On the first Sunday of October, which has been declared Respect Life Sunday by the U.S. Catholic bishops, a number of Life Chains will be held around North Georgia. Life Chain is a one-hour, peaceful, prayerful and silent expression of support for unborn babies and their mothers.

Those who participate are given prepared signs with a common message to hold up with other persons standing with them in a public area. This is a non-confrontational and legal expression of support for life. It is an ecumenical action, taking place in hundreds of cities across the country on this day.

Messages displayed at the Life Chain are: Jesus heals and forgives; abortion hurts women; abortion kills children; pray to end abortion; life—the first inalienable right; and adoption—the loving option. The public is invited to take part in this prayerful witness to respect for all human life.

Some of the locations of Life Chain this year include:

ALPHARETTA/JOHNS CREEK—Sunday, Oct. 5, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. the Old Alabama Life Chain will be held near St. Brigid Church, 3400 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. Arrive at the church parking lot between 2-2:30 p.m. to receive a sign. Contact: Diane Clapes at (770) 642-6193.

ATHENS: Sunday, Oct. 5, from 2-3 p.m. at the corner of Broad Street and College Avenue at the University of Georgia arches. Contact: Mike Morris at (706) 207-4403 or benleazakhan@yahoo.com.

ATLANTA: Sunday, Oct. 5, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in front of the Cathedral of Christ the King, 2699 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta. Assemble at 2:15 p.m. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will be held at the conclusion at 3:45 p.m. in the Cathedral. Contact: (404) 888-7821.

BLAIRSVILLE: Sunday, Oct. 5, from 2-3 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 515/76 and Highway 129. Contact: Jeannine at (706) 745-4590.

CANTON: Sunday, Oct. 5, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 140 and Highway 5. Pick up signs in Ingles parking lot beginning at 2 p.m. Contact: Ellen Brown at lifechaincanton@yahoo.com or (678) 493-4841.

COVINGTON: Sunday, Oct. 5, from 2-3 p.m. at St. Augustine Church, 11524 Highway 278 East. Contact: Christine Dawson at (770) 784-5287.

Sunday, Oct. 5, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in front of the Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Road. Contact: Effie Abrahamson at (678) 787-0731.

DEKALB COUNTY RIGHT TO LIFE: Sunday, Oct. 5, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. near Perimeter Mall at the northwest corner of Ashford-Dunwoody Road and Hammond Drive. The location is accessible by MARTA at Perimeter Center or park at the mall. Arrive 15 minutes early to pick up a sign. Contact: DekalbRightToLife@yahoo.com or noreen_coughlin@yahoo.com or (678) 595-1521.

ELLIJAY: Sunday, Oct. 5, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at River Street, Main Street, Industrial Blvd. and Maddox Drive. Pick up sign and instructions at 2 p.m. at Ace Hardware parking lot, Ellijay. Contact: Ruth Moskovitz at (706) 273-3301 or moskovitz1@hotmail.com.

GRIFFIN: Sunday, Oct. 5, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at Chick-fil-A, West Taylor Street. Contact: Al Evaristo at (770) 412-1910 or alnnet@comcast.net.

HARTWELL: Sunday, Oct. 5, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on East Franklin Street. Meet at Franklin Insurance Agency, 33 Campbell Drive. Contact: Tammy Frye at (706) 376-7899 or tfrye85@yahoo.com.

JONESBORO: Sunday, Oct. 5, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the corner of

S. Main Street and Church Street. Contact: Tina Knight at (678) 429-9288 or t.m.knight@comcast.net.

MARIETTA/EAST COBB COUNTY: Sunday, Oct. 5, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at Johnson Ferry Road at Woodlawn Drive. Pick up signs at Chick-fil-A parking lot starting at 2 p.m. Contact: Sharon Lewis at (770) 579-1574 or prolife@st-ann.org.

MONROE: Sunday, Oct. 5, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in front of the old courthouse at the corner of Spring and Broad streets. Contact:

beckibennett@bellsouth.net or (404) 731-9441.

ROSWELL: Sunday, Oct. 5, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 92 and Woodstock Road. Contact: Karen Hurley at (678) 277-9083 or khurley@btcatholic.org.