250 participate in seventh annual Reading/Berks March for Life

Two-hundred-fifty people stood up for life by participating in the seventh annual Reading/Berks March for Life, “Power of One” April 30 at Berks Catholic High School (BCHS), Reading.

A rally kicked off the event at 2 p.m., followed by a 3 p.m. march. Some attended only the rally, some both the rally and march.

After the speaking part of the program, participants proceeded from BCHS to Penn Street and across the bridge to Holy Rosary, Reading at Third and Franklin streets for praise and worship music.

Food was provided by the Knights of Columbus, and buses were available to transport participants back to BCHS. Participants were asked to donate a baby item or supplies, such as diapers, wipes, bottles or clothing, for local crisis pregnancy centers.

“We marched together as a body of believers willing to stand in the gap for our brothers and sisters in the womb in order to bring awareness to our community and to spark a fire in the hearts of those who witnessed our demonstration that this spark results in a fire of love for the unborn,” said Helen MacMinn, organizer of the march and parishioner of St. Benedict, Mohnton.

“If we expect to win this battle for life, we must begin here in our own community.”

March for Life
Father Eugene Ritz, chaplain of Berks Catholic High School (BCHS), Reading, welcomes those gathered for the seventh annual Reading/Berks March for Life, “Power of One,” April 30 at BCHS. Listening are, from left: Father Allen Hoffa, assistant pastor of Holy Guardian Angels, Reading; State Rep. Mark Gillen, who serves the 128th District in Berks County; Rachel Glembocki of the Pro-Life Club of BCHS; Sam Rohrer, president of the Pennsylvania Pastors Network; Kathy Barnette, radio host of “It’s a New Day,” heard on the FOX affiliate radio station out of Philadelphia, 1180am WFYL; and Michael Giles, a lawyer who serves on the March for Life committee each year, who gave the Code of Conduct for Marching. (Photos by John Simitz)