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Members of the respect life ministry at Immaculate Conception parish in Glenville will be making a joyful noise outside of the Schenectady Planned Parenthood site from 2-3 p.m. on Dec. 17.

The group plans to sing Christmas carols as part of the Empty Manger Project, a national effort to celebrate life.

"The objective is to bring attention to and make a comparison to this baby that was born when there wasn't even room for Him at the inn, and this other baby" carried by a woman planning to get an abortion, said Larry Smith, who is organizing the event for Immaculate Conception parish.

The pro-lifers hope that singing carols outside Planned Parenthood -- "Silent Night" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" are on their list -- will inspire patrons of the clinic to think twice about abortion.

According to Mr. Smith, this peaceful protest has changed people's minds about their decisions in the past. "The thought is that prayer can bring about change," he noted.

The parish has been participating in this event for a number of years, usually drawing between eight and 18 participants. On occasion, retired Deacon Owen South of St. Kateri Tekakwitha parish in Schenectady has even attended dressed as St. Nicholas.

"He happened to have a suit laying around," Mr. Smith explained. Santa Claus -- as opposed to St. Nicholas -- has also stopped by past gatherings.

The event is lighthearted and serene, Mr. Smith said, focusing on the peacefulness of the season.

The singers will bring along an empty manger, complete with straw.

"It is effective," Mr. Smith reassured. "It's an easy way to come out and try something peacful and calm."

(For information, contact Larry Smith at 518-384-0882 or [email protected].)[[In-content Ad]]

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