Here's Your Monday Update

PRO-LIFE WISCONSIN ANNOUNCES
NEW BABY BOX FUND

Pro-Life Wisconsin is pleased to announce the creation of a new fund to help save lives in Wisconsin. The Baby Box Fund is now available when you donate to Pro-Life Wisconsin ETF online, by phone, and by mail.

This fund has been created to allow Pro-Life Wisconsin donors to take advantage of the state’s new law allowing the construction of baby boxes, 2023 Act 79, and to help us support communities that are installing and maintaining baby boxes. Gifts made to Pro-Life Wisconsin’s Baby Box Fund will be distributed as the need arises to help communities with the cost of installing and maintaining their own baby box(es).

Baby boxes are devices built into the wall of a hospital, fire station, or police station that are temperature controlled and ventilated, and have an alarm system alerting those inside that an infant (aged 72 hours or younger) has been relinquished. Furthermore, the boxes contain a surveillance system that allows 24/7 monitoring by the medical professionals and first responders at the baby boxes’ location.

As of right now, at least one Wisconsin community that we know of is working towards getting their own baby box! In Elkhorn, WI, a group of dedicated men and women are working to seek approval by their city for the construction of a Safe Haven Baby Box, and Pro-Life Wisconsin is committed to helping them financially. When you donate to Pro-Life Wisconsin’s Baby Box Fund, you ensure that communities like Elkhorn are assisted with the funds they need for these life-saving devices (which cost approximately $16,000 and require contract work (electricians, stone masons, etc. to install and maintain).

To view our new fund on our giving page, click here.

With questions, please contact Development Director Teresa Wolfe at Teresa.W@ProLifeWI.org or 262-796-1111 x115.

ONE MOTHER'S REFLECTIONS ON WISCONSIN'S LATEST ABORTION RULING

On December 5, 2023, Dane County Judge Diane Schlipper’s ruling resulted in abortion once again being legal in Wisconsin. It was not long after this news was shared that Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin announced their intention to continue to provide abortion care services. I thought it important to share my thoughts on the reality of this reversal, as I am a female and a mother.

I am a practicing Catholic, and to our community, the spirit of Christmas means being more compassionate, performing acts of kindness, and being charitable. I find it incredibly disheartening that this decision was made during the one season where much of the world celebrates the most important birth in human existence. It is a time to rejoice that our Savior has been born, and to display our deep respect for life – not to find new ways to terminate the lives of preborn children.

Secondly, there was a period of fifteen months in which this decision was being deliberated. This meant that "legal" abortions in Wisconsin were not allowed to happen. Fifteen months where moral law won over man-made law. However, making moral choices and living with a strong sense of morality should happen 365 days a year. It should be the Bible by which one lives and is our direction from the Divine. It is God that created us, so should he not be the ultimate judge?

Thirdly, Planned Parenthood has referred to this as a sort of victory; and spoke of expanding abortion access here in Wisconsin. Death of the unborn is not a success, nor is growth of services to terminate any life. While they are excited to be "back in business", it is the female patients that lives with the side effects. For those choosing abortion, these include anything from cramps, chest pains, septic shock, perforated bladder and uterine perforation. On the psychological side, there can be grief, Post Abortion Stress Syndrome, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. How are any of these things reasons to rejoice?

I became a mother at the young age of 21. I was afraid, very alone and had no real experience with raising a child. My financial resources were few and far between, and I lacked the typical family support that so many have at home. I feared for myself and my baby. I wondered what kind of mother I could be with so many disadvantages at my doorstep. Despite what some may call darkness, I never once considered ending the life of my child. I knew that for whatever reason, God decided that it would be wise for me to have children. I realized that I had no right to terminate my pregnancy because it is GOD that creates children and not man. I had to trust His path, and not my own personal wants. The end result provided me with more purpose, love, laughter and fulfillment than one could ask for in their lifetime.

Though this court ruling is a setback, I hold hope that the appeal being made by Sheboygan County District Attorney Joel Urmanski will be successful. I believe that good will triumph over evil, and that our world will one day be free of any form of abortion. I pray that any mother reading this will remember that they matter, as does their baby. Your lives are worth fighting for, as are those who have yet to born. God's will shall save us.

2024 PRAYER CARD ART CONTEST

Do you have a child at home that is an artist? Someone who enjoys painting, drawing, photography, or graphic design? Starting January 1, 2024, we are accepting submissions for our 2024 Prayer Card Art Contest. Children in grades 1-12 are eligible to participate, and one winner will be chosen from each grade level. All entries must be postmarked no later than April 10, 2024, and finalists will be announced on May 31, 2024.

Further requirements for participation include:

1. Only one 8.5 ̋ x 11 ̋ size entry per person.
2. Theme must be either pro-life and/or Christian.
3. All artwork must be original in nature.
4. No copies are allowed.
5. Entries will not be returned.

6. Mediums for submission include: acrylic, marker, crayon, pencil, oil, watercolor, photography or graphic design.

Winners will be announced in June of 2024. One from each grade level will receive the following: their design featured on a prayer card, three tickets to the 2024 PLW Gala and 500 prayers cards for their church. One grand prize winner will receive $100 and all of the above listed items.

To learn more, go to: https://www.prolifewi.org/art-contest

Since late October 2017, "Choose Life" license plates have been available to Wisconsin motorists, and every penny earned through the sale of the plates directly aids Wisconsin's incredible pregnancy resource centers and initiatives. Choose Life Wisconsin license plate sales have resulted in over $279,508 granted to Wisconsin pregnancy resource centers to date.

With a greater need to serve pregnant women in our state, please be a part of the mission to save lives and aid women, and get your Choose Life Wisconsin license plate today! For more information call Pro-Life Wisconsin at 262-796-1111 ext. 110.

House Speaker Mike Johnson will deliver address at 2024 March for Life: (LifeSiteNews) – “Republican Mike Johnson, the openly Christian and pro-life Speaker of the House of Representatives, is set to speak at the national March for Life next week. The 51st March for Life will take place on Friday, January 19, 2024 in Washington, D.C. Among the ten speakers featured at the rally before the march through the nation’s capital is Johnson, elected as House Speaker in October 2023, according to a March for Life press release. Even in public office, the lawmaker has not kept his Christian beliefs and dedication to the sanctity of life a secret. The Louisiana representative is staunchly against abortion.” Read the full story here.

Conceived in rape, man shares gratitude for his birth mother’s decision for life: (Live Action) – “Live Action’s latest video details the remarkable story of a man who discovered that he was conceived in rape – and the heroism of the mother who fought to give him life. Steventhen Holland was eight years old when he learned that his family had adopted him. Though he had a happy childhood, he always considered the question – ‘Why did my mom not want me?’” See the video and read the full story here.

Governor Kristi Noem: Pro-Life People Support Children Before and After Birth: (LifeNews.com) – “I recently delivered my State of the State Address to a joint session of our State Legislature. Towards the end of my speech, a small kiddo started crying up in the gallery. Now, to some that would probably be an unwanted interruption, but in South Dakota, we will always welcome a crying baby. And that’s a good thing considering the fact that our state has the highest birth rate in the nation – so we have a lot of crying babies around! This particular kiddo did have some great timing, though. The crying started just as I started discussing Freedom for Life. We couldn’t have planned it better if we tried! That crying represented every South Dakotan’s Freedom to get off to the right start. That includes before they are born, after they are born, and continues until the day they die. In that spirit, I just signed a proclamation making 2024 ‘Freedom for Life Year’ in the state of South Dakota.” Read the full op-ed here.

CRAWFORD COUNTY: Life Guardians pro-life group meets monthly in Boscobel. Email Heather at heatherkramer79@gmail.com for more information or check out the Facebook page here.

DANE COUNTY: Vigil for Life uses its unique spiritual focus to build the culture of life in cooperation with other pro-life groups. Our "365 for Life" initiative brings peaceful witness and prayer to Madison's Planned Parenthood on a daily basis. For those wishing to sign up and pray with us outside of Planned Parenthood, please do so using this link: Vigil for Life - Madison, Wisconsin. For additional information, contact Gwen at (608) 393-8545 or info@vigilforlife.org.

GREEN BAY: Pro-Life Green Bay is an active pro-life ministry in Northeast Wisconsin and meets regularly throughout the year. For more information, contact prolifegreenbay@gmail.com.

LA CROSSE: We would like to see at least two people pray every day of the week outside Planned Parenthood (1201 Caledonia Street, La Crosse, WI 54603). If you can commit to this weekly prayer, please let Marie Allen know. We encourage people to pray in groups of two if possible. You may choose your own time, and sidewalk counseling and signs are optional. Pro-Life literature is available if anyone wishes to distribute it. Questions? Call 608-784-5189.

MILWAUKEE: Join us every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. (rain or shine) to pray the Angelus followed by the Rosary in preparation for sins of ingratitude at the Fatima Shrine (141 N. 68th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53213).

PRICE COUNTY: Join Pro-Life Wisconsin Price County for our monthly meetings. We meet every second Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at First National Bank in Phillips (366 N. Lake Drive, Phillips, WI 54555). Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Patti McCormick at jandpmac6@gmail.com.

Price County Respect Life, St Therese of Liseux Catholic Church, and the Phillips Area Clergy Association, would like to invite you to attend an evening of reflection, comfort, hope and forgiveness. The evening's main events include dinner and a screening of the made for TV production, 'Tilly" - which brings Frank Peretti's novel to life and gives you a new perspective on the preciousness of an unborn child. All ages are welcome. The event is being held at St. Therese of Liseux Catholic Church, Highway 13 North, Phillips, WI on February 13, 2024 at 6:00pm.

WINNEBAGO COUNTY: Please join us in prayer every first Monday of the month from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. to exercise your First Amendment Free Speech rights in the public right of way (nearest to Marcus Cinema) in Oshkosh, near Planned Parenthood (3768 Koeller Street, Oshkosh, WI 54902). Bring your own sign or use one of ours! Contact Don Doro at 920-279-3496 or at ddurawa1@yahoo.com.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS: Please join us in prayer on the 2nd Monday of each month at 4:00 p.m. along 8th Street near Planned Parenthood (1355 S. 8th Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494). Gather in the parking lot at 3:45 p.m.

JANUARY 20, 2024 - The Milwaukee Guild of the Catholic Medical Association is hosting an event entitled “Conquering the Epidemic of Loneliness: Psychological and Spiritual Answers from a Psychiatrist and a Catholic Priest.” Loneliness contributes to premature death, heart disease, stroke, anxiety, depression and dementia. Youth are more affected by loneliness than adults. How do we protect people from loneliness and increase social connectivity? Dr. Krishna DasGupta, Clinical Psychologist, and Fr. Michael Lawinger, Associate Pastor of Christ King and St. Bernard’s Parish, will offer psychological and spiritual strategies and recommendations. The day’s activities include a mass at 8:00 a.m. with continental breakfast to follow. From 9:00am – 10:30am, the presentation and Q and A will take place. Location is St. Mary’s Visitation Parish, which is at 1260 Church Street, Elm Grove, WI 53122. Registration is required, and can be done by using this link: mgcma.org/jan20

JANUARY 20, 2024 - There will be a Respect Life Mass taking place on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 9:00 am. The Mass will be presided over by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. Location: St. Mary Parish, 9520 W. Forest Home Avenue, Hales Corners, WI 53130.

JANUARY 22, 2024: St. Robert’s will be hosting a Mass for the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, followed by Eucharistic adoration. Their address is 4019 N. Farwell Avenue, Shorewood, WI 53211. The mass will be held at 7:00 a.m., with the Eucharistic adoration until 4:00 p.m. All are encouraged to attend the Mass and/or pray before the blessed sacrament for the legal protection of our innocent unborn brothers and sisters. As of Tuesday morning, there will be sheets for adoration on the back table in the gathering area.

FEBRUARY 3, 2024 - The Archdiocese of Milwaukee and the Respect Life Office started a traveling rosary program in November of 2023 that will run through September of 2024. On the first Saturday of every month, different parishes shall host a prayer service. The next gathering is on February 3, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. Location is St. Alphonsus, which is at 6060 Loomis Rd., Greendale, WI 53129. They may include Mass and/or Adoration - but will always include the Rosary. We ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to intercede with her son, Our Lord, for the continued protection of the unborn and support for mothers and fathers facing difficult pregnancies. All are welcome to attend. For additional information, contact Deacon Jim Matthias via phone at (414) 769-3454, or through his email: matthiasj@archmil.org. If anyone wishes to see the full schedule, click here.

FEBRUARY 6, 2024 - Milwaukee Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women is hosting a talk led by Father James Kubicki entitled "Living a Eucharistic Life". Fr. Kubicki will reflect on what we believe about the Eucharist and how our belief is expressed in the way we celebrate Mass and how we live our ordinary, daily lives. Fr. Kubicki, born and raised in Milwaukee, is the former National Director of the Apostleship of Prayer Network, and recently served as director of the St. Francis Mission on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota.

Location for said event is St. Leonard’s Parish, W173S7777 Westwood Dr., Muskego 53150. No fee to attend, however, a free will offering will be accepted to cover expenses. All will gather at 8:30am, with a continental breakfast being served. Fr. Kubicki will speak at 9:00am, and Mass is then being held at noon. For questions or more information, contact Diane Oakland at dianeoak@gmail.com or call 414-617-0721.

ONGOING UNTIL MARCH 17, 2024 - Registration is now open for Virtue Baseball Club! Join a growing group of families from throughout the Lake Country and greater Milwaukee area who seek to honor Christ by encouraging our sons and families to heroically live out virtues through the sport of baseball. This summer, the tradition of promoting excellence, creating a fun environment, and building strong bonds of friendship through the sport of baseball continues through the Virtue Baseball Club, an apostolate of the Men of Christ Movement. No previous playing experience required. T-ball is offered for those in K5, coach-pitch for 1st/2nd grade, or player pitch to anyone in 3rd-12th grade. Registration ends on March 17, 2024. To sign up. visit their website: www.VirtueBaseball.com. Additional questions can be sent to their email: connect@VirtueBaseball.com.

ONGOING – Rachel's Vineyard of the Diocese of Madison offers Healing from Abortion. Whether recent or long ago ... Rachel’s Vineyard retreats offer hope and healing for anyone, women or men who have struggled with the emotional or spiritual pain after abortion. Confidential and private. Contact Mary: call 608-821-3177, text 608-215-0061 or email at rachel@madisondiocese.org.

Visit: www.madisondiocese.org/rachel or www.rachelsvineyard.org.

ONGOING – Help America Pray the Rosary Bumper Stickers Available at No Cost: A generous Pro-Life Wisconsin supporter wants to help you promote devotion to the Rosary! Help America Pray the Rosary Bumper Stickers are available to you and/or your organization. They come in packets of 250 and are free of charge. All questions and requests for bumper stickers should be forwarded to RosaryBumperStickers@gmail.com. God bless!

ONGOING – Walking with Moms in Need: The Catholic Church has a long history of service to those who are most vulnerable. From pregnancy care centers, to foster care and adoption agencies, and from maternity homes to parish-based ministries, the Church consistently bears witness in word and deed to the beauty and dignity of every human life—including both mother and child. This program asks parishes and parishioners to adopt and support those centers and agencies that are actively helping moms in need. View the flyer here or visit the website here.

ONGOING, KENOSHA – Participate in the Rosary in Kenosha at 6:00 p.m. every Sunday at Saint Therese Catholic Church (2020 91st Street Kenosha, WI 53143). Bring family and friends!

ONGOING, OCONOMOWOC – Public Prayer of the Rosary to entrust the whole world to Our Lady and ask her to intercede for our state, country, and world. Join us at Village Green Park (104 E Wisconsin Ave. Oconomowoc, WI 53066) every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. View the flyer here.

ONGOING – Toda America con Cristo and Family Life Council, Inc. has created pro-life resources for the Latino community. If you or someone you know would benefit from these resources please view the web pages here and here.

POST-ABORTIVE VIDEO – There is hope and healing for mothers and fathers who now regret their abortion and deeply grieve the loss of their little child. A new day is dawning; be not afraid. Seek the help you need. Your wounded heart can be healed through the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. Go to Him, seek Him, and receive the help you desire to be healed and live in hope once again. Watch this video for more information on where to find help. There are millions and millions who regret their abortions. You are not alone.

CRISIS PREGNANCY ASSISTANCE

If you find yourself facing a difficult or unexpected pregnancy, your local Pregnancy Resource Center is here to provide you with support, medical care, and resources to assist you with your immediate and ongoing needs. You deserve to be empowered with options and provided with the utmost care.

Pregnancy Resource Centers are committed to providing you with essential services on a free or low-cost basis, including pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, medical exams, prenatal care, STD testing, and treatment. Staff at PRC’s listen and ensure that you are provided educational resources on parenting, adoption, and abortion. They work alongside you to provide services as needed such as material assistance, sexual risk avoidance education, and post-abortion recovery support.

Please visit our website to learn more about pregnancy resources, free help, and more: CrisisPregnancies.org