News

Forty Days for Life Prayer Vigil planned for Green Bay

By Tony Staley
Compass Editor

Opponents of abortion will be able to demonstrate their support for life at the 40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil May 9 through June 18 outside the Medical Arts Building, 704 S. Webster Ave., Green Bay. It is the only facility in Green Bay where abortions are performed.

The vigil will begin at noon May 9 with a prayer service at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral led by Bp. David Zubik. There will be a procession to the clinic after the prayer service. The vigil will continue on the public right-of-way outside the clinic 24 hours a day, regardless of weather, through noon on June 18, organizers said.

The prayer vigil is the idea of Lori Koschnick, a member of the diocesan Respect Life Advisory Board. Koschnick is active in the pro-life movement in Manitowoc, where she has brought in several speakers to Roncalli High School, among other activities.

Koschnick said she is modeling the vigil after a similar activity sponsored by the Dallas Diocese. She has organized a team made up of diocesan staff, the Knights of Columbus, Pro-Life Wisconsin, Wisconsin Right to Life and the A & A Alexandrina Center to assist her.

Tom Donovan, respect life consultant for the Green Bay Diocese, said Bp. Zubik asked him to enlist the support of priests, parishes and all Catholics in the diocese for the prayer vigil.

Donovan asked parishes to pray for the success of the vigil at Masses for the entire 40 days; to lead a parish group to Green Bay to pray at the vigil, along with encouraging and helping parish staff, pastoral associates, deacons, religious, education staff, families, school groups to take part in the vigil; to run notices on the vigil in bulletins and parish newsletters and to speak about it from the pulpit.

Individuals, families or groups can sign-up for a two-hour shift during the prayer vigil by phoning 1-888-LIFE-080 (1-888-543-3080) or on the internet at www.40daysforlifegb.com.

Someone from the core organizing team will be at the vigil at all times. Graphic signs or t-shirts will not be allowed - approved signs will be provided by the organizers.