Gehlen and Remsen S. Mary's participate in prayer protest

March 29, 2007

At 5:45 a.m. on March 13, 2007, students were gathering in the Remsen St. Mary's High School parking lot preparing to be on their way to a morning of prayer/protest. Mary Arens, spiritual life director at RSM, and 15 students, protest signs in hand, were headed for their first stop-Gehlen Catholic High School in Le Mars.

Lisa Sitzmann, director of campus ministry, and 10 Gehlen students joined the pilgrimage to their destination, Planned Parenthood in Sioux City. The group first stopped at the Cathedral of the Epiphany, where they attended the early morning Mass.

Arriving at Planned Parenthood at 7:30 a.m., the group joined other adult protesters praying numerous rosaries, Litanies, singing songs, and praying the Stations of the Cross, that would become for the students four hours of prayer. Planned Parenthood normally had done abortions every-other Tuesday, but the demand being greater, abortions are performed four Tuesdays a month.

A familiar face most every Tuesday is that of Dr. Peggy McGuinty of Ponca, Neb., who does sidewalk counseling at the clinic. Dr. Peggy visited with the students about her passion for the right-to-life movement and thanked the group for coming out on this cold morning. RSM students may have recalled last years prayer/protest in January when the brisk winds and low temperature made a below zero chill factor.

"Even today," reflected Mary Arens, "the cold wind and cloudy sky seemed to reflect what was going on behind the doors of the clinic."

The street past the clinic is a busy one, and students were surprised at the participation of those passing by who would often honk their horns and wave, or give them a thumbs-up. Not all feed back was positive; some gave rude gestures.

"I was so proud of all the students for the way they shrugged off the gestures and looks of anger and continued praying without their own negative response," said Arens.

"This pro-life experience is unlike any other I have had," stated Gehlen student, Austin Langel. "The passion shown by those praying made it more real and meaningful. Knowing one life was saved that day made standing in the cold well worth it."

The highlight for all present was a "turn-a-round" which means a mother decided not to go through with her plan for an abortion.

"This doesn't happen often enough," remarked Dr. McGuinty, who immediately gave credit to the students, as it happened when they were gathered for prayer.

"I do not think people realize the difference they can make in someone's life through prayer," stated Mrs. Sitzmann. "Of course the mom, dad and child will never be the same, nor will anyone who was praying in front of Planned Parenthood that day."

"Praying at Planned Parenthood is something everyone should experience," commented Maggie Russell, RSM student. "It really felt like we were making a difference, especially when there was, for sure one, and possibly three women who changed their mind. That shows the power of prayer! It was cool to see all the support: people smiling, honking, waving, etc., but the pro-choice people looked downright unpleasant."