Opportunities to pray for, promote a culture of life in January/February
The Mass for Life with Bishop Walkowiak on Jan. 22 at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, the 40 Days for Life spring campaign, the National March for Life in Washington, D.C., and the USCCB’s 9 Days for Life novena present us with opportunities in January and February to pray for and promote a culture of life which values all human life from conception to natural death. Details and resources below:
Bishop Walkowiak celebrates Mass for Life Jan. 22
When: Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, 7 p.m. Mass with Bishop Walkowiak to pray for the legal protection of unborn children
Where: Cathedral of Saint Andrew, 301 Sheldon Blvd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Additional details
Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children (USCCB)
National March for Life in Washington, D.C.
DATES:
Jan. 17-19, 2024 (View schedule)
(Rally and march take place Jan. 19)
VIEW photos: Students, seminarians participate in 50th annual March for Life
Even with the wonderful blessing of Roe v. Wade being overturned, which allows more freedom at the state level to enact pro-life laws, the necessary work to build a culture of life in the United States of America is not finished. Rather, it is focused differently. March for Life at the national level will continue every January until a culture of life is restored in the United States of America.
Will the Diocese be hosting a bus trip to Washington, D.C. in 2024?
The Diocese of Grand Rapids will not be sponsoring a bus trip to the National March for Life in Washington, D.C., but several of our parishes and schools may be making the pilgrimage. If you wish to attend, please check with your parish. If your parish is not hosting a pilgrimage to the March, contact Father Eugene Batungbacal, CSsR, to connect with a parish that is making the trip, or contact Grand Rapids Right to Life.
First Michigan March for Life held November 2023
On Nov. 8, 2023, the first Michigan March for Life was held at the state Capitol in Lansing. Thousands of Michiganders of all ages and backgrounds attended to engage in the pro-life movement. Read more.
Stay connected
Connect with March for Life on:
Twitter
Connect with us on:
Facebook (Diocese of Grand Rapids | Respect Life Ministry Office) | Twitter | Instagram
Questions about March for Life?
Please contact Father Eugene Batungbacal, CSsR, assistant director of youth and young adult ministry for the Office of Hispanic Ministry or DJ Florian, director of the office of pastoral services
Nine Days for Life – Your prayers matter; Your sacrifices make a difference
In prayerful recognition of the lives that have been lost and broken through abortion, the U.S. Bishops invited Catholics and others nationwide to participate in nine days of prayer, penance and pilgrimage Jan. 16-24.
9 Days for Life is an annual novena for the protection of human life–novena para la protección de la vida humana. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. Participants can download the novena or sign up to receive the daily prayers via email or text message.
Pray to Protect Human Life!
Intenciones de novena en español
Resources are available to promote and share the novena in your parish, school, or ministry!
40 Days for Life Spring Campaign
Learn more and sign up for vigil hours
International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking – February 8
The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the International Union of Superiors General has designated February 8 as an annual day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking. February 8 is the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita, who was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery in Sudan and Italy. Once Josephine was freed, she became a Canossian nun and dedicated her life to sharing her testament of deliverance from slavery and comforting the poor and suffering. She was declared a saint in 2000.
From the USCCB:
Resources for the Day of Prayer
How to build a culture of life
Anti-trafficking resources
January is Poverty Awareness Month
Learn more/sign up to receive daily reflections
Additional resources
Respect Life Ministry in our diocese
Volunteer with the Office of Prison & Jail Ministry
Walking with Moms in Need
Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat for help in healing the pain of abortion
Poverty Awareness Month in January Resources from the USCCB & CCHD
Pro-Life Activities & Resources (USCCB)
