News Release #395

Ecumenical Prayer Service Celebrates Annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Hutchinson, MN - Many of Hutchinson, Minnesota’s Christian churches will come together for an Ecumenical Celebration of the Word of God on January 15, 2006.

The service, which will kick-off the area’s observance of the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18-25), will take place at the St. Anastasia Catholic Church, Hutchinson, MN, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

The Most Reverend John C. Nienstedt, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of New Ulm, will deliver the message. Music will be provided by musicians and choir members from various Hutchinson churches.

The theme and text for this year’s observance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is, “Where two or three are gathered in my name…” (Matthew 18:15-22).

Begun in 1908, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is celebrated each year in cities and towns across the country and around the world. The theme and text for each year’s observance are chosen and prepared by representatives of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and representatives of the World Council of Churches.

The Hutchinson service is sponsored by the New Ulm Catholic Diocese. The public is welcome to attend.

For further information contact Deacon Richard Cronican, Director of Ecumenism for the Diocese of New Ulm, (507) 336-2505 or Lori Thul at (320) 587-6507.