The Tar Heel Knight

January remains a significant month for the United States pro-Life community although the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision was overturned in 2022.  As we know, the original decision in 1973 was not upheld because the Constitution does not indicate that women in the US have a fundamental right to choose whether or not to have abortions.  In November, Ohio passed a bill that incorporates abortion as a right into the Ohio Constitution, allowing abortions up to viability, 20-22 weeks of pregnancy.  This will likely be taken up by more US states.  Marches for Life are continuing during the month of January in DC and throughout the country, although some marches have moved to other months through the year.  We, as members of the Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus are dedicated to protect Life, and fight for babies' lives.  Please consider the two major programs below and choose at least one as you plan your council's events for January.

Join your Brother Knights Across the Nation as we Pray for Life

January 16th through 20th, 2024

Each year, the USCCB organizes a Novena for Life to bring people together throughout the country to pray for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. There is a national website where individuals can sign up and will receive daily emails and/or texts to remind them of the day’s novena prayers. Each council can promote this program easily, not only within their council but also in their parish and local community. Links for the national website, a council participation guide sheet, and for more direct help from the State Council, are listed below.

To sign up for the USCCB’s Novena for Life, visit:

https://www.usccb.org/prolife/join-9-days-life

For a concise guide sheet for how to organize your council, visit:

https://www.kofc.org/en/resources/faith-in-action-programs/life/novena-for-life/10622-novena-for-life-guidesheet.pdf 

For other resources, visit:

https://www.kofc.org/en/what-we-do/faith-in-action-programs/life/novena-life.html

For direct help from the NC State Council, please contact:

Albert Hodges, Novena for Life Chair, at:

novenaforlife@kofcnc.org

An email will be sent to all Grand Knights, District Deputies and Council Life Directors in December to provide more information on the January Novena for Life, including bulletin inserts.

In Washington, D.C., Knights are getting ready to March for Life!

The National March for Life will be held on Friday, January 19th  in Washington, D.C. The largest pro-Life march in the country, pro-lifers from all across the nation join together for prayer and to advocate for the rights of the unborn. Pre-march activities begin on Wednesday, January 17th, and the Catholic bishops and laity join together on Thursday, at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Buses are being organized throughout the state for those needing transportation. With the high cost for bus transportation due to gasoline cost, it may be a better option to arrange a carpool.  For more information, please contact Tim Will, Chairman, Marches for Life at marchforlife@kofcnc.org

NC State March:  On May 18th, NC Right to Life is hosting a Youth Rally and March for Life in Raleigh.  Yes, the Raleigh March has moved to May, not January.

Information on the Rally and March: https://www.ncrtl.org/rallyandmarch

January 12th, the Charlotte March for Life: for info, visit:   http://www.marchforlifecharlotte.org/

            Contact: mailto:marchforlifecharlotte@fidei.em

Please allow January to be a month that you and your council prays for Life and demonstrates respect for Life.

Vivat Jesus,

Jim Venglarik

KofC NC Life Director

Life@kofcnc.org