WASHINGTON, MAR 10 (ZENIT.org).- The U.S. Episcopal Conference has organized a Jubilee Day for Single People on April 27.

    The Bishops' original initiative seeks to emphasize the mission of single persons in the world, and the contribution they can make if they are aware of the Lord's call, which is no different than that of all other lay members of the Church.

    Given the great variety of personal situations included in the "singles" category (youth, adults, widows and widowers, separated, divorced, consecrated, etc.), the Episcopal Conference proposed to dioceses and parishes that the Day be celebrated in the manner considered most appropriate. The parish of Ss. Peter and Paul in Milwaukee, for instance, will invite all the unmarried of the area to a dinner to find out how they are received by the local Catholic community.

    The objectives of the Jubilee Day are to help singles understand the need to dedicate more time to prayer, formation, and parish activities; to live the sacramental life more intensely, practice charity and share their faith with others, making their home a "domestic church" open to persons with difficulties. In addition, they should be more socially committed, have the courage to go out to exhibitions, weddings, etc., and tell others in similar circumstances about the Jubilee Day dedicated to them.

    In preparation for this Jubilee, the Bishops offer bibliographic information on pastoral care for singles, and suggest 4 saintly models who were neither priests nor religious: St. Benedict Joseph Labre, St. Praxedes, St. Joseph Moscati, and St. Zita. ZE00031001