Easter parade showcases Illinois parish's pro-life commitment

Published: 2007-04-05

JOLIET, Ill. (CNS) -- In keeping with the springtime theme that celebrates the wealth of new life found throughout nature -- blooming flowers, budding trees and newborn bunnies -- the pro-life ministry at St. Patrick Parish in Joliet fits right in. For the fifth year in a row, St. Patrick Parish entered a respect-life float in Joliet's Easter parade, held April 1. More than 90 entries in this year's parade attracted several hundred onlookers along the route. Joe and Joan Bannon, who co-chair the pro-life ministry committee at the parish, led more than a dozen committee members and a host of pro-life teens in delivering a message that supports life beginning at the point of conception. On this year's float, demonstrating the generational flow of natural life, the Bannons, a gray-haired couple, sat in rocking chairs in front of a "Respect Life" banner. Directly in front of them were young parents Joe and Beth Perona and their four children -- Michael, 5; Joe, 4; Rebecca, 2; and Katie, 7 months.

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