Once a year from 18 to 25 January, every Christians all over the world are invited to gather together regardless of their different denominations to pray for Christian Unity. Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and the World Council of Churches work together every year to decide the theme and publish a booklet. This year's theme is "Has Christ been divided?" (cf. 1Cor 1:1-17)
In Niigata Diocese, joint prayer services will be organised in respective districts following their own local conditions. Even there is none of such events near your parishes or you may not have time to join the joint prayer services, you are encouraged to remember this prayer intention for Christian Unity during this 8 days starting from tomorrow as your own prayer intention.
In Niigata city itself, there will be 4 joint prayer services during the week. There used to be evening services for every night during the week, however, because of aging memberships of Churches, it has been decided to have 4 meetings during the day time.
- 19 January Sunday at 14:00 (2 pm): Hanazano Catholic Church
- 21 January Tuesday at 10:30 (am): Niigata St. Paul Anglican Church
- 23 January Thursday at 10:30 (am): Terao Catholic Church
- 25 January Saturday at 10:30 (am): Niitsu Church of the United Church of Christ in Japan
Sunday on 19 in Hanazono is designated as the central prayer service and I will also join the prayer. You are all invited to pray together.
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