Outdoor Display Symbolizes Church's Stance Against Abortion

An anti-abortion display outside the old St. Mary's High School in New Baltimore leaves a compelling impression for passersby.

Amid rows of small, white crosses in the ground, a sign on the lawn states "150 Babies Killed By Abortion Every Hour of Every Day In The U.S.A. Pray To End This Holocaust!"

"During the month of October, Catholics in the United States celebrate Respect Life Month with its focus being on the dignity of life and the need to respect life in all forms, particularly human life from conception to natural death," said Sister Pat Whalen of . "Some churches in the Archdiocese of Detroit do a similar lawn display, such as we have, to bring a greater awareness to the evil of abortion."

This is the third year the display, put on by the church's Choose Life Committee and Youth Ministry Program, is in front of the Faith Formation Building. The young church members also participate in the March for Life in Washington D.C. each January. Following the 11 a.m. Mass Sunday, at approximately 12:30 p.m., a short prayer service will be held on the lawn and the crosses will be taken down, Whalen said.

"Our Choose Life Committee oversees any programs we have that support the preservation and respect for life such as our Mother’s Day carnation sale, our Gabriel Project and baby shower for moms who choose to keep their babies rather than abort them," she said.

Community Response to Display

While it may not be surprising that a Catholic church opposes abortion, the method of sending this message has spurred reaction in the city--some favorable and some not. 

Allison Powers said on New Baltimore-Chesterfield Patch's Facebook page, "I find it offensive. There is an appropriate way to display this sort of message, and I do not believe this is appropriate. Children in that neighborhood do not need to be subjected to this."

While Megan Rock also wrote, "I think it gives parents an opportunity to have some serious heart-to-heart conversations with their kids."

Joe Zydel stated, "The views of the Catholic church are well known. If anyone finds this offensive, don't look at it."

What do you think about the display? Tell us in the comments section below.