The smaller venue will offer the opportunity for the public to talk with the speakers and leaders, the Rev. Hoye said.
“The people will get a chance to talk and ask questions of the rally speakers,” he said. “They’ll be available to talk.”
Proceeds from the dinner will benefit the Diocese of Oakland’s Rachel’s Vineyard Ministry and the Issues4Life Foundation, based in Union City, Calif.
An ecumenical prayer service will follow from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland. The public is invited to attend the service. The Most Rev. Salvatore J. Cordileone, bishop of Oakland, and the Most Rev. Jaime Soto, bishop of Sacramento, Calif. will be among the speakers.
Also expected are Bishop Robert Jackson of Acts Full Gospel Church, and Bishop R.D. Garrison Jr. of Judah the Gathering Place of Ministry Unto Jesus, both of Oakland.
“This is beautiful,” said the Rev. Hoye. “Every year we alternate venues to integrate the denominations. Bishop Vigneron (former bishop of Oakland) started this in 2008. Bishop Cordileone sees the vision of bringing all God’s people together.”
Prayers will reflect scriptural passages about life, Hoye said. The heart of the service is the offering of roses.
“Those who have suffered loss get the opportunity to bring up a rose, to represent their child at the altar,” the Rev. Hoye said.
In previous years, it has been a highly emotional moment.
“When we got to the rose ceremony, we are all sharing the same pain. Everybody cried.”
Posted with permission from The Catholic Voice, newspaper for the Diocese of Oakland, Calif.
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