📅 Wednesday, January 20, 2027

📢 YOUTH GRADES 8-12 & ADULT LEADERS

⏰ 7:00am–7:00pm

📍 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.
This shared journey allows us to foster meaningful discussion—helping us to better understand how our faith can inform our civic engagement
and return home empowered to live out the Gospel. 

Come, be a part of the Pro-Life Generation!

Registration closes January 15
or when seats are full.

Join us


 

Schedule:

Morning Departure

  • 7:00am – Meet at Mt. St. Francis

Youth Rally & Mass

  • 9:00am – Youth Rally for Life
    @ Indianapolis 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 on the lawn at the Capitol Building

Closing

  • 5:00pm – Dinner & debrief
    @ Cracker Barrel (Seymour, IN)

  • 7:00pm – Return to Mt. St. Francis

Cost

There is no cost to attend. Participants should bring their own sack lunch and money for dinner at Cracker Barrel.

Featured at the Youth Rally
and Mass for Life:

This year, we have the privilege of welcoming PJ Anderson and the Bishops of the dioceses in Indiana.


 
 

FAQs

  • 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 and local parish leaders coordinate transportation and adult leaders who are prepared to help our teens process what they see and hear.

  • Great question!

    The Youth Rally for Life is our time to be inspired and energized before the March begins. The rally features uplifting witness talks and live music from PJ Anderson and ends with Mass celebrated by the Catholic bishops of Indiana.

    After lunch, we’ll take to the streets of Indianapolis for the March for Life, walking together from the Convention Center to the State Capitol lawn. This peaceful, prayerful witness gives participants the chance to live out their faith publicly and stand for the dignity of every human life. During the March, we will pray the rosary together as a group.

  • The March for Life takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Participants are asked to wear warm, weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes, and bring a small bag for their belongings.

  • While we recommend participants pack lightly, here are the essentials:

    • 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

  • 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.

  • 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 so that we can help provide accessibility.

  • Participants are asked to bring a sack lunch to be eaten at the Indianapolis Convention Center after Mass (approximately 1:00pm).

    In addition, participants are asked to bring money to purchase their own meal at Cracker Barrel in Seymour, IN on the way home. Approximately $20-25 should be sufficient.

  • Catalyst Catholic will provide transportation from Mount St. Francis (101 St. Anthony Dr. / Mt. St. Francis, IN) to Indianapolis and back a charter bus. The charter bus will have a professional driver from Miller Transportation.

  • Parents will receive a contact number for the trip leader in case of emergency. We will also send updates via text if there are any changes to arrival or return times.

  • Yes! Parish leaders, young adults, and parents are welcome to serve as adult leaders. These important volunteers play an active role in supervising and guiding teens throughout the day — not just riding along. This includes:

    • Helping youth stay safe and engaged

    • Leading reflection activities

    • Walking the full March for Life route

    • Communicating directions from the trip leader to your group

    All leaders must be Safe Parish trained and comfortable leading groups of teens in busy areas. Space is limited, and leaders 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.

  • Many schools, both public and private, may recognize participation in civic events such as the March for Life as an excused absence. At the conclusion of the trip, a letter documenting your child's participation will be provided for submission to their school. We encourage families to confirm their school's attendance policy in advance.

 
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