October 2021
oncept Monthly
Newsletter
I m m a c u l a t e C o n c e p t i o n C a t h o l i c C h u rc h
I
Respect Life Month: Being Faithful Stewards of the Gift of Life
f you go to the corner of Mentor Ave. and Reynolds Rd. on Oct. 3, you will see an awe-inspiring witness of what it means to courageously love life, freedom, and justice. Not only will people be peacefully holding pro-life signs and praying, but they will also be quietly saving babies, promoting the culture of life in our nation, and redeeming wounded hearts from the pain of sin. “The Life Chain always takes place on the first Sunday in October, and this will be our 28th year,” says Jean Poplyk, Coordinator of the Life Chain. “It only takes place for one hour, once a year, but it makes a very powerful statement. We stress the fact that it is meant to be silent, prayerful, and non-confrontational. We stand at the intersection holding different signs that say, ‘Abortion kills children,’ ‘Jesus heals and forgives’ and ‘Adoption is an option.’” Over time, Immaculate Conception Parish has become more involved in the Life Chain, which exemplifies the commitment our parish family truly has to the Gospel of Life. “Years ago, when we first started the Life Chain, the Pro Life Ministry did everything for it,” Jean says. “But when Fr. Troha came, he stepped up to the plate and said that our whole parish should be doing more to help out with it. Now the parish provides the envelopes, postage,
and printing of flyers about the event, while Pro Life Ministry members simply address and stuff the envelopes and get them ready for mailing.” Amazingly, the Life Chain is just one of the many ways in which Pro Life Ministry members stand up for the cause of life. For example, on the first Saturday of every month, they carpool to St. Andrew Abbey to attend Mass and then accompany the Rosary for Life group in praying the Rosary in front of the abortion clinics on Shaker Blvd. Each January, they charter a bus to Washington, D.C., for the March for Life. In May and June, they hand out holy cards, bookmarks, magnets, and/or continued on page 5
37940 Euclid Avenue
Willoughby, OH 44094
440-942-4500
www.immaculate.net
