St Cecilia's Life Runners' Thomas A Haltigan Memorial Pro-Life 5K

A faith-filled, family friendly gathering at Central Park of Morris Plains, NJ 07950, celebrating the gift of life and the protection of the unborn from the moment of conception until natural death. This fundraiser for the Saint John Paul II Respect Life Ministry based at St Cecilia's Parish, Rockaway, NJ, is hosted by the St. Cecilia's LIFE Runners, an affiliate of the Ministry, and a chapter of the nationwide LIFE Runners organization. LIFE Runners is the world’s largest Pro-Life organization with more than 25,000 members in 53 nations who run, jog and walk and pray for the end of abortion.

BISHOP KEVIN J SWEENEY 

Joining us to lead the Opening Prayers and offer Remarks will be the Most Reverend Kevin J. Sweeney, D.D., Bishop, Diocese of Paterson, NJ. A steadfast and outspoken champion of the pro-life cause, Bishop Sweeney has made the defense and dignity of the most vulnerable among us a central part of his ministry and pastoral leadership.
 
Since its inception in 2013, our group has organized this annual fun 5K in Morristown, with the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. Until now, the event has been a non-timed, carefully supervised community event through the streets of Morristown, starting and finishing on the grounds of Assumption Parish.

The event has attracted young people and young adults from local parishes and Churches, as well as older adults, family groups and other numerous other participants. With the dedicated support of St Cecilia's Parish in Rockaway, as well as the generosity of Assumption Parish in Morristown for the use of its facilities since the beginning, this one of a kind 5K takes the next step this year as a professionally timed, cross-country (and fun-filled!) competitive event.

HONORING A PRO-LIFE CHAMP

Two years ago, the event was renamed in honor of the late THOMAS A HALTIGAN, one of the original chapter members, and a dedicated servant of St. Cecilia’s LIFE Runners. Funds raised are for the charitable and tireless work of the Saint John Paul II Respect Life Ministry at St Cecilia’s Parish, Rockaway.

This Ministry has generously contributed material, practical, financial and spiritual support to single mothers coping with crisis pregnancies, and to non-profit shelters assisting single mothers. The support has specifically included shelter care, food, clothing, cash and assistance towards the general needs of moms and young babies.