Congregation releases calls for action, days of prayer in anticipation of Inauguration Day

Note: The following is a shared statement from the General Council of the Sisters of Providence and the Women of Providence in Collaboration. Scroll down to see scheduled events the Sisters of Providence, Providence Associates and others will be taking part in leading up to the Inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden.

As a sign of our commitment to make God’s Providence visible by creating a more just and hope-filled world, the General Council invites all Sisters, Providence Associates, family and friends to join other members of the Women of Providence in Collaboration community in a day of fast and prayer on January 20, 2021, the United States Inauguration Day of President-Elect Joe Biden.

The Sisters of Divine Providence of Allison Park, Pennsylvania, will have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel at Providence Heights. They invite others to join them either privately or through Livestream here.

Let us all join together in whatever ways are possible to pray and fast for the healing of our nation and of our world.

Prayer and Action

As people of faith and as citizens of the United States, we watched the violent incursion at the U.S. Capitol on the Feast of the Epiphany with horror, fear and sadness. Violence aimed at subverting the will of the people determined through a fair and free election is unconscionable.

As we approach the January 20 Inauguration of a new President and Vice President, we encourage all Catholics, and people of faith, to move intentionally with prayer, reflection and action. Let this be the moment we unmistakably demonstrate that the Gospel has no tolerance for the hatred, racism and lies which led to the violence at the Capitol. Let this be the moment we, as a community of disciples of Jesus, motivated by redemptive love, claim our vocation as truth-tellers, healers, reconcilers and peacemakers.

Please consider taking advantage of the following offerings developed by the D.C. Catholic Coalition and others. In addition, we offer tools you can use to share a message of hope, justice and faith on social media.

Sunday, January 17

On MLK Sunday we hope to respond to the crisis moment by lifting up the vision of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s for a beloved community, which undergirds the commitment to a multiracial democracy which is now under violent threat and attack in the United States.

Memorial for those Lost to COVID-19

The Presidential Inaugural Committee will host a memorial to honor those lost to COVID-19. A Washington, D.C., ceremony will feature a lighting around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. People around the country can join by illuminating buildings and ringing church bells at 5:30 p.m., EST, in a national moment of unity and remembrance.

D.C. Catholic Coalition Prayer

The D.C. Catholic Coalition invites all to join on Sunday, January 17, at 7 p.m., EST, to mark the inauguration of the 46th President of the United States. We will gather to pray for our country and to ask a blessing on President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris. Register here or watch it on Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns’ YouTube channel.

Of course, if you are unable to join on Sunday evening, you are most welcome to use the prayer at any time that is convenient for you.

“Prayer for Beloved Community in the Midst of COVID and Chaos”

Join the Poor People’s Campaign for a 30-minute prayer service at 8 p.m., EST, on Sunday, January 17 as a part of a “National Call to Love, Light and Leadership.”

Monday, January 18

Prayer Vigil

You are all invited to join the interfaith community for a 24-hour prayer vigil. Share your prayers online with the hashtag #PeaceWithJustice. Pax Christi USA has prepared a prayer service based on the words and prayers of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

MLK Moral Monday

Join the National Interfaith Service of Love, Light and Leadership, sponsored by the Poor People’s Campaign at 1 p.m., EST, Monday, January 18.

Tuesday, January 19

Ringing of Church Bells to honor lives lost to COVID-19

At 5:30 p.m., EST, on Tuesday, Jan. 19, as part of the Presidential Inauguration events, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Community is encouraging others to participate in a national memorial to honor the lives lost to COVID-19 by ringing Motherhouse Chapel bells in a moment of remembrance. Individuals are invited to join in this moment of remembrance as well by placing a light in window at that time.

Click here to read more about this memorial and here to register for participation.

Interfaith Prayer Service

Sojourners will host a virtual prayer service from 7-8:30 p.m., EST. Ecumenical church leaders will offer their prayers for #PeaceWithJustice in our nation on the eve of the Inauguration. To join, click here.

Wednesday, January 20

Social Media Messaging

We encourage all to publicly mark the Inauguration beginning at 11 a.m., EST, via tweetstorm, sharing comments, testimonies and commitments on Twitter – all with the hashtag #PeaceWithJustice. Sojourners will share details at their website.

Thursday, January 21

Traditionally, the National Cathedral hosts the Inaugural Prayer Service on January 21, at 10 a.m., EST. Check the website for a possible virtual event. However, you may also find more information on the Inaugural website.

In addition, join NETWORK’s Post-Inauguration Day Community Conversation at 7 p.m., EST, for an evening of celebration, reflection and discussion. The event will include reflection on Joe Biden’s Catholic identity and the implications for our nation. You can register by clicking here.

The National Council of the Churches of Christ (NCC), in partnership with the Washington Interfaith Staff Community (WISC), offered an Interfaith Prayer Service on Reflection, Lamentation and Hope for members of Congress, staff, and all who work at and protect the U.S. Capitol. The 90-minute presentation was offered on January 15 and can be viewed here.