Faithful of the Diocese will once again have the opportunity to profess their love for life in all its forms during the annual Respect Life Mass and Witness March 14 in Red Bank. Sponsored by the diocesan Respect Life Ministry of the department of Pastoral Care, participants in the day of pro-life activities will assemble at 9 a.m. for a Mass in St. Anthony of Padua Church, Red Bank, then walk through downtown Red Bank to Newman Springs Road where they will pray the Rosary in peaceful protest outside the Planned Parenthood clinic in Shrewsbury. The day will conclude in the St. Anthony of Padua Parish Center for light refreshments and updated respect life news.

Father Joe Noche, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Hainesport, will serve as principal celebrant and homilist at the Mass. Father Noche is diocesan chaplain and liaison for Family Life and Pro-Life activities. Father Alberto Tomayo, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, will serve as concelebrant.

During the post-prayer fellowship in the parish center, the winners of the annual diocesan Respect Life Poster, Essay and Video Contest will receive their awards. This year’s contest, open to students up to grade eight from grammar schools, parish religious education programs and youth groups, bore the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ theme “Each of us is a Masterpiece of God’s Creation.”

For further information on the Mass, prayer or awards ceremony, contact Donna Goodwin in the diocesan Department of Pastoral Care at 609-403-7192 or [email protected]. St. Anthony of Padua Church is located at 121 Bridge Ave., Red Bank.