Praying for Christian Unity

January 18th began the octave of prayer for Christian Unity throughout the Catholic Church. During his pontificate, the late John Paul II attempted to foster mutual love and respect among Christians. This week of prayer lasts until January 25th when we celebrate the conversion of St. Paul the Apostle on the Damascus Road. St. Paul is a powerful symbol and advocate of Christian unity for both Protestant and Catholic Christians (Ephesians 4:1-6).

To foster Christian unity, the Lenoir-Rhyne College Newman Club is sponsoring an evening of dialogue between Evangelical/Lutheran and Catholic students. If you are a resident student or a commuter, you are more than invited to join us. See the announcement below for further details.

Let's join together in deep prayer this week that our God would heal the wounds of division and misunderstanding among believers in Christ. If you wish, feel free to join others in using this prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, on the last night of your life on earth, the night of your shameful agony, you prayed that all your disciples would be one, just as you and the Father are one. Give us all who profess your name the Spirit of humility, love and understanding that we might more fully live out your desire for the unity of all who are baptized in your holy name. We ask this You, Our Savior, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

Building the Culture of Life:
What Can Evangelicals and Catholics Do?
Catholic and Evangelical Christians both want to build a culture of life in America. Against the backdrop of many cultural movements to undermine the sanctity of life and its foundation in the family, both faith communities find themselves asking, "What can we do to foster a higher regard for human life and its necessary offshoots?"

On January 25th, 2006, Lenoir-Rhyne College's Newman Club will be hosting an evening of dialogue between Evangelical/Lutheran and Catholic students -- whoever comes. As there will be ample time for questions and discussion, we invite your thoughtful participation in what should prove to be an enlightening and progressive step in the task of building a culture of life. Refreshments, including pizza and softdrinks will be available.

Next year we hope to arrange to invite guest speakers.

Date: Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Time: 5:30-7:00pm
Place: K-House
Questions: contact Philip Blosser (email posted above right)