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Fall 2007
Vol. 2
Issue 4 |
The Pax
Press Newspaper
The World Wide
Newspaper of the Reformed Catholic Church |
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From The
Diocese of Ireland, Scotland, England
and Wales
Monsignor Niall Sheridan, Bishop
Elect of the new diocese |
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In the name of Our Lord
Jesus Christ. Amen
My sisters and brothers in
Christ, Greetings in the name of the Lord from the newly created Reformed
Catholic Church Diocese of Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales, under the
patronage of Saint Patrick. I’m Monsignor Niall Sheridan, Bishop Elect of
the new diocese.
So what is this new diocese
and what is the backdrop we face at this moment in history as we begin our
outreach to the people?
Our new diocese is truly a
missionary outreach of our church. Many of our churches, parishes
and missions throughout the world already have congregations, groups and
peoples and became members of the church through a mutual exploration of
their spiritual needs and desires, through listening to the call of God in
their lives in their spiritual hunger. The church here, with the exception
of Fr. Guye Gemechu and the flock he leads in London, England, is totally
missionary in that we are going out without any peoples, any communities
and any groups. We begin with absolutely no-one in most places.
We begin in our diocese with
a backdrop of a place ravaged by the sexual abuse scandals of the Roman
Catholic Clergy, and often even more by the scandals of their Bishops’ who
simply moved their problem priests instead of dealing with them as they
arose. I have been most surprised at how much this has struck at the
hearts and minds and psyche of so many people I meet. The diocese is
experiencing what the USA has known for quite some time – a new affluence
and much poverty. Ireland for example has the second highest number of
millionaires in the world second only to Japan. And yet, it not only has a
deep spiritual poverty and paralysis but considerable poverty in terms of
material needs and wants for the basics of living a decent life for many.
There is a comparatively high level of drug taking and quite literally not
a day goes by without some reports of persons gunned down in the streets
for various reasons. There is a high level of suicide and death from
various traumatic causes amongst the young – 8 such deaths alone in one
week in the small rural neighbourhood of a thousand or so, in which I live
myself.
There are many encouraging
signs in the area of human relations. Ireland and indeed the whole
diocese, has accepted many new people of various races and creeds with
little or no racism and no such attacks as we have seen elsewhere. There
is what I see as a genuine level of simple acceptance – not tolerance –
amongst ordinary people of BGLTG people; although not so sadly among the
churches here. The President of Ireland, Dr. Mary McAleese, has spoken out
consistently particularly in support of young persons who are gay, in
their pain and difficulty of coming out, in their pain and difficulty of
seeking to live a full, open and honest life. There is now an
understanding of divorced persons that didn’t exist here in the past and
it is not now seen as some terrible stigma anymore.
It is with that kind of
backdrop that we go out to preach the Gospel to the people of the diocese.
We have some enquiries but almost no commitment from people so far.
Please ask the Lord to bless
us with open and listening hearts for ourselves and amongst the people.
Pray for Fr. Gemechu and myself as we preach the Gospel of the Loving Lord
in this corner of the vineyard. May the Lord bless our efforts with
success.
Some future plans; I hope to
celebrate the Mass of Christmas Midnight with Fr. Gemechu and his
congregation in London this year. I will be working with Monsignor Heckman
on a press and publicity outreach in the diocese. His work is outstanding
for the church worldwide. It is my hope that I may be invited to the
Worldwide gathering of the Anglican Communion in Lambeth, England next
year as an ecumenical observer. I hope to visit Rome in 2008 and will
write to Cardinal Kasper, The Roman Catholic Church Prefect for Christian
Unity in order to meet him when I visit. I shall also request that I may
simply bear our greetings in visitation with the Bishop of Rome also.
++Archbishop Phillip has given me to understand that my Episcopal
Ordination will take place next May when he makes a Pastoral Visit to
inaugurate the Diocese at that time. Please know that you are all very
welcome to come here at that time in particular and share in this historic
moment for our diocese and for our church. Simply let me know if you can
come through my email on the Reformed Catholic Church Website. I am also
slowly beginning to make contact with other denominations here. I am also
looking for a physical home for us and for also for the ‘physicalia’ – the
church things, vestments etc., which goes to making such a building usable
for us as a church if we find one, as we begin with literally nothing.
Remember us in prayer and
may your God go with you.
Monsignor Niall Sheridan
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NEWS
FROM THE DIOCESE OF THE DIVINE MERCY
From the
Office of the Chancellor Monsignor Michael Baremore RCF |
The birth of a new RCC parish here in San Antonio, Texas.
St Anthony Reconciliation
A Reformed Catholic Community
San Antonio, Texas
The local community has deemed it
important to name this new emerging parish -- -- after the patron saint of
San Antonio. We seek your prayers and blessings in this journey. Our
community has started meeting together, learning, praying and will start
gathering for public mass towards the beginning of November. However, it
is the First Sunday of Advent we will officially (and publicly)
begin regular services to our community. Pray for us. Must admit a bit of
trepidation, as well as excitement of an impending birth, as
we move forward. Mainly my personal lack of skill adept enough for the
task at hand. But trusting the One we follow. Besides, the Creator loves
using fools to confound the wise. "Here am I, Lord!' This will be a
journey of Faith for sure.
The journey will be a indeed be a real
adventure. I hope to visit all our parishes within Divine Mercy very
soon. We will talk very soon of course. Naturally, I will be in Mexico as
soon as possible too, but traveling more through out the greater country,
sharing more about the RCC there, while home based in San Antonio. We will
be planning several short term mission trips into Mexico later in the
spring too. I hope to be in Guadalajara and Mexico City soon. Better get
your passports ready! Much love to our global RCC family, surely we will
be in just about in every continent very soon. Let us utilize our
excellent RCC communication tools. Stay in touch! We lift each of you
daily and looking forward to hearing of your growing communities.
Reconciliation, diplomacy, open and
prayerful patience are virtues necessary tools for our lives. What an
amazing Faith walk. Each of us walks here, let us pray for each other
rejoicing. Much peace until we all can gather together soon.
Each of you enjoy the day and week. Much
Grace!! Fr. Mike |
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RCC Presence in Texas Calls all to the
Corporal Works of Mercy
Well as ya'll
know, I've been sending out emails regarding a food drive and durable
medical equipment drive for the home bound and needy.
It’s wonderful to see how many people are really stepping up to the plate
and are making a difference. I currently have over $10,000 worth of
donated medical equipment and within the last week, approximately 350
pounds of food will have been donated to the food pantry. In addition, 5
people wish to adopt an elderly person or needy family for Thanksgiving
and Christmas.
We have provided mattresses to a family in need and to a night shelter.
We have also given approximately 35 pounds of food to needy families. If
you know of others in need in the area, please let us know. We welcome the
opportunity to help.
WOW!! Just to stop for a moment and ponder this is astounding; this has
been accomplished by word of mouth and email in the blink of an eye.
Below is the info on “A Holiday Random Act of Kindness”
Here’s an opportunity to make a difference. In the Dallas/Fort Worth
Metroplex is a medical practice which specializes in making house calls.
That’s right, “house calls.” Dr. Joe Ventimiglia (aka Dr. V) and Dr. Mary
Snellings visit home bound patients in their homes. They have also
arranged for many ancillary services to be provided in the patient’s
homes. Being in people’s homes, the staff have become aware of the many
needs in this growing community. Dr. V and his staff have created two
unique programs: a food pantry for home bound patients and a pantry of
new/used medical equipment for the needy.
Dr. V’s office
has established a food pantry to serve these home- bound patients in
need. His office will serve as a collection point for all those who would
like to donate non-perishable food items or medical equipment for the
needy.
Also, if you
would like to adopt a family and provide them with a Christmas dinner,
please let us know.
Please call Anna Cox at 214.751.8980 or Carolyn Miller at 817.266.6091 to
have donations picked up. Dr. Joe Ventimiglia, 909 Lake Carolyn Parkway,
Suite 220, Irving, Texas 75039,
972.868.9929.
Respectfully Requested,
Dr. Joe Ventimiglia, MD
Dr. Mary Snellings, MD
Larry Gess, PA
Noreen Snellings, RN
Renee Sheinin, Tech
Angel White, Receptionist
Anna Cox, Executive Manager
Most Reverend Mother Raelynn Scott, Chaplain
Carolyn Miller, Social Worker
“If you
can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” ~ Mother Teresa
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OFFICE OF THE
BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF ST. MICHAEL
The Most
Reverend Patrick Batuyong, DD |
Diocese of St. Michael’s
Most Rev Patrick Batuyong
1712 Connally Drive, East Point, GA
30344
Office: (404) 572-9020 Home: (404)
762-5818 Mobile: (404) 418-2837
The Diocese of St. Michael continues
to cultivate the Catholic faith in the Bible belt. Often times the
struggle and challenges of missionary work takes its toll and we have
learned that it is necessary to take time to replenish our own soul and
refresh our minds, bodies and spirits. Saying that, Bishop Patrick and his
partner took a well-deserved weeks vacation during the first week of
November.
In October the diocese saw its first
Franciscan vocation as John-Philip Daly entered the novitiate on the
evening of October 3, 2007. The Parish of St. Michael the Defender
(Atlanta, GA) celebrated a para-liturgy to commemorate the transition of
our brother Francis of Assisi. This event known in Franciscan circles as
The Transitus a is a moving spiritual experience in the life of a
Franciscan. Mr. Daly, spent a year in Postulancy discerning his calling
and will spend his one year a day continuing this process under the
mentoring of +H.G. Gonzales, BCFF . + Harry serves as the Guardian of the
Franciscans in the RCC. prior to making his first profession next October.
Christopher Ministries (St.
Michael’s Community Outreach) continues to provide limited service during
its restructuring. The initial residential facility did not meet the full
requirements we had established and we continue our search for another
facility.
Another highlight for October was
the Ordination of the first priest for the Diocese of St Michael
(Atlanta). Deacon Warren Taylor, RSJ, was raised to the order of the
Presbyterate and assigned as a pastoral associate to the Parish of St.
Michael the Defender as he continues to develop St. Maria Mission
Ministry for the Parish.
Thanks to all who have been able to
share your gifts with Monsignor Joe Catrambone and his work among the
abused and abandoned children in Guatemala. Joe is special to us in the
Diocese in that his missionary work in Central America can at times be
very dangerous. Having served in the Armed forces supporting a variety of
US Missions I first hand can tell that too often Catholic workers be they
priests, religious or lay people travel a thin line with the local
governments. I encourage you to continue your gifts of support
and prayers.
The Benedictine House (Good
Shepherd) in Atlanta was dissolved. Fr. Charles Bongiovanni returned to
retired status and continues to serve as a retired pastoral associate to
the Diocesan Bishop.
Fr Joe Corrigan continues serving
the needs of the Merchant Marines and Coast Guard while working behind the
scenes as Vicar of Armed Forces Chaplaincy.
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NEWS
FROM THE DIOCESE OF ST. MICHAEL
The Most Reverend
Patrick Batuyong, DD |
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October 20, 2007, was marked with
the Ordination of Reverend Deacon Warren Taylor, RSJ, Online Corrdinator
to the Vicariate of Communications, into the Priesthood of the Reformed
Catholic Church. Reverend Father Warren Taylor, RSJ, was ordained by The
Most Reverend Patrick Batuyong, at a Mass held at St. John Lutheran
Church, Atlanta, Georgia.
Reformed Catholic Church clergy in
attendance were, The Reverend Mother Molly Wilcox, RSJ, The Reverend
Mother Susan Orlos, RSJ, both of Columbus, Ohio, and The Reverend Father
Joseph Corrigan. Vicar of Armed Forces Chaplaincy. Also assisting in the
Mass was Brother John-Philip Daly, OSF, as Server and Ms. Sarah Ruth
Taylor as Acolyte. Ms. Sarah Ruth Taylor is the seven year old daughter of
the new Father Warren Taylor.
Other special guest of the
Ordination were The Reverend Paul Turner, Pastor of Gentle Spirit
Christian Church, The Reverend Guy Kent, Pastor Emeritus of Epworth United
Methodist Church, and Mr. Lance Helms, Georgia State Coordinator for
P.F.L.A.G. Family, friends, and colleagues were also in attendance.
Photography and Video were provided
by Ms. Alyce Keener of “A Keener Image” web services and and a reception
was provided by St. Michael The Defender Catholic Church Parish Life
Coordinator, Ms. Judy Rogers and parish members.
October 21, 2007, marked the first
public Mass of Father Warren Taylor and was held in the historic Candler
Park of Atlanta, Georgia. The open air Mass was joined by Gentle Spirit
Christian Church, who began a program of “Church Without Walls” in Candler
Park in September of 2006. The Mass, which was blessed with beautiful
weather, was highlighted by and followed with a potluck picnic luncheon
afterwards.
Reverend Father Warren Taylor has,
for the past three months, been providing for the daily production of the
Reformed Catholic Radio Podcast. Programs now include, “The Daily Word”,
heard Mondays through Fridays, “Reflections Of The Church”, hosted by
Archbishop Phillip Zimmerman on Saturdays, and “The Sunday Homily”. Father
Taylor will work as Pastoral Associate to St. Michael The Defender
Reformed Catholic Church parish assisting Bishop Patrick Batuyong. Also
Father Taylor will begin work on a new parish ministry, St. Maria Mission.
The Progressive Christian Movement,
which has it's beginnings and offices in Atlanta, Georgia, has asked
Father Taylor to chair a committee on Community Outreach Ministry. The
ecumenical involvement of local area churches will focus on humanity
issues surrounding poverty, social justice, and equality.
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St. Maria Mission
A Ministry of St. Michael The Defender
Catholic Church
Atlanta, Georgia
A new ministry has formed out
of The Cathedral Of Saint Michael The Defender, Atlanta, Georgia. It is
within this community that St. Maria Mission is taking it's first
fledgling steps. With a focus on the computer savvy youth and young adults
that spend much of their time daily online, the new mission ministry will
predominately begin its work with the introduction of it's informative and
interactive website.
The numbers of kids and teens
already using websites such as “myspace” and countless other messaging
services like AIM, Yahoo, MSN, and ICQ, is growing daily and monthly. For
many of these kids and youth there is no positive roll model or guidance
while surfing the internet. St. Maria Mission will offer information to
these individuals to help them on their journey in life. They will be
given answers to the questions they have about God and the Church. They
will have ways to interact with the website in the form of forums and
blogging and even a monitored chat setting.
For those expressing further
interest there will be downloadable information on many of the Church's
teachings, on spiritual growth, and positive reinforcement. Many for the
first time will be given encouragement in their daily life. And above all
they will find acceptance for who they are as a human being. Another
positive outcome to this is that they will have the opportunity to
interact with others just like them and many on the same paths of life
that they are. They will have a chance to experience real peer to peer
positive interaction, free from judgment, harassment, and in a safe
environment.
St. Maria Mission will reach
out to more then just the younger generation. There will be positive and
nurturing information for families so that they may reconnect. Help will
be given to parents on how to talk and communicate with their kids,
helping families be families again. Communicating through understanding,
acceptance, and positive role modeling. Helping Parents be parents again
and even becoming better parents.
As St. Maria Mission grows
there are plans to begin after school programs that will provide activity
and social interaction. Participants can bring their homework and receive
guidance and help as they sit in a safe and nurturing atmosphere. They
will be encouraged to become involved in their families and neighborhoods
and communities. They can learn social involvement and become part of
issues that bring improvement.
Reaching out to the younger
people of our community and awakening inside them the desire to see
improvement come to their neighborhoods. Giving them a voice that will be
listened to. Teaching them in positive ways to express themselves. These
are but a few of the many ideas and plans that St. Maria Mission will
explore and create.
The real impact of what can
be accomplished just by involvement in the lives of many of these kids and
youth is unmeasurable. There are many kids that have no one to talk to or
to reach out to. Every measure will be taken to provide a safe, positive,
non threatening environment for all to feel welcome and accepted.
There are two frequently used
phrases within St. Maria Mission; one is, “All Are Welcome In This Place”,
and the other is, “I Am Somebody At St. Maria Mission”. These are more
then mantras for St. Maria Mission, these are the very tenants that make
up the ministry of St. Maria Mission.
Growth will take time and
change is sometimes slow to catch on. Sometimes an explosion can happen.
The need here is so great. Never has the need to reach the youth of our
community and world been greater. Now is the time to reach out to them,
now is the time to instill in them a real sense of worth and value. With
prayer, patients, and some hard work, St. Maria Mission will be there for
the community and those she serves. Who knows, God willing, there might be
a St. Maria Mission in every community one day.
Rev. Father Warren Taylor,
RSJ
St. Maria Mission, Founder
and Administrator
Email:
stmariamission@aol.com
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Traditional Prayer to St. Maria Goretti
Oh Saint Maria Goretti who, strengthened by God's grace, did not
hesitate even at the age of twelve to shed your blood and sacrifice life
itself to defend your virginal purity, look graciously on the unhappy
human race which has strayed far from the path of eternal salvation.
Teach us all, and especially youth, with what courage and promptitude we
should flee for the love of Jesus anything that could offend Him or
stain our souls with sin. Obtain for us from our Lord victory in
temptation, comfort in the sorrows of life, and the grace which we
earnestly beg of thee (here insert intention), and may we
one day enjoy with thee the imperishable glory of Heaven. Amen
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Seasons of
Change Mark Ministry, Ecumenism and Catholic Presence in Tennessee
Saint Stephen the Martyr Oratory
Brother
Steven Michael Sandaluk-RJE, Curate
Greetings from the hills of the middle of
Tennessee.
We are just now seeing the colors of the trees changing from green to all
sorts of reds, golden honey and oranges. It reminds me of Psalm 121:
I
will lift up my eyes unto the hills ,Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord ,Maker of Heaven and
Earth.
Here in Livingston, TN, we are
blessed to have the Overton County Ministerial Association which operates
Good Samaritan Center. The non-profit Good Samaritan Center provides those
in need with food, clothes, households items, etc., all free of charge.
The center is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30am to 10:30am. This
ministry is located in the county annex building. We are so very gracious
for the many gifts afforded to our humble community of the faithful, not
the least of which is the utilization of a space without a rental fee of
any kind. In addition, lights and water are paid for and a particular area
of the center has been established for the use of our weekly worship
service. This simple gathering place has become a home for us to minister
the love of Christ in a special way with those sisters and brothers in our
faith community less fortunate than ourselves. The generosity of the
county supports the work of God in the very special charism of our
ministry; by their fruits you shall know them, it is said.
Charles and Ottie Eldridge, with their daughter, has
operated the center with a host of volunteers from the area churches; as
the lone Catholics in this lay of the land, we nonetheless have
established very close bonds with the many other denominations with whom
we share a love of Christ. This past September we served over 455
individuals and handed out over 195 food baskets. Saint Stephen the Martyr
is honored to be a part of this dynamic ministry has become a powerful
symbol of a charity, fundamentally rooted in action. In our own small
way, we are in solidarity with this particular great work of the Saint
Sebastian’s Cathedral, whose ministry of feeding the homeless has reached
an all time awe-some high! We look with eyes fixed and hearts open to the
limitless horizon of ways in which this community may continue to be the
Presence of Christ for the other locally and in the broader Church.
At the end of the month, Charles and Ottie are planning on
retiring from Good Samaritan after a faithful service of over 19 years. On
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 The Ministerial Association – of which St.
Stephen’s is proudly a member - met and partook in the vote to have
Pastors Richard and Sylvia Gerhart of Livingston New Hope Wesleyan
Church to oversee operations at the center .While working with them on
Thursday this past week ,we began to share with them the fruit of our
mutual discernment: our vision is for the city and the role of the center
in that vision. Pastor Richard started speaking his own sense of vision
and I was quite moved by the clear connection Richard and I had, along
with others , that seemed to run in parallel lines, as we continue to
journey together as the sisters and brothers of Jesus Christ.
My deepest prayer is that this shared vision –which God
has laid upon my own heart – will in turn touch the hearts of others.
It's quite funny how it seems God brings those into our lives at the most
pivotal moments when we find ourselves in confusion and doubt; working in
all manners Our Lord manifests a deep and abiding feeling of peace; a
confirmation of your calling and vision. On Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007 The
Board of First Christian Church will decide on our proposal to use a
classroom for our Bible Study (which numbers up to 15 - 20) and use of the
Sanctuary for Prayer and Communion. We are very hopeful that this door
will be open for us to grow more. On Sunday, November 25, 2007. Presiding
Archbishop Phillip Zimmerman will make history as he celebrates the first
ever Catholic Mass in the life of this city and county! Also on that day
He will confirm 3 members of Saint Stephen's parish (one of them is my own
sister).
God is opening doors here that I thought were forever
locked, but "With God, All things are possible." It has been quite a year
since I moved here and left my comfort zone of Columbus, Ohio to be closer
to the rest of my family that moved here. Little did I know that God had a
purpose for me to step outside of the box and put me in a place where I'm
more in touch with my spiritual life and with an increase in the time and
depth of my prayer. Now I just surrender to Providence and simply
contemplate while “God is doing His thing,” and I just submit myself to
what he has in store for me and see the advancement of his Kingdom here in
Livingston. If someone were to tell me a year ago that I would be in this
position, I would laugh and say ...I don't think so...But God
all-knowing, has a way about making his presence known when we have
extended ourselves and put our trust in him. In these moments, I can do
nothing save just stand in awe and wonder and say...Ok Lord, I know you
are at work here. I thank God for allowing me to be here and to be His
vessel of Grace and Love to the people of this area. May each of us be
willing to open ourselves to God’s spiritual consolation and grace into
our lives, and, being ourselves full , may we be so superabundantly
filled the cups of our hearts running over with the water of
new life so that all might be touched by the power which, from a seedling
once sprouted, blossoms in the Light of the Son
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NEWS
FROM
TERESA OF
CALCUTTA
DIOCESE
From the
Office of the Chancellor Monsignor Shawn Smith, RSJ |
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A Reflection on the
Anniversary of St. Joe's
In just another week, our Parish in
New Haven will be celebrating one year of ministry. It's really caused me
to think about just what ministry means to me. I can remember not long
ago, having just been ordained and being so nervous about what would
happen with St. Joseph's. I can remember the doubts and fears that I had
as we began to undertake this task. In the same way I remember the energy,
and excitement of being able to celebrate my faith in such a public way.
For so many years I had become
disheartened by watching what religion was becoming. It seemed like more
and more people where using religion as a weapon, which caused such deep
division. In beginning this church, I heard so many stories or hurt and
pain caused by those who should be bringing healing and compassion. I
failed to understand how those who were so inspired, could be so mislead.
After all the God that I know, called those who are outcasts, to come and
be welcomed into a family and community that would affirm and love,
despite the views of the world.
I believe so deeply in our
ministerial presence. We started as a small group of believers gathering
and sharing a common faith. Somehow down the path we became a church, and
we were called to minister even more. Before you knew it one milestone was
being passed to become another. We've had baptisms, weddings, and
funerals. We've ministered in hospitals and prisons. We have reached out
into the public eye and taken our faith to the streets, and proclaimed
that Catholic doesn't simply mean Roman. We have redefined our faith here
in Connecticut, and we offer an alternative, that offers the same Christ
and sacraments, but with a community, that truly cares for all.
Our Roman Catholic brothers, have
said that all are called to walk in the way of Christ, but their actions
have not shown that they believe all to be worthy. God's love knows NO
limits. There is no exception to the love that the Father has for His
children. When we as ministers and lay people of the church learn to love
without seeing the faults in our Brothers and Sisters, we truly learn what
Christianity means.
Having the eyes of Christ, means to
see what needs to be done. They are eyes and ears of action, for when we
see and hear those hurting and in need, we act. The presence of this
church is so important because without it, so many of our Catholic
brothers and sisters, would lose their faith. It is time to re-explore
what being catholic means! It is time to rediscover our love for the
church, and it's essential place in our lives. It is time to open wide the
doors of our hearts for Christ, so that peace, love, acceptance, and
happiness can be a part of our lives. More importantly it is time to share
that peace with one another.
We continue to help people rebuild
their faith. Faith that has been lost from hurt, neglect, and distrust.
These things are able to be overcome with love. When we look at the
sacraments of the church, we find an outpouring of Christ's love. A love
that is meant just for us, and when we find truth we are called to share
it.
This small parish has been a step of
courage, and through that we have found, I have found, an extraordinary
faith. May God continue His good work in this small parish of St. Joe's!
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St. Joseph of Arimathea Reformed Catholic
Church in New Haven
Dear Friends in Christ:
It is with a warm wishes that I
great you today. St. Joseph of Arimathea Reformed Catholic Church in New
Haven, CT will celebrate its 1st Anniversary on November 18, 2007. This
is a milestone for our ministry here in CT along with our Diocese and
the RCC itself. We remain the only parish currently in CT.
It has been a long year, baptism
by fire if you will. And so I offer these reflections to you.
It wasn't long ago when we
celebrated our first mass in the basement of a UCC church on the green.
We gathered nearly 30 at our first liturgy. Over time, we as a parish
fought for the soul of a young man on death row in CT. He is now an
important member of our Parish, and joins us in prayer weekly although
he remains incarcerated. Msgr. Shawn is able to visit him regularly. We
stand by our moto, "A Church Without Outcasts!"
Recently we celebrated the
marriage of two active parishioners Robert and Erika. And just weeks
before celebrated the Baptism of baby Anthony. Sadly we have lost people
along the way also, Shirley Spigarolo went to be with the Lord and Bro.
Terrence and myself were called on to minister to her family in their
time of need. All of these are more than we had imagined would happen
in our first year.
Now St. Joe's meets in it's
permanent chapel at 311 Temple Street, in New Haven, hosted by the
Center Church on the Green.
On November 18th at 6:00 PM we
will be having a Mass in celebration of this Anniversary. It will be
offered for the deceased relatives of Parishioners, and also for Bishop
Peter.
Realizing how hard it may be for
some to travel to Columbus for +Peter's Mass, this will offer the clergy
of our diocese to also participate in this event.
This invitation is warmly extended
to all. If you are unable to be with us in person, please unite with us
in prayer.
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NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE OF ST. PATRICK
From the
Office of the Chancellor Monsignor Marcis Heckman RSJ
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Priestly Ordination for
Reverend Michel-Paul Holland and the Celebration of
Holy Redeemer Reformed Catholic
Church in Ft. Wayne Indiana
First Public Mass
On Saturday, October 27, was
the celebration
of the Mass of Priestly Ordination for Reverend Michel-Paul Holland.
Sharing in the
celebration of the Mass
was Archbishop
Phillip Zimmerman, RSJ, Presiding Bishop, Bishop William
Quinlan, RCF, Diocesan Bishop of St. Patrick Diocese, Bishop David
Frazee, RSJ , Brother Danny Evans, RSJ and Monsignor Marcis Heckman, RSJ.
On Sunday , October 28, Holy
Redeemer Reformed Catholic Church celebrated their first public Mass.
Monsignor Marcis
Heckman, RSJ, Chancellor of the Diocese of St. Patrick
share in the celebration of the Mass. Reverend Fr. Michel-Paul Holland,
who is the founding pastor of Holy Redeemer Reformed Catholic Church in
Ft. Wayne, Indiana, delivered a wonderful and inspiring message to
the people of Ft. Wayne.
The evening was truly blessed
and beautiful, what a wonderful gift to those attending... Please join
the
Diocese of St. Patrick in welcoming our new parish.
Fr. Michel-Paul
Holland's RCC E-mail is
FrMichel@reformedcatholicchurch.org
Please keep
Fr. Michel-Paul
Holland, and the community of Holy Redeemer
in your thoughts and prayers.
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Holy Cross Reformed Catholic Church in
Toledo, Ohio
The
Shower of Stoles
November 2-4, 2007
Over the weekend of November
2-4, 2007, Holy Cross RCC Community welcomed the Shower of Stoles
Project with a concert on Friday night at the University of Toledo
with local artist. On Saturday the Display of over 700 Stole were
presented and on display at the Toledo - Lucas County Main Library. The
weekend ended with an ecumenical service on Sunday, co-hosted by Holy
Cross Reformed Catholic Church and Monroe Street United Methodist
Church., along with the 16 other denominations that participated in the
Shower of Stoles Weekend Event.
Holy Cross RCC Community was
blessed to have Archbishop Zimmerman and Br. Stephen Wilson join us, in
participation of the Shower of Stoles Weekend Event. here in Toledo,
Ohio. Br. Stephen Wilson joined three others to present "Voices from
the Silence", which was a litany of the Shower of Stoles. This litany is
a very moving, telling of the personal stories of some of those the
stoles represent. Archbishop Zimmerman shared in the celebration of the
Liturgy of the Eucharist.
For those who have never
heard of the Shower of Stoles Project, it is a collection of clergy
stoles other
sacred items representing the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgendered people of faith from over 30 denominations.
The stoles are donated by people who have been denied the opportunity to
serve as clergy because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered. When
assembled for display, they are a powerful witness to the power of God
in the human will overcoming a history of discrimination, hatred and
bigotry.
This
extraordinary collection, currently housed by the Institute for
Welcoming Resources in Minneapolis, celebrates the gifts of GLBT persons
who serve God in countless ways, while also lifting up those who have
been excluded from service because of their sexual orientation or gender
identity. You can visited and learn more about the Shower
of Stoles by visiting
The Institute for
Welcoming Resources - Shower of Stoles Project .
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Teresa of Calcutta Parish
Muskegon, Michigan
The community of Saint Teresa of
Calcutta in Muskegon, Michigan is
run by the Order of Holy Innocents; Bishop Joshua Alekzandor is the
Abbott, while Bishop William Quinlan is the bishop over the diocese.
Currently, Bishop Joshua is the Pastor, and Fr Krisz is the Associate
pastor, however, Fr Krisz will assume full pastoral duties and with these,
the designation as Pastor of the parish next year.
The community has undergone some outstanding and promising changes.
We have a new member of the Order of Holy Innocents, Sister Elisabeth
Clare. Sister Clare has taken temporary vows preceding her final
vows and completion of profession into the Order of the Holy Innocents. In
addition, the parish is blessed with another vocation in the presence of
another sister in the novitiate stages of formation in pursuing – upon the
completion of her own formation- religious life as a sister within the
community.
Our humble parish community has been largely
expanding by word-of-mouth as we have not begun any extensive means of
advertising as of yet; the parish prides itself on thorough preparedness
prior to ministering to God’s People in the sacramental life. One of our
hosts, the Harbor Unitarian-Universalists have been more than welcoming
and have really lent us a hand, which has, and still continues to be, a
great blessing!
We have, in addition a noteworthy member and project to draw
attention to in this edition of the Pax Press Newspaper. The involvement
of the laity, has only been highlighted even into the present spoken of as
–and very much affirmed following the Second Vatican Counsel- state of
life of no less merit than any other. The pulsating beat of the hearts of
the laity are, indeed, the rhymes, around which the Church has examined,
explored, observed and appreciated the need for a strong contingent among
those persons sharing in the common priesthood of all in Christ while
living ever more deeply into a vocation to live either in the single
committed to life woven fully into the Christian community.
The ordained priest in the community is designated with
reading the Words of The Holy Gospel, clearly expounding [on all Sunday
Masses the Creed]. We discuss its meaning and of the public proclamation
of Nicene Creed: the very core of the first and the administration of the
Sacraments. There is a dynamism present when people of the laity truly
begin to understand how absolutely intrinsically important they are in the
life of the Church, how it is that prayer is taught, etc., etc. Muskegon
area, in ecumenical groups, and local TV and radio are currently offering
one Mass available to the masses via the Blog as a kind of experiment with
the Program and its efficacy. Public Mass continues on Sundays at 3:00PM
at a host location, and private Mass is said every Wednesdays at the Abbey
for members of the Order. We have
updated our new website and created a weekly community newsletter, the
‘Mid-Week Mirror.”
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St. Luke
Jesuit Mission in Columbus, Ohio
By the tender mercy of our God the
dawn from on high will break upon us.
LUKE 1:78
1 November 2007
The Feast of All Saints
Dear Brothers, Dear Sisters in
Christ,
On this day of
all days, we remember at the Eucharist and celebrate the fact that we walk
on holy bones. We embrace the Communion of Saints. But what does this
really mean?
While both in
folklore as in legend, many portray these faithful ones as if these were
children of God whose feet never stumbled, or if they did, only for a
moment in life. Humble hearts know differently the path of Christ,
embracing. Humble hearts find refuge in a thousand failures, lifted, not
by our will, but in a simply astounding embrace: Christ.
In this age of
“Gospel as Prosperity”, it is an easy leap to imagine the Power Point
presentation of St. Francis—the lines of his eyes neatly airbrushed, his
calloused palms re-created, his beloved ones in prayer beside him in
complete serenity! And Our Lord becomes the blue-eyes, blond superstar,
who never really agonized in the Garden…
The heart of
faith knows quite differently the rags to riches story… the soul within us
finds quite clearly the quite, the sacredly gentle voice of Christ,
drawing us near. And in the listening that is faith, Christ calls us to
enjoin an astounding embrace.
That embrace is not a club
membership, but it is a privilege. Christ’s embrace is not a “get out of
jail free card”, but it is a cup of water freely given in the Spirit. And
each of are called to share the love that is this Water, the nourishment
that is compassion, the smile that is steadfast through every season in
human experience.
And we, at St.
Luke take this moment to thank each of you for your courageous witness.
Against all odds, like groundwater swelling amid a desert, the truth of
Christ is again poured out and spent. And even this grace has gathered two
women, that we may come to serve beside you in the Name of Christ.
Love has no boundaries, no
deadlines, no bill of lading. Still, even as we stand in sharing, the
boundaries, the deadlines, the bills of lading that arrive…. these are not
illusions, they are quite real.
And it is in
these times we need to hold to one another, even as we are bound. And it
is our privilege, the stranger that knocks, the call at 3 AM, the hunger
that seems to defy reason. Surely we ask ourselves, “Where does the time
go?” Let it be spent in simple communion for it is Christ who calls us
and bids us every closer to the fire—not a fire that consumes, but a fire
that enlivens these “rags of Light.”
All dressed
in these rages, our sisters and brothers did walk in faith. Through the
mercy of Christ, they carved a path for us to follow—a path made of bone
and flesh. As we share the Eucharist on this holy day, as we call out
their names, let us embrace the humanity that Christ embraces, every
day—God!
Sometimes
the Good News is a cup of water, sometimes a sandwich, sometimes it is
smile, sometimes it is a compassionate witness that will not turn away,
no matter the “score”.
It is
Christ’s abiding Love building the bridge we cross. It is Christ’s
compassion that calls us each, “Come home”. And homeward bound we are,
each and every heart. Thank you for walking beside, winter
spring—summer and fall. Such comfort we find in your sharing! We pray
that beside us, also a stout portion of comfort do you find returning.
Ad Maiorem Dei Gloria!
St. Luke Jesuit Mission
Rev. Susan Carol Orlos, Pastor
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NEWS
FROM THE DIOCESE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Most Reverend
Shane Price, D.Min |
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Highlights the Holy Spirit
Diocese at work with Native Americans
The Diocese of the Holy Spirit has continued in its efforts
to grow and develop ministries in the metropolitan Bismarck-Mandan area.
The State of North Dakota has a great many native peoples who are under
ministered in the truth relating to the Gospel of Christ. The Church
continues its efforts to bring the Gospel of Christ and the Eucharist to
the people of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. In continuing with this
ministry, I have accepted the position of Vice President with the High
Plains Outreach Regional Center Inc. They are a help center in the
formation stages in Bismarck. There goal is to provide chemical dependency
and grief counseling, emergency food and housing service, Native American
business funding, homeless outreach, and Gospel Ministry Education.
Religious Education will be provided by the Diocese of the Holy Spirit as
needed. The Sacraments will also be made available to those who wish to
receive them. With the powerful partnership between the High Plains
Outreach Regional Center and the Diocese of the Holy Spirit, we can expect
many great things to continue to flourish within the Diocese of the Holy
Spirit.
As a diocese I also want to say that we pray for the well being of
those who are suffering sickness* in the Church. It is through unity in
prayer that we will be delivered from our ailments. I thank Monsignor
Marcis and Father Abair for the opportunity to contribute to this issue of
the Pax Press Newsletter.
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