ST. ANTHONY of PADUA Standing Up for the Unborn Through the
Life Advocacy Group and the March for Life
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o, what’s on your calendar for Jan. 23? If it isn’t defending the most precious, vulnerable persons in our society at the Chicago March for Life, you might want to get out your pen and mark the date. “It is so amazing to go to the March for Life and see so many young people, college students, and families,” says Michelle Thompson, who coordinates the Life Advocacy Group at St. Anthony. “The number of people there is just so great and inspiring! It definitely reminds me that I am not alone in my pro-life beliefs.” By taking a leap of faith and going to the Chicago March for Life, you may find yourself buoyed by hope and renewed with courage. “There are so many people who are pro-life in our nation, and we all cherish life from conception until natural death,” Michelle says. “Gathering together makes us realize we can really make a difference.” In 2019, Michelle went to the March for Life in Washington, D.C., as a chaperone for students from Quincy Notre Dame High School, along with her daughter, Mandy. In 2020, she attended the Chicago March for Life with Quincy Notre Dame High School students, as well as a few parishioners from our parish. This January, she plans on going to the Chicago March for Life. Over the years, Michelle has enjoyed sharing her passion for pro-life causes with her family members in beautiful ways. “Both my husband’s family and mine believe that everyone’s life is precious no matter what age they are,” Michelle says. “This attitude was instilled into both of us through them, as well as through our Catholic faith. My daughter, Mandy, has inspired me a lot as well, and her goal is to get her Master’s Degree in Social Work so she can work for Students for Life.”
Quincy Notre Dame students meet with U.S. Representative Darin LaHood during their trip to Washington, D.C. in 2019.
Moving forward, the Life Advocacy Group hopes to organize additional efforts to help save the lives of the unborn and combat the evils of abortion. “We are trying to get some things off the ground, such as Rachel’s Project, which offers retreats for women who have had abortions,” Michelle says. “We also would like to work more closely with Birthright in Quincy. Katie Klauser, one of our parishioners, works there now, which should help a lot.” To someone who is hesitant about attending the Chicago March for Life this year, Michelle offers some helpful advice. “For those who would really like to go, but it is intimidating for them to travel to Chicago, I hope to organize a bus,” she says. “The diocese also has a well-organized program which includes transportation and hotel room arrangement. Be assured that everyone is very welcoming at the march! If you still feel hesitant, however, you may not want to try to go this year because things are all in flux due to COVID, but at least shoot for next year.” Due to everything that is happening in our nation and world, Catholics are needed to fight for the Gospel of Life, now more than ever. continued on back cover
Those who are interested in coming to the Chicago March for Life or getting more involved with the Life Advocacy Group may contact Michelle Thompson at 217-257-9094, email her at life@stanthonypadua.org, or refer to future parish bulletins.
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