Approximately one hundred persons attended the rally, including Wash. DC 40 Days for Life coordinator James Sherk, representatives from the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington, St. James in Falls Church, St. Mary Church in Alexandria, and many of our returning team members as well as newly interested persons. Three clergy were present: Rev. Ed Perez, Chaplain of Bishop Ireton High School, who led the invocation, Rev. Michael Kelly, chaplain of the Alexandria 40 Days for Life chapter, and Rev. Jean-Claude Atusameso of St. Mary Church in Alexandria.
The event was monitored by Keith Bea, Church Outreach Coordinator, who transported large quantities of signs and materials to the high school, and managed setup and cleanup operations.
Upon sign-in, attendees were offered a 40 Days for Life tote bag and prayer book if they had already signed up for vigil hours, and a commitment card if they were new to the campaign. (The updated 40 Days for Life prayer book has been reprinted with the addition of several hymns as well as more prayers, vigil guidelines, and our most recent list of local crisis pregnancy resources!)
Once attendees had gathered in the spacious Whalen auditorium, Rev. Perez led the invocation using the words of the Roman Ritual, "Direct, O Lord, our actions by your holy inspirations, and carry them on by your gracious assistance that every prayer and work of ours may begin always with you, and through you be happily ended."
Campaign Director Jacinta Whittaker then welcomed attendees to the rally and thanked them for their participation, noting that, while several recent pro-life successes give reason for hope, there is still a great need to keep the momentum going (text to follow). Following Jacinta's remarks, Vigil Manager Zachary Foreman led attendees in the hymn, "Crown Him with Many Crowns."
Rev. Michael Kelly offered remarks on the importance of prayer, and admired the new prayer/hymn books, recalling the words of St. Augustine, "To sing is to pray twice." Prayer Coordinator Claire Skidmore, also addressed the importance of prayer, and related two stories from last fall's vigil to illustrate the value of personal encounter and presence.
Outreach Coordinator Paul Spicer noted that approximately 1,500 homes in the vicinity of the abortion facility have already been covered, and showed maps and materials outlining the general outreach strategy and accomplishments to date.
Vigil Coordinator Mary Ellen McElfresh emphasized the importance of the prayer vigil at the abortion facility, and the need to have at least one person present at every hour (but preferably more than one). She invited attendees to sign up for an hour, if they had not already done so, and reassured them from personal experience that attendance at the vigil can be a great blessing in one's life, despite initial misgivings that one may feel.
Following Mary Ellen's remarks, Zachary Foreman emphasized the importance of having multiple people at the vigil at every hour, and outlined three reasons people might need to call him: (1) if there is someone scheduled after them who doesn't show up, (2) if there is any trouble with the police, (3) and if anyone wants to be led in a hymn.
Jacinta gave a brief overview of sidewalk counseling and pro-life persuasion techniques, noting the difference between them, and reporting that approximately 50 persons had gone through the training sessions that were offered in February. Ed Caughlan then introduced the main speaker, Jimmy Nolan from Crossroads Pro-Life.
Jimmy gave a brief overview of the Crossroads project and mission which is to proclaim the gospel of life "from the rooftops" like the original disciples in the Gospels, which they do by walking across America, praying and witnessing at abortion facilities, and at other opportunities as available along their walking routes. There will be three walks in America this summer, and two in Canada. Jimmy then introduced his sister Martha, who related several Crossroads success stories, and expressed enthusiasm about working with 40 Days this spring.
After rally remarks were concluded, attendees had the opportunity to get some refreshments, fill their tote bags with flyers for use at the vigil or for pro-life outreach during the 40 Days, and sign-up for remaining vigil slots and outreach times.
Music and refreshments were organized by Sara Dina, Melissa Denike, Michelle Jones, and their loyal assistants, while the signup tables were staffed by team leaders ready to answer any questions! Hoodies, t-shirts, tote bags and other items were also available for suggested donations of $20, $15, and $10 a piece.
Following the social time, Zachary and Keith rounded up attendees to participate in the prayer procession to the abortion facility. After a while getting the troops together, everyone was ready, and we started off down the sidewalk singing hymns and carrying pro-life signs. Once we arrived at the vigil location, we prayed together and sang another hymn, "All Creatures of Our God and King."
After taking a few pictures, our rally was officially concluded, and attendees headed off to their cars with a sense of joy and enthusiasm, if not perhaps a bit of exhaustion, while a small group gathered for a post-rally unwind and bite to eat just down the road at Fuddruckers.
Many thanks to the staff at Bishop Ireton who graciously provided hospitality for our rally, as well as the volunteers who helped with setup, cleanup, and keeping everything together! Technical support was provided by Kevin Curry, Technical Director at Bishop Ireton High School and his cohorts, Michael and Mary. Sign-in assistance was provided by Maria Blasevich.So thanks to everyone who helped kickoff our Spring 2011 campaign!!! See you at the vigil!
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