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Meet Bismarck/Mandan Right To Life President Virginia Dolajak
On Jan. 22, 1973, the Supreme Court ruled on Roe v. Wade, a landmark decision legalizing a women’s “right to abortion.” It was a decision that went against one of the most dearly held beliefs of the Catholic Church, and in the years since, many have worked hard to restore a culture that values all human life, from “conception until natural death.” And although she was only a teenager in the 1970s, longtime parishioner Virginia Dolajak was among those promoting respect for life then, and she continues to be an advocate for the unborn today.
“I’ve always been pro-life,” Virginia says. “Roe v. Wade came the year I graduated from high schooland coming from a Catholic family, it was never a question.”
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She recalls her parish priest announcing from the pulpit, around the time of Roe v. Wade, explaining that a speaker would be coming to talk to the high school-age students about abortion. Virginia and her siblings attended.
“I didn’t even really know what it was — I didn’t know how cruel it was,” she says. explaining her shock at learning what abortion was. “When I saw what it was, I thought, ‘How could they do that to a baby?’ No one had to convince me.”
It wasn’t long after that Virginia moved to Bismarck, met her husband, and became a member at the newly formed Church of the Ascension. And when, 36 years ago, a local chapter of the national pro-life organization Right to Life was founded, Virginia immediately became involved, and later went on to become President, a role which she has now held for nearly 25 years.
Today, Bismarck/Mandan Right to Life helps to promote life in a variety of ways, from organizing the local March for Life event each January, to selling flowers for Mother’s Day, providing pro-life education at the state fair, and more.
“We’re never going to give up,” Virginia says.
However, during her pro-life work, providing childcare out of her home, and her busy role as a mom and grandma, Virginia also continues to make time to serve the community and Church of the Ascension. From being involved with the Ladies of Ascension and bake sales to working the St. Mary’s High School carnival, Virginia finds ways to give back. Daily Mass has become a regular part of her life, sustaining her amid her many commitments.
“I think there’s good in other people and the only way you’re going to see it is to go out and be involved,” she says.
Virginia encourages her fellow parishioners to find ways to become involved in service in the parish and broader community and invites those who have not yet attended Right to Life events to consider joining others at the March for Life, which takes place on Jan. 24, at 2 p.m., beginning at Zion Lutheran Church and marching to the capitol building. Following the march, there will be refreshments and speakers.
“Just come see what we’re about — you’ll be pleasantly surprised,” Virginia says. “We’re not angry screaming people. We still have hope and we know God’s on our side.”
Longtime parishioner Virginia Dolajak is active in our community at Ascension, as well as serving as the President of Bismarck/Mandan Right to Life.
