"Celebrate Life Week 2010" will launch next week as part of an initiative by Seton Hall United for Life members to raise awareness and educate the Seton Hall community about the protection of life from natural conception to natural death.
"Oftentimes, people hear the term ‘pro-life' and immediately think the movement is solely about ending abortion," junior Jennifer Zmirski said.
"Being pro-life is so much more than that. Through prayer and action, we promote the dignity of all human life and advocate for the rights of the unborn, elderly, people with disabilities and all those otherwise disadvantaged in our society."
SHUFL is dedicated to creating a culture of life on the Seton Hall campus and the community. The events throughout Celebrate Life Week 2010 include guest speakers, a movie screening and group prayer sessions.
A highlight of the week includes ‘Celebrate Life Day' which will feature vendors, cupcakes and a baby shower on the Green to collect baby items and monetary donations for Raphael's Life House, a home for teenage mothers and their children.
Furthermore, SHUFL and MLKSA is co-sponsoring an event with Alveda King, the niece of Martin Luther King, Jr., who will present her speech "How Can the Dream Survive?" She will discuss her battle with abortion as well as give advice and answer questions.
According to Zmirski, the events will highlight SHUFL's "respect for all life, young and old, and offer a great environment for students to learn more, ask questions and participate in activities to help our community."
Junior David Vazquez added SHUFL's growth as an active group on campus has helped "Celebrate Life Week 2010" to grow as well.
"In years past we only would have a pro-life day, but as we saw the group grow, we decided the week should grow as well," Vazquez said.
"(SHUFL) was founded several years ago, but was a bit low-key in its campus involvement. Over the past two years we have been doing our best to change that and make SHUFL standout in the Seton Hall community."
"Celebrate Life Week 2010" will take place from April 11-17 at Seton Hall University. In addition to events, SHUFL will sell "Pirates for Life" wristbands and SHUFL T-shirts throughout the week.
Meghan St. John can be reached at meghan.stjohn@student.shu.edu.
Megan Kelly can be reached at megan.kelly@student.shu.edu.
