500th Commemoration of the Beginning of the Reformation

10-22-2017Weekly ReflectionFr. Brian Jazdzewski

Over the years, some of you have run across two priests of our Diocese, Father John Schultz and/or FatherDerek Sakowski. They are mentioned this weekend because of their work they are doing, along with countlessother priests around the world, along with clergy from the Lutheran church, along with countless lay faithful. The project has been in the making for 500 years, and more recently within the last twelve months. October 31,1517 is the date when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to a church door in Sweden; Luther’s action began theProtestant Reformation, and more specifically, the beginning of the Lutheran church.

Pope Francis met oneyear ago in Lund, Sweden with a Lutheran Bishop to begin the work of the 500th commemoration, “FromConflict to Communion.” Not too far from here, in Eau Claire, a regional Prayer Service will be held nextSunday. Below is the Press Release for the regional commemoration “From Conflict to Communion.”

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther proposed his 95 Theses in a desire to reform the Church. This year marksthe 500th anniversary of that historic event. The last 500 years have seen both helpful reforms and saddivisions. We pray for unity while staying committed to the truth. Throughout the world, Lutherans andCatholics will be gathering to pray together and commit together to what we share in common.

In commemoration of the 500th anniversary, a Prayer Service for the extended Chippewa valley will be held atImmaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1712 Highland Ave., Eau Claire, on Sunday, October 29 at 4:00pm. Achoir of over 200 from the Valley Churches will lead the music.

Food and fellowship will follow immediately at St. John’s Lutheran Church, right across the street. AllLutherans, Catholics and others are welcome. A full size copy of the St. John’s Bible will be present.

A Committee of twelve Catholics and Lutherans has been working on this combined Prayer Service for theextended Chippewa Valley since late 2016. They are: Steve Bohrer, Linda Corey, Rev. Christine Emerson,Amy Erickson, Anne Halloin (initiator), Bob Lesniewski, Rev. Richard Lund, Rev. Curt Rohland (co-chair), Rev.Lori Ruge-Jones, Rev. Derek Sakowski, Rev. John Schultz (co-chair), and Rev. Kathy Ulrick.

The Prayer Service is the same one that was used by Pope Francis and Lutheran Bishop Munib Younan, theformer President of the Lutheran World Federation, at Lund, Sweden, on the 499 anniversary, October 31,2016. It is titled “Conflict to Communion”.

Lutheran and Catholic Confirmation students and Youth Group members are especially invited to attend.

The Prayer Service will be live streamed at www.regiscatholicschools.com/live - Click "on air" at 4:00pm to begin the stream. Facebook users can go to www.facebook.com/RegisCatholicSchools/ Both will archive the Prayer Service for future viewing.

For more information contact Fr. John Schultz at schultzjohna@gmail.com or Pastor Curt Rohland at prrohland@gmail.com.

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