40 Days for Life Invites Catholics to Pray, Fast and Stand for Life This Fall
For 40 days this fall, Catholics and other Christians throughout the Toledo area are invited to come together in prayer for an end to abortion through the annual 40 Days for Life campaign.
The Fall 2026 campaign began Sept. 23 and continues through Nov. 1, with participants gathering for peaceful prayer outside the Toledo Women’s Center, 1160 W. Sylvania Ave. in Toledo.
“For 40 days we gather the Christian community to peacefully and publicly pray for an end to abortion,” said Kevin Jorrey, Director of the Office for Life and Justice for Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo. “Through our joyful Christian presence on the sidewalks of the Toledo Abortion Center, we offer hope to the local community.”
The international 40 Days for Life campaign centers on prayer, fasting and peaceful vigil outside abortion facilities. In Toledo, the effort has brought together participants from across the diocese for many years.
Kevin points to the closing of the former Center for Choice abortion facility in 2013 as an important part of the history of the local pro-life movement. More than 50,000 documented abortions took place at the downtown Toledo facility during its 30 years of operation. The building was later demolished, and the property became Hope Park, a memorial to the unborn intended as a place of healing and restoration for families affected by abortion.
For years, Christians had gathered in prayer outside the facility, including through local 40 Days for Life campaigns.
This fall, participants will return to Hope Park for the campaign’s Midpoint Prayer Rally on Tuesday, Oct. 13. An optional Rosary will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the prayer rally at 5:30 p.m. at Hope Park, 328 22nd St. in Toledo.
A visible witness of hope
For Catholics who recognize the tragedy of abortion but wonder what difference they can personally make, Kevin said simply showing up in prayer can be a meaningful witness.
“Many people understand the tragedy of abortion but feel helpless to combat it,” he said.
That feeling can be especially strong following the 2023 amendment to the Ohio Constitution establishing a right to make and carry out reproductive decisions, including abortion.
“It can be easy to be discouraged,” Kevin said. “But we know that God writes straight with all of our crooked lines.”
He encourages Catholics not to underestimate the impact of an individual willing to spend time praying peacefully outside the facility.
“The impact of each individual praying on the sidewalks of the abortion center has a big impact on people driving by,” Kevin said. “It’s our opportunity to show them that God’s love is real and we’re here to help anyone that is considering abortion.”
Never participated before?
For someone who has considered joining a 40 Days for Life vigil but feels hesitant about going to an abortion facility for the first time, Kevin wants them to know they do not have to go alone.
“Our 40 Days for Life Toledo Team would love to go out and pray with you,” he said. “Please reach out to us and we’ll set you up with an experienced prayer partner so you know you’re not alone.”
The local campaign also provides information showing participants exactly where to park and where to stand. Parking is available in the gravel lot across N. Haven Avenue from the Toledo Women’s Center, and additional guidance is available through the campaign’s “Where to Park & Pray” resource.
“We strive to make it as easy as possible to sign up to pray,” Kevin said. “If you’ve ever wanted to get involved, contact us and we’d love to pray with you.”
Bring your parish, family or friends
Participants can sign up for an individual vigil hour, invite friends or family to pray together, or help an entire parish become involved.
Parishes may adopt a day of the campaign, committing to help fill the vigil with two prayer volunteers each hour from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Several parishes and Catholic groups throughout the Diocese of Toledo have already adopted days during this fall’s campaign.
Parish leaders interested in adopting a day can contact Kevin for a free Church Captain Toolkit with resources to help organize their parish’s participation.
The campaign will also include a Mass for Life and Eucharistic Procession on Saturday, Oct. 31. Bishop Daniel E. Thomas will celebrate Mass at 8:45 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Toledo, followed by a peaceful 1.5-mile Eucharistic Procession to the Toledo Women’s Center and back to the parish. The gathering will help bring the Fall 2026 campaign to a close.
Whether joining the vigil for an hour, participating with a parish, attending the Midpoint Prayer Rally or walking in the Eucharistic Procession, Kevin hopes Catholics will recognize that there is a place for them in the campaign.
Sometimes, he said, getting involved can be as simple as inviting a few people you love and showing up to pray.
Learn more and sign up: Visit the Toledo 40 Days for Life campaign page to reserve a vigil hour, find parking information and access campaign resources.
For questions, to be paired with an experienced prayer partner or to request a Church Captain Toolkit, contact Kevin Jorrey at kjorrey@toledodiocese.org or 419-214-4933.
Posted September 24, 2026 at 7:08 pm