Dear Parishioners,

For approximately 100 years the days from January 18 – 25 have been designated as Church Unity Octave. During this time we are especially reminded that divisions which exist among Christians do not accord with God’s will. It is important that we pray and work to overcome such divisions. Such divisions are not new. In fact St. Paul addresses this problem in the passage from his first letter to the Corinthians which we hear at Mass today. On one hand it is necessary that we take seriously the differences of some beliefs especially dating from the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. At the same time those beliefs and practices which all Christians share are more fundamental than those differences. May this Church Unity Octave help us to strive to fulfill Christ’s prayer that “they may be one just as we are.” John 17:11

Fr. Richard Weisenberger