“[T]he death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person” – Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2267
MICHIGAN CITY – Twenty-five years ago, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops first called for an end to the death penalty. The bishops have stated that no matter how heinous the crime, if society can protect itself without ending a human life, it should do so.
“Our predicament is this – and it’s why we continue observing Respect Life Month,” said Father Richard Holy, director of pro-life activities for the Diocese of Gary. “If we cannot understand the dignity and sanctity of human life from its very beginning – and thereby the right to life afforded to our brothers and sisters at the very beginning of their lives, we will never, never get any other life issue right.”
Father Holy, pastor of St. Edward in Lowell, asserted that too often society uses the cruel and unusual punishment of the death penalty, as is the case in the state of Indiana. He noted that people too often treat the poor, the homeless, the immigrant and the elderly with little or no dignity. Father Holy added that the death penalty is a dignity and sanctity of life issue that must be included in how we think of honoring all life.
“We (must) keep giving voice to the voiceless and keep defending the most innocent and vulnerable in our society who have the greatest chance not only to be denied their dignity, but to be denied their very lives,” he said.
The director of pro-life activities believes this effort must include those who are sentenced to death.
The state of Indiana is scheduled to execute Michigan City state prison death row inmate Roy Lee Ward on Oct. 10, 2025. Led by Bishop McClory and facilitated through the Diocese of Gary Office of Pro-Life Activities, there will be a Prayer Vigil on the evening of Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. in the parking lot outside the prison.
Ward was sentenced to death in 2007 for the 2001 rape and murder of 15-year-old Stacy Payne in Spencer County. According to the state, Ward has exhausted all appeals and no legal stays remain in place.
“We sincerely mourn with all families who have had a loved one murdered,” Father Holy said. “It is a heinous, horrible crime. We continue to be filled with revulsion and anger at the rape and murder of then 15-year-old Payne. We do not see justice served, however, in adding another human life to the death toll. The execution of Roy Ward will not bring Stacey back.”
Father Holy explained that Catholics believe all life comes from God and “as it is for God to give, it is for God to take, not us.”
“As with so much of what Jesus taught and which the Church continues to teach, ‘this is a hard teaching, who can accept it,’” he said. “We are challenged as Catholics not only to accept the easy teaching, but also the especially hard teachings.”
Members of the Diocese of Gary gathered to pray for an end to violence on the eve of two other recent executions of Benjamin Ritchie in May 2025 and Joseph Corcoran in December 2024.
Deacon Frank Zolvinski said as an active member of Holy Family's Peace and Justice Committee in LaPorte, he firmly believes that he needs to put his faith into action. And as a deacon he feels the need to bear witness to Catholic Social Teaching. Last December, standing outside the prison walls in prayer with Bishop McClory, gave him the opportunity to do just that.
“We stood in solidarity with other outside groups who were there to advocate for the abolition of the death penalty,’ he said. “This issue is supported by other faith traditions and secular organizations that work toward and end to executions.”
Deacon Zolvinski said the most important thing to him as a pro-life Catholic is understanding that the abolition of the death penalty is not an option. Catholic Social Doctrine, he added, is very clear about the sacredness of life and the individual dignity of the human person.
“We are all created in the image and likeness of God and the death penalty violates the right to life,” said Deacon Zolvinski. “We have to be consistent in our approach to life and not pick and choose which ones we want to support and which issue we ignore.”
Prayer to End the Use of the Death Penalty
Merciful Father, we ask your blessing on all we do to build a culture of life. Hear our prayers for those impacted by the death penalty.
We pray for all people, that their lives and dignity as children of a loving God may be respected and protected in all stages and circumstances.
We pray for victims of violence and their families, that they may experience our love and support and find comfort in your compassion and in the promise of eternal life.
We pray for those on death row, that their lives may be spared, that the innocent may be freed and that the guilty may come to acknowledge their faults and seek reconciliation with you.
We pray for the families of those who are facing execution, that they may be comforted by your love and compassion.
We pray for civic leaders, that they may commit themselves to respecting every human life and ending the use of the death penalty in our land.
Compassionate Father, give us wisdom and hearts filled with your love. Guide us as we work to end the use of the death penalty and to build a society that truly chooses life in all situations.
We ask this Father through your Son Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
Amen
Caption: A group of nearly 20 diocesan faithful taking part in the rosary/prayer vigil on the eve of the execution of Benjamin Donnie Ritchie in May 2025 at Indiana State Prison. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)
