| Pro-Life Mass |
Gehlen Catholic Commemorates the 37th Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade
On the 22nd of each month, Gehlen Catholic Schools joins Catholics throughout the Diocese of Sioux City in praying for the rights of the unborn.
On January 13th, 2010, Gehlen Catholic held a community liturgy to remember the 37th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, which is Friday, January 22, 2010.
The mass began with a reflection on God’s gift of life. Director of Campus Ministries, Mrs. Lisa (Langel, '79) Sitzmann said, thirty-seven representatives, comprised of students, younger siblings, teachers, & alumni, placed a red rose before the altar, symbolizing life as we celebrate all individuals born that particular year. Mrs. Sitzmann also asked that those in attendance thanked their parents for choosing life.
Mrs. Sitzmann added, “We then asked students, staff, & parishioners to reflect on the darkness of sin as each representative proceeded to put out a candle on the altar in remembrance of those who died that very same year due to our government shifting the responsibility of life from God to the choice of a mother and placing it into the hands of a doctor. Keep in mind that an estimated 1,350,000 babies died each year since 1973 due to the legalization of abortion. Yes, that’s right, 1,350,000 babies each year.”
Christian Leadership Team members, Alexis Wiltgen & Tammy Mansfield were in charge of the liturgy. The seniors noted, “The mass was not about politics. We wanted to change our students, parents, faculty & those in attendance on the inside by providing them an opportunity to prayerfully reflect on their beliefs. Our mass focused on how special we each are. Yet, despite our differences, we are one. We hope the Mass will make a difference.”
At the end of the Mass, students & faculty came forward to light the thirty-seven candles on the altar. Wiltgen & Mansfield added, “By lighting the candles, we reinforce the difference we all can make by coming together and backing the pro-life movement. After the mass, many people remarked how moving it was.”
On January 22, 2010, Gehlen Catholic’s Students for Life will lead the school in reflecting upon the impact of Roe vs. Wade, as well as students & faculty will pray the rosary at St. James. Also, Students for Life Moderator, Ms. Maria Valen, & Corrine Sorensen will attend the upcoming March for Life with Iowans for Life.
Larger View Business Manager, Mindy (Koopman, '97) Scheitler celebrates the life of their new daughter.
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Larger View CLT & Students for Life relight the candles to remind everyone they can make a difference.
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Larger View The roses from the liturgy were placed at the Tomb of the Unborn at the KC Hall.
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