Youth Rally and Mass for Life
Youth from The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington are invited to participate in a Youth Mass of Celebration and Thanksgiving at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle in Washington on January 20, 2023.
Please join our local schools, youth ministries, and many other young people of the Archdiocese to worship together in celebration and thanksgiving for life.
If you would like to receive more information, please contact the ADW Office of Youth Ministry with the name of your parish, city and the name of the person responsible for participant registration.
For those who are not from our Archdiocese and will be coming to join the March for Life at the National Mall, we extend our gratitude for your commitment to the dignity of life. Many of our local parishes will be celebrating Masses throughout the day and we advise you to contact them to find out schedules and other necessary information for your participation.
Additionally, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception will hold their National Prayer Vigil for Life 2023 and all are welcome to participate.
Plenary Indulgence for the 2023 March for Life
The Holy See has granted a plenary indulgence for the Masses that will be celebrated in The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington during this year’s March for Life on January 19-20, 2023. This year’s plenary indulgence provides for those pilgrims who will attend events in person and for those pilgrims who will attend events virtually. Pilgrims who participate in person, or virtually due to age, sickness or other grave reasons that prevent them from leaving their homes, but who join via TV, radio or social media in the National Prayer Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Thursday, January 19, 2023 will obtain a plenary indulgence. The same conditions apply for pilgrims, who will attend in person or virtually the Mass for Life, which will be celebrated on Friday, January 20, 2023 at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle. The same conditions apply for pilgrims, who will attend in person or virtually Masses held in the Archdiocese of Washington on January 19-20, 2023 in conjunction with the March for Life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the plan for the 2023 Youth Rally?
The 2023 Youth Rally has been cancelled. After a consultation process that involved dialogue with other dioceses, ministry leaders and the partners who assist in hosting the annual Rally and Mass, The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington has decided not to move forward with hosting the larger multi-diocese rally. Click here to read more about that decision.
Are there any additional events my diocese group can participate in?
We encourage groups traveling to Washington, D.C. to attend the Vigil Mass at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Masses will also be held at parishes around the archdiocese. Please contact individual parishes for Mass schedules and other information on how you can participate.
Will there be an opportunity for ADW youth to celebrate Mass together before the march?
Yes! Cardinal Gregory invites youth from The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington parish and school groups to join him for a Mass of Celebration and Thanksgiving at our Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle on January 20, 2023. More information can be found here.
How do I prepare for the National March for Life event?
Visit marchforlife.org for more information on attending this year’s March for Life.
For more information about the Youth Rally, please email [email protected].