Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
Most of us are familiar with the annual March for Life which happens in our state every January.  It is an opportunity for all people of faith, who believe that human life is a precious gift from God that must be protected at every stage of its existence from the womb of the mother until its natural death, to stand up for this belief and stand up for those (especially the unborn) whose voice and presence can only be seen and heard through us.

On Saturday, October 12, there will be another march in Little Rock.  This one is held to promote the passage of comprehesive immigration reform in Congress.  This gathering is an opportunity to stand and march with immigrants and others, who will stand and march with them, to promote laws which respect the human dignity of those who have come to us from other countries to seek refuge from political, social and/or economic conditions, and live and work in hope of a better future for themselves and their families.

Two simultaneous marches begin at 3:00 p.m., one leaving the entrance of Philander Smith College and the other one leaving across the street from Dickey Stephens Ball Park in North Little Rock, both converging on the State Capitol for a rally at 4:00 p.m. on the front steps of the Capitol.  While I would like to participate in this effort, our Saturday evening Mass time presents me from doing so.  Bishop Taylor asks that all people of faith join him for this march and program.  He asks those who come, to wear white clothing to show solidarity and bring, if you wish, the American or Arkansas flag.  For more information or to volunteer to help for this event, call 479-871-2168 or logon www.arkansascoalition.org.  In the Gospel on Tuesday, September 24 (Luke 8:19-21), Jesus speaks of His family as those who hear the Word of God and act on it.  Here is a great opportunity to respond to Jesus' call to love our neighbor as ourselves.  I pray you consider doing so in this and in so many other ways.