March for Life - Washington, D.C.

Hundreds of thousands of people are pouring into Washington D.C. to protest abortion for the annual March for Life. Office of Radio and Television reporter Jason Calvi is with a group from the Archdiocese of Hartford. Tonight there will be a special Mass, which, we're told, more than 10,000 people will attend. Tomorrow, a pro-life breakfast, another Mass, and then the march itself. WJMJ and Crossroads Magazine will be there live and bring you reports throughout the day.

Bridgeport Diocese Sues the State

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport filed a federal lawsuit Friday afternoon against the state for seeking to have the church register as a lobbyist because it organized rallies against a bill to have independent boards oversee the churches finances.

Church officials are asking the court to issue an injunction against the Office of State Ethics' attempt to make the church register as a lobbyist.

"I believe the OSE's extension of the lobbying laws to these activities will interfere with the diocese's ability to mobilize its members and, if necessary, to urge them to rally at the Capitol," Bishop William Lori said.

The Hartford Courant has the whole story here.

In March, more than 4,000 Catholics gathered at the Capitol to protest a proposed bill to have lay councils oversee the finances of local parishes, relegating Catholic pastors and bishops to an advisory role.

Crossroads Magazine covered the event, and will bring you the video shortly.

Day of Prayer

Although the National Day of Prayer has been somewhat downplayed by the White House, Connecticut still has several events in which you can participate. If you were unable to attend any today, many events are taking place tomorrow as well.

To find events in your area, click here.

SB 899, Gay Marriage in CT

The State Senate may vote tomorrow on SB 899, the same-sex marriage codeification bill. Archbishop Henry Mansell has asked all Catholics to write or call their representatives, claiming that religious freedom is now at risk.

Last week, the Family Institute of Connecticut staged a rally on the North Steps of the Capital building. 125 people showed up, in dreary weather, holding signs, and shouting slogans, all in opposition to this bill. The Family Institute is not connected with the Catholic Church.

Crossroads has been following this story closely. We covered the rally, and both sides of the debate last week.

The Hartford Courant covered the story yesterday, as a preview to tomorrow's possible vote.

We'll be there again tomorrow, and bring you another update as soon as we have new information.

If you don't want to wait that long, you can visit the Family Institute's website to contact your representatives.