Lifting hearts and voices with our neighbors added enthusiasm to this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Friends, Residents, Staff, and Little Sisters responded in good number to an invitation to join in prayer for a rediscovery of what unites us in Christ, which far outweighs what divides. Apartment Resident Odessa S., who still serves as a member who welcomes those coming in to her own St. Jude Baptist Church, distributed programs at the door of our Chapel, with a big smile.
We were all delighted that Deacon Marion Parker from the Sharon Baptist Church, not far from 54th & Chester, willingly agreed to be the leader of our Celebration of the Word. Marion is a familiar friendly face at Holy Family Home. She is caretaker for Bobbie M., one of our apartment Residents, and has been since even before he moved in. Being a faithful worshipper at her Baptist Church, she continues to bring Bobbie to Sunday services with her, just as she did when Bobbie was living across the street from the Home. He was proudly in our Chapel as Marion gave a homily on the Scripture passages proclaimed by Apartment Resident Barbara M. and Sr. Maria Catherine. Other members of Marion’s “Church Family” came along as well to pray and praise with us.
Employees and Residents, whether Protestant, Greek Orthodox, or non-church-goers, seemed to resonate with this year’s ecumenical service from the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. Our Chapel resounded with the prayer responses and singing of the assembly. The climax was the clapping and singing with the hymn, “Lift Him Up,” which had been suggested by Deacon Marion after reviewing the texts to be used at the service. The text refrain was from the gospel passage. In preparation for the service, the Residents and Sisters had practiced to learn this song so as to be able to give their voices in prayer and praise.
Refreshments and fellowship in the Father Ernest Center followed the Prayer Service. “This has been one grace-filled encounter after another!” commented one of the Sisters, after chatting with several guests. “I’m so impressed by all the Christian charity practiced by our neighbors,” she added. “Deacon Marion introduced me to two of her ‘Church Family’ as ‘real missionaries who are right there to help when they hear of someone in need.’”
May our observance of this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity move us all to keep up our commitment to overcoming our differences and rejoicing in oneness with Christ!
