An ecumenical service marking the annual celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, sponsored by the Southern California Ecumenical Council and the Westwood Christian Churches Association, will be held Jan. 29, 3 p.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Church, Westwood.

The featured speaker is Rev. Dr. Joseph Hough, former dean of the School of Theology at Claremont (1974-89) who will preaching on “The University as a City of Human Hope,” derived from the Book of Jeremiah (29: 11): “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  

Dr. Hough is president of Union Theological Seminary in New York City where he is also the William E. Dodge professor of Social Ethics. The former dean of Vanderbilt Divinity School, and an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, Congregational, he is the author, co-author, or editor of several books, including “Christian Identity and Theological Education” and “Beyond Clericalism.”

St. Paul the Apostle Church is located at 10750 Ohio Avenue, Westwood. For information , call the Southern California Ecumenical Council, (626) 578-6371 or   HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]" [email protected].  

Mass & Anointing of the Sick scheduled Feb. 11In observance of the 2012 World Day of the Sick, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels will host a Mass and Anointing of the Sick on Feb. 11, 2:30 pm.

Auxiliary Bishop Edward Clark will be the principal celebrant for the liturgy, sponsored by the Order of Malta Western Association. All who are sick, facing surgery or who have loved ones who are ill are encouraged to attend to receive the sacrament of the anointing of the sick.

“Through anointing, the grace of the Holy Spirit comforts and strengthens the soul of the sick person,” said Msgr. Kevin Kostelnik, Cathedral pastor, who noted that the event --- being held on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes --- will become an annual observance at the Cathedral. 

The World Day of the Sick was instituted by Pope John Paul II in May 1992 --- a year after he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease --- and first celebrated on Feb. 11, 1993. It is celebrated every year on the commemoration of Our Lady of Lourdes.

For more information, contact Joe Sanders, [email protected], or Jim Sarni, [email protected], or call the Cathedral, (213) 680-5200.