Help for Confirmation Candidates planning a rosary vigil?

[Alane]

I am on my way, along with a group of teenagers, to be Confirmed this spring. One of the elements of my Confirmation class is a “community service project”. Our teacher has encouraged us to come up with our own ideas and put them into action, with her approval. Long story short, I’ve gotten the ball rolling on organizing a series of Rosary vigils in front of the local Planned Parenthood.

Most of my classmates are public school students. I am homeschooled, so I’ve had a chance to learn more about our faith. We are all suffering from very poor catechesis - not, hopefully, an unbroken trend, following Confirmation!

Do any of you have some advice for organizing a rosary vigil? Do we ask permission from our parish priest? Who should lead the prayer, ideally? I am open to whatever you can give me. Who knows what will end up being useful.

Also, I’m trying to clearly state why this is worth doing, to present to the rest of the class. Resources on Mary’s intercession, the power of prayer, the Church’s stance on abortion, etc., would be greatly appreciated if any of you have something readily available.

Thanks, and God bless!

 

[puzzleannie]

first contact someone in your diocese who is in charge of pro-life activities, preferably these who already pray, protest and witness in front of the clinics. they will help you with law in your area, hours when it is most effective to pray, and other matters of logistics. also find out regulations in your diocese for taking youth on field trips and abide by them. go to 40daysforlife.com and find out if there is a 40 days for life group active in your area, or start one, as they plan another vigil for Lent, and also can help with strategy and tactics.

and yes if you are planning formal public prayer group in your parish you do need the pastor’s permission as he is responsible for all such activities in his parish. You also need permission for taking your youth off parish property, as I said, there are rules that must be followed for their and your own protection.

the bishop’s website also has a pro-life packet they put out each october with suggestions and helpful educational materials. Knights of Columbus can also help with signs, flyers, educational aids. go here on the social justice forum for links to pro-life organizations that can provide free literature, flyers and evangelization materials, beginning with Priests for Life.

 

[Joannm]

Some communities also require a permit for holding a protest, which in legal terms that is what you will be doing…even though it is prayer. Your diocesan respect life office would be able to help you with this.