House Built of Living Stones’ Mass and March for Life set for April 15 in Red Bank

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

The Knights of Columbus of Monmouth County has planned its annual Mass for Life and March for Life for April 15 in Red Bank.

Anthony of Padua Church, 121 Bridge Ave., Red Bank, by Father Alberto Tamayo. Often planned in January, the March was moved to just after Easter in hopes that warmer weather would inspire more participation.

Following Mass, participants will process in a March for Life for approximately 1.5 miles from the church to the Planned Parenthood facility on Newman-Springs Road in Shrewsbury, where they will pray the Rosary for unborn children and their families. Marchers will be accompanied by many Knights of Columbus District Deputies, Grand Knights and Respect Life ministries from Monmouth County. Police from the Red Bank and Shrewsbury Police Departments will be on hand.

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., consecrates the newly-installed marble altar in St. Dominic Church, Brick, March 30, commemorating the completion of the parish’s sanctuary restoration project. The Bishop celebrated Mass, along with concelebrant and pastor, Father Brian Woodrow, also shown in photo wearing purple vestments. Visit TrentonMonitor.com for more on this story; click on NEWS>PARISHES. John Batkowski photos

“As Catholics, this is something very near and dear to us,” said Colin Casey, district deputy for the Knights of Columbus within the Diocese of Trenton. “Despite the overturning of Roe v. Wade, babies in the womb are still at risk... Efforts to protect all human life must continue.”

Mass will be celebrated at 8 a.m. in St.

The importance of continuing to witness for life, said Father Tamayo, “is now up to the local community … particularly in our state, where there are some extreme laws regarding abortion. It’s important that the pro-life voice is still heard, and we pray for change so that every human life is appreciated.”

“By starting this day with celebration of the Holy Eucharist and continuing in prayer at the abortion clinic … the Knights of Columbus remind us that we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, offering compassion, forgiveness and mercy to all involved,” said Rachel Hendricks, diocesan Respect Life ministry coordinator.

After the March, participants are invited to St. Anthony Parish grounds for a barbecue.

Additional pro-life efforts by the Knights include a three-year initiative to screen the movie “Unplanned,” the story of former Planned Parenthood clinic director Abby Johnson and her conversion from the pro-choice stance to the pro-life cause. Casey noted that individual councils have purchased the movie DVD and the rights to show it through St. Ignatius Press.

“Many have told us that the movie prompted a change in heart on how they view abortion,” Casey attested.

“It is so fitting that this Mass and March for life will take place, not only during the Octave of Easter, but on the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday,” Hendricks said. “Our hearts are full of gratitude to the Knights of Columbus of Monmouth County for organizing this grassroots effort.”

For questions, contact Colin Casey, DD23KofCnj@gmail.com