Ten days before the contentious U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5, the faithful of the Paterson Diocese, including families, will have the opportunity to pray together for human life, the family, and the United States at the 2024 Diocesan Respect Life Convocation on Saturday, Oct. 26.
The convocation, guided by the theme “United in Prayer for Life, Family and Country,” will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Mary Parish in Denville. The Diocesan Family Life Office, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, and the Sisters of Life will sponsor the event.
That day, Catholics unable to attend the convocation can pray for life, family, and country in communion with the event’s participants. Parishes are asked to open their churches for a Mass, adoration, rosary, or other religious devotions from 11 a.m. to noon. Bishop Sweeney will celebrate Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s, followed by adoration and a recitation of a family rosary.
In his column in last week’s issue of The Beacon, Bishop Sweeney wrote that the convocation will enable diocesan Catholics to “lead by example” given the “divisions in our country” and the contentious U.S. presidential race.
“Whatever our political differences may be, we should remember that we are all members of ‘one nation, under God.’ We believe that the convocation will provide an opportunity for us to come together, united in prayer, praying for greater respect for the dignity and value of every human life, praying for families, and greater respect for the vocation of marriage and family life, and praying for our country,” Bishop Sweeney wrote in his column.
The event will also occur in October when the Church in the United States observes Respect Life Month.
On the morning of the convocation, Sister Fidelity Grace and Sister Madeline Agnes of the Sisters of Life will give reflections in English and Spanish about “The Gift of Life” and “The Gift of Family.” Pro-life advocates will have time to network and explore ideas about promoting life in their parishes.
“The foundation of our faith is rooted in prayer. God asks us to come to him with our hopes, desires, and fears. We hope to bring our individual and collective prayers for life, family, and country on Oct. 26,” said Eniola Honsberger, diocesan Family Life director.
The convocation will be livestreamed at St. Mary’s website: https://stmarys-denville.org. The cost of attending the convocation is $20. Visit insidethewalls.org to access the convocation schedule or register.
