Ecumenical Relations

How did seven St. Luke’s children start attending St. Patrick’s Catholic elementary school? It all began with a conversation. When the Rev. Wayne Sanders, vicar of St. Luke’s, San Diego – North Park started his interim work, he visited neighboring churches. He formed a good and prayerful relationship with the Rev. McFadden, priest of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, just down the street. Father McFadden and Father Sanders, aware of the 20-year-old agreement between our diocese and the Roman Catholic diocese to support one another in ministry, held ecumenical services together including Good Friday, Stations of the Cross and youth activities. One day, Father McFadden said, “By the way, Wayne, you could do us a favor by sending us more students from diverse backgrounds. We lack diversity.” Father Sanders communicated this news to the congregation, which is home to about 50 refugee families from South Sudan. Seven children of refugees now attend an excellent elementary school in their neighborhood. Father Sanders expresses his gratitude to Father McFadden and St. Patrick’s Church and says, “we are still praying for you.” +