The Bishop's Bulletin

Diocese of Sioux Falls, SD

September 2004

Father Frank Pavone, director of the international pro-life organization, Priests for Life, visited the Sioux Falls area in August.

Father Pavone called his visit a "whistle-stop" tour of Sioux Falls as he spoke to area residents and clergy about the November election.

The diocese’s Office of Respect Life coordinated Father Pavone’s visit as he spoke to groups at St. James Parish, Chamberlain; the John Paul II School, Mitchell, St. Benedict Parish, Yankton and St. Joseph Cathedral Parish, Sioux Falls.

During his stop in Sioux Falls, Father Pavone also participated in a prayer vigil in front of the Planned Parenthood clinic.

The focus of Father Pavone’s message is to encourage pro-life people to vote and be active in how they will support pro-life efforts.

Father Pavone spoke to Catholic and Christian voters, urging them to "bring their Christian convictions into the voting booth on November 2nd."

Father Pavone encouraged the clergy to "Urge the tens of thousands in your flock to vote pro-life candidates into office."

Father Pavone dismissed claims that he and Priests for Life are trying to unfairly influence the presidential election. "All we are saying is that this year’s elections are pivotal for the pro-life movement, and that it is therefore imperative that we elect more public officials who are willing to do something to restore full protection to the lives of unborn children."