Nativity of Our Lord will witness visibly, as a parish to instill dignity & respect for human life from conception to natural death.  We affirm that all human beings are created in the image and likeness of God.  We will pray and work to bring a conversion of heart and mind, for all to be open to God's special gift of life.  We will support those in crisis, and join with those involved in Respect Life work.  We will also inform and educate people of all ages about life facts and issues that threaten precious human life.  We will courageously and unashamedly take a stand for life.

40 Days for Life Prayer 

Lord, during these forty days, we ask that with each day of this sacred vigil, everything in us that separates us from your perfect will would be pruned from our hearts and souls. In this blessed freedom may we experience a powerful anointing of your Holy Spirit.

If you have not yet heard about this worldwide, lifesaving prayer movement, please go to 40daysforlife.com or plam.org to find out more about the campaign.  We invite all to join in our positive efforts to protect babies/families from the tragedy of abortion! Thank you to those who have already participated in the past.

The focus of this movement is prayer and fasting, community outreach, and peaceful vigil.   Nativity and neighboring parishes will have 3 adopt-a-days of prayer during these 40 days: 9/26, 10/5, & 10/22.  We pray that you will join us in daily prayer for the vulnerable and also commit to an hour or more of prayer/vigil at the local Planned Parenthood abortion mill in Saint Paul on our adopted days between 7am-6pm.  

Sign up sheets will be at the back of the church, or you may sign up online at saintmark-mn.org. We are looking for enthusiastic helpers for this lifesaving campaign and all upcoming Respect Life events, please prayerfully consider joining us.  Contact Karen McCann at 612-964-4522 or email karmccann@comcast.net to find out more.  

O God, from generation to generation, you have called your people to be the very aroma of life amidst a culture of death. Now it is our turn.  Prepare me. Send me. Use me. I am eager to do my part.  Stir your people everywhere to take up this great work.

For Respect Life month-- October, our Fall book discussion will be, The Power of the Powerless, A Brother's Legacy of Love, by Christopher De Vinck, written in 1988, (151pages).  Its message is timeless.  This is a heartfelt story from a man writing about life with his brother and also 3 others with many special needs, that, "breaks with all human logic, all intelligent predictions, all normal norms of success and satisfaction.  It turns everything upside down.  It speaks not only about the power of the powerless but also about love offered by those who cannot speak words of love, joy created by those who suffer grievously, hope given by those whose lives are complete failures, courage enkindled by those who cannot make the slightest move on their own.  In a world that so much wants to control life and decides what is good, healthy, important, valuable and worthwhile, this book makes the shocking observation that what is hidden from "the learned and the clever is revealed to mere children." (Matt. 11:25) ~ Henri J.M. Nouwen

I hope that many of you will join us in reading this powerful work.

Books can be purchased online at Amazon or ordered at your local bookstore.  Our discussion/potluck will be on Monday, Oct.29th from 6-8pm.  Newcomers encouraged and welcomed!  Please contact Karen McCann if you would like to attend at karmccann@comcast.net or 612-964-4522.

Newcomers encouraged and welcomed! 

Thanks for your participation and prayers in advance!  Looking forward to hearing from you soon
 
Karen McCann and Jen Rolfes
Respect Life Coordinators, Nativity of Our Lord parish
 
For any questions, or to help with our efforts, please contact Karen McCann at 612-964-4522 karmccann@comcast.net.

To learn more about this campaign, please go to:   40daysforlife.com  or  plam.org .