Take part in pro-life events and activities virtually or in person in January and February
As Catholics, we are deeply committed to and concerned about protecting human life from conception to natural death. Every year for the past 48 years, thousands of pilgrims from around the country have journeyed to Washington, D.C. in January to March for Life and pray together at the National Prayer Vigil for Life for an end to abortion. While many fewer people are traveling to Washington this year – the diocese will not be sponsoring a bus trip due to the pandemic – opportunities for peaceful action and prayer to end abortion will be available locally in our diocese this month and next.
Join Bishop Walkowiak at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in January:
Jan. 22, 2021 – 7 p.m., Mass for the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of the Unborn
WATCH MASS VIDEO: on Facebook
On Friday, Jan. 22, the nation marked the 48th Anniversary of the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court, Roe v. Wade, legalizing abortion in the United States. The Diocese of Grand Rapids observed a Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children on Jan. 22 to solemnly mark this anniversary. Bishop Walkowiak invited the faithful to join him for Mass online or in-person. Additional ways to observe the day included praying on your own, attending daily Mass in your parish, or watching Mass online from your parish or Mass with the bishop from the cathedral. USCCB resources for the Day of Prayer
Jan. 29, 2021 – 12:05 p.m. Mass followed by Adoration until 3 p.m.
This Mass with Bishop Walkowiak, followed by Adoration, will coincide with the 2021 March for Life taking place in Washington, D.C. Many are unable to attend the March this year due to restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To participate locally, there will be a time of prayer from noon to 3 p.m. beginning with Mass with Bishop Walkowiak at 12:05 p.m. Following Mass, there will be silent adoration and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, closing with Benediction at 3 p.m. If you’re unable to attend Mass and adoration at the cathedral, we invite you on this day to pray at home, attend daily Mass or adoration in your parish, or participate virtually in a livestream of Mass.
Additional Opportunities for Prayer and Action:
Jan. 28 & 29, 2021 – National Prayer Vigil for Life from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the National Prayer Vigil for Life will be closed to the public but will still be televised by EWTN and available via livestream on the Basilica’s website. Livestreaming information for the overnight bishop-led holy hours from various dioceses will be provided on the USCCB’s website.
View schedule | EWTN Channel Finder
Jan. 29, 2021:
8:30 – 11 a.m. Youth Rally and Mass for Life (Virtual)
Click here to register for free. Organized by the Archdiocese of Washington
Noon, March for Life in Washington, D.C.
Join the March for Life virtually this year. Rally begins at noon ET. Watch live coverage on the March for Life website, or sign up here. Visit the March for Life website to find a march near you. For information about why changes have been made to this year’s March, listen to this podcast.
March for Life Plenary Indulgence
This year, by authority of Pope Francis, the Apostolic Penitentiary has granted a plenary indulgence to the faithful who participate in the March for Life in Washington, D.C. Individuals who wish to obtain the plenary indulgence must take part virtually (via TV, radio, or online) or in-person in the sacred celebrations related to the March for Life in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 29, including the National Prayer Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Jan. 28 and Mass for Life on Jan. 29. In addition, the usual conditions for a plenary indulgence apply: that an individual be in the state of grace by the completion of the acts, have complete detachment from sin, and pray for the Pope’s intentions. The person must also sacramentally confess their sins and receive Communion, up to about twenty days before or after the indulgenced act.
Jan. 21 – 29, 2021 – 9 Days for Life
Join thousands of Catholics across the country in prayer and action during the U.S. bishops’ pro-life novena. Sign up for daily intentions, brief reflections, and more: Click here for details
Your prayers matter; Your sacrifices make a difference.
Since the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision 48 years ago, more than 55 million babies’ lives have been lost to abortion, and the lives of millions of their parents have been shattered. In prayerful recognition of these lost and broken lives, the U.S. bishops invite Catholics and others nationwide to participate in nine days of prayer, penance and pilgrimage Jan. 21-29. Click here for details and to sign up to receive the daily novena in English and Spanish by email, text message, or through the app.
Feb. 17 – March 28, 2021, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. – 40 Days for Life, Grand Rapids
Pray to end abortion in front of the Heritage Clinic for Women. Sign up for vigil hours by contacting the Respect Life coordinator at your parish, or online through the 40 Days for Life website.
Additional resources
Respect Life Ministry in our diocese
Church teaching on abortion | Annual Pro-Life Events (USCCB)
Learn about Walking with Moms in Need
View photos from the 2019 March for Life
Support for pregnant women and families
Pregnancy Support Services (CCWM)
HELP Pregnancy Aid (Grand Rapids)
Post-abortion reconciliation and healing for women and men
Project Rachel
USCCB statements
USCCB responds to U.S. president and vice president’s statement on anniversary of Roe v. Wade (Jan. 22)
On the inauguration of Joseph R. Biden Jr. as 46th president of the U.S. (Jan. 20)
