Announcements & News

Large Crowd Comes Together to Stand for Pro-life Issues at the Capitol

Despite the snow, a huge crowd of pro-lifers from across the state gathered today at Noon, at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia to march for life and stand up for the unborn.

The March for Life is the largest annual rally at the state Capitol.  The event has happened in rain, snow, and sun continuously for 34 years.  Organizers were thrilled with the turnout.  Based on previous year's numbers, buses that checked in, and organization officials estimates, it is believed that thousands of people rallied on the steps.  While the weather clearly kept many away, it was still a great success.

Seventeen legislators from both sides of the aisle spoke to the crowd, with messages about current legislation regarding ultrasounds in examination rooms, informed consent laws, and keeping requirements out of insurance plans covering abortions. Several other elected leaders asked to be recognized for their unified stance with the crowd.

The annual, ecumenical gathering at the state Capitol marks the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, the Jan. 22, 1973, Supreme Court case that decriminalized abortion across the U.S.

“Our nation's founders called for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," says March for Life president, Noreen McEntee. “We are called to uphold these inalienable rights for all, especially those in our society who are most vulnerable.”

Averaging more than 5,000 participants annually, the impact of this rally cannot be ignored. If you missed the day’s events, there will be a rebroadcast on Sacred Heart Radio AM1050 on Friday morning at 7 a.m.

Washington State March for Life is a nonprofit organization and is run completely by volunteers. It is affiliated with the National March for Life held annually in Washington, DC, which draws hundreds of thousands of participants. The national March for Life will be held at Noon, January 23.

Media inquiries should be directed to 253-564-1497 or info@washingtonmarchforlife.org

Noreen McEntee
January 17, 2012

Washington State Mass and March for Life

You are cordially invited to attend the 9:30 a.m. Mass for Life offered by Archbishop J. Peter Sartain at St. Martin University's Marcus Pavilion, 5000 Abbey Way S.E., Lacey, on Tuesday, January 17. After Mass, everyone will proceed by bus or carpool to the state capitol for the 34th Annual March for Life. Please invite family and friends to join you in letting our state representatives know that all life is sacred from conception until natural death.

All priests in the Archdiocese are invited to concelebrate Mass - Please bring a violet stole. For questions about Mass details, contact the Liturgy Office at 206-382-4878.

Directions to St. Martin’s and maps for parking can be found online at www.seattlearchdiocese.org/CFF/Resources.aspx. Please note that the Knights of Columbus will be holding its usual after-March lunch at Sacred Heart parish in Lacey. My thanks to Ed Sauley for compiling the directions and parking instructions. For questions about parking and other logistics, email ocff@seattlearch.org.

The Central Deanery Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women is sponsoring three buses to the March for Life in Olympia on January 17, 2012. The buses will arrive in time for riders to attend Mass at St. Martin's. Please see the flyer for more information. Space is limited. Donations to help defray the cost of the bus rental are greatly appreciated.  Cookies will be provided on the bus.

St. Charles Borromeo, Tacoma
The parish will have a bus to take parishioners to the March For Life. The bus will leave after the 9:00 a.m. Mass (approx. 10:00) and return around 2:30pm. Space is limited so reserve your seat early by contacting Deacon Steve 564-5185 ext. 3013. Please note that St. Charles bus passengers will not arrive in time to assist at the Mass for Life offered by Archbishop Sartain.

St. Monica, Mercer Island
St. Monica's Catholic Church is sponsoring a bus to the March for Life in Olympia. The bus will leave St. Monica's after the 8:00 a.m. Mass. For additional information, please see the flyer. Please note that St. Monica's bus passengers will not arrive in time to assist at the Mass for Life offered by Archbishop Sartain.

St. Vincent de Paul, Federal Way
St. Vincent de Paul will sponsor a bus to the MARCH FOR LIFE on Tuesday, January 17. They will leave at 8:00 a.m. and go to St. Martin’s before heading to the Capitol Stairs. Bring a sack lunch. We will return around 3:00 p.m. RSVP to the office 253-839-2320.

For more information about the Washington State March for Life, please visit www.washingtonmarchforlife.org or call 253-564-1497.

January 4, 2012

Save the Date

Dr. Hilgers will be in Washington state for a 1-day conference on April 28, 2012.

The topic of the morning will focus primarily on faith and moral issues pertaining to NFP. There will be a noon Mass with Archbishop Sartain, followed by a luncheon, and the afternoon will have a more medical focus on the science and research of NaPro. Additional information will be coming soon! The organizers are hoping to offer CEU’s for the day, as well.

This will be Dr. Hilgers' first time in the state, first time in the Northwest, and with everyone’s help, it will be the beginning of a movement in our region toward more awareness and acceptance of this important work!