World Day of Prayer is a worldwide ecumenical movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year on the first Friday in March. World Day of Prayer was founded on the idea that prayer and action are inseparable in the service of God’s realm. Services begin at sunrise in the Pacific and follow the sun across the globe on the day of celebration. Each year a different country’s committee serves as writers of the World Day of Prayer worship service.

Women, men and children in more than 170 countries and regions will celebrate World Day of Prayer, Friday, March 4. This year, the women of the WDP Committee of Cuba call us into worship considering the words “Receive children, receive me.” With these words as backdrop, we are invited to learn about Cuba’s history and rich cultural diversity.

The women of Cuba share their stories of tradition, inter-generational wisdom and experiences of God’s profound love and acceptance. Through the worship service, we learn of Jesus’ profound teaching of acceptance as he states, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs” (Mk. 10:14–15). As we listen to the women of Cuba throughout the worship service, we are invited to wholly receive others, as Jesus calls us, into the kingdom of God.

This year’s ecumenical service will be held on Friday, March 4, from 1-3 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 82 Atlantic Avenue, Boothbay Harbor. (Door level parking and an elevator are available.) All local communities of faith are welcome to attend and join the women of Cuba in prayer and song to support ecumenical efforts toward justice, peace, healing and wholeness. Traditional desserts and drinks will be part of the celebration.

The annual offering supports work of World Day of Prayer USA and helps meet the needs of families in Cuba and around the world who are victims of many forms of poverty, violence and injustice.

For more information, and to register for the World Day of Prayer, please contact:

Mary Patch, 633-3659, or Gerry Botti, 633-1116,or Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 633-2680.