Catholic Organizations, Communities and Universities Lend Support
Contact: Mary Dickey, Director of Communications, 212-870-1046, Mdickey@odysseynetworks.org; Desiree Frieson, Communications Manager, 212-870-1053, Dfrieson@odysseynetworks.org; both with Odyssey Networks
NEW YORK, Sept. 10 /Christian Newswire/ -- When clocks strike noon on the International Day of Peace (September 21), a quiet but worldwide phenomenon is expected. From time zone to time zone on that day, people will be honoring their pledges to pause and pray for peace for one minute. Odyssey Networks, the multi-faith media coalition, launched this unique prayer campaign -- "A Million Minutes for Peace" in 2009, drawing participants from over 114 countries. Their continuing goal is to secure a million pledges to pray for peace for one minute at noon on September 21. The pledges are made at a dedicated website www.AMillionMinutesforPeace.org, where its award winning 60 second PSA can be seen.
Over 350 organizations, including parishes, dioceses, high schools, colleges, lay organizations, non-profits and media outlets, are partnering with Odyssey in circulating the news of "A Million Minutes" for Peace to their constituents, as well as pledging on behalf of their members/communities. Catholic partners include SIGNIS, Pax Christi, Pax Christi International, Center for Action and Contemplation, JustFaith Ministries, Relevant Radio, Education for Justice, Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers, Maryknoll Sisters, Medical Mission Sisters, Oblates of Mary, Franciscan Action Network, Franciscans International, Holy Name Society, National Federation of Priests' Councils, and the Paulist Fathers.
The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and the Jesuit Secondary Education Association are promoting the pledge with all of the nation's Jesuit colleges, universities and high schools, many of which have signed on such as Fordham University and Loyola-Marymount University. Other Catholic colleges such as St. John's University, St. Joseph's College, The College of St. Elizabeth, Mount St. Mary's University, Notre Dame de Namur University, Chestnut Hill College, Alvernia University, Barry University, Manhattan College plus campus ministries and Newman clubs at secular institutions, are also on board.
Spanish-language partners include La Red Solidaria and Instituto Fe Y Vida. To see a complete list of all English and Spanish partners, visit: www.amillionminutesforpeace.org/our-partners.shtml.
In addition to making the pledge, which is available in English and Spanish, visitors to the site can view The Prayer Wall, a presentation of video prayers by faith leaders from diverse traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Catholic contributors include Father Edward Beck, Sister Joan Chittister and the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict. Viewers are invited to send in their own video prayers to info@odysseynetworks.org.
Odyssey is supporting "A Million Minutes for Peace" with a multimedia campaign that includes English and Spanish PSAs on television and radio in key markets, online ads on sites such as HallmarkChannel.com and Facebook, and a Twitter campaign and contest.
This year "A Million Minutes for Peace" will present a special feature on its website on September 21: "Take Ten." During this ten-minute period, which begins at 11:55 AM ET, people from all over the United States and from countries as far away as the Middle East -- will go to the site for a "virtual" ecumenical prayer group. The one-minute noon prayer will be preceded by a just-released rendition of the famous hymn Prayer of St. Francis, set against visual imagery, and performed by noted inspirational singer Jenny Burton.
About Odyssey Networks
Odyssey Networks is the nation’s largest multi-faith coalition dedicated to producing and distributing media that builds bridges of understanding and promotes peace, tolerance and issues of social justice. Its Catholic members are the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, The Christophers, Maryknoll Productions, Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic, Medical Mission Sisters, and Oblate Media and Communications, Established in 1987, Odyssey Networks is a service of the National Interfaith Cable Coalition, Inc. For more information visit www.odysseynetworks.org
