Fraternity of St. Joseph
(FSJ) Life Defenders
Code of Conduct
Consenting to the Code of Conduct is paramount for the prayer warrior to participate as a responsible Life Defender at abortion facilities. The behavioral and attitudinal suggestions listed below will provide the spiritual foundation necessary to guide your thoughts, words, and actions, and in the process, ensure a peaceful and protected vigil experience.
- To maintain a loving and respectful attitude toward abortion facility staff, pro-abortion activists, and especially vulnerable women (and their families) seeking abortions.
- To remain peaceful, prayerful, and law-abiding throughout the prayer vigil even in the face of hostile, combative, and antagonistic behavior from pro-abortion staff and activists.
- To use positive and educational pro-life signage that cooperates with the Holy Spirit’s grace to open the hearts and minds of abortion facility staff, pro-abortion activists, and especially vulnerable women (and their families) seeking abortions.
- To remain in assigned areas during the prayer vigil, avoid trespassing on facility property or blocking entrance to facility parking (or sidewalks), and ensure a minimum of two prayer vigil participants at the abortion facility.
- To cooperate and comply with on-site law enforcement for any perceived infractions, and discreetly record any incident that appears to be unsafe or threatening.
- To be diligent toward recognizing when to step in and remove a Life Defender from a verbal altercation before it escalates. These instances are hard for the person involved to remove themselves from. Awareness and understanding of these situations is vital for all life defenders to understand toward actively resolving bad situations by removing other life defenders through a loving embrace.
- To responsibly commit to caring for any minors assigned to chaperones during the prayer vigil as a first priority.
FSJ Life Defenders – Code of Conduct FAQs
- Where do I go for the prayer vigil?
Answer: Prayer vigils take place on public sidewalks in front of the abortion facility. Standing on abortion facility property (or in the street) is strictly prohibited. Prayer vigils should never be conducted alone or after dark. - Can children participate in the prayer vigil?
Answer: Children can participate in the prayer vigil if the Parental Consent Form is signed by the parent or legal guardian. Children will be under the supervision of an adult chaperone(s) if the parent or legal guardian elects not to attend. - What if an abortion facility staff or pro-abortion activist approaches the prayer vigil with questions or taunts?
Answer: If approached, use caution and care in responding to the individual(s). One example of an appropriate response would be, “We are peacefully praying for an end to abortion.” Keep in mind your purpose for being at the prayer vigil and the first of Jesus Christ’s final words at his crucifixion: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.”
Perimeter Prayer (Fr Chad Ripperger)
Lord Jesus Christ, in thy love and mercy establish a perimeter of protection around myself and all our loved ones, those who pray for us and their loved ones. May the Holy Angels guard us and all our possessions, establishing a perimeter of protection around us, rendering us immune from any kind of demonic influence. I ask that no demonic bondage, door, demonic entity, portal, astral projection or disembodied spirit may enter the space of 100 yards in all directions of us. I ask that any demons within this vicinity or any that should try to enter here be rendered deaf, dumb, and blind; that Thou would strip them of all weapons, armor, power, illusions, and authority; that Thou would bind, rebuke and disable them from communicating or interacting with each other in any way. Remove them, sending them directly to the foot of Thy Cross. Jesus, Son of the Most High, I ask this in Thy Glorious and Most Holy Name. Amen.
Prayer to Saint Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church
O Glorious Saint Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, I implore thee to obtain from the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, the preservation of our remnant Catholic Community and all its members, from all division, dissension, and discord.
Do thou, faithful Guardian of the Holy Family, grant that our spiritual family, all the members of our remnant Catholic Community, shall ever be united in the Bonds of Faith and Charity, and shall remain always of One Heart, Mind and Soul in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
Saint Joseph, special Protector of our Community, do thou guide, bless, and protect us against the attacks of all our enemies and detractors. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever, unto ages of ages. Amen.
Rosary for the Unborn
FSJ Life Defenders – Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary
Apostle’s Creed believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
The Annunciation – Mary is troubled by the angel’s greeting, yet rejoices to do God’s will. Let us pray that those who are troubled by their pregnancy may have the grace to trust in God’s will.
The Visitation – John the Baptist leapt for joy in his mother’s womb. We pray that people may realize that abortion is not about children who “might” come into the world, but is about children who are already in the world, living and growing in the womb, and are scheduled to be killed.
The Nativity – God Himself was born as a child. The greatness of a person does not depend on size, for the newborn King is very small. Let us pray for an end to prejudice against the tiny babies threatened by abortion.
The Presentation – The Child is presented in the Temple because the Child belongs to God. Children are neither the property of their parents, nor of the government. They-and we-belong to God Himself.
The Finding of Jesus in the Temple – The boy Jesus was filled with wisdom, because He is God. Let us pray that all people may see the wisdom of His teachings about the dignity of life, and may understand that this teaching is not an opinion, but the truth.
Hail Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary, pray for us O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: Oh God, whose only begotten Son, by His Life, Death and Resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant we beseech thee, that meditating upon these mysteries of the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they are doing”
FSJ Life Defenders – Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary
Apostle’s Creed believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
The Agony in the Garden – Let us pray for mothers and fathers who are in agony because they are tempted to abort a child. May they be given the good news that there are alternatives, and may they make use of the help that is available.
Scourging at the Pillar – As Christ’s flesh was torn by the instruments of those who scourged Him, so the bodies of babies in the womb are torn by the instruments of the abortionists. Let us pray that the abortionists may repent of these acts of child-killing.
The Crowning with Thorns – Jesus suffered the pain of thorns in His head, and did so silently. We pray for the mothers and fathers of aborted children. So many of them suffer deep grief and regret over a choice they can never reverse. So many suffer in silence, because others tell them it’s no big deal.
The Carrying of the Cross – Jesus was not condemned by the power of wicked people. He was condemned because of the silence of good people. Silence always helps the oppressor, never the victim. Let us pray that we may never be silent about abortion, but rather will clearly speak up to save babies from death.
The Crucifixion – As we ponder the death of Christ, let us remember the many women who have died from so-called “safe, legal” abortions. Let us ask forgiveness and mercy for them. May their memory save other women from this tragic mistake.
Hail Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary, pray for us O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: Oh God, whose only begotten Son, by His Life, Death and Resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant we beseech thee, that meditating upon these mysteries of the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
FSJ Life Defenders – Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary
Apostle’s Creed believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
The Resurrection – Christ is risen! By His resurrection, He has destroyed the power of death, and therefore the power of abortion. The outcome of the battle for life has already been decided. Life is victorious! Let us pray that all pro-lifers will spread this victory to every segment of our society.
The Ascension – By ascending to the Father’s throne, Christ takes our human nature, given to us in the womb, to the heights of heaven. He shows us that human beings are made to be raised to heaven, not thrown in the garbage. Let us pray that the world may learn this truth and reject abortion.
The Descent of the Holy Spirit – The Holy Spirit is the advocate: He pleads our cause, for we cannot save ourselves. We pray that He will make us advocates for the babies, who cannot speak or write or vote or protest or even pray.
The Assumption – The Blessed Virgin Mary was taken body and soul into heaven because she is the Mother of God. Mother and child are united. The Assumption reminds us that they belong together. We pray that society will see that it cannot love women while killing their children, and cannot save children without helping their mothers. We pray that people will be touched by the pro-life question, “Why can’t we love them both?”
The Coronation of the Virgin Mary – Mary is Queen of the universe. She is the greatest creature, second only to God Himself. The Church defends the dignity of women. We pray that people will understand that to be pro-life means to be pro-women, and that to be pro-woman demands that we be pro-life.
Hail Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary, pray for us O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: Oh God, whose only begotten Son, by His Life, Death and Resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant we beseech thee, that meditating upon these mysteries of the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
FSJ Life Defenders – Rosary Prayers in Latin
Apostles Creed (Symbolum Apostolorum)
Credo in Deum Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem caeli et terrae; et in Iesum Christum, Filium eius unicum, Dominum nostrum; qui conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria Virgine; passus sub Pontio Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus, et sepultus; descendit ad infernos; tertia die resurrexit a mortuis; ascendit ad caelos, sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis; inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos.
Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam catholicam, sanctorum communionem, remissionem peccatorum, carnis resurrectionem, vitam aeternam. Amen.
Our Father (Pater Noster)
Pater noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra.
Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie, et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo. Amen.
Hail Mary (Ave Maria)
Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus.
Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.
Glory Be (Gloria Patri)
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.
Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Fatima Prayer
Domine Iesu, dimitte nobis debita nostra, salva nos ab igne inferiori, perduc in caelum omnes animas, praesertim eas, quae misericordiae tuae maxime indigent.
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they are doing”
Divine Mercy Chaplet
FSJ Life Defenders – Divine Mercy Chaplet
Opening
You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.
3x (leader) O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us –
(response) I trust in You!
(Our Father, Hail Mary, Apostle’s Creed)
Each Decade
1x (leader) Eternal Father, I offer to you the body and blood, soul and Divinity of your dearly beloved son, our Lord Jesus Christ –
(response) in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
10x (leader) For the sake of his sorrowful passion –
(response) have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Closing
3x (leader) Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One –
(response) have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion — inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.
(repeat three times) Jesus, I trust in you.
MEMORARE – Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”
Pro-Life Station of the Cross
Meditations for Pro-Life Stations of the Cross
“In the Palm of His Hand,” by Frank Pavone
The First Station: Jesus is Condemned to Death
(We adore Thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.)
Though innocent, Jesus is condemned by the power of the State. In like manner, our innocent brothers and sisters in the womb have been condemned. Their rights and dignity are not recognized. In this, they bear a special likeness to Jesus. (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be) Jesus Christ crucified, have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
The Second Station: Jesus is made to Bear His Cross
(We adore Thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.)
The salvation of the world carried a heavy price for our Lord, the agony of the cross. as He accepts His cross, let us also resolve to endure suffering that others may live. Let us pray the price for standing up for our pre-born brothers and sisters. (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be) Jesus Christ crucified, have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
The Third Station: Jesus Falls the First Time
(We adore Thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.)
Almighty God was weak because He chose to be like us. He had power and glory from all eternity, yet He chose to be immersed in the world of suffering. We pray that the benefits and advantages we have in life may not cause us to forget our pre-born brothers and sisters.
(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be) Jesus Christ crucified, have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
The Fourth Station: Jesus Meets His Afflicted Mother
(We adore Thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.)
There is no deeper relationship than that of mother and child. They belong together. When one suffers, the other suffers. To love and defend one means to love and defend the other. To be pro-life means to serve both the child and the mother. It means to ask our society, “Why can’t we love them both?” (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be) Jesus Christ crucified, have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
The Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry His Cross
(We adore Thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.)
Many watched the Lord suffer. Simon the Cyrenian helped alleviate that suffering. Many lament abortion. Some actually get involved to help stop it. We pray that all people may take their place in the pro-life movement.(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be) Jesus Christ crucified, have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
The Sixth Station: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
(We adore Thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.)
The compassion Veronica shows reflects the compassion of so many medical doctors and nurses, who treat their patients with dignity. We pray for repentance and renewal in the medical profession. May the tools and skills meant for healing nevermore be used for killing. (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be) Jesus Christ crucified, have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
The Seventh Station: Jesus Falls the Second Time
(We adore Thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.)
In working to defend life, there are many setbacks and obstacles. Yet we know the meaning of the cross. In weakness, power reached perfection. We do not look to our own strength and talents alone, but to Christ. His own strength will sustain us. (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be) Jesus Christ crucified, have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
The Eighth Station: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
(We adore Thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.)
Christ told these women to weep for themselves and for their children. He does not want false worship, but repentance. He does not want followers who cry out to Him then ignore injustice and bloodshed. May all believe in Christ likewise stand up for the defenseless children.
(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be) Jesus Christ crucified, have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
The Ninth Station: Jesus Falls the Third Time
(We adore Thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.)
Despite the falls, nothing can stop our Lord, because He is on a mission of love. If the pro-life movement is not a movement of love, it is nothing at all; but if it is a movement of love, then nothing will stop it. Love is stronger than death, more powerful than hell.(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be) Jesus Christ crucified, have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
The Tenth Station: Jesus is Stripped of His Garments
(We adore Thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.)
Nobody can stop us from loving our problem brothers and sisters. Those who are stronger may strip us of popularity, possessions, or power, but they cannot strip us of love. We love others with the same love that Christ showed us.(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be) Jesus Christ crucified, have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
The Eleventh Station: Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
(We adore Thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.)
The powers of this world crucified God who made this world. All power and authority come from God. All who exercise power have to account for it before the throne of God. We pray that those in government may use their powers to protect the innocent babies in the womb.
(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be) Jesus Christ crucified, have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
The Twelfth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross
(We adore Thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.)
Our Lord died. Many of His children have died with Him. His passion is re-lived with every abortion, one every twenty seconds in our country. We only know a fraction of the horror of this act in the sight of God. We only know a fraction of the horror of Christ’s crucifixion. May all our brothers and sisters killed by abortion rest in Christ’s peace and be saved by His cross.
(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be) Jesus Christ crucified, have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
The Thirteenth Station: Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross
(We adore Thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.)
Mary experienced the pain of holding her dead Son. So many mothers grieve after their abortions. We ask that Mary may comfort them, help them face the truth about abortion, and lead them to forgiveness and healing. (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be) Jesus Christ crucified, have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
The Fourteenth Station: Jesus is Laid in the Tomb
(We adore Thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.)
A tomb is a memorial. It helps us remember the one who can no longer speak. May we and our society remember the babies who cannot speak. May we also remember our Lord’s Resurrection, and His promise of eternal life. He has conquered abortion because He has conquered death. May we bring His victory to every part of the world!
(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be) Jesus Christ crucified, have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Closing Prayer:
Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself. Amen
Please read the Code of Conduct prior to your arrival at the abortion facility. The behavioral and attitudinal suggestions outlined in the document will provide the spiritual foundation necessary to guide your thoughts, words, and actions, and in the process, ensure a peaceful and protected vigil experience.
Consider setting aside time before the prayer vigil for silent prayer and meditation, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide and protect you throughout this spiritual work of mercy. You might find it helpful to meditate on the first of Jesus Christ’s final words during his crucifixion:
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.”
St. Joseph, Pillar of Families, pray for us. Amen.
Assembling a Gathering Yourself?
We have created a sample bulletin announcement to share with your parish along with some helpful tips.