News from the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission

World Day of Prayer is the largest lay-led ecumenical organisation that enables women, all over the world, to share the ideas and concerns affecting all people.

Women across the parishes of the Archdiocese are invited to take the lead and/or support events locally on and around Friday 4 March.

Find a World Day of Prayer Service where you live

A special theme for the day is developed by a different country each year, and 2022 has been prepared by women from England, Wales and Northern Ireland for the first time in over 75 years, so it is particularly significant this year.

The overarching theme is HOPE – very appropriate for this time when the world is coming to terms with the ongoing risks of a pandemic and the climate crisis.

The Scripture focus is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you” which really lends itself to younger women, to secondary school pupils, youth groups etc. Services, open to all parishioners, reflect on just some of the issues facing us all today including poverty, domestic abuse, disability, finding hope in difficult situations.

Resources for all ages, details of preparation days to help lead a service and the arrangements for services themselves are available on the World Day of Prayer website 

Alternatively you can contact the Catholic representative for World Day of Prayer, Suzanne O’Malley, at [email protected]