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WASHINGTON (July 28, 2003) -- Materials to facilitate celebrations of the 2004 World Day for Consecrated Life are now available online at www.consecratedlife.org for use in dioceses around the country.
"They Left Everything and Followed Jesus" is the theme of this year's celebration, which will take place on Sunday, February 8, 2004.
World Day for Consecrated Life, initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1997, is a unique opportunity for the Catholic Church to educate parishioners about people who serve God in countless and sometimes unexpected ways while maintaining their commitment to a consecrated life.
Postcards launching the commemoration have been sent to parishes in the dioceses nationwide, encouraging parishes to begin planning now for this special celebration.
The online materials for the 2004 celebration are available in English and Spanish. They include celebration suggestions for parishes and youth coordinators, frequently asked questions, a downloadable, printable brochure, photos, and seven profiles of individuals pursuing the consecrated life.
Additional marketing materials include a section called "A to Z: Religious Men and Women Worth Knowing." It profiles 26 men and women who are serving God in some unusual ways and making a difference in the world as they live within the framework of a religious life.
The annual event is sponsored by the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Consecrated Life, the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and the U.S. Conference of Secular Institutes.
For further information contact Sister Mary Ann Walsh, Deputy Director of Media Relations, USCCB, 202-541-3200 or e-mail her at mwalsh@usccb.org.