|
Assumption to Host Ecumenical Prayer for Christian Unity
Collection of Personal Goods to Benefit Area Refugees
WORCESTER, MA (February 3, 2016)—Church leaders from several Christian faith communities in Worcester will join together for the College’s annual Ecumenical Prayer for Christian Unity. Recognizing the many challenges faced by refugees throughout the world, this year’s Ecumenical Prayer will include a collection of personal care items to support the work of a local organization that assists refugees resettling in the Worcester area. The prayer service will be held on Friday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, located at 500 Salisbury Street.
Prior to the service, a reception will take place in the Lauring Community Room of the Tinsley Campus Ministry Center at 6 p.m. followed by a candlelight procession to the Chapel.
Worcester’s Ecumenical Prayer for Christian Unity is an annual event based on the World Council of Church’s service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity that is held to bring Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox Christians together to celebrate their common baptism. Assumption College President Francesco Cesareo, Ph.D., established this annual campus event shortly after his arrival at the College in 2007. This year’s Ecumenical Prayer will address the tremendous challenges of the world’s refugees, and a collection will be held in support of Ascentria Care Alliance, an organization dedicated to assisting refugees resettling in Worcester. Attendees are asked to donate personal care items such as shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.
Co-leading the Ecumenical Prayer is the College’s Dean of Campus Life Rev. Conway Campbell, who also serves as Pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Shrewsbury, together with Rev. Meredyth Wessman Ward, Urban Missioner in Worcester for the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts. Other church leaders who will also be in attendance are Roman Catholic Bishop Robert McManus, Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Methodios, Lutheran Bishop James Hazelwood, Episcopal Bishop Douglas Fisher, and United Methodist Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar. The Assumption College Chapel Choir and the Hispanic Choir of St. Joan of Arc Church in Worcester will provide music.
The Augustinians of the Assumption, the founding order that continues to sponsor the College, emphasize the importance of Ecumenical conversations and Christian unity as an integral part of one’s faith. In light of the service’s mission for unity, Christians of all denominations are invited to participate in both the social reception and the Ecumenical Prayer.
Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Chapel of the Holy Spirit.
ABOUT ASSUMPTION COLLEGE
Founded in 1904 by the Augustinians of the Assumption in Worcester, Mass., Assumption College offers undergraduate students 42 majors and 48 minors in the liberal arts, sciences, business, and professional studies; as well as master’s and continuing education degrees and professional certificate programs—each through an educational experience that grounded in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition. The curriculum enables students to gain a depth and breadth of knowledge that leads to professional success and personal fulfillment. Students—whether on the Worcester campus or at the College’s Rome, Italy, campus—become engaged participants in Assumption’s classic liberal arts education, exploring new ideas and making connections across disciplines. To prepare for the workforce, students learn cutting-edge theory and best practices, conduct innovative research, and develop excellent communication and critical-analysis skills. Assumption graduates are also known for their thoughtful citizenship and compassionate service to their community. For more information about Assumption College, please visit www.assumption.edu.
Kimberly Dunbar
Director of Public Affairs
Assumption College
508.767.7173 (O); 508.340.6620 (C)
ke.dunbar@assumption.edu
|
