FROM FATHER STEPHEN MORRIS: SAINTS PETER & PAUL, PILLARS OF THE CHURCH

This week we mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, an ecumenical initiative which began in 1908 and was heavily promoted by the Graymoor Franciscans. It was adopted by the World Council of Churches in 1948 and is observed as the week between the feasts of the Confession of St. Peter (January 18) and the Conversion of St. Paul (January 25). The Confession of St. Peter celebrates the episode when Jesus asks the apostles, “Who do you think I am?” St. Peter answers, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!” (Matthew 16:13-20) This confession of faith is fundamental to our understanding of Jesus and the Holy Trinity.

FROM DR. CHARLES MORGAN ON SAYING YES: REFLECTIONS ON SERVING ON THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

After serving on the vestry of my former church in Connecticut, I made a quiet but firm vow: I would never again take on a leadership role within a church. The experience had been meaningful, but also demanding, and I believed my season of church governance had come to an end. So when I was first approached about joining the Board of Trustees at Saint Mary the Virgin, my answer was a clear and uncomplicated no. When I was invited a second time, however, I paused. Instead of responding immediately, I spent time in prayer. I reflected, listened, and discerned. Ultimately, I decided to say yes.

FROM MARYJANE BOLAND AND MARIE ROSSEELS: A YEAR OF SERVICE, NEIGHBORS IN NEED

How can a church with a small local congregation that worships in the beauty of holiness in a large building respond to a proclaimed year of service? It can use the building to serve and its friends to help. Our building is open 12 hours a day during the week and only slightly less on the weekend. On any day, depending on the weather, people rest in our pews. Several return to the same pew, day after day. Some come to Mass; most do not. Some seek the prayers and advice of a priest; some ask for a meal voucher. These people are our neighbors.

FROM FATHER SAMMY WOOD ON NOUWEN: “MOVING FROM SOLITUDE TO COMMUNITY TO MISSION”

Henri J. M. Nouwen is one of a handful of people I really wish I could sit and have coffee with (along with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Rich Mullins, Dallas Willard, and Tom Brady, known in our house as the “Greatest Living American”—hope still springs for the last one). Born in the Netherlands, Nouwen became a priest and studied psychology, wrote 42 books, lectured at Notre Dame, Yale, and Harvard, and died in 1996.