Weather Smiles on 2011 Life Chain
More than a hundred pro-lifers turned out in pleasent weather for the Shelby County Life Chain, Sunday, October 2, on the court square in Sidney.
The Life Chain is a prayer and witness event that offers a public display of respect for life and keeps the injustice of abortion at the center of our community's attention.
Father Daniel Hess, parochial vicar at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sidney, offered an invocation, followed by remarks by the event's emcee and RTL's vice president, Tim Dietz.
Attendees then held pro-life signs along the streets adjacent to the court house. After nearly an hour of witness, participants gathered back at the court house for a closing prayer and refreshments.
Many thanks to all who joined us for the Life Chain this year, and to all who assisted.
Life Chain 2010
Area participants joined fellow pro-lifers from 1400 communities across the United States and Canada Sunday, October 3, in prayer and witness against abortion.
Deacon John Holthaus of Holy Angels Church opened the event with a prayer, followed by a speech Jean Goettemoeller, runner-up awardee in our 2010 oratory contest this spring. The group of approximately 100 participants then selected signs and dispersed to positions around the court house so as to be visible to motorists in downtown Sidney.
Thank you to all those who assisted with the Life Chain, and to all who attended.
Life Chain 2009
More than a hundred area residents turned out at the court square Sunday afternoon, October 4, to pray for an end to abortion. The annual Life Chain, a nationwide event that takes place in over 1400 cities and towns, is a peaceful demonstration meant to draw attention to the injustice of abortion and to promote greater respect for all human life.
Following an opening prayer by the Reverend Mark Hina of Sidney Apostolic Temple, attendees heard local teen Elizabeth Trisler deliver her national award-winning speech about the harmful effects of abortion for everyone involved in it. Participants then took signs with pro-life messages and lined up around the court square for a period of silent prayer and witness.
The event was sponsored by Right to Life of Shelby County. "It's so important for us to witness to the dignity of human life right now," said Right to Life co-director Kevin Schmiesing, "especially in light of the danger of anti-life measures being included in health care reform. It's always encouraging to see so many willing to step up and promote this cause."
2008 Life Chain/Open House Draws Crowd
More than a hundred pro-lifers witnessed and prayed at the annual Life Chain. Following an opening prayer by Fr. Pat Sloneker and a presentation of Elizabeth Trisler's award-winning speech, the group spread along the streets of the court square, holding signs and praying silently.
Many of the attendees visited the Open House immediately afterward, viewing our improved display space and enjoying refreshments and fellowship.
Thank you to Karen Berning, Ann Stidd, Elizabeth Trisler, Fr. Pat Sloneker, all the volunteers who helped and all those who attended.