Thursday, 16 September 2010 14:18

Bonnie Toombs, director of the diocesan Respect Life & Social Justice Office, is inviting youth to participate in the annual March for Life pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. This year the pilgrimage will be held Jan. 20-25.
“I invite you to join us in defense of the sacredness and dignity of every human life,” she said. “We must as Catholic Christians raise our voices in protest and say enough is enough, abortion kills children of God.”
Toombs said that although the march won’t take place until January, those wishing to attend must plan now.
In an open letter to high school youth, Toombs said:
“Is there a reason you should concern yourself for even one second with the fact that on  Jan. 22, 2011, abortion will have been legal in the United States for 38 years? Yes, because when you talk about abortion, you’re not talking about numbers and vague statistics, and you’re not even talking about something called ‘choice.’ You’re talking about a human person, created in the image of God, whose life is exterminated.

“You’re talking about women and girls, deeply loved by the same God who loves you, who find themselves in terribly difficult situations, who toss and turn at night feeling scared, unsupported, alone and trapped. You’re talking about those same women and girls who are sorely tempted to fix their problem by resorting to violence.
“And you’re talking about the victims of that violence - babies, living at peace inside their moms, growing at an amazing rate, hearts beating strongly, full of potential, they are tiny little children loved by God. Abortion or the temptation to abort happens all around you. It happens in your town, in your neighborhood and in your school.”
So sure, Toombs says, you should care.
“Why? Because Jesus does.”

Registration deadline for March is Nov. 10
The deadline for registering for the March for Life pilgrimage is Nov. 10. The cost is $325, which is due with your registration. The cost may be split into two payments of $162.50, the first being due Nov. 10 and the last due Dec. 10. Registrations may be mailed to the Office of Respect Life & Social Justice, 424 N. Broadway, Wichita KS 67202.
A limited number of partial scholarships are available for youth whose families are experiencing financial hardship. Scholarship applications can be found on our website, www.catholicdioceseofwichita.org, on the Respect Life and Social Justice page and must be received no later than Oct. 15.