10/18/2019
This site is no longer active. Check out Choose Life Kamloops 40 Day Prayer Vigil at https://www.facebook.com/Choose-Life-Kamloops-1776616792609982/
Choose Life Kamloops
Through prayer and peaceful activism, we seek God’s favor to turn hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life.
10/18/2016
Great day to Choose Life! Though only about 15 at the vigil, it was quiet and prayerful. The weather only sprinkled a bit and then the sun shone. There were no opponents and no visits from Bylaw.
Thanks for hosting Holy Family. Tomorrow is OLPH.
Another twist: our page got the attention of 40 Days for Life. Since groups cannot register unless they hold a minimum 12 hour vigil, we are unofficial. We have changed the name of our page to www.facebook.com/Choose-Life-Kamloops .
I am spending the evening re-entering the info and the site should be up in the next few hours. I am also attaching the letter that was sent out to all churches and to the email list from Pro Life. Please feel free to forward the PDF to friends and family.
www.facebook.com
10/17/2016
Dear Supporters of 40 Days for Life,
A much warmer and drier day for those on the line for 40 Days this Sunday. Thanks for the good turnout of more than 25 people praying inside and out. Monday is hosted by Holy Family.
Since September 28 more than 130 different people have participated in the prayer vigils, indoors or out, to Choose Life. Reach out to others by telling them about your experience this last 20 days. Conversations are happening between neighbours, family, friends and even strangers because of the prayer vigil. A great opportunity to share and enlighten.
The opposition continues on Columbia St with its rudeness and inappropriateness. If you drive by and find it offensive, or if others complain to you, City of Kamloops Bylaw and RCMP must be hearing from others who think the same. Maybe it is just one more call that will make the difference.
Keep praying for conversion. Start a novena, perhaps nine days of Chaplet of Divine Mercy for conversion to making informed choices that support life.
Please link us to your page.
Check out the online trailer and movie, Hush, which looks at abortion and how to start the discussion. www.hushfilm.com Thanks Theresa for drawing our attention to what looks like a much needed conversation starter.
40 Days for Life Kamloops
Through prayer and peaceful activism, we seek God’s favour to turn hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life.
10/16/2016
Dear Supporters of 40 Days for Life,
Though a rainy day, we had more than 15 people out, with Father Andrew and Monsignor Jerry joining us on the line. Thanks for hosting St. John Vianney. Even though you have Oktoberfest on Saturday evening, your dedicated supporters came out. Sacred Heart hosts tomorrow.
The umbrellas were out in full force. Hot drinks and snacks were helpful to warm up as the rain soaked us.
We had a visit from bylaw. A complaint of umbrellas making it hard to pass the sidewalk reminds us to stay to either edge and to be aware of pedestrians. People who find Choose Life as offensive feel uncomfortable threading their way through the vigil. If we use the canopy tent, we will put it over the sidewalk from the Mercy Door.
There was opposition on the wet afternoon. Fr. Andrew and Deb took them coffee and snacks. One said no thanks; one said never; one accepted. They informed them that bylaw had been called. With the inappropriate signs and distracting behaviour on Columbia, individuals have told us that they have complained. Daycare and St. Ann’s parents are not too pleased with seeing the protesters and their signs daily. We wonder when bylaw will visit them.
Please remember that this is a peaceful prayer vigil for life, and to keep talking to a minimum while on the sidewalk. Passersby may overhear bits of what is being said and misinterpret. Continue to pray whether on site or away for all those affected by abortion, euthanasia or assisted su***de. Pray for the protesters that they may grow in their understanding of the value of each human life.
10/16/2016
Dear Choosers of Life,
Thanks to Domenica and Mark, St. Ann’s staff and students, what would we do without you?
The vigil was quiet and prayerful. No protesters before 4:30. Good hosting Holy Family. Saturday is St. John Vianney. Challenging with all the excitement of Octoberfest, but you’ll do a great job.
From today’s post by Shawn Carney, 40 Days for Life creator: They have a similar poster to our protesters.
We've seen abortion supporters resort to some pretty silly tactics in response to the UNITED tour, but it was particularly amusing to see a bald, bearded man in Milwaukee carrying a sign reading "keep your rosaries off my ovaries" and trying to interrupt our speakers.
Planned Parenthood marks its 100th anniversary tomorrow. If you haven’t yet had a chance to listen to the 40 Days for Life podcast about the dark history of the organisation and its founder, Margaret Sanger, you can find it here: https://40daysforlife.com/2016/10/11/podcast-41
40 Days for Life Kamloops
Through prayer and peaceful activism, we seek God’s favour to turn hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life.
10/14/2016
Day 16 – October 13 – Let's create a culture of life
Dear Friends of Life,
Though cooler than yesterday, a good crowd showed up to carry on with prayer and silent vigil. We are definitely becoming more prayerful. OLPH hosted today. Holy Family hosts tomorrow at Sacred Heart Cathedral between Nicola and the lane on 3rd Ave. The coffee and hot chocolate as well as snacks are especially welcomed on colder days.
We were sorry to see the opposition was larger today; nobody there until 4:30, but about 8 were along Columbia St. Let’s pray for them and for all those struggling with the idea that their choice includes death. Tonia did have a good question and answer session with one of the women from the neighbouring house. Tonia was pleased with her respectful questions and desire to understand some of the complex issues. We are making progress.
Congratulations to Dianne Barker for having the letter below published in Kamloops This Week. A measured, loving explanation of the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil connected with the broader picture of life choices that can result in a senseless death of a vibrant young person.
Don’t forget another opportunity to choose life: Pregnancy Care Centre Fall Fundraiser is Friday evening at Full Gospel Church 1550 Tranquille Rd. Doors open 6 pm. Dessert evening. Entertainment starts at 7 pm. Tickets available at St. Joseph’s Gift and Bookstore on Nicola. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.
Kathy Dahl
[email protected]
250-828-0098
250-318-9698 (cell)
Let 2 things be said about us: She lived in the Lord; she died in the Lord. (St. Lucy)
http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/lets-create-culture-life/
Let’s create a culture of life
Editor:
Choose Life is the positive, peaceful message being shared on Third Avenue downtown outside Sacred Heart Cathedral daily for 40 days.
This message is not judgemental or condemning.
It encourages all who see it to choose life at all stages.
The circus that has evolved at the corner of Columbia Street and Third Avenue in the name of pro-choice has caused confusion for the public.
Choosing life is also “a choice,” but the demonstration at the corner is not connected with the prayerful, peaceful message along Third Avenue of those bearing the signs “Choose Life” and “Life — Beautiful Choice.”
I was inspired to write this letter when I attended a celebration of life recently for a young man who died unnecessarily and tragically from fentanyl use.
His friends, speaking at the funeral, encouraged each other to make smart choices and choose life.
This resonated with me as I reflected on the 40 Days for Life Campaign.
All life is precious regardless of where we are at in our journey.
Our medical system, which is experiencing financial challenges, is obliged by law to use its funds to provide abortions and assisted su***de/euthanasia while people with other health-care needs suffer long waits for care.
The prayerful message of 40 Days for Life (being held at this time in 24 countries worldwide) encourages us to reflect on the value of life and to turn our hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life.
40 Days for Life is a peaceful and educational presence.
Those standing peacefully on Third Avenue are community members praying and bearing witness to the value of life during the 40 Days for Life campaign.
Respectfully, choose life
Let's create a culture of life - Kamloops This Week
Let's create a culture of life - Kamloops This Week
10/14/2016
Day 15 – October 12 - Believe in the power of prayer
What a day! More than 40 people prayed indoors and out as the weather cooperated and the opposition has thinned out considerably. Sacred Heart hosts on Wednesdays. Blessed Sacrament Chase made a road trip and had a great experience of prayer and fellowship. Thanks, Tina, Helen, Perla and Marie. OLPH has the honour on Thursday.
While Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was available in the Cathedral, we ran out of signs outside. We have now broken the 100 mark for different participants of the vigil. Some people have perfect attendance in the 15 days since September 28 Day 1. What dedication and determination to pray and promote the theme: Choose Life.
Some special appearances: Nancy Hadden from Rachel’s Vineyard bravely stood with her black Silent No More sign, "I regret my abortion" amongst the white Choose Life signs. Luz and 14 month, Mateo, charmed us as a beautiful mother and baby. Dani and 4-legged W***y, stood calmly and silently. As well Father Andrew, Father Clinton and all the Sisters Maria, Maria Luisa, Ernilyn and Analisa were present today. Along with people from all 4 Kamloops parishes, prayers, hot drinks and cool pumpkin baking, it was a day of mostly supportive t***s and thumbs up.
Thanks to all who are praying for life from conception to natural death, whether at home, at work, out of town, or at the Cathedral, the message is being received. The main opposition has mainly disappeared. Topless and one other protester are still performing at Third and Columbia, but as the cars come around the corner, there is no distraction to read the signs and see the prayerful participants. One never knows who sees the signs and is reminded of the value of all life. We never know the power of our prayers.
10/14/2016
Dear Supporters of 40 Days for Life,
Great day on the line! Very prayerful, pretty quiet and lots of honks! Thanks to OLPH for hosting. Sacred Heart will be Wednesday’s host.
Over 25 people spent prayer time: silent, rosary with a partner and material provided. Several first time attendees: thanks. Thanks for reaching out and inviting others. The opposition was minimal on Columbia St. There seemed to be lots of support in the traffic and foot traffic. Strange passersby left us laughing and shaking out heads.
Good treats, connecting with others and milder weather added to a positive time of prayerful vigil.
Reach out to others that they too may have the experience of prayerful witness for life.
10/14/2016
Day 13 of 40 Days for Life - October 10 - Another quiet day on 3rd Ave
Dear Supporters of Life,
Today, Thanksgiving Monday, was another quiet one at 40 Days for Life. With about 15 people over the 3 hours, we had a good showing on the sidewalk. Thanks to Sheila and Minnie for being the Holy Family hosts. Tomorrow, Tuesday, is OLPH.
Thanks to Father Andrew, Sisters Maria, Maria Luisa and Ernilyn. Special appreciation to the Claude Julien for taking the challenge and bringing boys to 40 Days. A cool day meant lots of inside, outside and back in again, but it was great to have the kids about. After all, choose life is all about the kids. Living every minute of every day of our lives, like the little children, "for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
Drop by for a few minutes or the whole vigil, bring a friend or family member, or come alone, but please come. Tell others of your experience and invite them along. Let’s introduce some new people to the power of prayerful vigil
10/14/2016
Day 12 – October 9
Dear Supporters of Life,
What a wonderful group of dedicated lovers of life are you who came out in the downpour to stand for two hours in prayer vigil! Good turnout of about 201 Thanks to St. John Vianney for hosting Saturday.
Remember that Sunday is Thanksgiving and prayer vigil of 40 Days will be 1 - 3, beginning directly after 11:30 Mass hosted by Sacred Heart.
Thanksgiving Monday will be 3-6, with outdoor vigil 3:30 - 5:30 as usual.
Whether you are at the vigil or not, please pray for all those affected by the challenging decisions that life brings. Pray that they will be inspired to learn more about the the love that is Jesus Christ. Father Andrew has begun a novena for Ashley, the bare chested protester. Maybe you can do something similar.
Passersby are being confused by the bizarre messages and random comments of the opposition. Some may be having a hard time interpreting the message of “ Choose Life” when so many other signs are present at the corner of Columbia and Third. Pray that the public’s curiosity will draw them to learn more about Christianity and how it can answer their search for meaning in life.
The fruits of 40 Days For Life and its history in Canada
11,796 lives saved!
After witnessing tremendous success by the 40 Days For Life program in the United States, Campaign Life Coalition brought it into Canada for the first time in 2007, holding our nation's first 40 day vigils in Ottawa and Halifax. Since then, CLC volunteers and other pro-life groups have organised 40 Days For Life campaigns in more than 20 cities across Canada. Some cities run the campaign twice a year (Spring & Fall). Other cities run them only once annually.
Since 2007, 4,168 individual campaigns have taken place in 636 cities in 36 nations across the world and 700,000 volunteers have joined together in this historic display of unity, prayer and fasting for an end to abortion.
40 Days For Life has succeeded in shutting down 75 abortion facilities, and has documented saving at least 11,796 babies. In addition to the babies, 133 abortion workers have quit their jobs and walked away from the abortion industry and thousands of women have been spared the suffering and trauma that comes with the decision to abort one's own child.
10/14/2016
Day 11- October 8 – True Prayer Warriors
Dear Supporters of 40 Days for Life,
Day 11 of 40 Days for Life brought our first inclement weather: rain and wind made it a chilly two hours. Thanks to OLPH and all who attended. About 20 people prayed outdoors and inside. It sure felt good to come into the Cathedral. Meteorologists are predicting a few days of rainy, cool weather. Please dress in layers. Wear gloves and waterproof/windproof jackets. What do we expect - it’s the long weekend coming up! Holy Family sponsors Friday. Please bring a friend and support each other in this worthy ministry.
We passed the first week which was pretty exciting. I had really thought that two hours of prayer daily would be quite low key, but it hasn’t been. Beginning at 3 pm inside the Cathedral praying is a blessing. It is always calming if the day has already been hectic before the vigil. For me this initial time of prayer is a chance to read the daily devotion and do the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Providing a bit of overview and reminders before we leave for the outdoor vigil is a chance to share with each person who has arrived by 3:30. Some people start outside right away and many come over the next hour, so I usually make my way through the line, greeting people and updating and offering prayer materials and encouragement. What a pleasure! I have already met so many new friends and become closer to everyone on the line. What a great sense of community.
Many people have shared with each other on the line. Many hours of prayer have been silently said. The circus that is our opposition has quieted down, especially with the cool weather: no full frontal nudity. About 8 people were there today. The high has been 14 on Saturday. The prayers sent their way are surely helping in more ways than we can imagine.
Since we have a sidewalk spokesperson, there have been some good questions and answers between media (Omega and Kamloops This Week), but especially with passersby. A great testimony today of a lady with a walker struggling into her car parked nearest to the crosswalk. She loaded the walker then with two canes came down to share with me. Thirty-five years ago she had said no to an abortion that her boyfriend and eventual husband wanted. They married and had 4 kids, and have been together for 35 years! However, she realized that her husband has been affected by the abortion that a previous girlfriend had undergone. Many men are living with the loss of a child through abortion.
The article below tells a similar story with a similar happy ending.
Thanks so much for all the support from everyone who has been on the line. Sixty-seven different peoplehave appeared on the line or in the church. What true prayer warriors are you!
https://40daysforlife.com/2016/10/06/falls-church-virginia-3/?inf_contact_key=773852c1735324abc2025c316b9891d2c162514f508fba7cc71f402a5d548735
Falls Church, Virginia
While Ken was praying at the 40 Days for Life vigil in Falls Church, a man parked his car and asked if he could tell him a story. Ken, of course, was all ears.
The man said he’d been at the abortion facility two years ago. He and his wife had four children … and she was pregnant. “She didn’t want to have and take care of another baby,” Ken related. “He was against it … but eventually drove his wife to the abortion center.”
After his wife went in to take the abortion pill, he saw people with signs outside, standing in prayer. The sight hit him hard, and he was overcome. “I can’t live with this,” he said. “I can’t live with this.”
He called his wife and said, “We can’t do this!” His wife, who was just about to take the abortion pill, threw it down and left.
The man then opened his car door, and inside was his smiling 2-year-old son – the child saved by the prayers and signs.
As he was about to drive away, he stopped to thank the other vigil participants … and again introduced his son.
Ken said one of the volunteers that morning was discouraged because she couldn’t get other members of her church to join her, “but after witnessing this, her heart was filled with joy.”
Falls Church, Virginia
While Ken was praying at the 40 Days for Life vigil in Falls Church, a man parked his car and asked if he could tell him a story. Ken, of course, was all ears. The man said he’d been at...