Thousands of Catholics nationwide will come together Jan. 22-29 for a weeklong commitment of prayer and reflection dedicated to the protection of human life.
Locally, the Office of Youth Ministry, Social Action Committee and the Office for Young Adult Ministry in the Diocese of Cleveland organized A Week for Life for the faithful of Northeast Ohio. The week will consist of a series of interactive and virtual events that will begin with the annual diocesan Mass for Life at 10 a.m. on Jan. 22 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
Each day during A Week for Life will focus on pro-life issues and educate online viewers through topic discussions led by experts, calls to action for letter writing on current state and national issues and dedicated prayers. A resource page dedicated to the week can be found on the diocesan website.
The first video topic focuses on abortion and the COVID-19 vaccine being morally permissible. Michael Hayes, director of Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Cleveland interviews Father Michael Najim from the Diocese of Providence. Through their discussion, Father Najim suggests ways that Catholics can get involved in corporate lobbying with regard to the pharmaceutical industry.
Topics for the remainder of the week include Care for all Creation, human trafficking, racism, immigration reform, the death penalty and assisted suicide.
Also, in conjunction with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ 9 Day Novena for Life -- a collection of intentions for the respect of human life with a special novena -- the faith community is asked to pray for representatives of a select delegation who will be lobbying representatives of Congress during this time on right to life issues.
A Week for Life also includes links to view the Jan. 29 Virtual Youth Rally and Mass for Life from the Archdiocese of Washington.
Photo courtesy of CNS.