Chicago (January 11, 2005) Several events are scheduled throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago this month that help to celebrate the dignity of the human person, including events for Respect Life month, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, and Dwell in My Love Sunday.

Archdiocesan Mass for Life:

Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago, will celebrate a special Mass for Life in commemoration of the 32 nd anniversary of Roe v Wade at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15, at St. Mary of the Angels Church, 1850 N. Hermitage Ave., Chicago.

The Mass precedes prayer services and vigils scheduled in parishes throughout the archdiocese the week of Jan. 16-22 marking the 32nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, observed on Jan. 22.

Ecumenical Prayer Service:

Representatives of local Christian churches that comprise the Ecumenical Millennium Committee will gather at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 21, at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1017 N. LaSalle Dr., Chicago, for the fifth annual ecumenical service celebrating the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, held Jan. 18-25 each year.

The joint ecumenical celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was inaugurated in 1968 by the World Council of Churches and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Scheduled to preach is Bishop Paul Landahl of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

The Ecumenical Millennium Committee was formed in 1999 to prepare for the third Christian millennium. In addition to sponsoring the prayer service, the committee is a catalyst for ecumenical courtesy, hospitality and information in the Chicago area.

Dwell in My Love Sunday:

Cardinal George has designated Sunday, Jan. 23 as “Dwell in My Love Sunday,” and has asked all parishes to pray especially that day for world peace and racial healing.

Catholic parishes in Cook and Lake Counties have been asked to focus on the themes of Cardinal George’s pastoral letter on racism, “Dwell in My Love,” issued in April, 2001 by:

• preaching on racism and racial justice with a focus on housing;

• including prayers for racial reconciliation and end to racism in the intercessory prayers at all weekend liturgies;

• inviting their Sharing Parish to worship together;

• celebrating cultural diversity by using symbols, music, and history.

Individual Catholics are being asked to:

• consider “going home” to visit the parish where they – or their parents or grandparents – were baptized, married or attended school;

• worship with a faith community over the next few months that is racially or culturally different than the one’s own parish, and invite a friend from a different race or ethnic group to come and worship at the parish one currently attends.