Respect Life events planned

In honor of Respect Life Month, parishes and ministries throughout the area are promoting the sanctity of life with special Masses, talks, prayer vigils and outreach during October.

Several parishes have already kicked off the celebration by participating in “life chains” in Arnold, Severna Park, Eldersburg, Sykesville, Emmitsburg, Frederick, Hancock, Jarrettsville, Taneytown, Thurmont, Towson and Westminster – publically displaying their opposition to abortion.

St. Agnes in Catonsville held a eucharistic procession Sept. 29, peacefully processing from the church to a nearby abortion clinic. Two days earlier, Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski was a featured speaker at a kickoff rally and candlelit procession in Annapolis for “40 Days for Life,” a period of prayer, vigils and fasting for an end to abortion.

Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien will celebrate the annual Respect Life Mass Oct. 23 beginning at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland. He will confer the Archdiocesan Culture of Life Medal of Honor on Nancy Paltell, associate director for respect for life with the Maryland Catholic Conference in Annapolis. Students representing Catholic high schools will take part in a procession carrying school banners.

Other events, listed in chronological order, include:

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