How to join the March for Life in Trenton on Sept. 26

A Mass for Life, celebrated by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, will open New Jersey’s first March for Life on Thursday, Sept. 26, in Trenton.

The Mass will take place at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption at 9:30 a.m. The rally will follow at 11 a.m. outside the Statehouse Annex on West State Street. The march will take place at noon and consist of a one-mile loop through Trenton, followed by a return to the State House Annex. A concert will also be held at 10 a.m.

Although many celebrate the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion nationwide in 1973, more work needs to be done, said Cheryl A. Riley, director of the Archdiocese of Newark’s Respect Life Office. The Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling, which overturned Roe v. Roe in 2022, freed states to decide abortion policy. Thirteen states have since banned abortions, but New Jersey is not one of them.

“Abortion is still allowed in New Jersey and on-demand,” Riley said. “In New Jersey, the fight for the unborn is still very much needed.”

According to New Jersey law, abortion is not restricted based on gestational duration; state Medicaid funds cover abortion, and private health insurance plans are required to cover abortion. Additionally,  qualified healthcare professionals, not just doctors, can provide abortions.

“With the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022, the power to protect the unborn was given back to you – the American people – through your elected representatives,” according to the March for Life website.  “The state capitol is now a critical battleground for protecting life. That is why we need you to march at the Capitol Building to bring a voice for the voiceless.”

How to get there

Riley said the Respect Life Office will not be providing busing. Carpooling is encouraged, and the Respect Life Office will coordinate some carpooling. Email cheryl.riley@rcan.org if you are seeking or offering carpooling options. Due to street closures, access to the State House garage and metered on-street parking on West State Street will not be available. If you are arriving by car or carpool, please park in one of the pay lots located near the State Annex and cathedral, such as the ones on Warren Street, East Front Street, and South Broad Street. Rates are $9 for up to four hours and $12 for up to 12 hours. The walking distance between the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption and the State Annex is about nine minutes.

Pray first, march after

Participants do not need to RSVP to attend the Mass for Life, and seating is on a first-come basis. Cardinal Tobin will be the celebrant, and Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, will be the homilist.

Signs

Overflow seating will be available on the lower level of the cathedral, with livestreamed viewing on large screens. Spanish translation devices will be available onsite.

Although participants are encouraged to make their own, March for Life will have signs available on the day of the march that read “With Every Woman, For Every Child,” “Equality Begins in the Womb,” and many more. The Knights of Columbus will also provide 500 signs. Sign ideas are available here.

Rules to follow:

• Signs are allowed outside of the statehouse at the rally/march but cannot go inside the statehouse.
• Only hand-held signs are allowed and cannot be displayed with wood/metal/similar firm material.
• Signs cannot be tied up to, hung on, or taped to statehouse property (i.e., walls or handrails).

For more information on the March for Life, click here.

For more information on the Mass for Life, click here.

Featured photo: (CNS photo/Carol Zimmermann)