Months ago, the board members of the Warrenton Pregnancy Center decided to commemorate the momentous first anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Together with 10 Christian churches in Warrenton, they organized a Celebration of Life June 24, the day the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
By the playground of the Warrenton Aquatic and Recreation Facility, families enjoyed moon bounces, frozen treats, pizza and Chick-fil-A. Some brought diapers for the pregnancy center and grabbed colorful bracelets that read “Life 6/24.” The Knights of Columbus sold chili and cookies, raising money to send the center’s old ultrasound machine to a Catholic health care center in Uganda.
Father Charles C. Smith, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church in Warrenton, opened the event’s program in prayer before Zach Ritz, lead pastor of Veritas Church in Warrenton, spoke. “Today is the day that the Catholic Church recognizes the birth of St. John the Baptist, Father did you know that?” he said looking at Father Smith with a smile. “While still in his mother’s womb, (John) leapt for joy in the presence of the unborn Christ. We need to join with John the Baptist today and bear witness to who Jesus is and what Jesus says about children. Children are not a burden — children are a blessing.”
Patrick Novecosky, executive director of the pregnancy center and a St. John parishioner, talked about the work of the center, which has free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, baby supplies and parenting classes. “(We) help (clients) to understand that not only does this community have your back, but Jesus Christ has your back,” he said.
