Sir Knights Join Pro Life Mass and Eucharistic Procession in Ann Arbor

By: Matthew Wierzgac - Sat, Oct 24, 2026 7:04 AM

On Saturday, October 3, 2026, Father Bill Ashbaugh and the St Thomas the Apostle Catholic community in downtown Ann Arbor opened wide their doors and their hearts to the pro-life community as they again hosted a Pro-life Mass and Eucharistic Procession as part of the Ann Arbor 40 Days for Life Fall Campaign.

 

An estimated 125 people of all ages attended the Mass, including members of the pro-life community, parishioners of St Thomas the Apostle, and a small delegation of Sir Knights from the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard, who brought up the gifts during Mass.

 

Following Mass, Father Ashbaugh, Deacon Rich Badics of St Francis of Assisi in Ann Arbor, and Deacon Larry Gjernes of St Joseph in Ypsilanti led the Eucharistic Procession, with Sir Knights of the Honor Guard walking beside the canopy. More than thirty participants of all ages walked the almost two-mile route on a cold fall day, onto the University of Michigan Diag and through the streets of Ann Arbor. Along the way, women bowed and made the Sign of the Cross, and a gentleman tipped his hat in respect.

 

The procession paused on the front steps of St Thomas the Apostle to pray a Litany for Life, based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, before entering the church for Benediction.

Sir Knights of the Honor Guard during the Pro-life Mass at St Thomas the Apostle Priest and deacons at the altar during the Pro-life Mass
Procession participants walking along E Ann St in Ann Arbor The Eucharistic Procession on the University of Michigan campus
A father and two young sons walking in the Eucharistic Procession Sir Knights of the Honor Guard walking beside the canopy and monstrance
The Eucharistic Procession with crucifix and canopy crossing the Diag The Blessed Sacrament under the canopy on the front steps of St Thomas the Apostle
Praying the Litany for Life on the front steps of St Thomas the Apostle Benediction at the altar of St Thomas the Apostle

 

Thank you to Father Bill, Deacon Rich, Deacon Larry and the St Thomas the Apostle community for hosting, and to the Sir Knights of the Honor Guard who joined this public witness for life.

 

Reported by Sandie Weathers, Campaign Director, 40 Days for Life Ann Arbor. Submitted by SK Matt Wierzgac, State A/V Director.