Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Lord:
TO ALL PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS WORKING IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LAGOS, AND THE LAY FAITHFUL;
- THE RETURN OF KISS OF PEACE TO STATUS QUO: Recall that at the beginning of the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, guidelines were issued for the sacraments, one of which was the suspension of the kiss of peace through exchange of handshakes.
Following the just concluded 2nd plenary of the Catholic Bishops Conference at Orlu, the suspension of the kiss of peace was lifted. We hereby declare that we return to the status quo, that is, exchange of handshakes for the kiss of peace with immediate effect.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary continue to intercede for us and the whole world. Amen.
2. THE MUSTARD SEED (New Catechism Book): This is a new catechism book approved in the Archdiocese for preparation of children for the Sacraments of Baptism/First Holy Communion. The book is now available and is sold for N800.00 per copy. All parishes should contact the Religious Education Department: 08108846869, 08066224284.
3. 2022 SEASON OF CREATION: As you are probably aware, the Season of Creation is the annual Christian celebration by which we are called to listen and respond together to the cry of Creation. It is an occasion when in the spirit of ecumenism, Christians of various denominations all around the world unite together in prayer and renewal of their commitment to protecting the earth – our common home. The celebration of the 2022 Season of Creation begins on 1st September, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and ends on 4th October, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of ecology. The theme for the celebration this year is: “Listen to the Voice of Creation.” and the adopted universal logo is “The Burning Bush” (Ex. 3:1-12).
In prayer, let us bring to focus the cry of the Earth and the cry of the Poor. May this 2022 Season of Creation bring about the renewal of our bonds of love and peace in unity of life and action towards rescuing our planet earth from the perils caused by environmental degradation and abuse. We encourage, individuals, societies and communities to participate in the celebration through prayer, sustainability projects, and advocacy.
Let us all embrace and deepen the culture of Eco-friendly actions: deliberate effort to conserve energy, Tree planting and embrace the culture of Reduce, Re-use and Recycle as we journey towards more simple and sustainable living and lifestyles of integral ecology.
4. 2022 CATECHETICAL WEEK: The annual Catechetical Week program in the Archdiocese begins from Sunday, 2nd October to Sunday, 9th October, 2022.The theme for this year is: “Lord do you not care that we are perishing?” It is recommended that Parishioners participate actively as it is a parish-based program. The pamphlet for this program will be available at the Religious Education Department @ N250 per copy. For further enquiries contact: 08108846869, 08066224284.
5. FEST2LAFF CONCERT: The Gospel Comedy Concert/Charity fund program (Season 4), aimed at assisting the less privileged tagged “Fest2Laff with MC Smart and Catholic Comedians… The Wheel and the Testament” comes up on Sunday 16th October, 2022 at McGovern Hall, St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland. Time: 4pm-6pm Ticket: Regular (N3,000), VIP (N10,000) , Seat on a Table (N50,000), Table for 10 (N500,000). Tickets are available in all Parishes. For sponsorship and enquiries, please call MCSMART on: 08062499548.
6. JDPC FOOD BANK PROJECT – The Justice Development and Peace Center (JDPC) Lagos will be carrying out a food bank project from the month of October, 2022. We therefore appeal to Parish Priests and all people of goodwill to kindly support the JDPC in cash or kind. Financial Donations can be made JDPC FOOD BANK PROJECT, Zenith Bank – 1224609969 while food items can be sent to the JDPC office @ 19, Maye Street, Off Commercial Avenue, Yaba, Lagos or contact the office on 08102580516.
