📅 Thursday, January 22, 2026
⏰ 6:15am–7:30pm
📍 Downtown Indianapolis, IN
Why We March
Each year, thousands gather at the Indiana Statehouse to stand for the dignity of every human life. Join youth from across the New Albany Deanery for a one-day pilgrimage to Indianapolis. Together, we’ll pray, rally, and march for life — from conception to natural death.
This is more than a field trip. It’s a witness of faith, hope, and courage.
What to Expect
Morning Departure
6:15am – Meet at Mt. St. Francis
Youth Rally & Mass
9:00am – Youth Rally for Life @ Indiana Convention Center
11:30am – Mass for Life with the Bishops of Indiana
March for Life
1:00pm – Lunch (bring a sack lunch)
1:45pm – March through downtown Indianapolis
2:30pm – Rally at the Capitol Building
Closing
4:30pm – Dinner & debrief (Cracker Barrel in Seymour, bring money)
7:30pm – Return to Mt. St. Francis
Who Can Go
Youth in 8th–12th grade are invited to attend.
Adult leaders are needed and provided.
Cost
There is no cost to attend. Participants should bring their own sack lunch and money for dinner at Cracker Barrel.
Packing List
Sack lunch
Money for dinner
Comfortable walking shoes
Weather-appropriate gear
Pro-life signs (bring your own or use one provided)
Small bag to carry items
Come, be a part of the Pro-Life Generation!
Registration closes January 15
or when seats are full.
Things to Know
School Absences: Youth are encouraged to ask their school administrators if this event qualifies as an excused absence. Catalyst Catholic will provide an excused absence letter to all who register.
Transportation: We will travel together by coach bus from Mount St. Francis to Indianapolis and back. If you would like to help keep this opportunity free for families, please contact kelli@catalystcatholic.org.
Accessibility: Accommodations are available for those who may not be able to participate in the 30-minute march from the Indiana Convention Center to the Capitol. Please let us know on the registration form if this applies to your child.
FAQs
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The Deanery March for Life Pilgrimage is a collaborative effort between several organizations:
The Archdiocese of Indianapolis Office of Youth Ministry works with dioceses across Indiana to plan the Youth Rally & Mass for Life.
Right to Life of Indianapolis organizes the March through downtown, along with the pre- and post-rallies.
Catalyst Catholic coordinates transportation to and from Mount St. Francis and downtown Indianapolis.
Parish leaders promote this event to youth and serve as chaperones for the day.
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The March for Life takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Please send your child with warm, weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes, and a small bag for their belongings.
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Yes. Phones are allowed for communication and photos, and we collect numbers from as many youth as possible to stay connected throughout the day. Youth are expected to stay with their group at all times and will also have the contact number for at least one group leader.
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Catalyst Catholic will provide transportation from Mount St. Francis to Indianapolis and back using deanery vehicles. Depending on registration numbers, we may also add a second pick-up and drop-off at a northern-deanery parish. All details will be confirmed once registration closes. Adult chaperones ride on the bus with youth to ensure safe travel.
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Parents will receive a contact number for the trip leader in case of emergency. We will also send updates if there are any changes to arrival or return times.
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Yes! Parents and parish leaders are welcome to serve as chaperones. Chaperones play an active role in supervising and guiding teens throughout the day — not just riding along. This includes:
Walking the full March for Life route
Staying with assigned groups
Leading reflection activities
Helping youth stay safe and engaged
All chaperones must be Safe Parish trained and comfortable leading groups of teens in busy areas. Space is limited, and chaperones will be confirmed based on group needs. Interested volunteers can sign up through the registration link, and a Catalyst staff member will follow up with details.
