The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is celebrated around the world January 18-25, though the week may be observed to include two Sundays. The theme for this year is, Do you believe this? (John 11-26) in recognition that 2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the first Christian Ecumenical Council held in Nicea, Constantinople. Christians express their personal “I believe” in praying the Nicene Creed and seeking a deeper understanding of ecumenism by meeting, celebrating liturgy and praying our oneness in Christ with Christians of other denominations.  

World Day of the Sick (February 11th) honours Jesus' ministry to the sick, which Pope John Paul II established to offer prayers for those suffering from illness. The day coincides with the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes and emphasizes the importance of caring for the sick. It acknowledges the dedication of healthcare workers and pastoral caregivers who minister to the afflicted. The church encourages members to pray for the needs of the sick, highlighting the vital role of service to those who are ill and suffering.  

The World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement that brings Christians of many traditions together to observe a common day of prayer each year. Through preparation and participation in the worship service, we can learn how our sisters of other countries, languages and cultures understand the Biblical passages in their context. We can hear their concerns and needs and can join in solidarity with them as we pray with and for them. In this way, it is possible to enrich our Christian faith as it grows deeper and broader in an international, ecumenical expression. The motto of the World Day of Prayer movement is Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action. Through our participation in the World Day of Prayer, we affirm that prayer and action are inseparable and that both have immeasurable influence on the world.