Void The Abortion Mandate Virtual Rally

From Eric Scheidler and the Pro-Life Action League...

Last night, President Obama spoke to the nation about his plan for
a national, government-run healthcare system. But he STILL hasn't
come clean about whether his plan will fund abortion.

Make no mistake about it: Abortion WILL be funded by the government
through the new healthcare plan.

For years, Planned Parenthood and the abortion lobby have been
working towards the day when abortion would be included in
comprehensive healthcare reform -- the day when abortion coverage
would become mandatory and paid for with your tax dollars.

That day is here.

If the healthcare legislation President Obama wants passes,
abortion providers will get their wish.

The federal government will fund abortions across the country with our tax dollars.

We must redouble our efforts to stop this plan. That's why I'm
inviting you to join me and pro-lifers across the country in the
VOID THE ABORTION MANDATE virtual rally and grassroots campaign.

President Obama and your representatives in Congress need to hear
from you NOW that "Abortion is not health care!"

Our pro-life voices ARE getting through! The media have covered
town hall meetings all across the country and reporters are finally
asking about abortion funding in Obama's health care plan.

Now it's time for a new wave of activism to stop President Obama
and the abortion industry from mandating taxpayer funded abortions.
That's what the VOID THE ABORTION MANDATE "virtual rally" is all
about.

Here's what you can do:

* SOCIAL NETWORKING ACTIVISM:
Download the new "Void the Abortion Mandate" logo and sample
status messages and post them on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace
and other social networking websites.

* CONTACT YOUR SENATORS AND CONGRESSMAN:
Visit StopTheAbortionMandate.com and click on the "voided check"
logo to send a message to your elected representatives that you
don't want the government funding abortion:

* LEARN HOW OBAMA'S PLAN FUNDS ABORTION:
Having a hard time explaining how the healthcare plan cover
abortion? Get the new chart that shows how it happens:

* GET ALL THE FACTS:
Learn about the Hyde Amendment, government funding of
abortion, and other important topics surrounding the healthcare
reform abortion mandate.

Strong Pro-Life Catholic Candidate for Governor in Illinois

Do you live in Illinois?

Are you planning to vote in 2010 for our new governor?

Are you a practicing Catholic Christian?

Have you been looking for a candidate who brings true "change" to the party?

Please take a look at Adam Andrzejewski, brother to one of our very own moms in our local Catholic Mother's Group.

You may find just what you've been looking for! And feel free to spread the word!

Father Corapi on Obama at Notre Dame

After a rocky start, Father Corapi has made it his life's work to preach, teach and impart the Catholic faith to others.

Hear what he has to say about Notre Dame's commencement speaker decision and to award President Obama an honorary doctorate of law.

Movie Review: Come What May

“My father was right. If you don’t believe your wife is precious, you won’t cherish her. If you don’t believe love is best when it’s pure and new, you won’t wait patiently for it. If you don’t believe the baby in the womb is the living handiwork of God, you’ll do nothing to protect it. What do you believe?”
-Caleb Hogan (played by Austin Kearney) in “Come What May”

Explaining Pro-Life Beliefs

If you've been reading here a while, you most definitely know where the Ark falls in its beliefs on the sanctity and dignity of life.

All life.
Little lives.
Big lives.
Old lives.
New lives.
Rich lives.
Poor lives.
Our lives.
Your lives.

You may share our beliefs, or, perhaps, not.

But, if you do and you've ever struggled to explain your beliefs to others, you'll definitely want to check out this wonderful free resource to help you share your perspective with others.

The Best 41 Seconds You'll See Today

Check out CatholicVote.com for more information.

H/T Faith and Family Live!

Sanctity of Human Life Week Coming Soon!

From Focus on the Family:

Five years ago, Focus on the Family^® launched the Option Ultrasound™ Program--a groundbreaking initiative providing grants for ultrasound machines and sonography training to pregnancy medical clinics across the country. As a result, it's estimated that as many as 63,000 babies who may have been aborted have potentially been saved.

Lee's just one of the many, many moms who decided to keep their babies after experiencing an ultrasound--and with your help, there will be many, many more.

So celebrate with us! You can read more stories of moms and babies impacted by Option Ultrasound at HeartLink.org.

You can find exciting (and easy!) ways to be "pro-life and pro-active" during Sanctity of Human Life Week at BeAVoice.net.

Mark your calendars---Sanctity of Human Life Week runs from January 18th through the 25th.

A Vote for Life

For those of you who will be voting in the state of Illinois this November, you can find out how the candidates stack up with respect to issues such as abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research and related topics courtesy of Illinois Citizens for Life.

And while we're talking about life today, tomorrow pro-lifer across the world will NOT be talking about it...on purpose! See for yourselves. Will you be silent?

So Much for Choice

Why aren't those in favor of "choice" crying foul about this unbelievable proposal taking away a woman's right to choose?

Perhaps, because "choice" is an easy position to maintain when the only available option applies to your world view.

From the article:

"Now along comes a proponent of population control, Carter Dillard, to argue that the right to procreate is limited to one child because there are no explicit laws guaranteeing that right. If it is any solace, he does conclude that people do enjoy one absolute right: the right not to procreate at all."

You can read the full story over at Anne's blog.

And while you're there, stop and tell her what you'd say to the woman she encountered at the grocery store.

Night to Remember

The Boy had track practice that night. Unfortunately, the end of practice coincided with the beginning of a special Mass scheduled at our parish. Fortunately, however, the Captain's work schedule, which has been somewhat hellish unpredictable lately at least allowed me the chance to keep this hectic schedule without all six Arklings in tow.

But as I screeched the wheels of the Ark on yet another trip across town, my momentum was fading fast. "You'll be late to the Mass," I told myself. "The Boy will be in track clothes and sneakers--and let's not forget what a teenage boy smells like after sports practice."

"Perhaps you shouldn't go?" I thought to myself, prompting a lightning round of pros and cons for attending. And just as The Boy collapsed into the passenger seat pawing around for his post-game snack, I remembered the words of the mom who organized the Mass. The Mass of Angels happens once each year, she said, please take an hour out of your busy schedules to join us in celebrating the lives of our angel children. Suddenly, being a few minutes late didn't matter. As I pulled into the church parking lot, my decision was reaffirmed by the few other late arrivals (also with sports-attired children) for the door.

Once inside, we lighted the remaining candles--just enough for each of the families for whom we were to pray--and carried them into the church with us, where the names of the children were already being read. Between each group of names a chorus of voices, some timid and tearful, others strong and supportive sang the refrain, "All you holy, little children, pray for us." And as I glanced from up from the litany of names, I saw the young man in his dirty track clothes standing next to me. With a heart both heavy and light all at once, I was glad we had come.

It was only an hour--out of the entire year--but in that one hour I remembered just why it is that the remaining hours should be so cherished.

Memorial Mass of Angels

Sorry about the late notice, but here's an important FYI-

Our parish's Elizabeth Ministry is holding its annual Memorial Mass of Angels on Tues. April, 22nd at 7pm. I wanted to make sure the word got out to people who might find peace and healing in this Mass.

This is open to anyone (you need not be Catholic to attend) who has been touched by the loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion, SIDS, and infant or child death. (*In cases of miscarriage, there is an eloquently written prayer and blessing for parents over at EWTN*) A reception will follow. All friends and family are invited to share in the support and fellowship of these loved ones.

Please forward this invitation to anyone whom you think might be interested.

For those who would like to have a candle lighted in their child's name, but are unable to attend, please feel free to email me at patjrsmom at yahoo dot com with the name of the child and the date on which he or she was born into eternity. Today is the last day for submitting information.

Next time someone challenges...

that Pl*nned P*renthood is of vital importance to poor, underprivileged, minority women, who otherwise wouldn't receive adequate health care, tell them about this.

An opportunity for some real dialogue

If you've missed this link out there, be sure to stop in and read the discussion happening at BlogHer regarding Pro-Life/Pro-Choice women. The Pro-Life viewpoint is offered by Shannon, of Rocks in My Dryer this morning. The Pro-Choice viewpoint will be presented later today. Already, however, many wonderful women have already weighed in with their thoughtful opinions. Go over and share yours.

Thanks and Praise

for another precious soul welcomed by the Elm City family. If you have a chance, stop by and wish them all well.

Praying on the sidewalk

Whether you're praying in the Fox Valley--or at any number of abortion clinics around the country... Whether you've prayed one time--or a thousand... Whether you've learned about the babies who live because of your prayers--or not...go read this article and then check out the book.

Then, consider whether you might be called to pray, specifically, this weekend at the Aurora PP clinic. If so, sign up here.

The Giving Continues

While I haven't updated here recently about the PP clinic, the battle for the dignity of life continues. On the front lines this past weekend, our parish's mom's group held another pro-life baby shower and met with as much success as before. Here are a few of the stories shared from that day:

From the shower organizers-
Despite the cold, overcast weather this past Saturday at the FAPP Rally, my heart remained warmed by the generosity of so many who donated to our second Community Baby Shower. Once again, people opened their hearts to women and families in need and filled our playpens to the brim! We collected over 80 packages of diapers, 25 packages of baby wipes, 2 highchairs, 3 infant tubs, 3 bouncy chairs, at least 25 blankets (some hand knit!) as well as bags upon bags of clothing, sleepers, and onesies and many other baby care items. Although it was not requested that the gifts be wrapped – many items were beautifully and thoughtfully packaged in gift bags – a testimony to our belief that EVERY child is an amazing gift from God and is to be celebrated! I want to personally thank each and every person who donated to the baby shower. Every donation, large or small, makes a tremendous difference because collectively these items change lives.

And a couple of thank yous-

#1-From the Project Gabriel representative-

Thank you again for all your hard work. It is wonderful that we will be able to help many women and babies. I truly believe in the power of prayer and there is a family we are helping that really needs it. Gabriel Project of Our Lady of Mercy is in the midst of a tragedy. Our newest mom, who delivered a beautiful baby boy on Oct. 20th, died yesterday morning. You may have heard of the story in the news. She was stabbed to death in her home. The two week old and her 1 year old are fine and with their grandma. Please, please keep the family and those precious children in your prayers. It is a horrible situation.

She was a kind and appreciative person who just wanted to take care of her family. We are looking to get extra help to the family when they need it. Some of the supplies we've collected with go to them. So please pass my Thank yous on again to everyone who donated.

#2--from the Pregnancy Information Center representative

I spent my last 2 hours at the Center yesterday sorting the things your shower provided and putting it away. There was so much I am still not finished. Many items are so nice we decided to put them aside to share at Christmas.

Thank you so much!

#3--from a conversation with the Catholic Charities representative

First, she (the Catholic Charities representative) mentioned how helpful these items would be since she is working with a lot of moms who are choosing to keep their babies (praise God!). Second, she also mentioned how she has 20 families on the wait list to adopt babies and how badly she feels that they are waiting and waiting meanwhile PP is all too quick to encourage women to abort their babies. CC is turning people away who want to adopt babies because the wait list is already so long. It is encouraging that she is working with so many moms choosing to keep and raise their children but why are we struggling so hard with the adoption portion of the equation? Why can we not get these women to see that there ARE countless families who are being called to adopt and are ready right now at this very moment to care for these precious little ones. It’s both interesting and baffling to me.

God Bless you all for your dedication to supporting life in our community!

"Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, you do to me." Matthew 25:40

Seriously?

This message comes from our parish's youth minister via fellow parents at our school:

"I was just informed that the Beacon news could not find any parents who would be against allowing their child to have an abortion without their knowledge. If you have 5 minutes today, please call the Beacon News at 630-844-5845 and ask for Andre Salles to voice your opposition to concealing abortions from the parents of underage children."

I thought this was worth passing on to concerned parents (both native to Aurora and elsewhere) who would be opposed to a no-consent abortion for their daughter. I'm sure there are one or two of us out there...

You can't fence out truth

but apparently Dominick's grocery, along with their sneakiest new neighbor wish to believe that it can. Read more about this here.

And since we're talking about businesses...I just have to add this link from Praying for Grace.

Did you all know about this? I had NO idea, but I'm just sickened by it.

***UPDATE***
Here is the quote from LDI:

The Boycott List (see above) includes a section called Dishonorable Mention, which lists seemingly innocuous nonprofit organizations that are involved with Planned Parenthood or otherwise active in the Culture of Death. Among the groups included are Outward Bound West, American Automobile Association (AAA), Kaiser Permanente, American Cancer Society, Dr. Phil Foundation, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Camp Fire, Girl Scouts, Kiwanis Club, Rotary International, March of Dimes, Lions Club, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, American Diabetes Association, and the Young Womens Christian Association (YWCA). Involvement ranges from donating funds to pro-abortion groups (or allowing affiliates to do so), supporting anti-life causes, allowing pro-abortion groups access to membership, adopting an official pro-abortion policy position, and so forth.

Witness

This was forwarded on to me from my MIL from a close friend of the family who has been involved in pro-life activities in the Fox Valley area for decades. Please remember this family and their baby soon to be born in your prayers:

I need to share a prayer request and a blessing with you. As I was out at Pl*nned P*renthood praying today, a quiet Mexican couple came and stood alone opposite the building where there was a huge celebration going on inside. Many big shots from PP, as well as Steven Trombley, the CEO and all the personnel were having a huge party. There was even valet parking. I mean it was a huge celebration for them!
Anyway, this couple (who we later found out were George and Guadeloupe - who is 9 months pregnant) came and knelt on the pavement and prayed quietly and both cried for what will be going on inside the Abortion Fortress beginning tomorrow morning. I have never seen such a somber witness to Jesus' love before. All of us who were there to stand for life and pray for the babies and their mommies and the workers, felt privileged to witness this precious sight. Guadeloupe knelt on the hard pavement in the bitter cold wind with only a light sweater (until one of the workers went to her car and found a small blanket to drape over her, and something for her to kneel on). Nine month pregnant Guadeloupe and her husband George knelt and prayed and cried for an hour. We prayed for them and their precious baby.Then they quietly rose and left and said they will be back. We embraced and thanked them for their sacrifice of time and comfort to come and be that witness that the PP workers would not - no could not-look at. They all turned their backs on Guadeloupe because they could not bear to look upon the glory of God that was around that couple.
Please pray for this precious couple and their baby who is soon to be born. I personally cannot wait to go out and see what God will do next.
Please consider signing up to pray for one hour at the clinic this Friday. God truly meets us there.

Help wanted!

Another one of our dedicated moms from church is helping to coordinate sidewalk counselors and prayer partners for the Aurora Pl*nned P*renthood site. Volunteers will receive training.
If you feel called to minister to abortion-bound women in this way, please leave me a comment below or email me for additional information.