Description:
Each year as the anniversary of Roe v. Wade approaches, the truth that the wounds of abortion impact each of us in our respective communities manifests itself anew and in an ever more vigorous way: far beyond those directly involved in the act of abortion itself - whether it be one’s co-worker, one’s neighbor, friend, relative, fellow parishioner - we have all been affected by the loss of each child aborted and the often hidden suffering of their post-abortive parents.

An Afternoon of Prayerful Remembrance and Intercession (APRI) is, as its name suggests: a prayer service, created in the spirit of the New Evangelization, for the entire local community. Acknowledging abortion’s universal impact through reflections and testimonies offered as part of the day, it gives the opportunity for all of us to come together in an extended period of prayer, contemplation, and intercession in the context of the Church’s Sacraments, seeking forgiveness and healing for our entire nation. The day includes an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a period of silent, Eucharistic Adoration and concludes with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Purpose:

• To offer a concrete expression for the USCCB’s nationwide Day of Prayer and Penance on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade; while APRI could be done anytime during the year it is a particularly appropriate event on or around Jan 22
• To bring a greater knowledge of the far-reaching effects of the sin of abortion on individuals and society as a whole
• Looks to spread awareness of post-abortion healing and appreciation for its vital role in building an authentic culture of life
• While intended for every one in the community, hopes to specially draw those silently suffering from a personal loss to abortion (woman, men, grandparents, relatives, friends, siblings) safeguarding their anonymity through the universal, communal prayer aspect.

• It begins with an Introduction by the organizer giving a brief overview of the service.
• Then the Priest processes to altar while congregation sings an appropriate entrance chant/song; he then offers a prayer for the day.
• Next a brief talk (^15min) is given by a post-abortion speaker on “The Far – Reaching Impact of Abortion on Family, Friends, and Society”. The speaker concludes the presentation with an explanation of what is to immediately follow
• Individual Testimonials and Intercessory Prayer

• Each testimonial has been written by actual persons affected by the loss of a child through abortion and is read by a volunteer (i.e. parishioners/respect life group members). Each volunteer approaches the altar from his/her seat in the congregation with a violet flower symbolizing forgiveness as well as a flower signifying the restored nature of the person’s relationship. The volunteer reads his/her testimonial, then places their flowers in a vase before an image of Divine Mercy/Sacred Heart in front of the altar. The volunteer returns to their seat and a brief silence follows (i.e. 1 minute). The Intercessory Prayer leader goes to pulpit and reads the appropriate intercession that pertains to the testimonial just read and then the congregation responds with a simple chant. Another shorter silence follows (i.e. 30s) and the next testimonial follows. Once this is finished the altar is made ready for exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (further silence may be observed or an appropriate meditative song can be sung).

• A Holy Hour with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament follows consisting of :
  • The main priest celebrant for the day offering a short reflection (10min) on the notion of Reconciliation as it pertains to the spirit of the day. Then recitation of 5 decades of the Rosary and the remainder of the time spent in silent adoration; confessions are available all throughout the Holy Hour. The Hour concludes with Benediction and Reposition (see Sample Program for prayers and music). The altar is then made ready for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. 
• The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass concludes the day. The Mass was taking from the Lectionary: Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions, #IV for Particular Needs, #40 For Forgiveness of Sins.
  

To obtain copies of all materials to be used in promoting and coordinating this day please contact Lumina (877) 586-4621