March 4, 2009

Lenten 40 Days for Life spring campaign kicks off

The holy season of Lent with its penitential practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving is an exceptionally appropriate time to promote the sanctity of life. Pro-lifers are observing the season with the Lenten 40 Days for Life prayer campaign.

The archdiocese’s Respect Life Office is coordinating, along with archdiocesan parishes and organizations, the local effort of the nationwide project. 
The campaign consists of individual parishes and organizations sponsoring Masses, Holy Hours, rosaries and peaceful prayer vigils for the sanctity of all human life, particularly the life of the unborn, according to Respect Life Director Mimi Eckstein.

“We’re unifying ourselves again in prayer,” Eckstein said.  “Last fall, Archbishop (Charles) Chaput  and Bishop (James) Conley directed people to pray for public officials to promote legislation and laws protecting human life from conception until death.  The Lenten 40 Days for Life campaign is a continuation of that directive.”

Given the pro-choice leanings of the new presidential administration, the campaign to build pro-life awareness and momentum is vital, Eckstein said.

The faithful are invited to participate in Saturday morning prayer vigils every Saturday during Lent at 9:15 a.m. at the Planned Parenthood Clinic located at 7155 E. 38th Ave.  Mass prior to the vigils will be held at St. James Church, 1311 Oneida St., at 8:15 a.m. 

All are invited to pray at the Planned Parenthood Clinic with the founder of the 40 Days for Life prayer campaign Shawn Karney at 10 a.m. March 7. 
For a calendar of local 40 Days for Life events or to sign up to participate in the prayer vigils, send e-mail to: respectlife.office@archden.org or call 303-715-3205.