📅 Wednesday, January 20, 2027
*details below are from 2026. subject to change for next year *
📢 YOUTH GRADES 8-12 & ADULT LEADERS
⏰ 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.
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.
Schedule:
Morning Departure
6:00am – Meet at Mt. St. Francis
6:30am – Meet at St. Francis Xavier, Henryville
Youth Rally & Mass
9:00am – Youth Rally for Life
@ Indianapolis Convention Center11:30am – 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
3:15pm – Meet with Politicians in the State House
Closing
5:00pm – Dinner & debrief
@ Cracker Barrel (Seymour, IN)7:00pm – Return to St. Francis Xavier, Henryville
7:30pm – 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 Mother Olga, the Nico Cabrera Band, and the Bishops of the dioceses in Indiana.
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 and local parish leaders coordinate transportation and adult leaders who are prepared to help our teens process what they see and hear.
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Great question!
The Youth Rally for Life is our time to be inspired and energized before the March begins. We’ll hear from Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart, founder of the Daughters of Mary of Nazareth—an engaging speaker who has shared her message of faith and hope at major pro-life and Catholic events, including the National Eucharistic Congress. The rally also features uplifting live music from the Nico Cabera Band 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.
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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.
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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
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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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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.
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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.
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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! 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.
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This shared pilgrimage gives our young people the chance to reflect deeply on what they experience—helping them process what they see and hear, understand how their faith shapes their civic engagement, and return home ready to live out the Gospel of Life.
We are currently seeking $2,000 in financial support to help offset the cost of the charter bus and provide formation materials for participants. Your gift helps form a new generation of faithful advocates for life.
If you wish to contribute or learn more, please contact Michelle Fessel at michelle@catalystcatholic.org or 812-923-8355. Donations may also be mailed to:
Catalyst Catholic
101 St. Anthony Dr.
Mt. St. Francis, IN 47146
