Bishop Paprocki will be joined by priests, deacons and seminarians of the diocese, as well as religious sisters and brothers and Catholics from throughout the diocese.

“I have long been an ardent supporter of pro-life efforts,” Bishop Paprocki said. “I pray every day for a change of minds and hearts and laws to have a greater respect for all human life from conception to natural death, especially among the members of our executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. We also need to pray fervently for the members of the nursing and medical professions and those who are contemplating having an abortion.

“I look forward to the Respect Life Mass on Oct. 9 and the walk to Hope Clinic in Granite City,” he said.

After the vigil a luncheon will be served at the Holy Family Parish hall.