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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Alex Sykes, a homeschooled sophomore, was praying during Adoration at Holy Angels Church in Mount Airy when she experienced a calling. "I just had this feeling that God wanted me to do something, and all of a sudden a pro-life group came to mind. I knew that was it."

It took nearly two years to establish a core group, who call themselves Angels for Life, but her organization has grown in numbers and has become more active during the past few months. The group meets monthly, organizes fundraisers and occasionally leads the rosary during Adoration to pray for an end to abortion. They also host an annual baby shower to provide needed supplies for a local pregnancy center.

Pictured above: Parishioners of Holy Angels Church in Mount Airy were among those from the Diocese of Charlotte in D.C. Pictured are Payton Moledor and Alex Sykes, who started the parish group "Angels for Life." (Peggy Bowes, Catholic News Herald)

Alex and fellow Angels for Life member Payton Moledor were able to attend the March for Life in Washington, D.C., last month and Alex was amazed at the vast number of people who participated, despite the cold and rainy weather. "When we were walking to the Supreme Court building, there's a hill and when you get to the top and look back, you can see hundreds of thousands of people. You can't even see the pavement!"

Although this was Alex's first time at the March for Life, Payton has participated with her family for the past three years. "My favorite part was when we prayed the rosary. It started out with just our little group, but slowly other people joined in until there was a whole bunch of people saying it."

Alex said she has high hopes for next year's March for Life. "We want to get a big group together next year with T-shirts and banners to represent Angels for Life."

Holy Angles' pastor Father Eric Kowalski is thrilled that Alex and the other Angels for Life are a visible presence in his parish.

"I'm very proud of our young people who have become such good examples – not only to other young people but also to adults in the parish. Their desire to truly live out their faith is remarkable and very humbling."

To learn more about Angels for Life, visit the group's Facebook page, "Mount Airy Angels for Life," or contact Holy Angels Church in Mount Airy at 336-786-8147.

— Peggy Bowes, correspondent