Friday, January 21, 2022
The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois invites you to join us for a diocesan-wide pro-life Mass and march event on Friday, January 21, in Springfield at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. We will begin with Mass at 10:00 am followed by an 11:00 am march to the Illinois Capital. Like last year, the diocese has decided to forego a trip to Washington, D.C., and focus on a local march. The Mass and march are intended for 7th-12th graders, college students, and adults.
Before 10:00 AM
Access live stream programming or use the resources below to participate in lesson plans, discussions, or activities in your home, school, or parish.
Free Pro-Life Lesson Resources for Teachers, Catechists, and Youth/Campus Ministers
The resources on this page were compiled for you by the Office of Youth Ministry in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. It is grouped by age, starting with the youngest. Depending on the maturity and background knowledge of your class, consider checking the age group immediately above/below yours for further ideas which can be adapted to suit your needs.
Free Pro-Life Lesson Resources for Teachers, Catechists, and Youth/Campus Ministers
The resources on this page were compiled for you by the Office of Youth Ministry in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. It is grouped by age, starting with the youngest. Depending on the maturity and background knowledge of your class, consider checking the age group immediately above/below yours for further ideas which can be adapted to suit your needs.
Movie Discussion Guides
- “Christopher Robin” Movie Discussion Guide (Rated PG)
- “Horton Hears a Who” Movie Discussion Guide (Rated G)
- “Penny Serenade” (1941) Movie Discussion Guide (Not Rated)
- Huntsville Respect Life Curriculum
- Pre K – 12th Grade
- Between 9 and 12 lessons for each Grade
Have your students work together to plan/implement any of the following for your school or parish.
- These can be planned in advance and used for the day of the March for Life in Washington DC. They can also be planned in response to Respect Life activities and lessons and used for a day of prayer for the unborn on the Feast of the Annunciation – March 25, or during the months of October or May.
- Consider letting the class work together to decide what they want to do, and when. Guide them to split up the work appropriately and make it a class project. Give them theology/religion class time to work on it, and count it as a project grade (or several grades!)
- Respect Life Prayer Service
- Respect Life Mass
- Older students can create age-appropriate lessons to deliver to younger students
- Day of Silence at school
- Video, essays, posters promoting respect life themes
10:00 AM
Participate in Mass and Prayers for an end to Abortion
Watch a livestreamed Mass from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with Bishop Thomas John Paprocki as presider (dio.org/live or youtube.com/diospringfield or facebook.com/diospringfield) or attend a special Mass at your own parish or school. If you plan to attend in person, you must RSVP. Once we have reached our capacity, the sign up will close.
11:00 AM
March for Life
Participate in a local "March for Life" from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception to the State Capitol. If you plan to attend, you must RSVP using the link above. Once we have reached our capacity, the sign up will close.
If you cannot attend in Springfield, Mirror the March by planning a walk around your school, parish, or community or stand at the edge of your property and hold up signs and pray peacefully.
If you are unable to do either of the above, you can stay tuned into the livestream of the Mass at the Cathedral where there will be Eucharistic Adoration following Mass.
After 12:00
Continue to pray, learn, and share your experiences
Use the resources above to participate in lesson plans, discussions, or activities in your home, school, or parish. It is beneficial for participants of all age groups to have some time to process and discuss the day, their experiences, and ways they can remain pro-life in the future.
March for Life in Washington DC
Transportation: On your own
Hotel: A block has been reserved at Crystal Gateway Marriott in D.C. Call to book at (703) 920-3230 and mention you are with Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Room rate is $129/night.
Includes: 2 meals, 2 nights of programming and Mass with Fr. Michael Berndt
Thursday, January 28
7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. - Programming put on by the diocese at Crystal Gateway Marriott
Friday, January 29
10:00 a.m. - Mass with Fr. Michael Berndt at St. Peter's on Capital Hill (313 2nd St. SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
11:00 a.m. - Lunch provided in the basement of St. Peter's
Walk together to the March
1:00 p.m. - March together
7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. - Programing back at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel
Mirror the March in Our Diocese
8:30 - 10:00 am Watch National speakers talk about Life issues and the significance of the March in your classroom or home school setting.
10:00 am Watch a livestreamed Mass from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with Bishop Thomas John Paprocki as presider or attend a special Mass at your own parish.
11:00 am Participate in a local "March for Life" around your school, parish, or community.
Please check with your local school/parish for details on how they will be running this day. If you are participating from home as a family/homeschool, please click the "Resources" button below to see more updates, information, and resources.
Due to Covid-19, the March for Life pilgrimage will look a little different this year. Tony Cerveny (Director of Youth and Sports Ministry) and Sister M. Veritas Wilks, FSGM (Director of Youth and Women's Ministry) from the Office of Ministry and Evangelization will be heading to Washington, D.C. for the March for Life. Teens accompanied by parents/guardians and other family members are invited to join us. We will be there to greet you, feed you, organize prayer and programming, and provide a place for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois to gather. Sister M. Karolyn, FSGM (Vocations Director for the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, in Alton, IL) will be there to speak and lead us in games, prayer, and music. Bishop Paprocki will be there to greet us, and to celebrate Mass with us.
Information for Attendees
Transportation: On your own
Hotel: A block has been reserved at Crystal Gateway Marriott in D.C. Call to book at (703) 920-3230 and mention you are with Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Room rate is $129/night.
Includes: 2 meals, 2 nights of programming and Mass with Fr. Michael Berndt
Thursday, January 28
7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. - Programming put on by the diocese at Crystal Gateway Marriott
Friday, January 29
10:00 a.m. - Mass with Fr. Michael Berndt at St. Peter's on Capital Hill (313 2nd St. SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
11:00 a.m. - Lunch provided in the basement of St. Peter's
Walk together to the March
1:00 p.m. - March together
7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. - Programing back at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel