Magnificent March for Life Adventures

Office for Human Dignity

Respect Life Ministry

The Joliet Diocesan March for Life Pilgrimage to D.C. was an adventure filled with abundant blessings.

Nearly 300 participants loaded 6 buses to journey to D.C. to advocate for life. We joined thousands for Mass at the National Prayer Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Mother Mary, who said yes to life, changed our lives forever. Standing in her Basilica, we knew we were safe in her mantle.

Two youth from the Diocese of Joliet, Amy and Erin, were asked to present the gifts to Cardinal Dolan! Amy offered the gifts on behalf of the Joliet Diocese, for each of you.

Cardinal Dolan's inspiring homily challenged all parishes to become welcoming sanctuaries. He shared a recent story about a fearful mother who kept her pregnancy a secret. She often visited a Catholic parish and immediately after the birth of her son, while his umbilical cord was still attached, left him in the parish manger. She knew he would be safe in God's hands. The baby was discovered and Cardinal Dolan proclaimed, "God bless Holy Child Jesus parish in Queens for radiating such a spirit of welcome, joy, warmth and outreach that this Mexican mother spontaneously knew her baby would be safe there. God bless this culture of life." He later gave the challenge, "Let all our people be like those parishioners whose smile and greeting and welcome and sense of love assured our young mom that her baby would be safe there." Are we the welcoming parishioners God calls us to be? Watch his homily here.

After a brief rest, Friday morning we were off to the Youth Rally and Mass hosted by the Archdiocese of Washington. We prayed with groups from across the country, including those who traveled all the way from Texas. The priests from the Joliet Diocese concelebrated in these Masses, which was a time of heartfelt prayer for life.

Due to the inclement weather, we departed Washington moments before the storm. Although our pilgrimage didn't follow the itinerary we planned, God worked in our hearts and through our time together. We received word that those who left a few hours after us were stranded on the road, so we joined in prayer for those who were caught in the storm.

While the abundant blessings are too many to count, here are a few snapshots from various pieces of the pilgrimage:

On one bus students enthusiastically led an International Divine Mercy Chaplet prayed in 6 languages - English, French, Spanish, Polish, German and Latin. This Jubilee of Mercy is amazing!

A youth testimony explained that her grandmother contemplated abortion, but chose life. Thanks to her grandma's decision her mom is alive, and now she is here too, which gives her the passion to be an enthusiastic pro-lifer.

A young man shared that he has been contemplating a life of service to the Church after one of the Bus Chaplains shared his vocation story.

While at a rest stop, a young lady and chaperone saw that an employee at a salad and sandwich shop was overwhelmed, so they sprang into action with hearts of service and became deli experts for an hour.

A homeless man received a lunch from a college student who gave him her own meal. She reflected on how precious each and every life is.

Youth and adults spoke of growing closer to God and learning how to enter into sacrificial love, especially as we adjusted our plans.

Our March for Life scarves proved to be conversation starters with those on the Metro, which led to planting seeds in the hearts of those who do not understand the beauty of life in the womb. One young lady even gave her "Diocese of Joliet - March for Life" scarf away to someone who requested it.

Maria, a young adult leader, explains, "I was telling my sisters it's by far the most special march for life we have been to."

God was with us each step of the journey. We thank you for your prayers and look forward seeing how we can continue to foster a culture of life now that we have returned.

Photo Album coming soon.

Evening of Hope

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Join Waterleaf Women's Center at their annual Evening of Hope. You will enjoy an "Evening of Heavenly Voices" with Soul Children of Chicago, at the Abbington Distinctive Banquets, Glen Ellyn.

6:00 PM Cocktail Reception

7:00 PM Program and Dinner

Reservation price of $50 includes:

1 hour open bar, 3-course dinner including wine, entertainment, and dancing. Table of 10, $500

To register click here.

WORD OF LIFE SERIES

FEBRUARY 2016

Parishes are asked to use one Intercession for Life, per Sunday Mass and one Bulletin Brief, per Sunday bulletin.

Click here f or t he English version.

Click here for the Spanish version.

Calendar of Events

Please explore our helpful calendar of events!

Many opportunities are just a click away!

For a full listing of events and prayer opportunities click here.