Catechist Joanne Dorn (right) and members of the confirmation class from St. Luke Parish in Eureka take part in a Life Chain in this 2016 file photo. (The Catholic Post/Tom Dermody)

“Christ Our Hope: In Every Season of Life” is the theme chosen by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for Respect Life Month in October. Among the observances in the Diocese of Peoria is Life Chain, which will be held next Sunday, Oct. 6.

Founded in 1987, this peaceful, prayerful witness is intended as a reminder of the sanctity of human life at all stages. Participants do not engage in political activity or debates as they stand along major intersections in each town, but hold signs that say “Abortion Kills Children,” “Jesus Forgives and Heals,” “Abortion Hurts Women,” “Adoption — the Loving Option,” and “Lord Forgive Us and our Nation.”

Signs are provided in most locations. Graphic signs may not be used.

According to information provided to The Catholic Post or listed on lifechain.net, Life Chains will be held in the following locations from 2 to 3 p.m. on Oct. 6, unless otherwise noted:

• Champaign: Kirby Avenue at Hessel Park, from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
• Galesburg: Knox County Right to Life is sponsoring the Life Chain at Fremont and Henderson streets from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. Signs may be picked up at 1:30 p.m. in the parking lot on the north side of West Fremont Street. A rally with prayers, songs and a short talk will follow at 3 p.m. at Colonial Baptist Church, 1232 W. Fremont.
• Macomb: Highways 136 and 67, between Lafayette and Randolph, at Chandler Park, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 27.
• Mendota: Route 34 at Highway 251, from 1 to 2 p.m.
• Normal: On both sides of College Avenue, starting at David Anderson Park and continuing past Epiphany Church, 1006 E. College Ave.
• Peoria: From the Metro Centre, 4700 N. University, north on University Street, with signs being distributed at the corner of University and Northmoor at 2 p.m. Church groups are encouraged to sign up in order to fill blocks along the route. Call Dan Smith at (309) 691-3611.
• Quad Cities: Middle Road at Happy Joe Drive in Bettendorf, Iowa, from 1 to 2 p.m. Signs may be picked up at the Women’s Choice Center, 2740 Happy Joe Drive, starting at 12:45 p.m.

Other Respect Life observances include 40 Days for Life and the annual Respect Life Dinner.

GALESBURG DINNER, FESTIVAL

Knox County Right to Life will keep things going by holding its annual Pro-Life Pastors’ Dinner on Saturday, Oct. 26, at Corpus Christi Church, 273 S. Prairie St., in Galesburg. It will begin at 7 p.m.

The evening will include a brief presentation by Scott Klusendorf, the keynote speaker for the Festival of Life the next night.

Scott Klusendorf

The menu includes a homemade roast beef dinner with all the trimmings. Each pastor may bring a guest at no cost, but all others are asked for a $10 donation to help cover the evening’s expenses.

Reservations are required for the dinner and may be made by calling Pat at (309) 343-2852.

Bethel Baptist Church, 1196 N. Academy, in Galesburg, will host the Festival of Life. It will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 27.

Klusendorf is president of the Life Training Institute, which prepares pro-life advocates to make a persuasive case for life in the public square. In addition to his keynote address, festival participants will hear from Galesburg High School Students for Life, the first pro-life group on a public high school campus in Illinois.

Refreshments will be served.

There is no admission fee for the Festival of Life, but a free-will offering will be accepted.