it out, so as to minimize the slight possibility of any fire hazard (although his plantings and building materials have reduced the likelihood of this being a problem).
Large votive candles, or hand held candles that are not placed on private property and are not left unattended should not present a problem and can offer spiritual benefits, so they are not discouraged. Use them in prayer, use them as a symbol of the light we come to represent. Remember that we come to the sidewalk to take back this dark place in our community, to shed light on the darkness, the true light, the light of Christ.
All are welcome, we all have the power of prayer at our disposal, no one is too young or too old to pray to the Almighty, All Loving, All Merciful God. For we know that this effort will only be won when we surrender it to God, who can accomplish all things.
Send your impressions of your time at the sidewalk to renotahoe@40DaysforLife.com.
You Are Needed at the Sidewalk
Today the sidewalk needs your prayers. No, not that other person reading this across town, YOU! If you absolutely can’t make it due to distance or other commitments, please cover the sidewalk, the abortion site, the abortionist, the women who are contemplating an abortion later this week, cover them all with your prayers. Cover the volunteers involved in this effort, those who help in prayer, those who are taking an active role in coordinating the effort, the families of all who are involved in this effort. Please cover them all with your prayer. If you can make it to the sidewalk, please register via our website, and be certain to sign a Statement of Peace before you go out! To register for the hours when you’ll be at the sidewalk, go to: http://www.vigilcalendar.com/renotahoe I thank you in advance for your support.
Please Bring Adopt A Day to Your Church
Please help us to efficiently cover the sidewalk in prayer! If I told you that by giving a few days of your time that you could cure a friend of deadly cancer, would you? If I told you that by skipping your plans for the weekend, you could give someone life, would you? I believe that everyone reading this would answer with a resounding yes! Who among us wouldn’t jump at the chance to save a loved one? I tell you, that our prayers are every bit as powerful as just that, they are saving lives. If you put in the time to arrange an Adopt a Day for your church, you can play a role in seeing an end to abortion in our community. The number of lives that will be spared as a result could be countless. Isn’t this worth the inconvenience of rearranging a few things on your calendar of events?
Please approach your pastor and ask to make announcements at church this weekend, inviting others to come and Pray to End Abortion. For further support on how to coordinate adopting a day, go to: www.40DaysforLife.com/RenoTahoe/AdoptaDay or to get the procedure in PDF format, go to: www.40DaysforLife.com/RenoTahoe/AdoptaDay.pdf.
Coming Events
- Reno CPC Benefit Event, Oct 1st, 6-9 pm
- The Crisis Pregnancy Center cordially invites you to an evening of fun & fellowship Thursday, October 1, 2009. Dinner and Entertainment starts at 6:00 PM. Join us at the California Building in Idlewild Park Reno, NV To register for this free event, go to: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/407898034/efbevent
- First Saturday Rosary, Oct 3rd, 9:00 am
- Calling all Pro-Life Catholics (and others who are interested) to pray the Rosary at the abortion site on Saturday, May 2nd at 9:00 am. Join us as we pray the Gospel. This monthly rosary continues year round, as the faithful gather to Pray to End Abortion. We will continue our prayerful faithful witness until this clinic is closed for good!
- Respect Life Mass – Oct 4th, 9:30 am
- Join Bishop Calvo as he celebrates the annual Respect Life Mass and leads a Rosary Procession on Sunday, October 4, 2009, at 9:30 a.m., St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral, 310 West Second Street, Reno. A Rosary Procession along the river in downtown Reno will follow the Mass.
- Life Chain Sunday – Oct 4th, 2 – 3:30 pm
- On Sunday, Oct 4, from 2 – 3:30 pm we will join hundreds of Life Chains across the nation, as we hold signs at the corner of S. Virginia and McCarran, proclaiming the truth that Abortion Kills Children. We make this statement with a prayerful attitude, asking all who participate to remember that we come to share the Truth of Christ in Love. Join us as we call all to appreciate the precious nature of the innocent unborn.
- Allow us to Announce Your Pro-Life Prayer Gathering Here
- Gather together to Pray to End Abortion! When you have plans, let us know and we’ll let others know through our updates.
40 Days through Scripture
- Day 8: Mark 12 – 16v(including: Mark 13:32-37)
- “But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch. Watch, therefore; you do not know when the lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’ “
If he were to come to you today, if this were your last day on earth, would you be satisfied with how you spent it? Did you use today to give Glory and Honor to God? Did you protect the innocent, help the downtrodden?
To get the complete 40 Days Through the New Testament list, go to: www.40DaysforLife.com/renotahoe/NewTestament, print it out and get started now. It’s never too late to start reading the bible.
National News
Amendments in Senate Finance Committee “Mark-Up”
[Americans United for Life, REVISED: 09.28.09] No amendments pertaining to life issues received a vote on Friday. The Senate is not in Session today. On Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee will likely consider three pro-life amendments filed by Senator Orrin Hatch (UT). While the Committee accepted one pro-life modification to the bill last week as part of a package of amendments – the federal government cannot mandate abortion in the “essential benefits package” that private insurers must provide to participate in the system – there are still several problems with the Bill. . Read the Entire Story
I received an email from Eric Scheidler today referring me to this article and I’d like to encourage you to follow his lead and call Senator Ensign and all the other Finance Committee members, requesting that they take action to remove abortion from Health Care Reform.
We’ve got their attention, now is the time to capitalize on that by being heard. We’ve even got the attention of Planned Parenthood, who sent out two missives today, asking for money so that they can counter us as Cecile Richard says “It's clear that months of relentless pressure by a small, vocal bunch of anti-choice extremists who will stop at nothing to get rid of a woman's right to choose — even if it means that millions upon millions of women, men, and children would remain uninsured — is working.” But let’s not sit back, taking her word that we’re making headway through the efforts of others. Let’s each and every one of us pick-up the phone and let these legislators know that now is the time when we say:
“Enough is Enough, not with my tax dollars, not with my insurance premiums, not now, not ever, I will not pay for abortion! Please support the Hatch Amendments.”
The Senate Finance Committee Members phone numbers are:
- Max Baucus, MT: 202-224-2651
- John D. Rockefeller Iv, WV: 202-224-6472
- Kent Conrad, ND: 202-224-2043
- Jeff Bingaman, NM: 202-224-5521
- John F. Kerry, MA: 202-224-2742
- Blanche L. Lincoln, AR: 202-224-4843
- Ron Wyden, OR: 202-224-5244
- Charles E. Schumer, NY: 202-224-6542
- Debbie Stabenow, MI: 202-224-4822
- Maria Cantwell, WA: 202-224-3441
- Bill Nelson, FL: 202-224-5274
- Robert Menendez, NJ: 202-224-4744
- Thomas Carper, DE: 202-224-2441
- Chuck Grassley, IA: 202-224-3744
- Orrin G. Hatch, UT (Sponsor): 202-224-5251
- Olympia J. Snowe, ME: 202-224-5344
- Jon Kyl, AZ: 202-224-4521
- Jim Bunning, KY: 202-224-4343
- Mike Crapo, ID: 202-224-6142
- Pat Roberts, KS: 202-224-4774
- John Ensign, NV: 202-224-6244
- Mike Enzi, WY: 202-224-3424
- John Cornyn, TX : 202-224-2934
Video Vignette
What's So Bad About Abortion?
Women who have had an abortion have a special perspective on this issue. See what they have to say on the subject. Watch
Get Involved!
Get a Free Sample of HLA Publications
HLA - Human Life Alliance offers a wide range of printed materials that are full color, factual and well written on the subject of abortion. I recommend you order a free sample of their literature an consider to what group you can distribute them. Get your copy
CampaignMaterials
Free 40 Days for Life Items - BumperSticker, Bracelet & More. Heritage House, is offering aPromotion Pack of 40 Days for Life items through their website for the amazingcost of $0, they are even picking up the postage.If you havewished to place a bumper sticker on your car, but I haven’t had one on handwhen we’ve seen one another, our you haven’t yet got one of the rubberizedbracelets, but you’d like one, now is your chance to get these and more items,for free.They aren’t even requiring that you enter your emailaddress to receive this promotion, although, I encourage you to do so, and theywill continue to keep you informed of the many great items they place on saleduring the course of the year.And if you see something on sale andwould like to purchase it for our 40 Days for Life campaign, I would gladlyaccept the help in making their many excellent pro-life itemsavailable!To receive your free promo pack, go to: http://www.40dayspromopack.com/40dayspromopack/signup.asp
Two HeartsCatholic Books & Gifts to Carry 40 Days for Life Items
Truly, pictures are worth a thousand words.To makeit possible for us to communicate more effectively with those who witness ourcampaign, Millie has stocked Yard signs, Rally signs, New colored preciousfeet, Pro-life buttons, Static and Bumper sticker available @ The Two Hearts,33 Winter Street, Reno NV and St. Rose of Lima Church (weekend Masses).
More information
Please share this truth, among others relative toabortion with those who follow your Facebook posts! For moreinformation on 40 Days for Life, Reno/Tahoe, visit our local website, at: www.40DaysforLife.com/RenoTahoe, look for us onFaceBook, or Call: CarolMarie at 530-412-1573 Pleaseforward this message to anyone you know who might be willing to Pray to EndAbortion.
To receive yourown copy of these updates, as well as information from the NationalCampaign , go to http://www.40DaysforLife/renotahoe and request toreceive updates. If you preferto only receive our local updates, send an email with “Please Add Me to 40 Days for Life” on the subject line to renotahoe@40DaysforLife.com
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