RED BANK -- Six-year-old Elijah Scheininger and his eight-year-old brother, Jared, knew they could have spent their Saturday morning doing just about anything -- sleeping late, watching cartoons or playing sports.

But the boys and their mom, Patricia, instead chose to be at St. Anthony of Padua Parish bright and early March 8 to joining 300 people in the annual diocesan Respect Life Mass and then participate in the mile-long procession that followed to a Planned Parenthood facility in Shrewsbury where they prayed the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary for the intention of all life issues.

"We can't expect others to fight, can we?" said Patricia Scheininger as she looked at her sons as they happily munched away on sandwiches during the reception in the parish hall.

"We have to get out there and fight as well," she said.

Nodding their heads in agreement, Elijah and Jared seemed genuinely pleased about the "worthwhile sacrifice" they had made to give up part of their Saturday and be present for the respect life event that was sponsored by the diocesan Office of Family Life/Respect Life. The boys made it a point to say and seemed quite taken with how "sopping wet" everyone got during the downpour that converged on the throng as they prayed the Third Mystery of the Rosary, but really no one seemed to mind.

Whether they were first time participants like the Scheininger family of St. Rose Parish, Belmar, or those who have years of experience under their belts, the most powerful weapon that the faithful can bring to the respect life event is that of prayer.

This is an opportunity for us to "stand up for life," said Mary Jane Saada of St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel, who has been a familiar face over the years. "Abortion is such a big issue. We need to be proactive."

Saada said what also draws her to the annual Respect Life is seeing the creative projects that school-aged children submit for the Office of Family Life/Respect Life's poster, essay and video contest.

"I love seeing what the young children bring to the respect life movement," said Saada.

They are works and words that come straight from the hearts of children, she said.

This year's annual Respect Life Mass once again provided the perfect opportunity for faithful of the diocese to come together as Church and then publicly pray for their shared beliefs, especially the sanctity of human life.

The gathering certainly missed the presence of Bishop John M. Smith who probably for the first time was unable to attend given that he was celebrating the Funeral Mass that morning for Father Patrick G. Fitzpatrick, the beloved 29-year pastor of Holy Family Parish, Hazlet.

Filling in for Bishop Smith was Father Ian Trammell, diocesan Respect Life coordinator, who was principal celebrant of the Mass. Giving what he called a "pep talk homily," Father Trammell focused on the Readings that centered on people helping those who cannot help themselves.

Noting how the day was "an opportunity for us as Catholics in the diocese to be active witnesses of our beliefs," he noted how "the U.S. bishops have recently re-emphasized their teaching on our responsibility to have a public role as Catholics in our great country."

"We do not compartmentalize our faith or segregate ourselves from society. Instead, we are called to proudly live out what believe," he said.

Father Trammell exhorted the gathering that they must first "become educated themselves on the teachings of the Church" before stepping out as "active witnesses" and teaching others. He said that in the fall, the Office of Family Life/Respect Life will embark on new educational initiatives by sponsoring a campaign to help people live as faithful citizens. He also said there will be a new youth section added to the diocesan respect life website: www.respectlifetoday.com, and a new logo contest will be held for high school students.

Reflecting on the 2008 Respect Life Mass and Witness, Father Trammell said he was especially heartened to see the many young people and "long time friends and supporters of respect life."

"I pray that people will find inspiration and an infusion of energy through this joyful event where we celebrate life and let those in trouble know that we are in solidarity with them and ready to help," he said. "No one should ever feel alone. Both our Lord and the Church love each person in a unique way."

If there is anything that Father Trammell has learned over the years about the annual Respect Life Mass and Witness, it has been "that in the midst of adversity, people of good will and can make change."

"We need to show our love, concern and care for others. We have to remember that we are all part of God's creation, and that God loves each of us and he wants us to love each other too," he said. "We are called to move toward God as a Church, together as a family. I am continually touched by the enthusiasm people share with one another during this event as we pray and celebrate the gift of life together."