Each year before the annual March for Life, at least 10,000 people fill the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, for the National Prayer Vigil for Life. This year, due to local restrictions because of the pandemic, the prayer vigil will be virtual. Catholics across the country are instead being encouraged to take part in a nationwide prayer vigil Jan 28-29, marking the 48th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions legalizing abortion. The vigil will begin with a live broadcast at 8pm on Thursday, Jan. 28 from the basilica, starting with the praying of the rosary followed by Mass. Bishops from across the country will lead Holy Hours throughout the night in the live-streamed vigil. The service can be viewed on EWTN or livestreams from the basilica or from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops websites. The vigil will end at 8am on Jan. 29 with a closing Mass. Now, more than ever, our nation is in need of prayer for the protection of the unborn and dignity of all human life. All Catholics are invited to spend time with our Lord and join in this nationwide vigil for life.
On Wednesday, February 17th, our St. Timothy Parish schedule for Ash Wednesday is follows: 10am Mass with Ashes, 12pm Prayer Service with Distribution of Ashes, and 7pm Mass with Ashes. Lord, Holy One, thank you that the ashes on our heads do not symbolize our ultimate reality. From dust we might have been formed, but our bodies, our spirits, ourselves, await beautiful redemption and the restoration of all things. Help us long and look forward to that day, and let it come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.