Fall 2007

Vol. 2

Issue 4

The Pax Press Newspaper

Memorial Page

From The Desk

Global News

The Reformed Catholic Church wholeheartedly supports the efforts of Sister Jeannine Grammick as she struggles against institutionalized discrimination against GLBTQ people.

"I choose not to collaborate in my own oppression by restricting a basic human right." – Sister Jeannine Gramick

I’ve recently begun assisting with outreach for a truly worthwhile film that deals with religious inclusion that I thought I should bring to your attention.

In Barbara Rick's acclaimed documentary, IN GOOD CONSCIENCE, a most unlikely and very funny rebel — an American nun — finds herself at the center of a human rights storm with leaders of one of the world’s most revered institutions, the Roman Catholic Church.

The film chronicles the true story of Sister Jeannine Gramick, who is defying a Vatican edict that she shut down her compassionate ministry to gay and lesbian Catholics, and silence herself permanently on the subject of homosexuality. Her battle takes her all the way to Rome where she attempts an audience with her key adversary over the years — none other than Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger — the Inquisitor who would become Pope Benedict XVI.

“Gramick is a rabblerouser in practice, but not look or attitude. In fact, she's downright adorable…  Gramick comes off as the anti-Michael Moore: reaching out through friendliness rather than bombast, through logic rather than blanket statements.” – Philadelphia Weekly

"It's a film that touches people's hearts, whether you're gay or not, or Catholic or not. Its message is very universal, and that is, to follow what is in your heart is right." – The Age

We hope you’ll take a look at our website when you have a moment at www.ingoodconscience.com and talk with us about how this film can be used as an advocacy, inclusive, educational tool.  I should note that Sister Jeannine is also available to speak with the film as well.

With warm regards,

Rachel

The RCC Expands European Presence 

Monsignor Sheridan Bishop-Elect/Nuncio to Ireland    

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 am 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 the RCC churches, parishes and missions throughout the world already have fully operating congregations and many distinct groups which entered into communion with the church through a mutual exploration of their spiritual needs and desires. Through listening to the call of God in their lives , their spiritual hunger and seeking, they found a spiritual home in the RCC where all are welcome! The church here, with the exception of Fr. Guye Gemechu and the flock he leads in London, England, is totally missionary in that –while all are welcome -  we are only beginning to surmount upon this journey in such a way that is comparable to diocese of longer standing in the RCC. We understand the challenges, but moreover,  celebrate the gift that has been given us as we look to the vision of the expansion of our faith in this “new land.” The potential present in being a source of ministry within this very large geographical scope – while beginning slowly as it must – is nothing short of incredible.  

From its recent origins, the diocese this met with an historical backdrop ravaged by the sexual abuse scandals of not some few within the priesthood of the Roman Church. Furthermore, the faithful within the Roman Church, have [quite statistically] altogether abandoned the practice of the faith due to the massive malpractice of her bishops and clergy. With the disclosures made that many of the clergy who were known pedophiles to their bishops and quietly “re-assigned,” it comes as no surprise that pews are left empty and the faith of thousands has been altogether destroyed. To be in the presence of those whose lives were so deeply rooted in their Catholic faith only to face the reality of a very human institution allowing, in many cases, the perpetuation of child abuse, is to confront a very disillusioned population in anguish.

This diocese recognizes what the USA would seem at time to nearly preach: greater affluence = increase in poverty rates = a “get rich” mentality. Ireland, for example, has the second highest number of millionaires in the world with Japan being the frontrunner. And yet, amidst the poverty within the geography of the diocese in the literal sense, pastoral poverty may be said to be so lacking that spiritual life is facing an epidemic. With the massive retreat from faith communities, sadly, is also a rising level of drug use and violence [the death of eight underage persons in one week in the small rural village where I live being one of many examples]. The restlessness – not unlike the kind of restlessness we hear in those famous words of St. Augustine [we are restless oh Lord until we find rest in You…] – is superficially treated or changed into a kind of transference whereby substance abuse, violence, and in final hopelessness suicide [with increasing rates] are perceived as a way to find some an existential reality where there seem to be no alternatives. With Augustine’s words in mind, we engage in the ministry of the RCC among these people with the hope that through community,  rest [in God] will come to be discovered in the midst of trauma.

Lest my initial words be read as solely negative, there are many encouraging signs in the development of this ministry and not in spite of – but in light of – its location. Ireland as a whole has entered into a period of much greater acceptance of differences. Issues of race, color, creed, marital status and even – to some degree – sexual orientation are not particularly explosive as these once were and this acceptance of differences in Ireland is commendable.  With regard to the issue of homosexuality in particular, the President of Ireland, Dr. Mary McAleese, has spoken out consistently in support, encouragement and in a call to all to be at peace with differences. She focuses much of her energy in this area particularly in support of young persons who are gay; addressing the pain and difficulty in coming out and the rights to desire a life no less full than that of the heterosexual person. Sadly, the root of intolerance springs not from the people so much as from the religious institutions for whom – even with empty pews – this seems to be a constant issue.                                                                                                                                                                                     

It is with that kind of an historical backdrop that we go out to preach the Gospel to the people of the diocese. By making the RCC known more widely in the newly established diocese – in bringing “Church” into a fresh perspective – we are met with inquiries from those who are searching in vain. The movement of the heart to inquiry and the identification so many have found within the broader RCC [our message of hope and living in faith in honesty and in love] is the inspiring ground upon which this mission will fundamentally flourish.

As to some future plans; I hope to celebrate the Mass of Christmas at 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. This ministry will therefore encapsulate many aspects and it cannot flourish without the help of our sisters and brothers in Christ. On this note, ecumenism will be a very imperative aspect of the work to be accomplished in the diocese. With service to the People of God as an essential point of unity in all the churches, I will expend much time in being in collegial relation with other clergy, seeking inter-faith fellowship and joint-ministries as these opportunities may arise.                                                                                                                                                                               

++Archbishop Phillip Zimmerman 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 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 when the location(s) have been determined.  In the meanwhile, I ask for your prayers and support as the seed of love which is the present origin of this diocese begins to grow – and in time – to bloom.                            

Please ask the Lord to bless us with open and listening hearts as we minister to the needs of the people in his name. Pray for Fr. Gemechu and myself as we preach the Gospel of the All-Loving Lord in this corner of the vineyard. May the Lord bless our efforts with success.

Remember us in prayer and may God go with you.

Welcome  two new  communities in Poland