OLDS — On March 3, at 2 p.m., St. Stephen’s Catholic Church will be hosting services for World Day of Prayer, organized locally by the St. Stephen’s Catholic Women’s League.
The goal of World Day of Prayer, which began about 100 years ago, is to overcome social, geographic and political barriers and to “restore hope to women and children touched by injustice,” the organization's news release says.
From its humble beginnings, World Day of Prayer is now held in more than 170 countries.
In Canada, it’s coordinated by the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada, one of the founders of the event.
Although largely organized by women, World Day of Prayer is not exclusively for women – men and children are welcomed.
“Anybody can come to World Day of Prayer,” Joanne Fewster of the St. Stephen’s Catholic Women’s League said during an interview with the Albertan.
Each World Day of Prayer focuses on a particular country. This year’s service was prepared by the women of Taiwan. The theme is “I have heard about your faith.”
A backgrounder says in Taiwan, “women’s participation in politics is still limited by patriarchy and party politics.
“The labour market continues to practise wage discrepancies based on gender.
“Even though over 60 per cent of women have college degrees or higher education, 83 per cent are still affected by stereotypes in the workplace and are limited to industries that require no expertise or leadership.
“Many Taiwanese women still suffer from domestic violence, sexual harassment/assault and drug abuse.”
The last time Olds was involved, the women of Slovenia organized the service.
Fewster said this year’s service is a bit different, as it will be via video, downloaded onto a computer.
The service will include hymns, prayer and a collection. A lunch will be held afterwards.
Over the past 40 years, through World Day of Prayer offerings, the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada has distributed about $3 million for small projects in various countries.
Fewster said before COVID restrictions, World Day of Prayer used to attract about 100 participants in Olds.
However, she said since COVID, many churches have been struggling to get their congregants back in pews.
As a result, she said organizers of the service in Olds will be happy if about 60 people turn out to this year’s event.
Fewster was asked if she thinks eventually World Day of Prayer will get back to attendance of around 100 in Olds.
“Oh, I would hope so,” she said. “It’s an awesome organization.”
