Day 18: Thanks to Guardians For Life, St. Maria Goretti Parish, Our Lady of the Angels Parish, St. Clare of Assissi Parish, Faithful Shift Managers and Heaven-sent Volunteers!

YOU are invited to be a 40 Days for Life GOOSE

From a priest (college chaplain) via a great pro-life friend:

When geese are flying along in the “V” formation as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go through it alone — and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the power of the flock. We Pro-Lifers rely on one another to stay the course ! When we work as a TEAM, 40 days of 12 hour vigils on a frozen sidewalk is DOABLE – But 40 vigil days on our own is unthinkable!

When the lead goose gets tired, she or he rotates back in the wing and another goose takes over. When a goose gets sick or is wounded and falls out, two geese fall out of the formation and follow the injured one down to help and protect him. They stay with him until he is either able to fly or until he is dead, and then they launch out with another formation to catch up with their group- 40 Days for Life folks have stepped up in faith in spite of day-to-day challenges, obstacles, bitter weather, and even a pandemic!

Finally, The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep their speed. – Words of Support and Inspiration from those not able to make it to the sidewalk truly matter. When we can’t be on the SIDEWALK – we can Pray for those who are “in Front of the V” (– and shivering on the Sidewalk). Our “Honking” is Praying !!

So, Be a 40 Days for Life GOOSE with me, headed in the direction of our Eternal, All-Powerful Father in Heaven. We can do WONDERFUL things, TOGETHER! – Honk Honk – Jeannie

7-9 Shift Manager Tim Reports:

It was quiet to start and we were able to pray together. We were joined by Father Tim and the Guardians for Life and their prayers filled the air.  Bill and Bill Saturday regulars joined our witness. We had a strong presence this morning. – Tim

9-11 Shift Manager Sue Reports:

I was thankful that PP was the un-busiest I’ve seen in a long time this morning.  Still, even one person going in is one too many …. When Sue D. and I arrived, the Guardians for Life were still there praying, along with regulars Bill and Bill.  Dan from St. Maria Goretti prayed with us this morning, and regular prayer warrior Bridget arrived soon after the shift began.  We were able to get more prayer time in today due to the lower clientele and foot traffic level.  At one point a VERY young couple, who didn’t look much older than 16, came out.  The girl, giggling, said they were “just there for birth control.”  Sue was able to get literature into their hands, including some from the “tent” on birth control.  One well-dressed young man walked by commenting “it’s a shame you believe in something that doesn’t exist.”  Where is his hope?  So sad ….  Sue was able to get literature to a couple who arrived and sat inside their truck for a long time.  Later, after the woman had gone in and Greg arrived for the next shift, Greg was able to have a good conversation with “N,” the boyfriend of “C,” the girl who had gone in.  Thankfully they were not there for an abortion.  Please pray for “N” and “C,” for the very young couple, for the unbelieving passerby, and for every person who entered PP today for services.       -Sue M.

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11-1 Shift Manager Cecilia Reports:

Sue and Fran came down for the first time today to represent the Parish of Saint Clare. One comment I will make after my three trips downtown this week is… What a difference the day makes! Saturdays, with PP open, are very sad days with many going in to kill their baby.  We kept busy trying to reach out to anyone coming and going. Sundays, with PP closed, are more peaceful with more time to focus on prayer. Thursdays, PP is open but usually not performing abortions and not as busy.  We still try to reach out to anyone going in and interact with more people passing by.  Covid has kept the work traffic down. – Cecila

Dean adds: (Cil is ) spot on with (her) comparison of the volume of traffic at P.P. between abortion and non-abortion days. I’ve seen the difference between Mondays and Saturdays. It shows what their biggest money maker is.

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1-3 Shift Manager Kathy Reports:

Two first timers, Sarah and Karen, were being oriented by Greg when I arrived.  Sarah was given homework from her Bible Study: pray in front of an abortion clinic. Her friend, Karen, came with her. They thought they would be alone and were surprised to find 40Days participants in front of the clinic. Jim, Barbara, Johanna, and I were touched by their questions. The PP guard was escorting women in and out of building. Jim observed him waiting at curb as car pulled up. A young girl got out crying, but instead of going into PP with the guard, she walked across the street . She then walked back and got into car and drove away. The Security guard went inside. We are hopeful that she chose life! Last unusual occurrence: a woman on a bicycle parked near our display. She pulled out rosary and prayed intensely. She did not want to join us. Before leaving, she got my attention. I told her we would be here 1-3 Saturdays if she wanted to talk. She smiled and rode her bike away. – Kathy K