High school youth and college students are encouraged to take a road trip to Topeka.

On Monday, Jan. 22, participants will meet in Dodge City and Great Bend, where they’ll depart via bus or van to the state capitol to take part in the annual pro-life rally, which will include Mass.

Participants will also be able to enjoy lunch and a little sight-seeing.

Joining the group will be Father Wesley Schawe, who is excited about takin part in his second trip to Topeka.

"Our experience last year was so great," he said. "We filled the bus with youth and spent the day learning about the issues, praying for life, and meeting other young people.

"It’s a long day, and a school day, but I think it will be an educational and memorable experience for our youth."

Adults are also invited, but only if there are still seats available after the registration deadline has passed. The cost for youth is $20, and $35 for adults registering after Jan. 8 deadline. Adults who are unable to attend may wish to sponsor a youth for $20. Chaperones are also needed.

Father Schawe said he would like "parishes to consider either covering the cost or asking interested adults who can’t go to sponsor a student."

Monday, Jan. 22 is the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion.

"The rally is not just about an end to legalized abortion, although that’s an important focus," Father Schawe said. "It’s important for us to recognize that life in whatever stage deserves to be respected. That day is the logical day to draw attention to that.

"Every day should be a pro-life day," he added. "But if we’re supposed to pick a day where it’s on people minds, on people’s TVs, and on the radio, that’s the day to bring it to their attention.

"I hope other youth will be there. That’s part of the magic of bringing youth together; we have a common purpose, a common goal. It’s all right to stand up for ourselves. Finding support is important."

Participants will depart from Dodge City at 5 a.m., with one stop in Great Bend. If enough people from the far western region of the diocese wish to attend, Father Schawe will make arrangements for their transportation to Dodge City.

The rally on the steps of the capitol will begin at 10:30 a.m. Mass will be celebrated at noon across the street at Assumption Church. Lunch will be served at the church at 1:30 p.m. From 2-3:30 p.m., participants can take part in activities around the capitol, or can do some site-seeing. The group will head back at 3:30 p.m.

"Ask anyone who was there last January, and I’m sure they took something memorable from the day. Whether you are returning this year or going for the first time, I’m convinced it’s a day that will bring your faith to life."

For more information, or for information about becoming a chaperone, contact Father Schawe (wschawe@hotmail.com) or Pam Vainer (youthgroupnotes @hotmail.com), or call (620) 792-1396.

On Monday, Jan. 22, participants will meet in Dodge City and Great Bend, where they’ll depart via bus or van to the state capitol to take part in the annual pro-life rally, which will include Mass.

Participants will also be able to enjoy lunch and a little sight-seeing.

Joining the group will be Father Wesley Schawe, who is excited about takin part in his second trip to Topeka.

"Our experience last year was so great," he said. "We filled the bus with youth and spent the day learning about the issues, praying for life, and meeting other young people.

"It’s a long day, and a school day, but I think it will be an educational and memorable experience for our youth."

Adults are also invited, but only if there are still seats available after the registration deadline has passed. The cost for youth is $20, and $35 for adults registering after Jan. 8 deadline. Adults who are unable to attend may wish to sponsor a youth for $20. Chaperones are also needed.

Father Schawe said he would like "parishes to consider either covering the cost or asking interested adults who can’t go to sponsor a student."

Monday, Jan. 22 is the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion.

"The rally is not just about an end to legalized abortion, although that’s an important focus," Father Schawe said. "It’s important for us to recognize that life in whatever stage deserves to be respected. That day is the logical day to draw attention to that.

"Every day should be a pro-life day," he added. "But if we’re supposed to pick a day where it’s on people minds, on people’s TVs, and on the radio, that’s the day to bring it to their attention.

"I hope other youth will be there. That’s part of the magic of bringing youth together; we have a common purpose, a common goal. It’s all right to stand up for ourselves. Finding support is important."

Participants will depart from Dodge City at 5 a.m., with one stop in Great Bend. If enough people from the far western region of the diocese wish to attend, Father Schawe will make arrangements for their transportation to Dodge City.

The rally on the steps of the capitol will begin at 10:30 a.m. Mass will be celebrated at noon across the street at Assumption Church. Lunch will be served at the church at 1:30 p.m. From 2-3:30 p.m., participants can take part in activities around the capitol, or can do some site-seeing. The group will head back at 3:30 p.m.

"Ask anyone who was there last January, and I’m sure they took something memorable from the day. Whether you are returning this year or going for the first time, I’m convinced it’s a day that will bring your faith to life."

For more information, or for information about becoming a chaperone, contact Father Schawe (wschawe@hotmail.com) or Pam Vainer (youthgroupnotes @hotmail.com), or call (620) 792-1396.