MADISON — This year’s 40 Days for Life vigil to end abortion in Madison is set for Wednesday, Sept. 25, through Sunday, Nov. 3, near the Planned Parenthood Clinic on Orin Rd. in Madison.
The location is just a few blocks north of E. Washington Ave. just off Highway 51/Stoughton Rd. across from MATC.
Vigil for Life is hoping to involve a large number of new volunteers this year. This means getting a lot of people to help the pro-life movement in a way most of them haven’t before.
If you’re going to be part of 40 Days for Life for the first time this year, there are some things you need to know before heading out.
What is 40 Days for Life?
The purpose of 40 Days for Life is to pray, fast, and peacefully witness to end abortion outside the Planned Parenthood Clinic on Madison’s east side.
It is not a protest or political demonstration; it is not violent, confrontational, or threatening.
40 Days for Life is legal. Vigil for Life says you will not be arrested for peacefully praying while standing on a public sidewalk. Madison Police know volunteers will be out praying at the site.
40 Days for Life events in Sauk City
SAUK CITY — Divine Mercy Parish at St. Aloysius Church in Sauk City is joining in with volunteer efforts in Madison and around the world by involving students and parishioners in various pro-life opportunities during 40 Days for Life.
The parish is hosting special prayer opportunities for all who wish to join together in prayer.
The scheduled dates include:
• Wednesday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m., Eucharistic Adoration and pro-life Rosary in church.
• Wednesday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m., Eucharistic Adoration and pro-life Rosary in church.
• Wednesday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m., Eucharistic Adoration and pro-life Rosary in church.
• Wednesday, Oct. 16, 7 p.m., Eucharistic Adoration and pro-life Rosary in church.
• Friday, Oct. 18, 10:30 a.m., pro-life Rosary in church led by St. Aloysius School students and teachers.
• Wednesday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m., Eucharistic Adoration and pro-life Rosary in church.
• Wednesday Oct. 30, 7 p.m., Eucharistic Adoration and pro-life Rosary in church.
Elementary, middle, and high school religious education students will also be joining in prolife prayers in their classrooms throughout the 40 days.
All are invited to join in these special prayer opportunities.
St. Aloysius Church is located at 115 Madison St. in Sauk City.
Getting there
The location is on the sidewalk outside Planned Parenthood. You must avoid stepping on Planned Parenthood’s property, as they will consider it trespassing. You can stand, walk, or kneel on either the sidewalk or the grassy area between the sidewalk and the street.
Parking is available in front of the clinic on Orin Rd. or on nearby streets. Parking lots of businesses in the area are for their customers only.
Volunteers are asked to sign up for a “shift” lasting at least an hour. You may take more shifts if you desire. The goal is to have the same person, or group, on the same shift each week during the 40 days. The goal is also to have a minimum of two people per shift.
The “home base” for 40 Days for Life is near the driveway entrance to the Planned Parenthood parking lot by the facility’s entrance. You’re asked to sign in and review information in the vigil binder upon arriving to your first and subsequent shifts.
“Prayer warriors,” as Vigil for Life calls them, are asked to sign a “Statement of Peace.” This is a promise by all those who participate to do so in an appropriate manner. The signed form can be brought to the vigil and placed in the vigil bag. One of these forms can be found at the Vigil for Life website. There are also copies available at the site.
At the site
During the course of the vigil, you may just “drop by,” but if you know ahead of time, Vigil for Life says it would be helpful to have you sign up. They encourage everyone who drops by to put his or her name in the sign-in log.
During your time at the vigil, you are encouraged to pray, sing, read Scripture or other works with which you are comfortable. You may invite, but not necessarily expect, others to join with you. You may also listen to tapes, CDs, or digital devices with earphones.
At the site, there are two signs available to hold: a 40 Days for Life sign and an Option Line sign. You can carry these if you wish; you are asked not to bring your own signs. You may also hold candles and other prayer materials.
Children are welcome at the vigil site, and parents are asked to keep a careful watch on them.
To sum up, Vigil for Life says “Sign-up/drop by, sign in, pray, fast, spread the word, hope, and trust God.”
For more information on 40 Days for Life, including how to sign up for a shift, visit www.vigilforlife.org You can also email info@vigilforlife.org or call Bette Weisshaar at 608-358-5963.