![[home]](/comm/images/usccb_logo.gif){kind=logo}
WASHINGTON (September 25, 2003) -- Local dioceses and parishes are making plans now to celebrate 2004 World Day for Consecrated Life. The celebration will take place on Sunday, February 8, 2004.
Consecrated Life Day is an annual celebration of the men and women who have committed themselves to a consecrated life, be it in a public life of ministry or a hidden life of a monastery.
Postcards launching the commemoration were sent in July to parishes in the dioceses nationwide. Last week additional postcards were sent to encourage parishes to consider how best to promote this annual event in their own congregations.
To assist in preparing the day, special materials are available in both English and Spanish online at www.consecratedlife.org. They include detailed suggestions for a special liturgy on February 8.
Additional ways to celebrate are also available online. They include publishing an article in the parish bulletin about consecrated life in the Church or listing the members of institutes of consecrated life who either serve in the parish or who have been members of the parish.
Other suggestions include inviting a member of a consecrated life institute or someone from the diocesan vocations' office to speak about the vocation to consecrated life to religious education classes, adult education gatherings and parish organizations.
Members of consecrated life may want to set up a display on their various communities and apostolic works either in the gathering area of the church or in the social hall.
Besides celebration suggestions, other online materials include downloadable, printable brochures, photos, frequently asked questions, and seven profiles of individuals pursuing the consecrated life.
For postcards to distribute and further information contact Sister Mary Ann Walsh, Deputy Director of Media Relations, USCCB, 202-541-3200 or e-mail her at mwalsh@usccb.org.