By Holly Kline
The first annual Fishers Life Chain event takes place on Oct. 5 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 5 at 116th St. and Allisonville Rd. Organized by Mike Sheek, a parishioner at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church, the Life Chain event is non-denominational, open to the public and is an hour of silent prayer for unborn children who may be at risk for abortion.
“The goal is to create awareness for the sanctity of life and to pray for an end to abortion in a peaceful and non-confrontational way,” Sheek said. “Life Chain is celebrated by millions of people all across the U.S. and Canada on the same day.”
Life Chain started in 1987 in Yuba City, Calif., and became a national event in 1991 with 373 Life Chain events and 771,000 participants who stood on sidewalks to pray silently together. Today Life Chain events are held annually on the first Sunday in October with cities across the U.S. and Canada taking part.
“I’ve been doing Life Chain for close to 20 years,” said Rosie Zatkulak, Respect Life Coordinator at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church. “It’s really peaceful and prayerful. It’s supposed to be an hour of silent prayer and all signs that are held are positive. I would feel comfortable bringing kids,” she continued.
According to Zatkulak, there are Life Chain events this year in Fishers, Westfield and Noblesville. “We decided to include Fishers because of the Planned Parenthood facility that opened here,” she said.
Zatkulak went on to explain that she believes every life is a miracle and that Life Chain is a way to remind people that all life is precious.
“Overwhelmingly there has been a very positive response from people driving or walking past,” said Zatkulak. “I’ve seen more and more people come out for Life Chain. By drawing attention to the issue and praying about it we want to be clear that we are not pointing fingers.”
The Fishers Life Chain participants should meet at 2:15 in the Farmers Bank parking lot near 116th Street and Allisonville Road. Visit www.lifechain.net or call 509-1450 for additional information.
