In a Wednesday, Dec. 9, letter to priests, deacons religious and lay leaders, Bishop Barry C. Knestout announced that due to COVID-19, parishes and diocesan-sponsored groups will not be organizing trips to the March for Life in Washington via chartered buses.
“The reality of the pandemic has made this mode of transportation prohibitive for this year,” the bishop wrote.
However, Bishop Knestout invited the faithful to participate in local initiatives being organized by the diocese’s Center for Marriage, Family and Life “so that we may come together in both prayer and action to defend the right to life.”
The invitation included participation in a livestreamed Mass that he will celebrate from the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 28.
“The Mass will be offered for the specific intention of a greater respect for all life and for an end to abortion,” the bishop wrote.
Regarding Friday, Jan. 29, the day of the March for Life, Bishop Knestout wrote, “I encourage each parish, school and campus ministry of the diocese to offer a Mass for the Respect Life movement, as well as engage in an act of advocacy to help advance an end to abortion.”
The Center for Marriage, Family and Life will provide pro-life programming for youth groups, campus ministries and Catholic schools.
“While it is disappointing that we adjust our previous March for Life efforts, I hope that our efforts this year can sustain the movement and that we can continue to be a powerful witness to life,” Bishop Knestout wrote.