Closing Rally

I had been hoping that Premier Ford might make an announcement this week and make a change to the number of people allowed in outdoor gatherings. But things remain the same: 25 people, or be subject to fines. We don’t want to pay any of these exorbitant fines, so here is what the organizing committee for 40 Days for Life Ottawa have decided.

In lieu of a large rally and candlelight procession, we will do a closing rally through Zoom. We do need closure to our campaign, but the risk of fines is too high. With the opposition monitoring our campaign, the chance is very good that they would report us if we exceed provincial limits for gatherings. I don’t want Campaign Life Coalition (our permit with the city is under their name) or our supporters, put in a position of having to pay heavy fines.

But if people come downtown to Queen and Bank streets they will not be turned away. Committee members will be there, at the vigil site. We will just keep an eye on the numbers and if we exceed 25, the extra people will be directed to another gathering spot.

The rally will start at 7:00 pm, or shortly after. Don’t forget the time change this weekend, we fall back one hour on Nov. 1. The rally begins with prayer, followed by a short update from me, a talk by our spiritual advisor, Deacon Charles Fink, and readings from the booklet, Standing in the Gap. It was decided that, because of the arrival of cold weather and the possibility of rain or snow on Sunday, we will not process to the human rights monument, but just have a candlelight ceremony with those present, at the vigil site. I’m guessing that this will take approximately ½ to ¾ hour.

To participate in the Zoom rally, email Helena at helena.szakowski@rogers.com

Helena will email the Zoom link to you, along with Standing in the Gap.

Our last get together will be virtual through Zoom. This seems to be the best option during COVID-19.

Yours for Life,

Wanda

Wanda Hartlin

Co-ordinator

40 Days for Life, Ottawa