Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.”
When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.
Matthew 1:18-24
Happy Feast of St. Joseph!
St. Joseph knows what it feels like to be troubled by the news of an unexpected pregnancy. He knows what it’s like to endure extreme hardships to protect a Child before and after birth.
Let’s ask him to join us in prayer for our brothers and sisters experiencing similar obstacles today, that they might be given courage to choose life and assistance to get through the difficult times. Let’s ask him to intercede for us, too, as we strive to follow his example of humble obedience to God and persistence in adversity as we defend the unborn.
St. Joseph, pray for us!
-Jen
SIDEWALK REPORTS
7-9 +++ Barbara, Richard, and Rose
Our shift felt like a blessing. Our usual passersby responded to our “God Bless You” with a return blessing. We have about 6 sets of moms with children on their way to the nearby day care. You know each of them was up early and worked hard to get this far in their day. We saw the regular Planned Parenthood staff. Richard and Shift Buddy Rose said a Rosary while I knelt and prayed a Rosary on the other side of the door. Intercessory prayer … an ancient strength for our people whose life abortion plots and plans to vanquish. Katie came bringing her pro-life beauty supplies. And then, Kathy arrived. Our time on the sidewalk is completed for today.
Barbara
9-11 +++ Kathy and Mark
In addition to the folks pictured above, Terri from Central Catholic, a group from the Culture Project, and a brief stop by Bill H. and Greg E. graced the sidewalk.
Kathy
Katie had opportunity to engage with one woman exiting PP who accepted resources. I passed out some yellow cards to passersby.
A group of young men in bright yellow t shirts noticed our signs and displays when passing by. A few vehicles gave some beeps when passing by us.
Regina from Birthright texted me a prayer request on behalf of “Baby A” who is undergoing surgery today. We prayed for “Baby A.”
11-1 +++ Sheila and Libby
Grateful to have so many pro-life warriors with us this sunny but cold shift.
Sheila
1-3 +++ Donna and Elaine
Although the temperature was cold the sun was shining and warming us up. Thank you to Katie, Fr. Jeremy, Elaine, Bernie & Dean for praying and witnessing today. Katie was diligent in handing out information to those entering and exiting PP. Fr. Jeremy did a prayer walk and was praying the rosary and handing out cards. Bernie had her rosary too with the baby beads and was handing out cards. Katie and Elaine spoke to a woman who said she was a journalist writing something about PP. Not sure what she was writing about but she came out and didn’t want to talk to us. One of the women that was escorted out, I tried to give her a Rachel’s vineyard pamphlet. She wasn’t interested. I told her we were praying for her. The security guard told her to have a great weekend and closed her car door. I said how could she have a great weekend???? Father forgive them for they know not what they do. Father please help us to reach these women so they can choose life and change the hearts and minds of those working in the abortion business. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
Donna
HOUR OF MERCY
Thank you to Fr. Levi Hartle for praying at the hour of mercy today, and to Fr. Jeremy Mohler who was there in the hours leading up to 3 PM…God bless you both!!!
3-5 +++ Pat, Val, and Mike
We had a rather large group led by father Levi Hartle from 3 until a little past 4. They prayed on one side of the semi-circle – and sang as well – with my shift buddies Val and Mike. While I, on the other side, lead the Weirton church group in two scriptural rosaries and a DMC. It was a very pleasant evening. I overdressed.
Pat
5-7 +++ Bill and David
I arrived at my shift this afternoon to see Pat M with a sidewalk full of prayerful people. My shift buddy David from Weirton arrived and so Pat and his crew departed with t he exception of Carolina from Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish who stayed to pray with us for about an hour. For the remainder David and I said a few prayers, passed along a few hello’s and received a lot of nice words in return. Our fairly quiet evening came to a close with the arrival of Tom & Diane. So we have one more Friday evening in this Lenten 40 DAYS FOR LIFE….. It has gone by fast.
Bill