Monday, Oct. 12, found  25-30 of our parishioners, along with members of our own Carpenters 4 Christ parish Youth Group, participating in the new international movement - 40 Days For Life.

Each person who signed up committed themselves to at least one hour, - many for several hours, covering an entire 24 hour day, to travel to the Planned Parenthood clinic on Case Street in Norwich, where they spent time outdoors in prayerful vigil and witness in support of Life.

Daytime temps were in the low 50's but during the overnight and early morning saw it dip to the freezing mark, necessitating parkas, hats, and gloves, but at least the weather was dry.  Photos shown here were taken of the 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. group, which included Fr. Gabriel, meeting together at, and leaving from the rectory at 4:45 a.m. in order to relieve the 2 a.m. - 6 am.m group.

Many others from St. Joseph's, unable to attend this year, were with us in solidarity, supporting us in spirit and prayer.

More than 200 cities in 45 American states, 5 Canadian provinces plus Denmark have participated in the 2009 40 Days for Life campaigns.

"There are campaigns in at least 212 communities," said David Bereit, 40 Days for Life's national director. "Last fall's campaign was conducted in 177 cities. This shows that support for the pro-life message is spreading - and that 40 Days for Life continues to have a positive international impact."

"Even after praying and fasting for 40 days - and being involved in vigils that in many cities went round the clock, seven days a week -many of the people who are participating in this campaign simply don't want to see it end," said David Bereit, national campaign director of 40 Days for Life.  40 Days for Life provided a starting point. Now they've seen what can happen; and now that they've taken that first step, they're eagerly anticipating additional opportunities for continuing their pro-life outreach."

Bereit added that the campaign's vigils show the importance of being physically present at the clinics.

People who seek the services of abortionists are people who have lost hope. The sight of people engaged in peaceful, prayerful vigil sends a message of hope at precisely the time these women need it the most. We must - and we will - continue to be present to offer that hope."

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