Local

Local pastors and faithful gather to mark Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Leslie Miller | Catholic Herald Staff Writer

Clergy from several Christian denominations speak at an ecumenical prayer service Jan. 19 at St. Bernadette Church in Springfield. Shown from left are Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Rev. Carey Connors, Rev. John Speight, Rev. Larry Haun and Rev. Scott Ickert. LESLIE MILLER | CATHOLIC HERALD

Ecumenical-1-DSC_5168_CR.jpg

Fr. Don Rooney, pastor of St. Bernadette Church in Springfield, speaks at an ecumenical service Jan. 19. LESLIE MILLER | CATHOLIC HERALD

Ecumenical-2-DSC_5183_Cmr_CR.jpg

Attendees light candles at the end of an ecumenical service Jan. 19 at St. Bernadette Church in Springfield. LESLIE MILLER | CATHOLIC HERALD

Ecumenical-4-DSC_5214_Cmr_CR.jpg

Anick Chaipraditkul of Arlington lights a candle at the end of an ecumenical service Jan. 19 at St. Bernadette Church in Springfield. LESLIE MILLER | CATHOLIC HERALD

Ecumenical-6-DSC_5217_CR.jpg

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge presides at an ecumenical prayer service Jan. 19 at St. Bernadette Church in Springfield. LESLIE MILLER | CATHOLIC HERALD

Ecumenical-9-DSC_5175_Cmr_V_CR.jpg

Clergy and laypeople from several Christian denominations gathered to pray for “the visible unity of the church” at an ecumenical service Jan. 19 at St. Bernadette Church in Springfield.

The service marked the International Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, held every year Jan. 18-25. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge presided, along with pastors and ministers from area Episcopal, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist and Catholic churches. 

Father Don Rooney, pastor of St. Bernadette, reflected on ecumenical progress that has been made over the years, and on the importance of continuing dialogue, “especially for those living the reality of ecumenism in inter-church marriages and families.”

He spoke about the week’s 2022 theme, “We saw the star in the East and have come to worship him” (Mt 2:2), a reference to the experience of the Magi who came from the East and followed the star to Bethlehem to find the newborn Messiah.

Father Rooney quoted Pope Francis, who said Christians of diverse backgrounds and traditions “are pilgrims on our way to full unity” who come closer to our goal when keeping our gaze fixed on Jesus.

“The Magi reached their goal because they sought it,” Father Rooney said, adding that  Christians must be encouraged “to seek whatever unity is possible” because of our shared baptism. “Our friendships are the door.”  

The service, prepared by the Middle East Council of Churches, included prayers, hymns and a litany for healing: from broken relationships in families, from the pandemic and its effects, from social divisions, and from differences within and between our churches. 

At the end of the service, participants were invited to light a candle, and Bishop Burbidge read hopeful words about Christian unity. “As we journey towards that goal, may our lives together give a luminous witness that leads others to know Christ.” 

Participants came from around the diocese, and the service also was livestreamed. Other clergy participants included Rev. Carey Connors of St. Christopher Episcopal Church in Springfield, Rev. Larry Haun of Fredericksburg Baptist Church, Rev. Scott Ickert, retired pastor of MetroDC Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Rev. John Speight of Christ Church (United Methodist) in Fairfax Station, and Father Robert C. Cilinski, pastor of Church of the Nativity in Burke and chairman of the diocesan Peace and Justice Commission. 

Among lay people attending were Rebecca Cataldi, who said she is involved in ecumenical and interfaith groups through her parish, St. Charles Borromeo Church in Arlington. “We can all bring our gifts,” she said. 

Anick Chaipraditkul of Arlington, after lighting a candle at the end of the service, said he attended because he’s interested in ecumenical issues. “Churches should all talk more,” he added.

Related Articles