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 Catholic Parish, Rockaway, NJ, is hosted by 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 team. That's more than 25,000 LIFE Runners across 53 nations who run, jog, walk, and pray for an end to abortion through global relays and running events. 

Our Pro-Life 5K has become a wonderful gathering of generations, drawing young people and young adults from parishes and churches near and far—and participants from communities across the region. Alongside them are families, seasoned runners and walkers, older adults and supporters—all coming together in a spirited celebration of life. 

BISHOP KEVIN J SWEENEY 

Joining us again this year 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 courageous advocate 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 fun Pro-Life 5K in Morristown annually, with the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown and 2024. Until now, the 5K has been a non-timed, carefully supervised event through the streets of Morristown. With the dedicated support of St. Cecilia’s Parish in Rockaway—and the generosity of Assumption Parish in Morristown, which has provided its facilities since the very beginning—this race, jog and walk like no other takes an exciting next step this year as a professionally timed, cross-country event that’s competitive, fun-filled and welcoming to participants of all athletic and non-athletic abilities!

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, NJ.

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.