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***Registration is now closed. If you have any questions or wish to be placed on a wait list, please call Rosemary Friedrich at 610-688-4771***
The March for Life is an inspiring and peaceful witness for life. On the anniversary of the Roe v Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion, we travel as pilgrims to Washington, DC to witness to the truth concerning the greatest human rights violation of our time, abortion. The event primarily consists of a Rally on the National Mall followed by a March to the Supreme Court.Visit the National March for Life website for maps, list of speakers, schedule for the day, etc. at www.marchforlife.org.
- What is the itinerary for the trip?
- How can I stand up for life in Washington if I am unable to walk long distances in the outdoors?
- What is the cost for the trip?
- What if I would like to visit legislators to request that they stand up for life?
- How do I reserve a seat on the bus?
- How can I support the trip if I am unable to go?
- What sponsorship is needed?
- How do I pay?
- What will we do on the bus?
- What about meals?
- Do you provide any food on the bus?
- What about rest stops?
- How should I dress?
- What should I bring on the trip?
- What about staying with the group?
- What if I still have questions?
What is the itinerary for the trip?
7:00 a.m. - Arrive at Saint Monica’s Main Parking Lot - 63 Main Avenue
7:15 a.m. - Bus departs for Washington, DC
10:30 a.m. - Bus arrives at Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (Anyone who wishes to stay at the Shrine for the day will get off the bus.)
10:40 a.m. - Bus continues to downtown Washington, D.C.
11:30 a.m. - Bus arrives near the Rally at the National Mall for drop off before heading back to the Basilica to park for the day
11:45 a.m. - Musical Prelude to Rally
12:00 Noon to 1 p.m. - Rally
1:00 p.m. - March for Life up Constitution Avenue to Supreme Court
3:30 p.m. - Group that stayed at Shrine gets back on the bus
3:40 p.m. - Group that attended Rally and March gather at the meeting location specified by the bus driver.
4:00 p.m. - Group gets on bus and bus leaves Washington, D.C.
8:00 to 8:30 p.m. - Bus arrives back at Saint Monica's parking lot.
How can I stand up for life in Washington if I am unable to walk long distances in the outdoors?
You are welcome to spend the day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, where the bus drops us off. (Click here for more information about the Basilica.) In past years, several people have spent the day visiting the Basilica and Shrine and offering prayers for life while the remainder of the pilgrims attend the Rally and March.
What is the cost for the trip?
The suggested donation is $25 for adults. Students and children are free, thanks to the generosity of Saint Monica parishioners.
What if I would like to visit legislators to request that they stand up for life?
In order to stick to our itinerary, you must decide whether you would like to participate in the March or visit legislators’ offices. Unfortunately there is not enough time to do both. As you can see, our trip leaders plan to attend the Rally and March. You are welcome to break off from the main group to visit legislators’ offices but please rejoin the group at the meeting location specified by the bus driver by 3:40 p.m. so we can meet our bus promptly and head home. This is a very congested area and it is crucial that our group is gathered, ready and waiting for the bus to arrive for this quick pickup.
How do I reserve a seat on the bus?
Click here to reserve a seat.
How can I support the trip if I am unable to go?
Your presence is invaluable but if work or family commitments do not allow you to participate, we offer sponsorship opportunities. We especially seek sponsorship for children and students, who we invite to come for free.
The entire cost to run the trip is about $2300. Whether sponsoring one pilgrim at $25 or the entire bus, we gratefully accept donations. Sponsorship donations can be made on the reservation page.
Suggested donation is $25 for adults. Students and children are free! There are three ways to pay:
(1) By credit card (ONLINE ONLY)
(2) By check made out to Saint Monica Church with “March for Life Trip” in the memo and send or deliver to: The Church of Saint Monica, 635 First Avenue, Berwyn, PA 19312, Attn: Maurita Buhsmer - Respect Life Ministry
(3) By cash or check, after any Mass the weekend of January 5-6, 2019. (You still must register online.)
We will be showing some inspirational videos and perhaps a pro-life feature film on the bus. Prayers and witness are also encouraged. Singing and guitar playing are welcome!
Please bring your lunch and dinner. We will not be stopping for meals.
Do you provide any food on the bus?
We will bring bottles of water for everyone. In the spirit of camaraderie, pilgrims often bring snacks to share. That is most welcome!
Time permitting we will make a stop at Maryland House or another rest area en route to Washington and again on the way home. This provides an opportunity to use the rest room and perhaps grab a drink and/or snack within the short time allotted. The bus is a luxury coach and a restroom is also available on board the bus.
Check the weather forecast and dress in layers. Wear comfortable shoes for walking. Thanks to the generosity and handiwork of Carole Filtz, we will all have matching lime green scarves to assist in staying together and staying warm!
What should I bring on the trip?
Please bring your lunch and dinner, any food you would like to share (optional), and your cell phone. Pro-life signs and banners are welcome but not required; some will be provided in Washington. You will be permitted to leave items on the bus, if you wish. Do dress for the weather.
What about staying with the group?
We make every effort to stay together on this trip however if you get separated from the group we will be sure everyone has our bus co-captains cell phone numbers.
Rosemary Friedrich 610-389-4751 | rcfriedrich@verizon.net.
Loretta Hill 610-721-6502 | lehill7@aol.com
Also, please be sure to enter your cell phone number when you register for a seat on the bus, should we need to contact you while on the trip.
What if I still have questions?
For general questions, contact our March for Life Bus Captain:
Rosemary Friedrich at 610-688-4771 or at rcfriedrich@verizon.net.
For financial matters, contact Maurita Buhsmer at jbuhsmer1@verizon.net.