News January 7, 2015
2015 Roe Memorial Pro-Life Events
Join Bishops Farrell and Olson and thousands of North Texas faithful in marking the 42nd anniversary of the tragic January 22, 1973 Roe v. Wade U.S. Supreme Court decision, which made abortion available on demand in America.
A period of prayer, penance, and pilgrimage, January 17-25, 2015, will mark the anniversary of the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion throughout pregnancy. The “9 Days for Life” novena encourages nationwide solidarity in prayer for daily intentions, including for couples experiencing infertility, those mourning the loss of a child through abortion, children in need of adoptive homes, and for an end to abortion and use of the death penalty. Resources for the novena are available in numerous ways, including an app.
The initiative is part of the 2014-15 Respect Life Program of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) with the theme “Each of Us is a Masterpiece of God’s Creation,” which is adapted from the words of Pope Francis’ 2013 Day for Life greeting. In addition to the prayer intentions, each day of the program raises awareness on issues such as domestic violence, post-abortion healing, pornography addiction, and end-of-life matters.
“Pope Francis reminds us constantly of the loving concern Christians have for all people at any stage of life who’ve been cast aside or forgotten by society,” said Cardinal Seán O’Malley, archbishop of Boston and chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities. “The 9 Days for Life novena offers a chance to join in prayer and solidarity with the unborn, victims of violence, those suffering from addiction, and those whose hearts ache to be part of a family.”
There are four ways to participate in the program for both English and Spanish speakers: subscriptions to daily content through email or text messages; the “9Days for Life” app; and downloadable print materials. Content will also be shared via a Facebook event (accessible from www.facebook.com/peopleoflife) and other social media with the hashtags #9daysforlife and #9díasporlavida.
Catholics are also encouraged to participate in local events such as Masses, blessings for pro-life pilgrims, or a parish holy hour for reparation and healing for all affected by abortion.
More information is available at www.9daysforlife.com and www.usccb.org/respectlife.
Bilingual resources for parish leaders, including a guide for youth ministry (including ideas appropriate for other age groups), logos, ads for web and print, a flyer, additional prayer resources, and a social media kit are found at www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/january-roe-events/9-days-for-life-resources-for-leaders.cfm.
Dallas events to mark the anniversary of Roe v. Wade
January 17, 2015
Join Bishops Farrell and Olson and thousands of North Texas faithful in marking the 42nd anniversary of the tragic January 22, 1973 Roe v. Wade U.S. Supreme Court decision, which made abortion available on demand in America. The theme of this year’s events is “On the Road to Victory!” and the schedule of events is as follows:
- 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Roe Memorial Rosaries outside the Southwestern abortion facility, 8616 Greenville Ave, Dallas (parking available on Boundbrook Ave and Gaston Oaks Baptist Church parking lot) and the new Planned Parenthood abortion facility, 7989 West Virginia Dr, Dallas (street parking available)
- 12:15 p.m. - Youth Rally at the convention center in Dallas, 650 S Griffin St, featuring World Youth Day musician Curtis Stephan (Doors open at 11:30 a.m.)
- 1:00 p.m. - Roe Memorial Bilingual Mass concelebrated by Bishop Kevin Farrell, Bishop Michael Olson, and diocesan clergy at the convention center in Dallas (seating for 9,000!) with Fr. Benjamin Cieply, L.C. as homilist and music led by Curtis Stephan.
- 3:00 p.m. - North Texas March for Life from convention center (following Mass) to ecumenical Rally outside the Earle Cabell Federal Courthouse
Bishop Farrell would like for as many families and young people as possible to participate in this great witness for Life! Everyone is encouraged to ride DART Rail – the most convenient transportation directly to the convention center station!
Volunteers are needed, particularly Knights of Columbus, parish ushers and police or security officers.
For more information, visit prolifedallas.org/roe or call 972-267-LIFE (5433).