San Angelo Bishop Michael J. Sis encourages Catholics to take part in the novena, 9 Days for Life, from January 21 to 29, 2017. Below are som FAQs from the USCCB describing more about this special prayer event:
What is 9 Days for Life? 9 Days for Life is an annual period of prayer and action focused on cherishing the gift of every person’s life. Surrounding the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children on January 22 (also the anniversary of Roe v. Wade), the overarching intention of the centerpiece novena is the end to abortion. However, the novena also highlights many other facets of respecting each other’s God-given dignity, especially by respecting human life at every stage and in every circumstance. 9 Days for Life is an opportunity to pray for the respect and protection of each person’s life; to gather together in prayer, action, and fellowship with others; and to share your stories online.
Who can participate? Anyone can join individually at
www.9daysforlife.com. However, leaders in parishes and various parish ministries, as well as in schools, dioceses, and other organizations, are especially important in raising awareness and in helping others participate in various ways.
What are some ways to participate?
PRAY: The novena's short prayer guides highlight a different topic each day with five sections: intention, prayers, reflection, suggested actions, and related topical information. Subscribe to receive daily text messages or emails; join the Facebook event or follow the USCCB on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram; download the novena in a printable format; or download the free mobile app. All options can be accessed at www.9daysforlife.com.
GATHER: Join together with others in prayer, action, and fellowship. Organize or attend local events sponsored by dioceses, parishes, schools, etc., and/or host private gatherings of friends and family.
SHARE: Share how you participated in 9 Days for Life on a particular day, why you are participating, or what being pro-life means to you. Post your filled-in "selfie sign" (available in 9 Days for Life leaders' toolkit online) or a 5-15 second video using #9DaysforLife and tagging @USCCB on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. We'll pick from the best to share!