PCHS Students Join March For Life In Washington D.C.

(New Lenox) – Thirty-four Providence Catholic students, faculty and chaperones traveled to Washington, DC last week to participate in The March for Life rally and other events. 

While some may reduce being pro-life to simply opposing abortion, Amy Potempa, Respect Life Moderator & Theology Teacher at Providence Catholic High School, encourages students to be truly pro-life. That is, to pray and live in such a way as to promote the sanctity of life in all phases.

“I want our students to talk about the Catholic values that promote human dignity at all phases of life and this was a great way to do that,” Potempa said. “I hope that our participation will give Providence Catholic students a chance to see how was can engage in respectful dialogue about issues that really matter.”

PCHS traveled to the nation’s capital to raise their voices for those who have no voice, whether they be pre-born, dying, on death row, or living in violence and poverty. As they participated on Friday, the environment was “very positive, very uplifting, very joyful,” said Molly Houlihan, a PCHS senior from Tinley Park. “This experience is something I hope everyone gets to experience!” she said. “It is truly amazing to go through this experience with your Providence family.”

Houlihan said one of the most impressive parts of the visit was a large mass held at the Verizon Center and the amount of young people in attendance. “It gives me hope that my generation can live in such a way to promote life and to end abortion,” she said.

The 2018 March for Life Rally took place on the grounds of the National Mall, between Madison Drive and Jefferson Drive. Following the rally, the march begin on Constitution Avenue between 12th and 14th streets at about 1 p.m.

Providence Catholic senior, Andrew Traven from New Lenox, attended the march in the past and was excited to return for another year. “This is a trip that both strengthens your faith and helps show the value of all life,” he said. “When people ask me why I march, I tell them it is because 1/3 of my generation is missing and I believe that they all should have had the chance to live. I don’t think there is anything more important that standing up for the unalienable right to life.”

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Kathleen Kennedy

Director of Communications