Respect Life Dinner: Fall 40 Days for Life Kick-Off

As I’m finally getting a chance to write about the amazing Respect Life Dinner that served as the 40 Days for Life Richmond, Virginia Kick-off for the Fall 2010 campaign, I can hear the song with the lyrics “How to Save a Life” playing on the radio in the next room. How appropriate!

    
On Tuesday, September 14, 2010, over 150 people gathered at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Glen Allen for a gathering to promote the sanctity and dignity of human life. Men, women, and children of all ages from a number of different churches and denominations came to break bread together in the parish hall. Thanks to the St. Michael Knights of Columbus Joseph P. Solari Council #11172, the lasagna dinner complete with salad and dessert were delicious and served with a smile.

    
Due to the hard work and planning of many, especially Carl, Cathy, Matt, and John Baab, we had the privilege of hearing Dr. John W. Seeds, who is a parishioner at St. Benedict Catholic Church one of the first few churches where National 40 Days for Life Director and Founder David Bereit came to pitch the idea of doing 40 days of peaceful, prayer vigil and fasting for an end to abortion.

    
Dr. Seeds came to speak to us about the scientific, medical and ethical perspectives of the miracle of life, human development in the womb, and abortion. He is the immediate past Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and currently Associate Dean for Professional Education Programs at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).

An added bonus was the respect life ministry fair set up in the commons. Leaders and representatives each were given a few minutes at the end of Dr. Seeds presentation to tell us a little bit about their ministries mission and how to get involved. Groups/organizations represented at the respect life fair were: 40 Days for Life Campaign in Richmond, the Virginia Society for Human Life, the Pregnancy Resource Center of Metro Richmond, and Rachel's Vineyard.

    
This fall 40 Days for Life campaigns of prayer and fasting began September 22 and go through October 31 in a record 238 locations in the US, Canada, Australia, England, Northern Ireland and Denmark. Check out the main website for the location nearest you.

    
My mom, Ann Niermeyer, is heading up Richmond’s fall 40 Days for Life prayer vigil. Check out our local 40 Days website and sign-up to pray an hour or two.