The Eucharist

The Eucharist
May the Heart of Jesus, in the Most Blessed Sacrament, be praised, adored and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time. Amen.

Thursday, January 31, 2008

At The Foot Of The Cross

J.M.J +
Dear Friends of the Unborn,
I am emailing in regards to this Saturday’s peaceful prayer vigil which will take place outside Planned Parenthood Killing Center (345 Whitney Ave New Haven) from 8 am until 12 noon, the hours the babies are scheduled to be killed by abortion. Below I have included an excerpt from an article written by Julie Carroll for The Catholic Spirit on sidewalk counseling. http://thecatholicspirit.com/main.asp?SectionID=36&SubSectionID=41&ArticleID=1310
We all have seen the power of prayer on the sidewalk in New Haven and know that without the presence of God through prayer words spoken to these woman fall on deaf ears. Let’s face it praying outside Planned Parenthood is not easy for any of us. It is not easy to stand at the foot of the Cross where innoscent blood is shed. It is out of our comfort zone, fearful, and emotionally painful to be where we know a great evil is taking place. It is true that it is not pleasant standing at the foot of the cross and we often run as the apostles did. We often fail Our Lord in our own weakness running from the many crosses we encounter daily. But when we look out of ourselves we can see we are being given this chance, this awesome chance to make it right, to make reparation for the many times in our lives we weren’t there when our Lord was crucified, when we weren’t there to console Him and Our Lady who stood vigil.
There is a story of a young woman who’s mother was dying of cancer and in her final days wanting so much to not stand by that Cross alone she asked her husband to call her mother’s close friend and her own best friends to let them know it was time for them to come and say goodbye. The young couple was saddened to hear the voices on the other line saying I do not want to remember her this way so I am not coming. I want to remember her when she was well.
It is Jesus whom everyone loved when He proclaimed the Kingdom of God. They were amazed by His power and His authority. His miracles amazed them and His healing love compelled them. But when our Lord submitted to His Cross he did not have His usual “following” as no one could be found only Mary and John and the women consoled him in love as He breathed His last.
I still have a hard time remembering the day my mother died and I would have done anything to save her if I could, but I knew being there at the foot of the Cross was where God wanted me to be. Come to the place where God wants you to be Planned Parenthood New Haven and join us at the foot of the Cross, you will never be sorry you did.

God bless you,
Mike and Kerry
Bringing God's presence
Cathedral of St. Paul parishioner Charles Ramsey began counseling at abortion clinics as a seminarian at Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md. After he left the seminary, he joined Pro-Life Action Ministries as the coordinator of volunteers. Now he sidewalk counsels six to seven hours a day, six days a week.
'It's really about bringing God's presence to people who are in a great deal of darkness, a great deal of confusion,' he said.
Ramsey encourages both women and men to get involved. 'Each person has their gifts and strengths,' he said. 'Women can definitely say some things better, and men can, too.'
Debra Braun at Pro-Life Action Ministries has witnessed countless examples of the impact sidewalk counselors have made during her nearly 22 years at the organization.
One example that sticks out in her mind happened a few years ago at the Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Paul. Outside of the clinic, a couple whose doctor recommended abortion to end a difficult pregnancy met a sidewalk counselor who helped them get the medical assistance they needed to safely continue the pregnancy. After giving birth to a healthy baby girl, the couple was so grateful that they named their daughter after the sidewalk counselor, Braun said.
Two years later, the family stopped by the Pro-Life Action Ministries office, where their daughter presented the workers there a rose, a symbol of the pro-life movement.
'[Sidewalk counseling] can be difficult,' Braun said. 'However, the rewards are incredible when you're holding a baby in your arms and the parents tell you, 'Thank you for saving my baby's life.'

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Only Through Prayer

J.M.J +
Dear Friends of the Unborn,
I am emailing in regards to this Saturday February the 2nd’s peaceful prayer vigil which will take place outside Planned Parenthood (345 Whitney Avenue New Haven) from 8 am until 12 noon, the hours that the babies are killed by abortion. Below I have included an excerpt from the official Helpers website http://www.helpersbrooklynny.org/ which beautifully explains the importance of a constant prayer presence at the mill. It emphasizes that the most important job is that of the Prayers themselves who are invoking God’s grace to spiritually combat the evil which threatens both the baby and the mother. Thank you for coming out to pray these babies and moms need your prayer and presence more than anything.
May God bless you,
Mike and Kerry



http://www.helpersbrooklynny.org/
The Mission
There are three ways that we help God's Precious Infants:
Prayer - Helpers of God's Precious Infants.
The Prayers come to the abortion mill to pray for an hour or more, on any morning that the babies are going to be killed. They carry on a most important spiritual battle, as they stand outside the mill. They praying a spirit of reparation: for their own sins; the sin of abortion; and particularly for the deaths that will occur while they stand outside on that day. They pray for women going into the abortion mill: for the abortionist and his staff; for the neighboring community; for their legislators; for the religious leaders of the nation; and for all who, through indifference, do nothing to try to stop abortion. The Prayers provide spiritual and moral support for the Sidewalk Counselors. They are essential. Before a mother is able to physically abort her child, a 'spiritual abortion' must take place within her heart. By the time she arrives at the abortion mill, she will have already rejected her child. This'spiritual abortion' must be overcome by spiritual means, before the mother can change her mind about the physical abortion. By their sacrifice and prayer, the Prayers obtain the grace of God that is needed to reverse the "spiritual abortion",while at the same time the Sidewalk Counselors are working to prevent the physical abortion of the child. The Prayers are also there to give a personal love to God's infants who will die that day. Just as John-the-Baptist was able to leap for joy in Elizabeth's womb because he was aware of presence of the love of Jesus and Mary (remember that it was at the sound of Mary's voice that he leapt in his mother's womb), so too will the babies joyfully leap in their mothers' wombs when they hear the voices of the Prayers. They will know they are loved. Assist the Mission
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." (Mt. 5:7)Why? That we might be faithful and pleasing to God by saving the physical lives of God's precious infants through the spiritual conversion of their mothers. That we might grow closer to God by experiencing the mystery of His Cross. By denying ourselves comfort in the morning, we will better find out what Calvary is like. That we might more clearly realize Christ's personal love for each one of us, and know the joy of having responded to His call. That we might learn to pray, offer penances, abandon the results of our labors to God, and recognize that it is God's power and love which will overcome the evil of abortion and soften the hearts of those who participate.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Prayers For the Babies of Roe

J.M.J+
Dear Friends of the Unborn,
I am emailing in regards to this Saturday the 19th’s peaceful prayer vigil being held outside of Planned Parenthood in New Haven (345 Whitney Avenue) which will take place during the killing hours of 8 am to 12 pm noon. Please respond to commit to an hour of prayer. As we approach the 35th Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade we cannot help but remember the 40 Million + babies whose lives have been taken by the evil of abortion. Let us take our weekly place at this modern Calvary they call Planned Parenthood in consolation for all those who have been crucified there with Our Lord.
Our Friends from Grace Baptist church will be having their annual memorial service for the babies who have been lost due to Roe vs.Wade on Saturday the 19th at Planned Parenthood New Haven from 9:00 am – 9:30 am. The service will consist of prayer, scripture reading, and song.
Below I have some important pro-life news for the 22nd.

In solidarity with those who are travelling to Washington D.C. for the 35th Annual March for Life to protest Roe vs. Wade, the Pro Life committee of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Hamden, will hold Eucharistic Adoration on Tuesday January 22nd, 2008 from 12 noon to 5:30 PM. The ‘Rosary for Life’ and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will be celebrated at 5:30PM. To commit to a Holy Hour before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament please respond. Then shortly following the Benediction, on the evening of January 22nd a memorial candlelit vigil of prayer will be held outside 345 Whitney Avenue Planned Parenthood New Haven headquarters at 7:00 pm. This solemn and peaceful vigil will remember the over 40 million babies who have been killed by abortion since Roe vs. Wade. For more information and to give a headcount for candles please respond. Please contact me as soon as possible.

The Office of Radio and Television of the Archdiocese of Hartford will be covering a pro-life special featuring Deacon Robert Brunell on the March For Life New Haven sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Mike, little Michael Mario and I were also interviewed in regards to the New Haven pro-life apostolate weekly prayer vigils we have been holding outside Planned Parenthood including the candlelit vigil which will take place on the 22nd. I have included an excerpt below from their webpage indicating the date and time the interview will air. Following that is more info on the Knights of Columbus March.
Crossroads Magazine will broadcast this interview on WCTX-TV MyTV9, Saturday the 19th at 10:30 p.m. and on WTXX-TV The CW20, Sunday the 20th at 10:30 a.m. EDT and is also available on the Internet at http://www.ortv.org

On January 22nd the Knights of Columbus are sponsoring the annual Rosary March for Life which will take place following the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass celebrated at 12 noon by the Most Reverend Christie Macaluso at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven. The procession of the Rosary will begin at St. Mary’s and proceed to the front of Superior Court on Church Street. Then it will process to the front of Superior Court on Elm Street, City Hall on Church Street, and concluding in front of the Federal Court on Church Street.

Please contact me as soon as possible to commit to a Holy Hour on the 22nd and or to sign up for the candlelit vigil following.
God bless,
Mike and Kerry

Friday, January 11, 2008

A Modern Day Calvary

J.M.J +
Dear Friends of the Unborn,
We are still in need to fill hours for tomorrow's prayer vigil which will take place at 345 Whitney Avenue Planned Parenthood from 8 am to 12 pm noon. Please respond to take an hour of prayer. Let us console our Savior and His children in peaceful prayer.
God bless,
Mike and Kerry
"Could you not watch one hour with me?" (Mt. 26:40) Would you spend some time with the little babies in your own neighborhood before they die? Maybe you'lleven be able directly to save lives; maybe not. What's even more important: you'll be there. In a sense, itmay be a way to redeem the abandonment of Jesus by His apostles when they refused to be with Him atHis death. Too often we also refuse to be with Jesus for fear of the Cross, do we not? These little ones dying today are intricately connected with the sufferings and death of Our Savior. There isa bond here that must not be overlooked. All the political action, educating, donation of funds, demonstrations,alternative work, important and necessary as these are, do not make up for an absence at the death scene. Thus,let me beg you to view your presence at the killing center in your area as the place where God wants you to be.Grab your Rosary, pick up your Bible, bring your devotionals, and go out to the Calvary not far from you - whereChrist is being crucified today in your midst. ... we may not be able to save their lives, but can we not plead on their behalf? And should they die, as usuallyhappens (God forgive us!), let us lift up our hearts to God Almighty on their behalf ... it will be the only humanlove they will know on this earth... JOAN ANDREWS
http://www.helpersbrooklynny.org/mission1.htm

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Telling Them To Run!

J.M.J +
Dear Friends of the Unborn,
I am emailing in regards to the peaceful prayer vigil which will take place at 345 Whitney Avenue Planned Parenthood this Saturday the 12th of January from 8 am until 12 pm noon. Please respond to commit to an hour of prayer.
Jim Chu, a veteran fellow pro-life advocate and dear friend I respect very much once said to me there is nothing quite like the joy of saving someone’s life. He went on to say this after we received the news that a woman had decided not to have an abortion that day. He told me that if she should contact me for further help to be sure to let her know that I was carrying that baby from now on as well! Jim is a very wise and holy man for those of us who have the honor of knowing and praying with him. I feel his words are so very important for all of us. In helping these women to “carry” their babies we are helping them to carry their cross as well? Are we not lifting the weight off these ladies shoulders and offering the love of Christ which fell 3 times in perseverance for our salvation? It is true that people are searching for God in the most unlikely places. Even a trip to PP in the depths of such despair, some of these ladies are hoping that you and I will be there waiting to help them. Waiting to hear a voice of Mercy and Love speaking through our very presence. Make no mistake in understanding that your presence and prayers can save someone’s life this Saturday. I have included below a letter from a post abortive woman written to a CT Right to life Corporation. I also included a separate letter from a post abortive support website. They are a very powerful testimony to the desperate need of a prayerful presence outside of all abortion mills. Please join us on Saturday in a peaceful prayer presence, a baby and mother’s life depends on it.
God bless,
Mike and Kerry

Dear Sirs,
I am sending this letter because I was a little late. You see about a month ago I had an abortion done. I had wished people were picketing then because I can swear to God I would never have gone in. You see when I went I had heard of women picketing; but there were none there. After seeing pictures of what aborted children look like I really don’t think it’s right to do. I don’t agree with them.
The thing is that when I went to the Summit Women’s Center, I asked them if it was formed even slightly. Their answer was no! When one person picketing gave me this booklet of color photo’s “Life or Death”, it shows the baby has been formed.
One friend of mine was going to get an abortion after I had mine done; but I sat down and talked to her or an hour and when I showed her the booklet she really changed her mind. I’m very glad that I have saved one life, or helped save one with the help of your pamphlets.
Sometimes I just sit here for hours crying, hating myself for what I have done. Sometimes I think what is being done is right but after seeing your booklets I understand how wrong it is. It is really sickening how they dispose of the baby. It’s a life that could have been not trash to throw in a garbage can, and not think of it.
I would appreciate it very much if there is any way I can learn more on abortion, and if there are any more pictures that are available to people who like to know more about abortion and your group.
One more question before I close. Is there anybody I can talk to or write, I am so depressed, and like I said, all I do is cry over the baby who could have been.
Thank you.
Yours Truly,
A broken hearted mom

I am 27 years old a mother of a six year old boy.I had an abortion on October 27 2004. Here is an entry from my diary.
I still cry almost every night and day. It’s been 5 months almost to the day that I aborted my...(I can barely say it) since I had the abortion. April 15 was our due date.
I wish I could say that I have no regrets but I can’t because I do. I wish I hadn't done what I did. I was so scared and alone and I still am. I awake trembling some times and have scary dreams. It’s so hard for me to forgive myself and let go.
I think of all the reasons that got me to the clinic and up on that table, they ALL seem SO irrational now, now that it's too late. Even though they were so intense and vivid then. It’s funny I silently wished for those crazy pro lifers to be outside that Vancouver clinic that day to scream and yell at me to STOP! I just couldn't stop myself. My fears possessed me.
It's like a form of suicide only you're awake and left to bleed all alone and alive with a childless hollow womb.
I really fell. I feel like I'm still falling, screaming and no one hears, directionless and sad and shamed.My face burned with shame on the way to the clinic as I wrestled still, back and forth, KEEP IT! I WANT MY BABY! Oh I just CAN’T! I swallowed hard as I left my 6yr old son in the jeep with my cousin (he drove me there) and went into the clinic.
As I sat there alone in the waiting room I desperately searched the faces of the other women there for some kind of sign although I don’t know what exactly. Some looked afraid like deer caught in the head lights, Just like me, others looked matter of factly and some even nonchalant.
I asked for a washroom key, left the locked clinic and went into the washroom in the hall and contemplated my escape. Oh I just don't understand it...I wish someone was there to say RUN! http://hopeafterabortion.com/words/letters.html

Let’s tell them to run! Come pray with us!

Loving Him

J.M.J +
Dear Friends of the Unborn,
I am emailing in regards to tomorrow’s prayer vigil outside 345 Whitney Avenue Planned Parenthood which will take place from 8am till 12 pm noon. We are still in need to fill the hours as several members of our apostolate are ill or away this week! Therefore those of you who have never come out and perhaps need that extra push here it is! We need your witness and prayers this Saturday tomorrow!
God is seeking more and more for us to come out of our comfort zones and witness to His great love. How can we go to Mass each day and receive Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament if it does not change us, making us more like Him? These women who are coming out tomorrow to have an abortion are real people. The innocent babies who have been sentenced to death, just as our Lord was are in need of our prayers and consolation. The bottom line is they need our love and through that love Jesus our Savior lives. If we are faithful and sacrifice ourselves we know God will spare lives and souls as how could a loving Father as ours not look down upon His unborn children so intimately united to His Sons suffering and not have mercy? I have heard many people talk about wanting to become closer to Our Lord. If you really want to be close to Jesus then come out to pray with us. We know that other than the True Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament there is no place closer to Jesus than praying for the unborn for we know our Lord is present at this “Calvary” they call Planned Parenthood, where innocent blood is shed. So what is our job coming out to pray you may wonder? How can I really help? The answer is simple. Our job is to love them. The women, the men, the babies, those who may laugh at us or persecute or make fun. That is what we do because we know that in loving them we become closer to Him who is Love and He lives within us. Please enjoy this short video which highlights how amazing Our Lord’s Love is for each of us. http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/iv/singles/2/Are-You-Amazed
Lord Jesus, Our Savior
There is none like You. Thank you for your amazing grace and love. As unworthy as we are we know you desire to love us each intimately. Thank you for this gift and inspire us all to let your Love radiate to the rest of the world so that when others look at us they no longer see us , but rather Your amazing love which heals all broken of hearts. Thank you Jesus for saving us all with your love.
Amen
May God bless you,
Mike and Kerry

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

God Has Already Won

J.M.J. +

"When the time comes as it surely will, when we face that awesome moment, the final judgment, I've often thought...that those in the pro-life movement will not be alone. I think there will be a chorus of voices that have never been heard in this world but are heard beautifully and clearly in the next world --- and they will plead foreveryone who has been in this movement. They will say to God, 'Spare him because he loved us,' --- and God will look at you and say not, 'Did you succeed?' but 'Did you try?'"
---- Henry Hyde


Dear Friends of the Unborn,
I am emailing in regards to the peaceful prayer vigil scheduled for this Saturday the 5th of January at 345 Whitney Avenue Planned Parenthood during the killing hours of 8am until 12 pm noon. Please respond to take an hour of prayer.
We have been so very blessed to have received such beautiful consolations from Our Lord over the past few weeks on the precious lives that have been spared and hearts that have been converted. However we all know that many precious infants’ lives continue to be taken so violently right from the womb. The world labels these babies as inconvenient, as a mistake, as less than normal or perfect, or even as unwanted. However we know that God makes no mistakes and His plan is Truth. We know these tiny souls yearn for love just like we do only their need is so much greater as they have no voice to speak and their tiny arms reaching out to us for comfort are hidden from our eyes. I have included below the sad news in response to the email sent just before Christmas about the woman seeking an abortion due the suspicion that her baby might have downs syndrome. This woman decided to reject the graces God extended and chose to kill her baby. She had hundreds of people praying for her, but decided to reject the love of God. God’s Will which really is His love for us, will never be forced upon us as we must accept it freely. In faith we know that things are not always what they seem. Mother Angelica once was speaking about fear in times of perceived defeat. She commented When Jesus was Crucified His Apostles fled in fear and after His death remained in the upper room till He appeared to them. The only ones who remained at the foot of the Cross were Our Blessed Mother, John, and a few women who were probably healed or had demons driven out by Jesus. The rest, who claimed to love Him the most, where nowhere to be found. You see what appeared to be the greatest defeat to these men was really the greatest victory of all time. God took the greatest evil that could ever be imagined and created the greatest triumph through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. God’s ways are not our ways and we must accept in faith that God will not allow these precious lives to be taken in vain. For we already know how the story ends, God has already won.
Please come out and pray with us these babies and mothers need you.
God bless,
Mike and Kerry

Thy Kingdom Come! Dear All in Christ,
Thank you all for your prayers, I just received word that Tammy's friendin CA had the abortion as planned. Tam's note is below. I would like to add that I believe God can certainly allow good to come out of this tragic loss of life. There were so many prayers going up toheaven for this mom and her baby that I cannot help believe this woman will eventually come to know Him through it all...She exercised her free will but God's will is so much stronger. His will for us to know him as Love and to accept with joy the crosses we face out of love for him. That will be my on going prayer for this mom. Thanks again and may God richly bless you this coming year. Yours in Christ and the Movement,
Peggy

Hi Mom,
Unfortunately, she had the abortion. The whole thing was a real heartbreak for me. Here is the message she sent out to the class last week:

"THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH for the beautiful flowers that I found when I gotback from the hospital!!!!! It filled the house with a wonderful smell for days and everytime I look in the direction of the roses I just have to smile:) Also thanks a lot for all your caring E-mails and cards-I'm very lucky to have so many caring friends at Strollerstrides! The D&E went very well and I recovered fast. I've got the "green" light to exercise, so watch out!!!"

I never heard a word from her. I just can't believe the braziness and audacity in her openness about this. It kills me that she is sending this to over 100 people and most likely we were the only ones who said anything. I really tried to do everything I thought God asked of me. I talked to her on the phone twice, and drove down a copy of all of the emails Ireceived for her to read them...and finally, in desperation, I gave her phone #to afriend with Downs twins. Kathy called her and said Sibylle said 'I've made my decision, I am having the procedure in a few minutes, and I can'tbelievewhat an invasion of privacy this is.' And, of course, she was upset that I gave Kathy her #. But, a life was at stake! I didn't know what else to do. Anyway, I'm sorry that the news is not good. But my best reflection in prayer is that God wanted to use this to prepare us and everyone praying for Sibylle to welcome him with more love and devotion on Christmas day. And it certainly (for the first time) has made me open to the possibility of having a Downs child. I appreciate and value life so much more now. All of the Christmas holiday I couldn't talk about this without crying b/c life is such a precious and delicate thing- I'm so thankful that God pulled me out of my comfort and gave me the grace to ACT and to try to change her decision. It was so hard for me to confront her (and without Byrnes' support I never would have). But it has showed me that some things are too important to sit back and watch happen. I could probably write a lot more, but I know you are at work. I think people should be encouraged that #1 SO MANY others around the country are doing all they can to support life (I must have received over 100 emails from people I don't know) and #2 that God is giving us opportunities like this to make a difference- and the more we act on it, the more influence we'll have-who knows how many people she might tell about how I 'invaded her privacy'..and how many of those people will agree with what I did, and maybe be encouraged to do the same some time in the future.. you know? Thank you for your prayers and for getting the word out. I wish I had better news. I was convinced there would be a miracle- but God had other plans.
I love you Mom, Have a great day,
Tam