This yearly event commemorates the anniversary of the legalization of abortion on demand in the United States. It is a time of prayer, reflection, and action treasured by many teens.

Because of the President-Elect's political stance, the witness of the youth who believe in the sacredness of human life and in being the voice of the defenseless and innocent children in the womb is more crucial than ever. Those who cherish a culture of life will make the necessary sacrifices to spread their message.

The next National March for Life is scheduled for January 22, 2010 (anniversary of Roe vs. Wade) in Washington, DC. A bus full of teenagers will leave the St. Leonard Youth Retreat Center at noon on January 21, 2010 and return by 11:30 PM on January 22, 2010.

This means that participants will need to make arrangements to miss half day of school on January 21 and the whole day on January 22. Some students, after negotiating with their teachers, create a report of their experience for credit.

Games, educational films, discussion of life issues, and prayer will engage bus riders on the trip.

Participants will spend the night at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Forestville, MD. They will be treated to a warm place to sleep, plenty of snacks, a delicious hot breakfast and even a brown bag lunch.

One of the highlights of the pilgrimage will be the Rally and Mass for Life with at least 20,000 teenagers (plus about 15 bishops and 300 priests!) and awesome music and singing at the Washington Verizon Arena.

The actual March for Life will stretch for about one mile, ending at the Supreme Court Building. Between 100,000 to 200,000 marchers are expected to participate with prayer, song, and chants.

January 21-22, 2010

Bus leaves at 12:00 noon on Wednesday from the SLYRC in Avon.

The bus returns to Avon at approximately 11:30 PM on Thursday.

Ages 13 to 20. Young adults and a limited number of adult chaperons are also welcome.

$70 (includes the bus trip, snacks on arrival, hot breakfast, and a brown-bag lunch)

Molly Smith at 440-934-6735 or msmithslyrc@gmail.com.

Make checks payable to: "The Congregation of St. Joseph"

At the Knights of Columbus Hall in Forestville, MD

Youth Mass for Life at Washington Arena (20,000 teens)

• Visit "The Mall"
• Do the March for Life with 200,000 other people
• Board the bus for the trip back at the end of the March.

Dress casual but warm, D.C. is slightly warmer than Cleveland

• A camping mattress
• A pillow
• A sleeping bag
• Minimal personal hygiene items
• Money for 2 hot meals

• Bring snacks and games for the bus trip
• Favorite movies (if consistent with the spirit of the pilgrimage)