Albany, New York – Amidst about 250 persons today at the New York State Capitol, the Ulster Deanery Respect Life Committee (UDRLC) fielded dozens of participants, mostly from various parishes in Ulster County, including Presentation-Sacred Heart Parish (Port Ewen-Esopus), as well as a few representatives from allies such as the Ulster Community College Students for Life. “On the birthday of St. John the Baptist, who gave witness to Our Lord Jesus even before he was born (cf. Luke 1:41,44), we Ulster pro-lifers were inspired to make ourselves seen and heard on the grounds of the State Capitol today,” declared Father Arthur F. Rojas, moderator and spiritual director of the UDRLC.  Before the UDRLC’s bus left Port Ewen for Albany on the morning of June 24th, Holy Mass was offered at Presentation Church for the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist by Fr. Rojas, whom is also pastor of Presentation-Sacred Heart Parish (Port Ewen-Esopus), and assisted by Deacon John Carr, Deputy Moderator of the UDRLC and a deacon at St. Mary-St. Peter’s Parish, Kingston. “In making a 21^st-century witness for the Gospel of Life, it is fitting that we began the day with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass,” remarked Deacon Carr.

Although the delegation from Ulster County was the largest of the groups coming from areas served by the Archdiocese of New York, UDRLC members encountered participants from St. Joseph’s Church (Yonkers), Advocates for Life (Westchester County), and parishes in Putnam County. In addition to the march itself, which traversed the Empire State Plaza from the Children’s Memorial to the grounds of the State Capitol, a rally was held once the marchers reached the end site designated by the organizers of the event. www.marchforlifeny.org

Presentation-Sacred Heart Parish serves the town of Esopus, including the hamlet of Port Ewen. The parish is home to the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Hudson at Port Ewen on the grounds of Presentation Church. To learn more about the parish, kindly visit www.presentationsacredheart.org. To learn more about the Ulster Deanery Respect Life Committee, please visit www.ulsterdeaneryrespectlife.org.