"Focus on the Future," the annual Life Issues Conference sponsored by the Right to Life League of Southern California, will be held Jan. 24 at The Center at Cathedral Plaza, preceding the annual Requiem Mass for the Unborn and Memorial Candle Service.

The 2-5 p.m. conference will feature Sister of Social Service Paula Vandegaer, of International Life Services, addressing "Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body," and Alan Shlemon of Stand To Reason, demonstrating how to "dialogue" instead of "debate" with "Pro-Life 101."

January 22 marks the 36th anniversary of the passing of Roe v. Wade, during which time "more than 48 million children have been aborted and countless families affected," said RTL spokesperson Rachel Molina. The conference's goal is to provide "knowledge and the ability to spread the word without being confrontational," she said.

The seventh annual Requiem Mass for the Unborn and Memorial Candle Service will be held immediately following the conference at 6 p.m. the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels, with Cardinal Roger Mahony presiding. The pro-life liturgy and many other Respect Life Masses around the country are held each year near the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in the U.S.

Music will again be provided by Shantigarh choir conducted by John Bonaduce who composed the "Requiem Mass for the Unborn" sung annually at the event.

The Center at Cathedral Plaza is located at 555 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, across the plaza from the Cathedral. General Admission is $30. For more information, call the Right to Life League at (626) 398-6100 or visit www.rtllsc.org.