News Archives » Ecumenical Vademecum
Special Release of Resources for the Week of Christian Unity January 8th, 2021
FOR RELEASE TO ALL OBLATES, OBLATE INSTITUTIONS, and OMIUSA WEB:
(Editor’s Note: This news release was sent out today (January 6) by Fr. Jim Brobst alerting the Oblate community (or Mazenodian Family) of resources available for the week of Christian Unity prepared by Fr. Harry Winter, OMI. Fr. Winter’s website, “Mission-Unity-Dialogue” may be accessed HERE)
January 6, traditional feast of the Epiphany, God’s Revelation to the Nations
For All Members of the Mazenodian Family:
Special thanks to Fr. Harry Winter, OMI, for generously drawing our focus to these resources for the upcoming week of Christian Unity. He has distilled for us some helpful resources for our own participation in this missionary endeavors, even though pandemic precautions prevent much in the way of ecumenical or interfaith gatherings in crowds.
Admin Team
Fr. James Brobst, OMI
Please review pp. 73-76 of our Oblate Prayer book, explaining the importance of the annual Church Unity Octave, or Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. I recommend especially the material for every parish and community published by the Vatican and the World Council of Churches, available from Graymoor: Click here. The theme this year is “Abide in My Love. . . . You Shall Bear Much Fruit”(Jn.15:1-17).
These materials include “Homily Notes, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day,” which this year is Monday, Jan. 18. There is no doubt this year, with the Black Lives Matter movement, is more important than ever as we continue to overcome the effects of slavery in the USA.
During the Week of Prayer, we pray with more Evangelical Protestants than ever. They are our allies as we approach the Jan. 31 March on Washington and elsewhere to combat the effects of the Roe vs Wade abortion decision. Will President Biden and Vice-President Harris back off from the controversial position of the Democratic Party on abortion?
You may enjoy the mini-course on Christian Unity represented by the attached “Ecumenical Vademecum.” Although it is addressed to bishops, it is clearly written for every Catholic and indeed every Christian. Do not let the 50 pages overwhelm you. These are actually the half pages which the Vatican uses for some documents, and the language is less technical than usual.
Pope Francis continues to promote a vital New Evangelization, using elements from Popes John Paul II and Benedict, and including his special emphasis on people on the fringes. He alerts us to the growing number of drop-out Catholics, and those belonging to no religion. As a help for each member of the Oblate Family, please consult perhaps monthly the province website Mission-Unity-Dialogue. You may access it in two ways, either going onto www.omiusa.org and clicking on Mission-Unity-Dialogue, the fifth item on the right “Looking for Something?” or directly using www.harrywinter.org.
Let us profit from this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
The document can also be downloaded at this link: Vademecum-EN.pdf (christianunity.va)
Rev. James P. Brobst, OMI
Vicar Provincial for Mission & Ministry
U.S. Province, Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate
