IGNITE for LIFE
January 28, 2026 | 9:00 am (doors open at 8:30 am)
Topeka Performing Arts Center | Topeka, KS
This event is free, registration is requested for communication purposes in case of inclement weather.
New Bus Option from KCK, click HERE!
What is IGNITE for Life? Take a look!
Join us at IGNITE to kick-off the Kansas March for Life and in recognition of the National Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.
IGNITE for LIFE is an inspirational, pro-love rally for the protection of preborn children and the dignity of women facing unplanned or challenging pregnancies.
- Live music!
- Motivational speakers!
- Engaging ministry tables!
- The celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of Mass with the Bishops of Kansas!
Following IGNITE, all are invited to join in the Kansas March for Life to the capitol for the Kansans for Life rally. IGNITE for LIFE is sponsored by the Pro-Life Office of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
All events are free. Registration requested for the IGNITE rally so that we can communicate in case of inclement weather.
Holy Spirit, ignite our hearts to defend LIFE!
For More Information
Keynote Speakers
David Bereit
DAVID BEREIT is an internationally acclaimed pro-life leader, strategic advisor, coalition builder, and dynamic communicator. His pro-life journey began in Bryan/College Station, Texas, where he rallied 60 churches and thousands of volunteers to drive Planned Parenthood out of local schools, revoke its taxpayer funding, reduce abortions, and ultimately shut down the local abortion center—prompting Planned Parenthood to label his town “the most anti-choice place in the nation.”
Bereit went on to found and lead 40 Days for Life, growing it into the world’s largest grassroots pro-life mobilization. Under his leadership, the movement galvanized 2,000 leaders and 750,000 volunteers in 600 cities across all 50 states and dozens of nations, leading to 14,643 lives saved, 177 abortion workers leaving the industry, and 96 abortion facility closures.
Today, he serves as Executive Director for the Life Leadership Conference—a groundbreaking initiative maximizing the pro-life movement’s impact through strategic coordination, unified messaging, targeted mobilization, leadership development, and a significant financial commitment to innovative life-saving projects.
David and his wife, Margaret, have been joyfully married for 32 years, live in the Washington, D.C., area, and are the proud parents of two adult children.
Dr. Angelique Pritchett
Angelique Pritchett, MD is a board certified specialist in family medicine with special interests in women’s health issues, obstetrics and prenatal care, gynecology and infertility. She has been trained as a Creighton Model FertilityCare Medical Consultant.She believes the most rewarding aspect of medicine is the opportunity to connect with her patients. She is a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Medicine and completed a residency in family practice at St. Anthony’s Hospital, Oklahoma City. She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Catholic Medical Association. In 2016, she co-founded Gianna Family Care in Shawnee, Kansas where she provides health care to families using a direct primary care business model.Dr. Pritchett is a member of the Abortion Pill Rescue network, and will share about the medical community’s responsibility to help and not harm women facing challenging pregnancies and the hope that the “Abortion Pill Reversal” treatment provides.She is married to her husband, John and has four children.
Fr. Luke Doyle
Fr. Luke Doyle is a priest of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in KS. He currently serves as the Director and Chaplain at the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas. Originally from Topeka, KS, he was ordained a priest on May 29, 2021. Fr. Luke is the Director and Chaplain of the St. Lawrence Catholic Center at the University of Kansas. He also serves the Archdiocese of Kansas City as its assistant Vocation Director, and is an appointed preacher for the National Eucharistic Revival.
Harper Schmelzle
Harper Schmelzle is a sophomore at Benedictine College studying Theology with a specialization in Secondary Education. He grew up in Sabetha, Kansas, and was raised by his parents, Harold and Shelly, alongside his two siblings—all three of whom were adopted.
This past summer, Harper served as a Co-Leader for a Totus Tuus team in the Diocese of Jefferson City, traveling throughout Missouri to teach children and youth about the Catholic faith. At Benedictine College, he has served as an OCIA mentor and worked as a manager for the Benedictine Football Team. Beyond campus, Harper teaches family formation classes to middle school students at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Shawnee.
Harper is passionate about faith formation, education, and ministry, and is especially excited to speak at Ignite for Life about the beauty and dignity of adoption.
Parking/Directions
Photo Gallery
IGNITE 2026
IGNITE 2025
IGNITE 2024
IGNITE 2023
IGNITE 2022
Watch the 2026 Event Videos HERE!!
“Welcome & Introduction”
Fr. Luke Doyle “Theme Reflection”
Harper Schmelzle “Adoption”
Dr. Angelique Pritchard “Abortion Reversal Pill”
Dr. David Bereit “Keynote Address”
“Mass for Life”