by Debra Niesen
This weekend, the Christmas season officially ends on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. I love that we get to linger in the goodness and joy of the Nativity narratives for so long, especially as we prepare for IGNITE for Life and the Kansas March for Life on Jan. 28 in Topeka.
These Gospel stories reveal how we should respond to new life: from Mary’s trust in the Annunciation, to the joy and support of the Visitation, to St. Joseph’s protection of Mary and Jesus in her womb. The birth of our Savior tenderly illustrates the humanity and dignity of all unborn children, as God created us all in his own image.
While every pregnancy should be greeted with joy and awe, the reality is that many women face a new pregnancy with fear, vulnerability and significant challenges. As Catholics, our response should be to provide the love, encouragement and support they deserve.
Still too many expectant women don’t experience this support, and our culture instead pushes abortion on them as the only solution. However, abortion never solves anything and only makes challenges worse by intentionally ending a life of a child and harming women emotionally, physically and spiritually.
IGNITE for Life and the Kansas March for Life take place in January to recognize the National Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children and to remember the millions of lives lost and harmed through abortion. Tragically, Kansas has become an abortion-destination state, and the number of abortions has more than tripled in the past few years. We must do better.
All are invited to join us at IGNITE to pray for the protection of unborn children and expectant women. Through inspirational speakers, live music, an engaging ministry fair and the celebration of Mass with the bishops of Kansas, attendees will reflect on the sanctity of life from the moment of conception and leave knowing that we, the church, are called to defend all life and help support women and families facing challenging pregnancies.
Inspired by the plans that God had for Mary, an unmarried woman who was unexpectedly pregnant, for Jesus, the child in her womb, and for Joseph, the man who could either reject or protect them, the theme at IGNITE this year is: “For I know the plans I have for you” (Jer 29:11).
A great lineup of speakers including Father Luke Doyle and keynote David Bereit, founder of 40 Days for Life, will help us to reflect on this theme and God’s promise of plans “for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope” (Jer 29:11).
For more information on IGNITE and to register, go online to: archkck.org/ignite.
