DIOCESE OF SACRAMENTO OFFICE OF ECUMENICAL & ECUMENISM INTERRELIGIOUS AFFAIRS

The attainment of union Is the concern of the whole Church, Faithful and shepherds alike. This concern extends to everyone, According to his or her talent, Whether it be exercised In his or her daily Christian life, Or in his or her Theological and historical research. This concern itself reveals Already to some extent The bond of brotherhood Between all Christians And it helps toward That full and perfect unity Which God in His kindness wills. Bishop Jaime Soto

Decree of the Second Vatican Council DIOCESAN MISSION STATEMENT On Ecumenism, Unitatis Redintegratio We, the People of God Of the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, Guided by the Holy Spirit, Are called by Christ to proclaim The Good News of the Kingdom of God Through prayer, praise and sacraments And to witness the Gospel values Of Love, Justice, Forgiveness & Service To All. ECUMENICAL & INTER- ECUMENISM RELIGIOUS COMMISSION The restoration of unity among all Christians ECUMENICAL & INTER- was one of the principal concerns of the The 1993 Directory For Ecumenism instructs Second Vatican Council. Christ the Lord the Bishops to establish a body of RELIGIOUS COMMISSION 2013 founded one Church. Many Christian representatives who will assist the Diocese in communions profess to be followers of the the important ministry of Ecumenism. In Rev. Michael F. Kiernan Lord, but differ in mind and go their different keeping with this instruction, the Bishop of ways, as if Christ Himself were divided. Diocesan Ecumenical Officer Sacramento has established the Office of Such division openly contradicts the will of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, and the Christ, scandalizes the world, and damages Diocesan Ecumenical & Inter-religious Ms. Beatrice Menchaca (Secretary) the holy cause of preaching the Gospel to Commission. Ms. Valerie Barclay every nation. (Decree On Ecumenism, 1) Rev. Thomas Bonacci The Ecumenical & Inter-religious Ms. Colleen Branagan All Christians must recall that the night Commission is: Mr. and Mrs. John and Barbara Burger before Jesus died, He prayed : “that they may Mr. Joseph Chiravayalil all be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I in  A resource to the Bishop of Sacramento in Ms. Betsy Ditter You”. (Jn17:21) the on-going dialogue between the Diocese Ms. Mary Ann Ellis-Jammal and other Christian churches, and the Mr. Jon B. Fish Diocese and non-Christian religions. Deacon David Ford Deacon Dennis Gorsuch  A resource to the various offices of the Diocese in all things pertaining to Rev. Jeff Henry ecumenism and interreligious affairs. Ms. Sandra Holland Deacon Barry Johnson INTERRELIGIOUS AFFAIRS  A resource to the parishes of the Diocese in Msgr. James Kidder their ecumenical and inter-religious Deacon Lawrence Klemecki outreach to others. Deacon Marinko Kraljevich Inter-religious affairs refers to our Rev. Sylvester Kwiatkowski relationship with all religious traditions other A catalyst to bring people of all faiths together, Rev. Ken Laverone than Christians. “Interreligious dialogue working for the good of mankind, in keeping Rev. Nabil Mouannes does not merely aim at mutual understanding with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Rev. James Narithookil and friendly relations. It reaches a much Deacon Joe O’Donnell deeper level, that of the spirit, where CONTACT INFORMATION Rev. Michael O’Reilly exchange and sharing consist in a mutual Rev. Michael F. Kiernan, Director Rev. Bong Rojas witness to one’s beliefs and a common Ms. Alicia Ross exploration of one’s respective religious Pastoral Center 2110 Broadway Mr. Uli Schmitt convictions.” (Pontifical Council For Inter- Deacon Joe Symkowick religious dialogue, dialogue and Sacramento, CA 95818 proclamation, 40) (916) 733-0254 email: [email protected]