FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 LAKE CHARLES – A March for Life on the Anniversary of Roe v. Wade January 22, 2009, sponsored by the Offices of Pro-Life and Youth Ministry of the Diocese of Lake Charles and New Life Counseling Agency, will begin at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, at the corner of Kirby and Bilbo Streets.

At 5:30 p.m. a "Rosary for Life” will be recited in the Cathedral followed at 6 p.m. by an "Ecumenical Prayer Service for Life" featuring reflections by The Most Reverend Glen John Provost, Bishop of Lake Charles, and Jeanne LeBato, Director of New Life Counseling. The prayer service will conclude with a candlelight "Walk for Life" from the Cathedral to the steps of the Parish Courthouse, located on Ryan Street.

"Stand Up for Life," a presentation remembering the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision will begin at 7 p.m. at the Courthouse. The event will feature Kathy Owen, Director of the Office of Pro-Life for the Diocese as well as Cindy Labutka and Bobbie Jones, the Louisiana Regional Coordinators from the "Silent No More" awareness campaign.

Following the presentation hot chocolate will be served on the Courthouse lawn.

The Rev. Nathan Long, associate pastor of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church, will lead a "Holy Hour for Life" at the Cathedral at 7:45 p.m.

New Life Counseling will be accepting donations of baby items such as booties and blankets or a monetary donation during the prayer service and presentation at the courthouse.

For more information, contact Kathy Owen at the Diocese of Lake Charles at 337-439-7426, Ext. 313.