Dear Family in Christ,
The year 2008 has dawned, and with this New Year come many new hopes,
dreams and plans for our future. The Reformed Catholic Church,
recognizing that, in the past, we grew IN SPITE of
ourselves, will refocus our energies and efforts to ensure that in 2008,
we grow IN LIGHT of ourselves!
Our
Church is on a journey, made all the more exciting through the wide
diversity of people who are walking with us. From across the United
States, to the far reaches of Europe and to the heart of Africa, the Holy
Spirit is uniting people and cultures, through the message of the Gospel
of Christ! A Gospel that is unfettered; a Gospel free from any artificial
human impediments [institutional or otherwise] to the proclamation of a
faith that truly invites all to the table of the Lord.
And we, laity or minister, acolyte or bishop, share in the new
evangelization of the world!
I received an email from a clergyperson from another jurisdiction that, in
part, I would like to share with you:
"This is what struck me about the RCC, having read several times various
Blog entries - some by you, Your Excellency, and others written by
YourClergy, I found a Church that does not compromise on essential
Doctrine, that is Theologically sound, but OPEN AND AFFIRMING!!!! And it
has viable and real ministries that really make a difference. I was
literally hit in the chest by this discovery, I believe this was
Providence that led me to find by accident your Blog. I feel that your
Jurisdiction is being led by the Holy Spirit, and as Rite stands on its
own merits.”
What an absolute blessing it was to receive such a powerful -- and
empowering -- statement! This is what the RCC is.... A community
led by the Holy Spirit, not seeking the
validation of others for our existence, serving the people
of God! My prayers are with this brother in Christ. I have invited him
to join us as we continue our Journey!
This year, many new, innovative ministries will be developed and shared
with the community. I am more committed than ever to Education, Formation
and Spiritual Direction, as these are essential elements that are
essential for well trained, well balanced clergy and religious. I firmly
believe that the people of God deserve nothing less than the best we, as a
Church, have to offer. I ask for your prayers as we engage in this
important endeavor! Look for regular announcements about the Formation
Process and Spiritual Direction Programs.
Recognizing that not all who are called to ministerial services are called
to Sacramental Ministry, I have developed a Program entitled
The Emmaus Project which will focus its training
on individuals who have a calling to specialized
non-sacramental ministries. This program is open to all in the RCC and
beyond. I have asked Bishop Price, as the Vicar of Ecumenical Affairs to
assist me in the administration of this new, innovative and exciting
program. Information about this new project will be posted to the RCC
website soon.
It is also my honor to announce the development of a new program
entitled: Agape Community Project. Unlike other programs
similar in scope, this new program is unique to the Reformed Catholic
Church and her mission and ministry. It has been charged with a
mandate to ensure that our communities are welcoming and affirming to all
people, through a process of self examination and communal discernment.
To learn more about this program, please explore the Agape Community
Project page on the RCC Website,
www.reformedcatholicchurch.org
A third program relevant to progression in the education and formation of
RCC clergy, religious and laity relates specifically to Christian
Spirituality and Spiritual Direction. Spiritual Directions,
is a program whose essential mission is the communion of fundamental
aspects in the educational formation to the origin and final end of the
heart of Christian life: growth in the interior life in union with the
Holy. The Program, in the developmental stages, will be offered as a
series of studies in modular form, utilizing an online methodology as a
means of correspondence and regular interface amongst participants. Fr.
Michael Abair, Spiritual Director and minister of the apostolate of
Pilgrim Sanctuary looks forward to the presentation of the Program Model
upon its completion and will serve as administrator of this unique
program.
We have much to do in 2008. I am confident that we will experience much
growth during the year that will expand the reach of The Reformed Catholic
Church to even the most remote places on this earth!
Thank you for all of the work each of you do for the people of God!
In Christ,
++Phillip Zimmerman, RSJ
Metropolitan Archbishop
Presiding Bishop
.JPG)
