The annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is a response to Christ's prayer “that they all may be one" (John 17:21). It is an eight-day period of prayer in which all Christians are invited to participate. The week is celebrated each year from January 18-25, concluding on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. Praying together for Christian unity allows us to reflect on what unites us and commit ourselves to confront oppression and division amongst humanity. We ask God to teach us how to love one another as Christ loved us and help us to show one another the unusual kindness that can only come from knowing his Son, Jesus.

It is likely that some of the families of your students are interchurch, two baptized Christians who have chosen to raise their children in the Catholic Church and send them to your school. You may also have students who have only one Christian parent who may or may not be a Catholic. They have chosen to partner with you and your Catholic school in this endeavor. We are glad to help them in their important task. We can help them focus on what our faith traditions have in common.

United in Service. Families can express their common faith in action. In many parts of the country, churches work together to feed the hungry, help immigrants, aid those who are incapacitated and perform other works of mercy. Often, we get to know other Christians by sharing the work involved in caring for those in need. Through our common commitment to Christ, we often come to a deeper understanding of one another. All are called to do their part in making Christ’s love, joy and compassion present as they go about their lives together.

Sharing the Scriptures. Whenever we focus on learning about the Bible, we help interchurch families have a common language of faith. At each level of Blest Are We Faith in Action, there is an introductory lesson on the Bible that helps young people develop an understanding and appreciation for the Word of God.

Care for our Common Home. Christians from every tradition, indeed all people of good will, can come together to work for the environment. Unite the hearts of your students around this theme. Download “Helping Kids Care for Creation” activities and a prayer service from the free Catholic Resources.

Together for Good. Each year, a different theme is chosen for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The theme for 2023 is "Do good; seek justice" (Isaiah 1:17). Consult your Flourish account and Blest Are We Faith in Action index for activities related to justice and the common good.

Family Time for at Home and in Community. The Family Life series, at every level, features lessons about living together in peace and unity. Use these lessons as part of your Week of Christian Unity planning.

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Family Life Second Edition

Family Life Second Edition is the newly updated edition of RCL Benziger's leading K-8 supplemental program that addresses key concerns of today's Catholic families. Family Life includes child safety education in every grade level, promotes virtuous living, and strengthens Catholic identity.

The Family Life program reinforces the Catholic virtues and values that your students attain with their education. Family Life is essential to your school-based religious education program and meets Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) standards and benchmarks.

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