The 33rd annual March for Life, themed "Roe v. Wade Violates the American Way," is scheduled for Jan. 23, the day after than the actual anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision so that marchers are able to visit their Congressional representatives.

"Marchers for life educate Washington officialdom at all three branches of our government that … abortion kills a preborn human, traumatizes mothers and fathers and assaults all members of our society, including feminists/abortionists," according to materials distributed by the March for Life.

This year’s rally begins at noon and has a new starting point. Due to construction, the rally, which usually begins on the ellipse, will start on the National Mall at Seventh Street. The march begins at 1 p.m. as protesters walk down Constitution Avenue to the Supreme Court.

Many parishes within the Arlington Diocese will bring people to the march, said Therese Bermpohl, acting director of the Family Life Office. Several parishes also celebrate a Mass for Life before leaving.

Blessed Sacrament Church in Alexandria will host Franciscan Father Benedict Groeschel on Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m., speaking on, "I Have Come That You May Have Life and Have it Abundantly."

The March for Life Education and Defense Fund will sponsor a convention at the Hyatt-Regency Washington Hotel Jan. 21-22. Among the speakers are Nellie Gray, president of the March for Life Fund, St. Louis Archbishop Raymond L. Burke and Bobby Schindler, brother of Terri Sciavo.

The National Prayer Vigil for Life will be held Jan. 22 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. The evening begins with Mass celebrated by Baltimore Cardinal William H. Keeler at 8 p.m. The vigil includes a rosary for life, liturgy of the hours and the opportunity for confession and ends at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 23 with Mass.

In what has become a March for Life tradition, the third annual Rally for Life and Youth Mass will be celebrated at the MCI Center on Jan. 23. The rally begins at 8:45 a.m. with entertainment by musicians Tony Melendez, Steve Angrisano, the Toe Jam Band and Who Do You Say I Am Band. Washington Cardinal Theodore McCarrick and many priests, bishops and cardinals from across the country will join the rally for the youth Mass at 10 a.m.

The Office of Youth Ministry is selling hats and headbands embroidered with "Arlington 4 Life." The coordinated head gear will help Arlington youths "to be clearly visible as having a large, united presence at the March," said Kevin Bohli, director.

Anyone from the diocese who is participating in the march is encouraged to walk with diocesan youths under the "Celebrate Life" banner.

To purchase hats call the Office of Youth Ministry at 703/841-2559. For more information on the Rally for Life and Youth Mass, go to www.arlingtoncatholicyouth.org.

For more information about the March for Life activities contact the Office of Family Life at 703/841-2550 or your local parish office.