Annual Sanctity of Life Dinner set for March 11 in Indianapolis

Criterion staff report

The Sanctity of Life Dinner, sponsored by the archdiocesan Office of Pro-Life and Family Life, will be held at Primo Banquet Hall and Conference Center, 2615 National Ave. in Indianapolis, at 6 p.m. on March 11. Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin will serve as the keynote speaker. (Register online here)

“The Sanctity of Life Dinner provides a unique opportunity for people from across the archdiocese to gather together to rejoice in the truth and beauty of what we believe—that each person is made in the image and likeness of God and deserving of love and respect,” said Rebecca Niemerg, director of the Office of Pro-Life and Family Life.

“The gathering helps to remind each of us that we are not alone in our labors to build a culture of life, and it gives us an opportunity to honor a person who has labored well.”

During the event, Eileen Hartman, president and executive director of the Great Lakes Gabriel Project, will be honored for her work to further the pro-life cause. Besides starting the Great Lakes Gabriel Project, Hartman has helped lead 40 Days for Life in the archdiocese, and worked to make the dream of a mobile ultrasound unit in the Indianapolis area a reality.

“Eileen possesses a number of qualities that make her a worthy recipient of the Sanctity of Life Award,” said Niemerg. “She has a deep conviction in her own dignity as a person made in the image and likeness of God, which allows her to see and communicate the dignity in each person she serves through Great Lakes Gabriel Project.

“Her profound hope in Jesus Christ gives her a foundation and the ability to authentically communicate the message of the Gospel in her work to build a culture of life. Eileen possesses a heart of gratitude for all that the Lord has done in her life, and this hope enables her to serve.”

The money raised from the event supports a variety of ministries of the Office of Pro-Life and Family Life, including the Birthline ministry, Project Rachel, bereavement ministry, Pre-Cana conferences, health ministry and parish nursing, divorced and separated ministry, and the local solemn observance of Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion.

Niemerg is looking forward to having Archbishop Tobin speak at the gathering.

“We are excited to have Archbishop Tobin give the keynote address at this year’s dinner,” she said. “He was scheduled to speak last year, but unexpectedly had to make a trip to Rome. It will be inspiring to hear our shepherd talk about how to build a culture of life and civilization of love in our parishes and communities.”
 

Tickets for the event are $50 per person, or $40 per student. Registration is available online by logging onto secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=0b5bd7 or by calling 317-236-1551, or 800-382-9836, ext. 1551. †