Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026: One Body, One Spirit
Each year, the Church invites us to observe the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, a sacred time when Christians throughout the world pray intentionally for the unity that Christ desires for His followers. The theme for 2026 comes from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4:4).
These words remind us that Christian unity is not merely an aspiration or ideal, but a gift and calling rooted in our baptism into Christ.
Unity lies at the very heart of the Gospel. On the night before He died, Jesus prayed to the Father “that they may all be one… so that the world may believe” (John 17:21).
Our divisions weaken the credibility of our witness, while our efforts toward unity—grounded in truth, humility, and love allow the light of Christ to shine more clearly in a fractured world. The Apostle Paul urges us to “make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” reminding us that unity requires patience, gentleness, and a willingness to bear with one another in love.
As Catholics, our commitment to ecumenism the promotion of unity among Christians is an essential dimension of our faith. The Second Vatican Council taught that elements of sanctification and truth are present in other Christian communities and that the Holy Spirit is actively at work beyond the visible boundaries of the Catholic Church. Ecumenism does not mean setting aside our Catholic identity or convictions. Rather, it calls us to live them more deeply, recognizing that our shared baptism already binds us together in one Body of Christ.
The 2026 Week of Prayer materials, prepared by Christian communities in Armenia, draw upon the witness of one of the world’s oldest Christian traditions. They remind us that unity is not uniformity, but communion diverse members gathered by one Spirit, called to one hope, and sent together on a shared mission. Christian unity is ultimately about growing into the full stature of Christ, so that the Church may more faithfully reflect His love to the world.
An Invitation to Take the Next Step
As a concrete way to observe the Week of Prayer for Christian
Unity, our parish invites you to a special presentation:
“Ecumenism 101: The Catholic Approach to Christian Unity”
Wednesday, January 21
9:00 AM at the Seton Center
(Immediately following the 8:15 AM daily Mass)
Father Pawel will offer a 30-minute introduction to ecumenism from a Catholic perspective, followed by time for questions and discussion. All parishioners are warmly encouraged to attend. May this Week of Prayer renew in us a deeper desire to live as one body, guided by one Spirit, united in one hope so that, together, we may more clearly witness to Christ in our world.
Your Servant in Christ,
Father Jason C. Hage, Pastor
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!
Mary, Mother of Our Savior, pray for us!