Holy Family leads Pro-life service to celebrate life

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
April 28, 2005

Celebrating life was the main focus of the pro-life prayer service held April 22 at Trinity Heights in Sioux City. The service, held in the Marian Center due to cool temperatures, was facilitated by the Holy Family Cluster Parish Religious Education Program.

Mary Kay Daniels, DRE for the Holy Family Cluster in Sioux City, in the opening reflection asked those gathered to enter their hearts into a quiet, sacred place. She read a Scripture verse by St. Paul to the Ephesians 1:3-6 that centered on his reflection and understanding of who Christ was at the creation and his conversion to the Holy Trinity.

In part the verse says, "...he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world. In love he destined us for adoption to himself to be holy and without blemish before him."

Daniels said the Scripture is special because it points out that people were thought of even before time began - God had a plan for each person even before they were born.

"Taking this eternal perspective creates so much more meaning in life - to know that we are coming out of God's love," she said. "At this moment, we are incarnated and we are living in the Holy Trinity. The Holy Trinity is not something that we look out there for - it's in each one of us. When we talk about the sanctity of life and the specialness of life, what's so incredible is that God lives inside of us."

Daniels said it was God's plan for people to live in God, people would celebrate their relationship with God and would work to create a world of justice, peace and goodness.

Throughout the service, several catechists and students ranging from kindergartners to tenth grade played a role.

Students in kindergarten through third grade were called forward to listen to the story Angel in the Waters by Regina Doman. Catechist Stephanie Henry, kindergarten catechist, read this book that was built upon a baby's experience in the womb. Next, the kindergarteners sang songs that celebrated life - Special Me and Love Grows.

Daniels then presented short essays from the religious education students relating to what they treasured most about life. Responses ranged from families and friends to chocolate pie.

Ann Trudo and fourth-grade students led a Litany on Behalf of the Children. Intercessions and the presentation of a large poster display highlighting the culture of life followed.

Two tenth graders, Michelle Norton and Julie Nguyen, were called forward and were given roses. Father Michael Erpelding, co-pastor at St. Boniface Church in Sioux City, accompanied the students to the Circle of Life where the roses were placed on the Tomb of the Unborn. He led the two students in a short prayer as the crowd inside the Marian Center recited the rosary, led by catechists.

Another sophomore, Chris Vore, offered his thoughts on what life means to him. He pointed out that some people choose abortion, but as a Catholic he said he believes that everyone has a right to live.

As the service closed, before leading the closing prayer Father Erpelding extended thanks to Trinity Heights for inviting the religious education program to facilitate the pro-life prayer service. He also expressed appreciation to Daniels and the catechists for their work with the students.

"How appropriate with the beginning of spring and new life, to see this marvelous example of new life - our young people - express their joy in life. It's absolutely marvelous," said Larry Walsh, a member of the spiritual life committee at Trinity Heights.

He offered thanks and appreciation to all of the people involved in the presentation.

After the program, catechist Stephanie Henry said it was a nice service.

"I was really glad that we could have so many children present and they were able to help with the program," she said.

Father Erpelding was also pleased with the turnout by the students and their families.

"It was a great showing. I was so proud that so many could come out tonight on this cold evening where we warmed each others hearts with prayer - the prayer for life," he said.