Being a Voice for the Voiceless: Through the Pro-Life Ministry

For members of our parish’s Pro-Life Ministry, being “pro-life” means far more than just taking a political stance or fighting for a cause. It means savoring God’s precious gift of life, and being a voice for those of His children who have no voice.

“I just think of how much despair it must cause Christ when the life of an unborn child is taken — especially of a baby who is so innocent and unable to have a voice,” says Alissa Hoxmeier, who coordinates the Pro-Life Ministry at our parish. “I know how close those unborn babies are to Our Lord, and that their lives have been wrongfully taken.”

Normally, the ministry coordinates various pro-life efforts for our parish family to participate in, and also connects our parishioners to pro-life events in our diocese and the local community.

“My hope is to give parishioners the opportunity to be more involved in prolife activities,” Alissa says. “I would love to brainstorm new ideas for connecting with the elderly and coming together in prayer for different pro-life matters.”

Each January, they organize transportation for our parishioners to the Walk for Life in Lincoln. At this event, participants take a courageous public stand against abortion by peacefully holding pro-life signs and praying as they walk through downtown Lincoln.

“Considering what is going on in our nation and world, I think now is as crucial a time as ever to be pro-life,” Alissa says. “Our culture tends to lead us away from being pro-life and we need to resist that, and stand up for what is true and just. It is our calling to deeply love and honor the lives of those around us that God willed into being, whether in the womb or at any stage of life.”

Also in January, the ministry usually hosts volunteers from Heart of a Child Ministries, an organization that “brings the heart of the unborn child” to youth through ultrasound technology. With the support of pregnant volunteers, professional sonographers, masters-level social workers, and speakers, they offer powerful pro-life, age-appropriate presentations for students in kindergarten through high school in both Christian and public settings. In the past, they have done presentations at our parish school, as well as for our God Teens group.

Each October, the ministry partakes in the Life Chain, which is organized by the Seward County Pro-Life Council. At this event, participants come to the courthouse square on a Sunday afternoon and hold a pro-life sign for an hour.

Sadly, due to the COVID-19 situation, the ministry hasn’t been able to hold as many events as usual. In light of this, Alissa has some helpful advice to share regarding how we can still be prolife while remaining at home, amid families.

“There are always things you can do to be pro-life,” Alissa says. “For example, we can value the gift of life in our homes by spending more time in prayer and quality family time. We can cherish the children we have, pray a family Rosary for the unborn, or say the Spiritual Adoption Prayer.”

Ultimately, those who give their time, talent, and treasure to promote the Gospel of Life will find themselves abundantly blessed in return.

“When you place yourself in a position to have a voice and use that voice for truth and beauty, you allow your heart to be transformed,” Alissa says.

Spiritual Adoption Prayer

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,strengthen and protect all families.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I beg you to spare the life of the unborn babywhich I have spiritually adopted who is in dangerof abortion.

If you would like more information regarding meeting times, dates and upcoming activities, please see future parish bulletins.