The Ottawa organizing committee for 40 Days for Life has been meeting and things are underway for the Fall campaign – Wednesday September 25 to Sunday November 3, 2024. Let us set aside this time to pray and fast for an end to abortion in Canada.

The website is up and running, and this year we are making a change to the way people register for vigil hours. Previous years I asked you to use our old system and not click on the blue boxes. This year our webmaster is recommending that we go with the method that headquarters uses. So now to register your vigil hours, on the main website page for Ottawa 40 Days for Life, https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/local-campaigns/ottawa/  click on the blue box that says, LOG IN/SIGN UP or click on, SIGN UP FOR VIGIL HOURS.  You can check the calendar at any time to find out what hours are vacant. 

If you want to know which church or group is holding a vigil day, check on the main page, in the right-hand column, under Parish Vigil Schedule. There you can see which group is holding an on-site vigil or prayer time at their church, and during which hours.

We’re ready to start the downtown vigil near the abortuary on Wednesday Sept. 25 and we’ll be praying at the vigil site, the southwest corner of Bank and Queen Streets (beside the CIBC Bank) daily from 7 am to 7 pm. Please stand a good distance from the bank (recommended 10 feet). To assist with our witnessing, we have signs identifying the cause, that read, Pray To End Abortion. If you would like to have a sign, contact our Church and Ministry Coordinator, Helena, helena.szakowski@rogers.com or call me (Wanda) 613-299-2515 or the Campaign Life Ottawa Office, 613-729-0379. This is a silent, prayerful endeavour, so signs are not absolutely necessary, but bodies are needed. Please plan to pray at the vigil site as often as you can. It is very helpful if you register your hours on the calendar so that others wanting to fill vacant hours can spot them easily.

To kick off this year’s 40 Days for Life campaign we’re showing the movie Unplanned. Good Shepherd Parish has generously offered their church hall for the viewing. This movie is not recommended for children under 12 years old. There is no admission charge, but a free-will offering will be taken up.

Here’s the details:

What:  40 Days for Life Opening Rally, with the showing of the movie, Unplanned

When:  Sunday September 22; from 3 pm to 5 pm.

Where: Good Shepherd Parish, 3092 Innes Road, Ottawa/Orleans

Everyone is welcome.

Mid-Point Rally – Sunday October 20 at vigil site at 6 pm.

Closing Rally – Sunday November 3, gathering at vigil site at 6 pm, followed by a candlelight procession to Saint Patrick’s Basilica for a reception in the Scavi.

“Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of His mighty power.  Put on the full armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the devil’s evil tricks.  For we are not fighting against human beings, but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age. So, put on God’s armor now!  Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy’s attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground.  So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around your waist, with righteousness as your breastplate, and as your shoes the readiness to announce the good news of peace.  At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the evil one.  And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you.  Do all this in prayer asking for God’s help.  Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads.  For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God’s people.”  Ephesians 6:10-18

Yours for Life,

Wanda

Wanda Hartlin

Co-Ordinator

40 Days for Life, Ottawa

wanda40daysforlife@clife.ca

https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/local-campaigns/ottawa/

https://www.facebook.com/40days4lifeottawa