Sunday, October 2 is designated as Respect Life Sunday by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the entire month of October is commemorated as Respect Life Month.

Throughout the Diocese of Trenton, parishes and community organizations will host holy hours, life chains, prayer witnesses and other gatherings to celebrate life and advocate the protection of life in all forms.

Here are some of the many programs and events being organized to mark Respect Life Sunday and Respect Life Month:

Oct. 2

Burlington County – A prayerful Life Chain will be formed from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in Cherry Hill, along Haddonfield Road beginning across from Wegman’s. The annual event, which is marked across the country, calls for peaceful and prayerful public witness against abortion and for greater respect for all human life. For more information on 40 Days for Life, call Claire at 856-234-6198.

Mercer County – A Mercer County Life Chain will be formed from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. along Whitehorse-Mercerville Road (at Kuser Road), Hamilton. Use 1099 White Horse-Mercerville Road for GPS mapping. There is ample parking available, and participants can bring chairs, water and baby strollers. For more information and to inform organizers of your participation, contact Bob Pawson at 609-610-3522, or [email protected].

Monmouth County – St. Veronica Parish, Howell, will host the annual Life Chain, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at 4215 Route 9. Pro-life witnesses will form a Life Chain along Route 9 in front of the St. Veronica rectory. Signs and refreshments will be provided to witnesses. For more information, contact Hu Mador at 732-367-2565 or [email protected].

Oct. 8

Ocean County – The Respect Life Committee of St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, will hold its annual Respect Life Breakfast, which will include all-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, rolls, tea, coffee and juice. The guest speaker will be Joan (Andrews), of Chris Bell’s Life, a veteran of abortion clinic prayer and counseling. The cost is $7 per adult and $5 per child. Tickets are sold in the rectory and by calling 609-607-8849.

Oct. 15

Mercer County – A prayer vigil and Jericho march will be held mourning the 100th anniversary of Planned Parenthood, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Planned Parenthood of Trenton (East State Street and Clinton Ave.). Participants are encouraged to invite fellow parishioners and family members, and to bring church flags and other banners. The march will go around the block, with less than a one-half mile distance. Those who are unable to march can bring a chair and pray at the start and finish area. There is plenty of free parking. For more information, contact Bob Pawson at 609-610-3522, or [email protected].

Monmouth County – A Rosary for world peace and for greater respect for all human life will be held at 1 p.m. at 30 North Longview Road and Salem Road, Howell. Please bring a folding chair and your Rosary. For more information, contact Hu Mador at 732-367-2565 or [email protected].

40 Days for Life – Sept. 28 to Nov. 6

Monmouth County – Parishes across Monmouth County are participating in the campaign again this year – and will use public prayer to bring the focus on the Planned Parenthood facility in Shrewsbury. Faithful are encouraged to consider joining for one hour of prayerful witness, and can sign up at www.40daysforlife.com.