Event to mark
National Sanctity of Human Life Sunday
PRESQUE ISLE — The Pregnancy Care Centers of Aroostook in Presque Isle, Houlton and Fort Kent will commemorate National Sanctity of Human Life Sunday (SOHLS) Jan. 20. In 1983, President Reagan issued a proclamation creating a special day to focus on the sanctity of human life and the fundamental right to life.
SOHLS is held on the Sunday in January that falls closest to the day on which the Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions were handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1973.
The Pregnancy Care Centers will use this special day to launch their largest fundraiser of the year, the Baby Bottle Drive. This is a simple and easy way for everyone to participate. The Centers have provided 69 churches with empty baby bottles to be taken and filled with change, dollar bills or checks. On Feb. 24, the baby bottles will be collected. This year a total of 1,500 baby bottles have been distributed. A total of 2,200 bulletin inserts have also been given which is used to bring attention to the reality of abortion still present in our society and to highlight the life-giving work being done in the community.
“Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is an extra special day to Pregnancy Care Center volunteers and staff. It really is a sacred day as we acknowledge the value of all human life from the womb to the elderly and the handicapped,” said Christie Corey, executive director of the Pregnancy Care Centers. “It is an opportunity for Americans to rededicate ourselves to compassionate service on behalf of the weak and defenseless, and reaffirm our commitment to respect the life and dignity of every human being.”
The PCC will be honoring SOHLS by conducting its eighth annual “Line Up for Life.”
“SOHLS comes and goes with little to no recognition and many are not aware of such a day,” said Corey. “We added this event to emphasize the high value God places on life, to show our support for life, and raise awareness in our community.”
The Line Up for Life is held Sunday, Jan. 20 in Presque Isle at the Northeastland Hotel. At 1:45 p.m. participants will gather for brief instructions and pick out the positive, life-affirming sign they want to hold. At 2 p.m. they will line the streets holding the signs and praying one hour silently for the nation, community, pastors, teachers, loved ones, neighbors and those who have been impacted by abortion. At 3 p.m., they will return to the Northeastland Hotel for closing prayer and refreshments.
“We invite the community to come out and be a part of this special national day!” said Corey.
Founded in 1985, the Pregnancy Care Center in Presque Isle, along with the added satellite offices of Houlton and Fort Kent, provide practical help and compassionate support, including a variety of educational programs and services to empower women to make informed decisions regarding their pregnancy related concerns. The PCC is a non-profit, non-denominational organization. Tax-deductible donations can be sent to Pregnancy Care Center, P.O. Box 1553, Presque Isle, Maine 04769.
For more information, visit www.pcc-hope.org or call 554-8396.
