Ecumenical council holds prayer celebration for Christian unity

Sparta — The Sparta Ecumenical Council Prayer for Christian Unity Celebration of the Word of God was recently held at Blessed Kateri RC Church in Sparta. The theme for this year’s week of prayer was “That they may become one in your hand” (Ezekiel 37:19, 22-24a). The council members include Blessed Kateri and Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Churches, First Presbyterian Church of Sparta, Newton Memorial Hospital Pastoral Care Center, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Sparta United Methodist Church, and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. About 40 members of the different churches came out on a cold winter’s night to brave the elements and praise God. They were provided with inspirational messages and spiritual music. Monsignor Knauer’s sermon stressed how important it is to build bridges of unity among the faith communities, especially in today’s trying conditions. He provided an overview of many of the projects that the council has collaborated on to help build unity. This year’s offertory collection went to help the Samaritan Inn in their efforts to provide services for the homeless.