Fox Valley Families going strong
Posted by Eric Scheidler on Tuesday, March 18th, 2008
"Abortion clinic protesters have no plans to stop" reads the headline of an article in today's Aurora Beacon News. They've got that right, and this past Saturday's protest and clinic witness seminar signify how strong the pro-life commitment remains in the Fox Valley.
Over 120 people came out for the protest Saturday, March 15—our fifth regular monthly protest. As always the crowd was upbeat, especially when they learned that a baby was saved from abortion right as the protest began. A couple spoke to a pro-life counselor and decided to cancel their appointment at Planned Parenthood and get help from a pregnancy resource center.
Following the protest we held a seminar on sidewalk counseling at the nearby Village Baptist Church, with a multi-media presentation by veteran counselor Jeff Eschbach. Over 50 participants learned how to reach out to abortion-bound mothers with care and compassion. Nearly 200 pro-lifers have received sidewalk counseling training in the four seminars held in Aurora since Planned Parenthood opened in October.
Our next protest at Planned Parenthood will be held April 26—a departure from the "third Saturday" schedule adhered to until now. This is to increase our chances for good weather for the special Spring pro-life rally we're planning for that day—details coming soon.
I just wanted to say thank you to Jeff, Eric, Matt, Ann Scheidler and all the people who helped put together the seminar for sidewalk counseling that was held last Saturday. It should receive an A+. I learned a great deal and it also confirmed many of my thoughts on what could be most helpful in reaching those who are about to render the services of a death camp. P.S. For those who attended and afterward thought sidewalk counseling to be a bit daunting, pray about it, pray some more, keep learning and then let Jesus and Mary be in charge of whether or not you will be a counselor. Have a blessed Holy week and happy Easter!
March 20th, 2008 at 12:34 am
Sorry I missed that seminar but I had to atend a funeral. I hope I get another chance to attend a seminar.
March 20th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Just changing the subject a bit. Has anyone seen the pro-life billboard at the SE corner of Illinois Ave. and Broadway(31)? I was heading East on Illinois today and there it was. Anyone know who paid to have it put up? Just curious, thought FVFAPP many have done it or maybe PLAL. I was driving and couldn't read the small print.
March 20th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Just changing the subject a bit. Has anyone seen the pro-life billboard at the SE corner of Illinois Ave. and Broadway(25)? I was heading East on Illinois today and there it was. Anyone know who paid to have it put up? Just curious, thought FVFAPP many have done it or maybe PLAL. I was driving and couldn't read the small print.
March 20th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Diane,
That billboard is the work of the fine people at Pro-Life Across America.
Though we didn't put it up, we're sure glad it's there witnessing for the gospel of life!
In Christ,
Matt
March 21st, 2008 at 9:17 am
That's awesome. I was looking for somebody who might be able to make a large billboard type sign I could mount in the back of my pickup and drive up and down the streets around the abotuary on the day of the marches. I will contact PLAA. thx
March 21st, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I want to thank the Scheidler's and all of those working in the ProLife movement. I believe that ProLife groups should begin at the junior high level in all Catholic Schools. I have had success with this at St. Joseph School in Joliet. We are active with our own Walk for Life, the Passion Play and an annual baby bottle project. We also discuss the five non-negotiable points for voting as Catholics. All eighth grade students are required to pass a state and federal constitution test. I spoke to the entire eighth grade regarding these life issues.
I have also found the best catechism published for catholics students grades 1-12. It is approved by the USCCB but is known generally out East. It is completely ProLife with Scripture, CCC quotes, Splendor in Truth, Vatican II documents, and church history all in one. Check out their website at Familyland.org.
April 4th, 2008 at 9:47 am