Seward Catholics are cycling for moms in need
SEWARD (SNR) – A group of Catholics and cycling enthusiasts in Seward are planning a unique event to support a pregnancy center in the region: the inaugural “Ride for Life.”
The event is a 50-mile bicycle ride which will be held Saturday, Oct. 8. Participants will gather pledges for their rides, with all donations going to the Women’s Care Center in Lincoln.
It will begin after the 8 a.m. Mass at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Seward. Participants will gather in the parking lot and pray a decade of the rosary. They will then embark on a 50-mile route, stopping to pray another decade of the rosary at each designated rest stop. The stops will be held at St. Wenceslaus Church in Bee, at Immaculate Conception Church in Ulysses, at Assumption Church in Dwight, in the village of Staplehurst, and at St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward.
Organizers were quick to point out that participants may ride the entire route, or just a section. If they ride a section, they may turn around and go back, or arrange for someone to pick them up. Those who want to support the event but don’t want to ride may also simply make a donation to the Women’s Care Center in honor of the Ride for Life.
The event is an example of exactly what the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) hoped to see happen across the nation when they launched “Walking with Moms in Need” this spring. The bishops sought to inspire and encourage Catholics to offer the support of a loving community to women who find themselves in real and difficult situations with unexpected pregnancies, to perform works of mercy for those in need.
Since the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Mississippi June 24, which overturned the federal right to abortion given by Roe v. Wade nearly 50 years ago, pro-life leaders have stressed that ‘the work has just begun.’
Bishop Conley, in a column Aug. 19, noted, “After celebrating, and rightfully so, the June 24 reversal of the disastrous Roe v. Wade decision at the federal level, we must continue to roll up our sleeves and redouble our efforts at the state level to protect women and their unborn children from the violence of abortion at the ballot box, in the legislature and, most of all, through our prayers, compassion and the loving outreach of our communities.”
These thoughts inspired organizers Aaron Busse, Alissa Hoxmeier and Mark Rolfsmeyer.
While everyone credits Busse with the idea, he said he felt it was a group idea. The plans grew out of conversations with several fellow cycling Catholics – even local pastor Msgr. Robert Tucker, an avid rider. Busse said many people expressed a desire to help those in need, and they even discussed a similar event a year ago.
After the Dobbs decision, he said, “it felt like this was a good year to start.”
The Women’s Care Center (WCC) was founded in 1984 by Catholic theologian Dr. Janet Smith. It has grown to more than 30 centers in 12 states. The Lincoln location opened in December 2020. In 2021, its first full year of operation, they saved the lives of 244 babies. They have provided ultrasounds for pregnant women and also supplied material assistance and parenting programs to so many clients that the center is expanding this year.
Alissa Hoxmeier, in her role as pro-life coordinator for St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Seward, benefitted from a tour of the WCC this summer.
After she shared information about their work, the organization was chosen as the recipient of the “Ride for Life” funds.
Organizers also hope to increase awareness about the WCC and similar organizations.
“It is amazing how many people don’t know about the organizations that do so much good,” Busse said. “There’s a lot of information out there and sometimes the good things can get lost.”
He said he hopes the bike ride will be a success for even bigger and better things in the future.
Hoxmeier agreed.
“I hope each year this can grow bigger and bigger,” she said, and “show that we’re here and we’re supporting life in any way that we can.”
Those who wish to participate in the Ride for Life may email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., so they know how many riders are expected.
Depending on the number of riders and their capabilities, they might all ride in one group, or split into different groups at different paces. Busse said they intend to make it “very, very flexible for people.”
Riders should bring their own water and snacks for the ride, but beverages and snacks will be provided when riders return to the church grounds at the end. A map of the route is available at https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/12850806.
Supporters are asked to honor their pledges within two weeks of the event. Checks should be made out to the Women’s Care Center, and they may be delivered to organizers or mailed directly to the WCC, marked “Ride for Life,” at 5632 S. 48th St, Lincoln, NE 68516.
To learn more about Women’s Care Center, visit their website, www.supportwomenscarecenter.org.
