Crusaders for Life
By Ethan Begnoche, Staff Writer
Abortion is a major issue in the United States right now, and being such a widely discussed topic brings a wide demographic of opposition, including many high school students. However, there is not always a place for students to be active in learning and doing something about their pro-life stance. But At Kapaun Mt. Carmel, students are given the opportunity to join the March for Life in Washington, D.C. every January, and year round, students can be part of Crusaders for Life.
Crusaders for Life is the pro-life club at KMC that focuses on educating students and discussing pro-life issues, as well as fostering our community through prayer, acts of service and raising awareness for the unborn.
“Crusaders for Life is a club that is really dedicated to helping students who want to grow in their knowledge and understanding of what it means to be pro-life,” explained club sponsor José Morales. “Helping them to grow in the understanding of that through kinds of different engagement opportunities [is the club’s goal].”
The club can be a helpful aid to those interested in learning more about pro-life topics.
“What helped me [pursue the club] was by getting a better understanding and learning more about what abortion really is and how important the gift of life is,” said senior club president Joseph Beutel.
Meetings take place on Thursday mornings several times a month and consist of praying and organizing future events. Recently, Crusaders for Life had a clothing drive to help the needy during the winter. Most activities put on by Crusaders for Life take place off-campus, such as praying rosaries at abortion clinics, reaching out to struggling women and rallying at the Life Chain every year.
“I really like the Life Chain, which is every October, and it's a peaceful, prayerful, kind of march or stand, if you will, that we usually do here on the corner of Central and Rock,” said Morales. “Essentially, we just stand up with signs, we pray the rosary, and just kind of bear witness to life and the meaning of the dignity of human person.”
The Life Chain is well-liked and attended by students, with last October’s chain having approximately 100 students gathered on the street corner, according to Morales.
“The Life Chain was a very fun way to show our support for the unborn,” said sophomore member Max Weidman. “It’s important to attend because it shows that people care for the unborn.”
The club has also become an important way for members to connect their beliefs with their Catholic faith.
“[Crusaders for Life is important] because it exemplifies Catholic beliefs that all life is sacred,” said sophomore member Riley Malone.
But, ultimately, Crusaders for Life allows students to speak up for their faith while giving a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves.
“Crusaders for Life is really just a little image of how this school should be as a Catholic institution, a witness to the meaning of life all around, not just limited to the club,” Morales said.