Most Rev. Donald Hying, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Gary, delivers a message of life, hope, acceptance and love to a crowd of about 1,200 area school students and faculty during a 31st annual Prayer Service in Celebration of Life at Franciscan Health Dyer Oct. 4, conducted during national Respect Life Month. The theme of this year’s event, Be Not Afraid, was accentuated by remarks made by guest speaker Matt Schwartz, theological consultant for the Parish Success Group, a national Catholic ministry training and coaching agency, who stressed the good in each individual and the need to elevate the spirit and worth of others.
Patrick Maloney, hospital president and chief executive officer, emceed the event. Intersessions were offered the Rev. Theodore J. Mens, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Griffith and diocese coordinator of pro-life activities. Students from 15 Catholic schools from throughout Northwest Indiana were invited to attend.
