Volume 2 Number 3
Third Quarter 2014
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In this Issue From the Editor.................................................... page 4 Friar’s Fancy........................................................ page 6 A Dominican’s Dithyramb...................................... page 8 The Bilingual Bishop........................................... page 10 The Constabulary Christian.................................. page 12 Wandering Wisdom............................................. page 14 Poetry.............................................................. page 15 Sacred Space ................................................... page 16 Final Things....................................................... page 18 Special Feature.................................................. page 18 Katholic Kitchens................................................ page 22 Third Quarter Liturgical Wordsearch...................... page 39 Saints Calendar................................................. page 40
Convergent Streams Vol. 2 No. 3
Very Rev. Prior Michael Beckett Mrs. Brenda Eckels Burrows The Right Rev. Tom Shortell
This publication is an outreach ministry serving the entire Independent Sacramental Movement, operated by the International Old Catholic Churches’ publishing office, the Office of Communications and Media Relations. Copyright 20132014 All rights reserved.
Rev. Mrs. Dollie Wilkinson
Executive Editor: The Right Rev. Gregory Godsey
The Very Rev. Lady Shelia Sherwood
Managing Editor: The Very Rev. David S. Jennings
The Rev. Deacon John Trubina
Rev. Fr. Bryan Wolf Guest Writers: The Right Rev. Michael Anthony Gifford The Rev. Fr. Kenneth J. Nelan
Editor-at-Large: The Right Rev. A. Edmund N. Cass Contributing Editors: The 3
From the Editor The Right Rev. Gregory W. Godsey editor@convergentstreams.org
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started out really strong publishing editions with 80+ pages at a time. Now we do good to break 40 pages. The quality of the articles remains high and the work is a labor of love for many of us. That is why I am so very thankful for each and every writer and editor of this wonderful magazine.
imes they are a changin!
Summer is already upon us. It seems like just yesterday we were cold and without power during one of the worst ice storms the south had seen in a decade. Now, it is so hot that you cannot legally take off enough close to stay cool.
Here is the set of questions I need answered by you, our faithful supporters, readers and authors:
Just like the seasons change, so do people and things. Back in April, our church and I personally, lost a dear friend, mentor and priest. This edition of Convergent Streams is dedicated to her, the Rev. Mother Lynn “Boots� Boyce. She is once again with her dear friend and mine too, the Right Rev. John A. Parker, Jr.
1. Which version of Convergent Streams do you prefer: Print or Online? 2. Would you continue to support/write for Convergent Streams should we faze out the print version and become a strictly online publication?
All this change has made me think, not just about my own mortality, but also about the things we do everyday and why we do them. Are they necessary? Is there a better, easier way to do them so that we have more time for the people around us, more time to reach those that need our help and prayers?
3. What kinds of things do you want to see in CS each edition? 4. Are you willing to help spread the word about CS and help to recruit new authors and new readers? I would also like to start a section in the magazine for letters to the editor. This would be an opportunity for you the reader to give feedback on the
One of the things I have been considering since our last edition is the future of Convergent Streams. We 4
magazine, the articles or on life in general. However, I cannot start such a section without submissions! If you could take a few moments to send me an email with your answers to these questions and any letters you might want published, please do so. My email address is godseygreg@gmail.com. Take a moment to look over our newly redesigned website too. Convergentstreams.org has been updated to be more like an online magazine and the articles from CS will appear on the site the first day of the cover date (for example, July 1 for this edition). Let us know what you think of the redesign when you email. Lastly, if you know of anyone, whether in the Independent Sacramental Movement or not, who you think would be interested in writing for our publication, please send them our way. We are also looking for new and fresh content.
‘When you feel an impulse of passion or anger rising within yourself, then is the moment for silence. Jesus was silent in the midst of His trials. O sacred silence, how rich thou art in virtues! O holy silence! thou art the golden key which unlocks the grand treasury of virtues!’
Until next edition, may God richly bless you all! +Gregory
St.
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Paul of Cross
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Friar’s Fancy The Right Rev. Aaron Edmund Cass, FESC metropolitan@myiocc.org
Heavenly Tid-bits: Why pray to the Saints?
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whom they remain in perfect communion. You see beloved, the Kingdom of Heaven is beyond our imagining! Filled with every beauty and grace, it resounds with sights and sounds our finite senses can only catch glimpses of. Paul says we see in a mirror darkly, referring to the magnificence of heavenly realities and the fact that we are to mirror that reality here on earth. Now, my question to you all is this…why wouldn’t you ask for prayer from one standing in perfect communion with Christ?
’m asked from time to time, “Father, why do we pray to the Saints, why can’t we pray to Jesus?” They follow up with “I just go to Jesus”, sounding almost arrogant as if, those who seek the assistance of a saint or the very Mother of Christ, Mary, were somehow less spiritually evolved or ignorant. I remind these dear folks that they in fact do not always seek Jesus, they call me, their Pastors and their friends and ask for prayer whenever a need arises! And, well they should! But here’s the catch…they miss out on the chance to tap the greatest prayer reservoir there is… the Communion of Saints!
It’s important to mention here that seeking the intercession of the Saints does in no way take away from Christ, in reality, it brings glory to the Holy Trinity! As we trust each other to pray for our needs as part of the Body of Christ here on earth, so we trust the Heavenly Communion to pray as well and thus bring Glory to God who meets these needs through Christ through whom all good things are given! As we seek
You see, those who have passed beyond the veil, who stand In the presence of God, make intercession for us before the Father through Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit. In fact, they pray in perfection, without any hindrance of the flesh, that is, they pray the perfect will of God with 6
the assistance of the saints, we participate the Heavenly worship, entering more deeply in Heavenly realities and mirror as Paul says what takes place in Heaven. Actually, we fulfill scripture by making present the kingdom of God here on earth “as it is in Heaven”…the very words of Christ himself.
Heavenly worship, communion with God in the Holy Mass as we make present as best we can, the kingdom of God. The more we mirror Heavenly worship here on earth, the closer to God we become and the more fully present God will be to those we encounter every day.
Christ tells us to “seek first the Kingdom of God and all things will be added to you”… in other words, as we make present Heaven on earth by participation in Heavenly worship through the Mass and seeking out the prayers of the Saints, our needs will be met in Christ through the everlasting providence of the Father. I’d ask you all to seek the intercession of the saints simply by praying that they allow us to experience
I hope you understand a bit more why we pray to the Saints. How they, standing before God’s perfection can take our needs into the heart of God who delights in providing for His beloved ones and how that in turn helps makes present the Kingdom of God here on earth. Let’s seek the intercession then of ALL the Saints, those in Heaven and on earth as we seek first the Kingdom of God! The Right Rev. Aaron Edmund Cass, FESC is the Presiding Bishop of the International Old Catholic Church and founder of the Franciscans of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. He currently lives in Greenville, South Carolina where he ministers through his work at the Hermitage and with local nursing homes.
Praying in a Greek Church by Theodoros Rallis 7
A Dominican’s Dithyramb The Very Rev. Prior Michael Beckett msgrbeckett@myiocc.org
To be a Bishop
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our Dominican Order. The responses I got from almost everyone I surveyed were overwhelmingly similar. I would like to take this opportunity to share with you, then, these responses, and it is here we begin…
ven as I type this, preparations are underway for the consecration of two new bishops within the International Old Catholic Churches. As one of those who is to be consecrated, I have had much to think about and ponder over during the past several months. A few of my closest friends are bishops, and I have been party so some of the headaches and heartbreaks, the joys and sorrows, and the overwhelming sense of responsibility that they have experienced. I’ve witnessed many of the duties, both pleasant and otherwise, that they have performed. I have been made aware of many of the responsibilities that the title ‘Bishop’ brings with it.
bish•op [bish-uh p] noun 1. a person who supervises a number of local churches or a diocese, being in the Greek, Roman Catholic, Anglican, and other churches a member of the highest order of the ministry. 2. a spiritual supervisor, overseer, or the like. What Is Expected of a Bishop A bishop is a servant, not just of God, but also of the clergy, of the church, and of the people in their Diocese and beyond. Apart from the administrative side of the role, which is important, a bishop should act as a “Shepherd to the shepherds” in the priesthood, the Diaconate, and also to any laity they may have in their Diocese and the church as a whole. They should be there to gently
These things, as well as the notions of my own floating around inside my head, have made me wonder, “What, exactly, do people expect from a bishop? What will my people expect of me as a bishop?” “Can I do whatever it takes? Can I be whatever it takes?” So, I asked “my people”, those closest to me in the church, and the members of 8
guide, advise, and support their clergy team members, and to help to maintain good morale in the team and the whole church, ensuring that the true works of God can be seen by all. The Bishop is the overseer, teacher, and encourager for these works. A bishop is loyal and dedicated, but also human. He is available to his people, is humble, honest, and willing to admit to being capable of making mistakes. As such, he should be able and willing to ask forgiveness when those mistakes are made. A bishop must be firm, but gently so. As a loving parent disciplines a child with fairness and firmness, so much more so a bishop. A bishop must be a leader, as well as a natural born teacher. While obedience is expected by a bishop, that bishop must be the type of person that is obeyed willingly. If a bishop asks for his clergy to work hard, then the bishop must be an example and work harder. They are to be an inspiration to the priests under them and a confidant to their superiors over them. They are entrusted both with an “academic” sense of guiding priests in the ways and means of, not only the Church, but of basic theological doctrine and interpretation. They must know, or at least be familiar with, canon law. They must be able to explain theological points, and explain how those points are applicable in day to day situations. They
must live the theology they teach and follow the canons they uphold. They also are required to insure the more mundane aspects of Church operation, making certain that forms are filled out, filed, and that all “T’s” are crossed. A bishop must be worthy of respect, and of the faith and trust of those he or she leads. The bishop is to be a great motivator, and an example to his clergy and people. As a priest seeks to shepherd his congregation and instill in them the message of Christ, so too must a bishop be the shepherd of the priests. This is reflected most commonly in the practice that a priest, in need of confession makes that to his bishop. This is most easily done, as it is understood the person would not be a bishop if they were not recognized with the faith and trust in them, not only of the Church but of each other. Essentially, a Bishop is the Team Leader of a church team who all work together for the Glory of God. This does not mean, however, that God classes or loves them anymore than He classes and loves all his children. Whereupon I was instructed as to what a bishop is not: To contrive to be an abbess or an abbot in the Benedictine Order, or to work diligently for that office, is to comment the gravest of faults, according (Continued on page 27) 9
The Bilingual Bishop The Right Rev. Tom Shortell uaccmex@gmail.com
Missionary in my own land Part Two
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n the New Testament we see two levels of contextualization. The level at which Jesus functioned and the level at which the Apostles functioned. We will first take a look at Jesus. From the human perspective, Jesus lived his life as a righteous Jew and experienced everything that his fellow Jews did, including exile to Egypt. Remember, Joseph had to flee to Egypt with Mary and the child Jesus to avoid the death trap of Herod. (Matt. 2:13-14) Jesus had his exodus as well, back to Nazareth. (Matt. 2:19-23) He spent 40 days wandering in the wilderness (Matt. 4:2; Luke 4:2) just as the Jews 40 years doing the same thing earlier in history. The Jews were in diaspora. Jesus, the Son of Man, had “nowhere to lay his head” (Matt. 8:20; Luke 9:58). He was like man in all things except sin.
(1John 3:5) He understood mankind in all its complexities and frailties. When he went about doing his Father’s will, he related to all people he had an encounter with at their level and in their reality. Jesus never placed himself above those he served (Matt. 20:2628) and to whom he spread the Good News. At the age of 30 he officially began his preaching and teaching career. Those to whom he preached were attracted to his word by his wisdom and authority. (Mark 1:22) He left people amazed and always proved the veracity of his words through works. (Mark 1:27) When people responded to Jesus and became his disciples, they automatically entered a new world. They no longer belonged to this world but rather, spiritually, to the Kingdom of God that Jesus was announcing. This alone created a contextual problem for Jesus’ 10
followers. In overarching terms, faith in Christ put the believer outside of the world, outside of their daily cultural context. (John 15:19) The natural and spiritual worlds in which they lived were pitted against each other. Jesus needed to teach them a Kingdom view of the world which inherently challenged their cultural conceptions. (1Cor. 2:12). Jesus challenged everything in their existence. He challenged them to the very core of what they held so dear, their vision of God, the Law and the Prophets. Jesus had to appeal to them in sort of a transcendental model of contextualization. He stated, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” (Matt. 5:1618 NIV). In this statement, Jesus affirmed their cultural and religious obligations. He did not challenge or call into question their beliefs. What he did do was to appeal to them for a higher level of understand and thinking. He consistently but gently guided them and made leaders from among the people (his Apostles) who guided the church with their spiritual reflection of things after Jesus departed from this world. Jesus used the guiding principles for contextualization that Sanchez talked about.
Jesus was teaching them a new world view, a view of his Father’s kingdom, and how to live in that world until they claimed their reward of eternal life with God the Father in Heaven. Jesus turned the world of those who heard him completely upside down. The change that he was espousing was radical. Everything that they had learned from childhood was now called to be re-evaluated. As Jesus went around teaching, he always made a connection between the old ways and his new ways. He practiced what he preached and he validated his teaching with powerful outward deeds. He spoke with authority but not supremacy. The course, Teaching Tactics, from Harvestime International Institute examines the teaching methods of Jesus as he went about preaching. These methods are: miracles, authority, love and compassion, association and imitation, response, delegation, environment, visual demonstration, principles of gradual learning and grouping of students, known to unknown, general to specific, object lessons, questions and answers, parables, case histories, use of Scripture, contrasts, problems and occasions.1 Miracles Jesus’ use of miracles was not for his own personal (Continued on page 30) 11
The Constabulary Christian The Rev. Father Bryan Wolf frwolf@myiocc.org
Truth Truth (trooth) n. 1. the thing that is a fact or reality; 2. something factual or so clearly stated that is without need of an explanation; 3. a position, concept or statement generally believed to be accepted or obvious, or a scientific accuracy or undisputed conclusion; 4. to be faithful to a cause or person [ i.q. true ] and steadfast in that faith; 5. Honesty, or a sincerity of or toward honesty; 6. that which is not deceptive or wrong; 7. God.
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he above definition of truth, as published in the Merriam Webster Dictionary Collegiate Edition. As a priest, I can see where the key definition lies. Truth is honesty and steadfast faith to a cause or person, that is not deceptive. Truth is God. In scripture we are told: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life.“ [John 14:6] Ipso facto, Jesus
is truth. However it does seem to be the weakness of man, that we do not know the truth, recognize the truth or even what is true. From the outset of the Gospel, we are told : “... and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not know or receive him.“ [John 1:10-11] Continually throughout scripture, Jesus seems to need to convince people - sometimes even his own disciples, as to who he is and what is the truth. “Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, says; ‘Lord, we are going to drown!‘ He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?‘ The he got up and rebuked the wind and the waves, and it became completely calm.“ [Matthew 8:24-26] “He said to them, ‘Do you light a lamp to put it under a bowl or bed? Instead don’t you put it on the stand? For whatever is hidden, is meant to be disclosed and whatever is concealed is meant to be 12
found and brought out into the open.’ “ [Mark 4:21-22]
are the same word. They radiate the same meaning.
If we are to find truth and believe in truth - in God, where are we to look for this truth? Perhaps, since Christ is above all else love- and taught love, we are to look there. It is a pillar of the Dominican life, that it is impossible to separate truth and love. They become not only so dependent on each other, and interchangeable, that they indeed become almost the same word. Try this little homework assignmentread scripture and replace the word “truth” wherever it appears with the word “love”. The meaning and the intent of the passage is not lost. It may even be more influential. More powerful. More poignant.
Saint Thomas Aquinas, himself a Dominican, rationalized this thought regarding truth; “truth gives us the capacity to reach and understand the existence and essence of things, because it has a non-material, spiritual element of a childlike wonder and love to the thought of it.”
“Come before the Father, full of grace and truth.” [John 1:14] “Worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth.” [John 4:23] “The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call on him in truth.” [Psalm 145:18] From just these small handful of simple passages we can see, God desires to be worshipped and approached in love. This then is truth. Because in love, we bare our souls. In love, we expose ourselves and open ourselves to the intimacy of others. It is only in love, that we can truly be enlightened and holy. For it becomes obvious, “Love rejoices in truth.” [1 Corinthians 13:6] It becomes obvious, love and truth go hand in hand. They
Throughout the First Epistle of John, we are reminded time and time again, that if we are deceptive, lie or become like hypocrites, we do not have the truth within us. It tells us if this be the case, we do not have love within us. And if Christ Jesus is love, then we would not have Christ within us. For love, like truth, opens us up. It is only through love, and therefore truth, that we can ever hope to become true followers of Christ- and true practitioners of His Word. Reflecting back now on the dictionary definition with which I began, perhaps we need to expand upon the defined meaning of the word truth? Maybe we now need to add a new definition for the word truth, and that is love! So I take editorial license here in my own essay and now add an eighth definition for the word “truth” - 8. Love. Oh wait a moment, I recall the original dictionary definition (Continued on page 36) 13
Wandering Wisdom The Rev. Father Kenneth J. Nelan, OPoc/n ken.nelan@sacredwandering.com
Words
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’ve been feeling a bit unsettled lately and can always count on receiving some sort of inspiration from the least expected places, so today I was paying more attention than usual - the key, it seems, is to remain open enough to hear the message when it comes through. Lately I’ve been feeling down due to some unfortunate events involving two friends - or at least they used to be friends. What came through today is something all people who claim to believe in the teachings handed down by the Christ need to be reminded of regularly - and without exception I believe even those who claim to follow those teachings need a reality check now and then. So what snapped me back? M*A*S*H. Hard to believe, I know, but now and then something truly poignant happens and someone says something inspiring. Today it was Father Mulcahy’s homily about a young man with leukemia. He too was feeling down about himself and was looking for, as he said, a “pat
on the back.” His words:
“God didn’t put us here for that pat on the back. He created us so he could be here himself. So he could exist in the lives of those he created, in his image.” ~ Father Francis Mulcahy - M*A*S*H Wow. Such profundity in so few words. I think we often forget we are created in the image of the Divine and that each of us are a direct reflection of that creation. So, how do we treat each other? Do we give each other false hopes and nothing but lip service, or do we instead tell the truth and remind our neighbor that their behavior lacks the reminder that we are all God’s children - no matter what faith tradition we follow. The next time I feel like I’m owed an apology, like I’m owed a pat on the back, or that I’m owed a friendly reminder, I’ll instead try to remember there are others who too are owed apologies, 14
who need to be supported and uplifted, and who in general have a greater need than I do - others who are just like me; a reflection of the Divine. Be a reflection and reminder that we are all of the God. Father Nelan is a novice in the Order of Preachers, Old Catholic in the International Old Catholic Churches. He is also the Pastor of Sacred Wandering Pastoral Center in Wisconsin. He also host a show on uStream about liturgical sewing.
Poetry by Fr. Kenneth Nelan OPoc/n Fine Silvery Threads Creator and Created, Fine silvery threads dance confidently on Open waters, drawing up the life which Floats along vast currents. Behind the mirror existence shines back From ages past and teams of creation, Yet unseen they wait for their moment. Through dry mists glowing embers explode Casting their presence across unwatched Empty highways -
waiting. And there, in the presence still, Sings the longing of companionship and Togetherness – choral punctuations in an otherwise ever silent crowd. Bless me Creator for hearing that which Deafens silent calls, spilling across both Time and space, happenstance and accomplishment All of which call out to you. Through the great emptiness I shall move my Soul seeking a path through the turbulent and fragmented shards upon which the... Fine silvery threads dance confidently on Open waters, drawing up the life which Struggles against unbridled torrents. Those same fine silvery threads give way to shouts and wailing, and gnashing – as Zeus Casts out his mighty hand. For a moment the world stops and all ceases to exist save for one glimmer of hope (Continued on page 28) 15
Guest Writer The Rev. Deacon John Trubina jtrubina@comcast.net
Sacred Space Hayward and Oakland, CA
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A new Church
acred Space ministry is a community of un-housed and housed people called by God into Christian community and ministry for the purpose of transforming all our lives. During our weekly outdoor worship service in Oakland and Hayward, California, we offer opportunities for private conversation, prayer, blessing or encouragement, and lunch. We draw from the resources of diverse congregations living into God’s compassion for the poor. Our mission is to be in spiritual companionship with homeless and marginalized men and women and all who seek a non-threatening way to be with others in Christian relationship and in community. Sacred Space was founded October 16, 2011 by the Reverend John Trubina, an Episcopal Deacon and supported by St. Clare’s Episcopal Church, Pleasanton
California. We first met at Frank Ogawa Plaza in downtown Oakland. We were there for a number of weeks and happily co-existed with the Occupy movement but realized the distraction of current events was interfering with our efforts to connect with our primary constituents, the homeless. We then relocated for a few weeks to the Oakland Peace Center located between uptown Oakland and the Lake Merritt area; however this location proved to be too remote for the homeless. After obtaining permission of the people who gather there, we are now located for the long term at the park at 32nd Street and San Pablo Avenue in west Oakland. In May of 2012, we expanded Sacred Space to Hayward with support from the Episcopal Southern Alameda Deanery. In August of 2012 we became a Specialized Mission of the Episcopal Diocese of California. We operate outside the usual 16
A typical service for Sacred Space construct of four walls and a roof. Our current pattern and long term conviction is that Sacred Space not own property beyond basic equipment. Our start-up equipment includes a rolling file box for worship supplies, a folding table, and plastic storage bins and hampers for storing, transporting, and distributing lunches and clothing. As we have moved forward in Sacred Space, we have received instruction and feedback from our community brothers and sisters and we have found enthusiasm and support from our donors and churches. As a result our vision of Sacred Space’s future has grown and taken form. We have several Sacred Space locations under our umbrella structure in the San Francisco East Bay. All
new locations are planned and established carefully, intentionally, and prayerfully with the full support of churches in the area. We have 1) establishing formal, regular training for our volunteers, 2) recruiting experts such as a Nurse Practitioner, Licensed Social Worker and 3) establishing connections with county hospitals and health agencies through Registered Social Workers. We work with a particularly fragile segment of the population and must take care to appropriately handle difficult situations as they arise during our services and visits. We hold periodic workshops with guest subject matter experts to train us in leadership and interpersonal skills. Through our personal (Continued on page 35) 17
Special Feature The Right Rev. Gregory W. Godsey editor@convergentstreams.org
Final Things Preparing for the end with dignity
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od has blessed me with a ministry that tends to minister to those who are terminally ill. It is not a ministry I chose, nor would I have if I had been given the choice. However, it is a calling that I embrace. I have had the honor of standing by a holy man of God’s bedside as he passed from this life to the next. His death was horrifying in its manner as he bled to death. Despite this and maybe in spite of that, his final acts on this earth were to sign that he loved us and to make the sign of the cross. His faith was strong to the very last moment. I have been at the bedside of those who simply fell asleep never to wake again. Recently, I stood by the bedside of a very dear friend and co-worker in the church as she took her last breaths on this earth. She was unconscious when she slipped away, but something in her face said that she had found the gates and had been welcomed by the great cloud
of witnesses. It was peaceful, painless and without any drama. It is what we all would hope our deaths would be like. Then the nightmare began. Actually, the nightmare started when she was first admitted to the hospital four days before. It was discovered that despite having been diagnosed with cancer, despite the diagnosis that there was no further treatment available for her, she had not followed through with her final plans. She had no Power-of-Attorney, no Living Will, no Advanced Directive, and no Last Will and Testament. She had made no plans, other than those she verbally told those of us close to her. So when she was admitted to the hospital, unable to speak for herself, they did what they thought was best and intubated her (they put a tube down her throat to help her breath). This was not the kind of thing she wanted. In fact, she had been very clear that she wanted no tubes, no machines, and no heroic measures at all. However, because these wishes were not 18
on paper, they did not matter. Eventually we managed to contact her last remaining relatives (who lived on the other side of the country) and they ordered the hospital to remove the tubes. When they did and she was conscience again, she was very thankful to have the tubes gone. Fast forward to the night of her death and I am sitting there next to her bed. She had just expired less than 30 minutes before and now the nurses were needing to know where to send the body, which funeral home she wanted. When they asked the family, they responded that Fr. Greg (that would be me) would handle on that. Really? She never spoke with me about those things. I had tried to get her to talk about it, but like most people, she thought she had more time. After all, why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?
We finally found a funeral home and made the tough decisions. That in itself was a mess and we almost did not have her remains for the funeral, but I will save that story for another day. Then there was the matter of a funeral, all her worldly possessions, and notifications to friends and family and on and on. So why I am telling you this story? It is simple really. I want you to see the nightmare that was left for the living all because my dear friend did what she did best, procrastinated. It would have taken an hour or less to fix these issues, to have the paperwork drawn up and signed. However, she put it off. I am willing to bet that most of you reading this article have done the same thing my friend did. Most of you have probably put off making your final arrangements thinking you 19
Guest Writer The Right Rev. Michael Anthony Gifford, FESC mgif7634@aol.com
Franciscans of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
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am Bishop Michael Anthony Gifford, FESC and I am the acting Minister General for the Franciscans of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (FESC). Archbishop Edmund Cass, the founder of our order, has asked me to jot down a few words regarding our order. First of all we are a unique Franciscan community within the umbrella of the
International Old Catholic Churches. We are made up of men and women, married and single who have heard the call of Jesus to serve the church through the voice of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi. We are vowed to a life of simplicity of soul and spirit as taught by Saint Francis. We are devoted to a life of prayer and sacrifice, however, most of us live in the outside world and have the cares and challenges that is a
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part of every human’s life. So are we something special? In a way, I say yes! We are special in the sense that we see life as something to be lived; lived with joy and gladness. We see the face of God in the sky, the grass at our feet, the flowers in the field and in the faces of the poor and neglected of this world. We are men and women who are devoted to the Caritas of the Christian Life. To show this Caritas, we wear a simple brown tunic with a capuche, rope cincture and attached to the cincture is the seven decade rosary known as the Franciscan Crown. The Crown celebrates the joys in the Life of Mary our Mother. Many of us live in our own homes, however, there is the option to live in community if one so chooses. We live the evangelical vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. We pledge our lives to these vows with great joy. Most of us work in some type of job that is of service to the community. Like the priests of the IOCC, we are to be self-sufficient and so we must have a source of income for ourselves. Neither the
church nor the order has the funds to support its clergy or members. We live in the world but we are not of the world. We live our lives in service of others and of the church. If you feel that you are called to our way of life, you can contact the Right Rev. Aaron Edmund Cass, FESC at metropolitan@myiocc.org or the Right Rev Gregory Godsey, FESC at bishopgodsey@myiocc. org or the Right Rev. Michael Anthony Gifford, FESC at mgif7634@aol.com. We are looking forward in hearing from you! The Right Rev. Michael Gifford, FESC is the Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese of Saints Francis and Clare (CA and NV) for the International Old Catholic Churches. He is the Acting Minister General for the Franciscans of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (FESC), a Franciscan Order within the IOCC. He has worked for many years with the poor and disenfranchised in the Oakland, California area.
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Katholic Kitchens Convergent Streams Staff and Readers staff@convergentstreams.org
Strawberry and Feta Salad Ingredients Original recipe makes 10 servings • • • • • • • • • • •
1 cup slivered almonds 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon honey 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/4 cup raspberry vinegar 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 cup vegetable oil 1 head romaine lettuce, torn 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Directions 1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the almonds, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted. Remove from heat, and set aside. 2. In a bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, raspberry vinegar, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. 3. In a large bowl, toss together the toasted almonds, romaine lettuce, strawberries, and feta cheese. Cover with the dressing mixture, and toss to serve.
Insalata Caprese II Ingredients Original recipe makes 6 servings 22
• • • • • •
4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick 1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4 inch thick 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil fine sea salt to taste freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions 1. On a large platter, alternate and overlap the tomato slices, mozzarella cheese slices, and basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil. Season with sea salt and pepper.
Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions Ingredients Original recipe makes 6 servings • 6 (4 ounce) links sweet Italian sausage • 2 tablespoons butter • 1 yellow onion, sliced • 1/2 red onion, sliced • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced • 1 green bell pepper, sliced • 1 teaspoon dried basil • 1 teaspoon dried oregano • 1/4 cup white wine Directions 1. Place the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, and brown on all sides. Remove from skillet, and slice. 2. Melt butter in the skillet. Stir in the yellow onion, red onion, and garlic, and cook 2 to 3 minutes. Mix in red bell pepper and green bell pepper. Season with basil, and oregano. Stir in white wine. Continue to cook and stir until peppers and onions are tender. 3. Return sausage slices to skillet with the vegetables. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes, or until sausage is heated through.
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Grilled Tilapia with Mango Salsa Ingredients Original recipe makes 2 servings • 1/3 cup extravirgin olive oil • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley • 1 clove garlic, minced • 1 teaspoon dried basil • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 2 (6 ounce) tilapia fillets • 1 large ripe mango, peeled, pitted and diced • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced • 2 tablespoons minced red onion • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced • 2 tablespoons lime juice • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • salt and pepper to taste Directions 1. Whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, parsley, garlic, basil, 1 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl and pour into a resealable plastic bag. Add the tilapia fillets, coat with the marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour. 2. Prepare the mango salsa by combining the mango, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeno pepper in a bowl. Add the lime juice and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and toss well. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and refrigerate until ready to serve. 3. Preheat an outdoor grill for mediumhigh heat, and lightly oil grate. 4. Remove the tilapia from the marinade, and shake off excess. Discard the remaining marinade. Grill 24
the fillets until the fish is no longer translucent in the center, and flakes easily with a fork, 3 to 4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Serve the tilapia topped with mango salsa.
Quick Chocolate Banana Cream Pie Ingredients • 1 frozen pie shell, pricked several times with tines of a fork • 1 package instant chocolate pudding, prepared to package directions • 2 ripe bananas, sliced thin on an angle • 1 can spray whipped cream • 1 dark chocolate candy bar Directions 1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Bake pie shell 10 to 12 minutes, until golden. Remove from oven and let cool. 2. Line the baked and cooled pie shell with a layer of chocolate pudding, half of the prepared amount. Add a layer of bananas. Top with remaining prepared instant chocolate pudding and remaining bananas. Cover the top with a giant swirl of whip cream from the spray can, starting at the center and working out. Shave a chocolate bar with a vegetable peeler and top pie with shavings. Serve immediately.
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To be a Bishop (Continued from page 9) to the List of Grave Faults. Likewise, to contrive to become a bishop or yearn for that office is equally wrong, and those who do so are undeserving of the office and incapable of performing the real duties of a bishop. These people lack the necessary empathy and love required to perform the duties of the office with any sincerity. These are the ones who see their episcopacy as nothing more than a foundation from which to build power and abuse. Good bishops spend their time in the spreading of their knowledge and experience, whilst a poor or “bad” bishop will rather spend his or her time in administering discipline and securing their own futures at the expense of subordinates. It is totally wrong and an abuse to the Glory of God for a bishop to use their “title” to appear higher or better than others, or to strut about and act like they are God Himself, merely because they think the title of “bishop” merits such. A bishop should always treat their clergy with love and respect and to acknowledge their roles in the Holy Church as fellow servants of God, and NOT to unfairly chastise or use their positions to hurt others and ruin lives, either of clergy or anyone else. A bishop is not to be a dictator who expects his clergy
to act as his servants, and a bishop should not give orders as such, simply for the joy of doing so. While the bishop is the ultimate authority in a diocese, he or she should govern that diocese with love, and remember that much more is gained by asking rather than by commanding. Finally, I was told that the one main goal any bishop should have is the growth of the church within his diocese and secondly, ecumenical outreach, with acting as an arbitrator among the diocesan clergy coming in as third in importance. Whilst there is no checklist that I have found that lists the requirements and duties expected of a bishop, after talking with people, I feel at least a little more prepared. However, that person, “The Right Reverend Michael Beckett, Bishop of the IOCC Diocese of St. Dominic,” is yet to be born. Will he be what his people want and need? Will he be the servant that he feels he should be? The answers to those questions are yet to be answered, but in the meantime, I heartily desire that you all pray for me. Prior Beckett is the Prior of the Order of Preachers, Old Catholic in the International Old Catholic Churches. He and his husband live in West Virginia with their two lovely canine children.
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Poetry (Continued from page 15) - rebirthFine silvery threads dance confidently on Open waters, drawing up the life which Floats along vast currents. God is created anew and we dance to our own rebirth. Own rebirth.
Who Am I does not matter anymore. All that matters is that I Am at this moment, right this very minute, I exist. I can be nothing more, nor anything less than who and what I am at this very moment. I Am. Senses Be Stilled – Good Morning Upon the blue stillness lies the immensity of all seen and unseen, all wished and non-wished,
Self-Discovery
all glorified and all condemned.
This empty shell sits alone in silence wondering, “Who Am I,” but discovers only silence enveloping a once symphonic presence.
Somewhere in the distance a wind chime softens the silence, calling upon a new soliloquy of transcendence.
“Who Am I” again surfaces from time to time, balancing the moments of deep inner thought with moments of complete emptiness. Does the blade of grass wonder to itself, “Who Am I” as it grows? Does it care whether or not it is feeding off the sunlight, receiving nourishment from the life-saving rains, or care that it is about to be cut down once again? In the mirror stands the seeker, ever asking, “Who Am I,” but never responding – just watching and waiting for that moment of complete surrender and emptiness.
The sheet torn in the temple has settled on dirt floors – created and creating still; pondering its future and its own mortality. Crushed under the weight of a thousand triumphant proclamations sits the lonesome cooing which expresses only gratitude and love. Fire settles on the mountain, all are beckoned to the wonders pierced in both eye and soul. Not, shall they sing of want or need, but instead proclaim thanks for their treasured captivity. 28
Guidelines
Anticipation. Collecting dewy fortitude gives balance again to splendor past and riches yet to manifest. All is well.
If you would like to submit an article or if you have a comment or complaint, you may send them to editor@ convergentstreams.org in Microsoft © Word format or Adobe © PDF format. You may also mail submissions, query letters or comments to Bishop Gregory Godsey, 118 Frances Drive, North Augusta, SC 29841, USA.
‘What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ? What ought I to do for Christ, my Lord and Saviour?’ St. Ignatius of Loyola
All submissions will be considered, but no guarantee or promise is made that said submission will be published. The editorial staff of Convergent Streams reserves the right to publish, refuse to publish or hold for publishing at a later date any submission without explanation. if you require materials returned, please enclose SASE. Advertising Advertising space can be purchased for ads that are considered relevant to members of the Old Catholic Church or Independent Sacramental Movement. Please contact Bishop Godsey at bishopgodsey@myiocc. org for more information. As always, for more information, you can visit our website at http://www. convergentstreams.org.
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Missionary in my own land (Continued from page 11) embellishment, but rather to demonstrate the power of God. Through the miracles he performed he touched the hearts of people. His miracles always filled a deep need of the people, whether physical, material or spiritual. Through the use of miracles his message spread to those who had trouble believing or who were against him. The use of miracles was so important that he empowered his apostles to perform them when he sent them to preach. “As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matt. 10:7-8 NIV). Authority Scripture tells us the Jesus taught with authority. “The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.” (Mark 1:22 NIV). Jesus’ authority was not an authority that imposed or obligated his listeners. It was a power, an assurance, an indisputable fact, a permission that came directly from God. The aura of authority in Jesus was so pronounced that even the
pagan Centurion noticed it. “For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”” (Luke 7:8 NIV). Love and Compassion Condemnation was never on the lips of Jesus for those to whom he taught, whether they accepted his words or not. His every action and interaction with people was an act of love and compassion. Scripture is filled with examples. The Apostles were not always as understanding and patient as Jesus was. It took them time to learn and put this concept into practice. Paul expresses the primacy of love in his letter to the Corinthians. (1 Corinthians 13). Association and Imitation When Jesus called those twelve men to follow him he told Peter and Andrew that he would make the fisher’s on men. He invited his Apostles “to come and see”. Jesus taught his disciples first by having them spend time with him. They observed what Jesus said and did. They questioned. As they gained experience with Jesus, he began to teach them. Jesus’ strongest, most provocative but passive teaching technique was that he lived what he taught. He taught by his own example. Response 30
When Jesus made the invitation to “come and see”, and when he told his disciples “to follow me”, he also elicited an active response from those who followed him. He wanted active participation in learning through hearing, seeing and doing so that his teaching would take firm root. Delegation From the very first stories of Genesis in the Old Testament, in God’s interaction with man, he gave man tasks to do. Adam had to give a name to all the animals, Moses had to lead the people out of Egypt, Noah had to build a boat to very exact specifications. Jesus did likewise. On one occasion he told the apostles to feed the people, on another he sent them out to preach. All of this delegation by Jesus was to prepare the Apostles spiritually to carry on God’s work after the ascension. Environment Jesus’ classroom was the world. Anywhere a person was, in whatever situation or place that a person was in, Jesus made use of the environment to teach the truths of the Kingdom. At work, at play, at home, it didn’t matter. Visual Demonstration Like most teachers, Jesus used realia to stimulate the senses and aid learning. He
made use of things in nature; flowers, birds, a fig tree. He used children when he wanted to teach about having a childlike attitude. He washed feet during the Passover Feast to teach a lesson on humility. The Principle of Gradual Learning Jesus did not overwhelm his listeners. He taught only as much as they could absorb. The Gospel of Mark reads “With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand.” (Mark 4:33 NIV) Grouping of Students When preaching or teaching a large crowd, Jesus employed a lecture style. We can see examples of this in Chapters 5- 7 of Matthew. For small groups, Jesus engaged the people and encouraged participation. See Mark 8:1012 for an example. Finally, when Jesus was one-on-one, he simply conversed with the individual. Known to Unknown Often Jesus would use the Jewish scriptures that were very familiar to the people as a springboard for new or expanded teaching. General to Specific A very common teaching technique, Jesus would (Continued on page 32) 31
(Continued from page 31) introduce a new idea, let the people think about it for a bit and then provide more specific information. God’s revelation to humanity was done this way in the Old Testament, general statements followed later by specific prophetic statements.
receptivity of the listener. There are 41 recorded parables in the Gospels. For a list of the parables see: http://www. access-jesus.com/parables-ofjesus-bible-list.html In them you can see how Jesus used elements from common everyday living to teach a spiritual truth.
Object Lessons Jesus used common everyday objects as illustrations in his teaching to demonstrate God’s care for people or for the need for laborers. Questions and Answers The master teacher employed this technique often in his teaching. He did so not just to get an answer but to provoke thought, reflection, understanding, clarification and analysis by the people. Oftentimes Jesus would answer a question with a question, sometimes he would provide no answer at all and let the individual do his/her spiritual homework to come up with the answer. Parables Parables were perhaps Jesus’ most used method of teaching. He used parables that were designed for the people and the situation. His parables contained elements that his listeners could relate to. The teaching in some parables was obvious, other times it was not. It depended on the spiritual
Case Histories Jesus used real facts to illustrate truths. Two cases Jesus referred to were Lazarus and John the Baptist. Use of Scripture As already referenced, Jesus used the Old Testament as a way to introduce something new but he also quoted it to support his teachings. Contrasts Often times Jesus used words and concepts in juxtaposition in his teaching. Problems Jesus took advantage of problems that befell him or life’s problems in general to teach a spiritual truth. Occasions Similar to environment, Jesus taught when a specific occasion provided the opportunity. When he met the Samaritan women at Jacob’s well, he took the opportunity to teach about living water. Jesus’ way of teaching and preaching 32
was contextualization at its finest. As discussed, delegation was one of Jesus’ methods. He prepared his church to carry on Missio Dei after he was gone. The last consideration in our discussion on contextualization will be how it was employed after Jesus’ ascension back to the Father. “So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Cor. 5:20 NRSV) The book, Acts of the Apostles, is the transition narrative from Jesus’ ministry to the ministry of the Apostles. Acts recounts the tremendous growth of the church. Expanding the church beyond Jerusalem, Luke, the author of Acts, focuses on Paul and his mission to the Gentiles. The notable speech that Paul gives to the Athenians at the Council of the Areopagus stands out for its contextual approach. Paul did have a cultural advantage. He was a Hellenized Jew and a Roman citizen. Paul understood Greek culture very well. His time in Athens and his speech to the Athenians is recorded in Act 17:16-34. The Athenians were lovers of philosophy and they often engaged in philosophical debate as a way of learning, reasoning and teaching. While Paul was in the city, he saw a multitude of idols to their many gods. The Gospel tells
us that he began to have daily contact with the Jews and the Greeks in the plaza. Eventually some Epicureans and Stoics heard about his preaching of the resurrection. They were intrigued and took him to a meeting of the Areopagus, “the highest judicial and legislative council of ancient Athens.”2 When Paul stood up to speak, he knew just how to approach this very prominent governing body. “Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.” (Acts 17:22-23 NRSV). Paul, instead of attacking or directly criticizing them for using idols and their polytheistic beliefs, he uses that to his advantage. He presents the God of Jesus to them as the God that they worship as the ‘unknown god’. He then uses an apologetic that opens a door for them to learn, debate and logically reason for acceptance or rejection of this new god. He explains God to them by making reference to their poets. In the end, some accepted Paul’s words and embraced the faith, others did not. So did Paul contextualize? Yes. “What can be said to be (Continued on page 34) 33
(Continued from page 33) unique in the Areopagus speech is its appeal to Greek philosophical thought. Paul attempts to build bridges with the intellectuals and the masses in Athens in the hope of reaching them in a relevant way. As such, his speech becomes a model for the Christian apologists, who later attempt to present the faith to the pagan intellectuals of a later day. It should be noted that Paul never compromises the basic Christian principles of God as Creator, Judge and Christ’s resurrection. There could be no accommodation made on these concepts even though these are difficult notions for the Athenians to grasp.” 3 To summarize, in your ministry it is necessary to teach and preach as Jesus and Paul did. You must find a way to connect with the people where they are in their life’s journey and in a way that is relevant to their situation and environment. This is especially true in ministry to Hispanics in the United States, in particular for new immigrants who may be undocumented. The undocumented form a subculture in their own right. They look for ways to work and to survive while “staying under the radar”. While maintaining themselves, they try to support a family back home. Necessity causes them to live in conditions that most Americans would shun. The Gospel message and God’s
love for them must be made contemporary and pertinent to the world in which they live. Endnotes: 1. Harvestime International Institute. “Teaching Tactics.” 59-78 Accessed February 27, 2013. http://www.harvestime. org/EnglishCourses/ TeachingTactics.pdf. 2. American Heritage Dictionary. Accessed April 18, 2013. http://www. answers.com/topic/ areopagus#ixzz2Qml8Dykx. 3. Luca, Philip J. “Paul’s Contextualization of the Gospel before the Areopagus in Acts 17.” 31 Liberty University. Digital Commons (1082). Accessed March 30, 2013. http://digitalcommons.liberty. edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?articl e=1082&context=honors&seiredir=1&referer=http%3A%2F %2Fwww.google.com%2Furl% 3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q% 3Dpaul%2520and%2520the%2 520contextualizat. Bishop Tom Shortell, OSFC, D.Min. is the Bishop Ordinary for Mexico for the United American Catholic Church and currently resides in Guerrero, Mexico.
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Sacred Space (Continued from page 17)
Outdoor Mass from Sacred Spaces work, church, and social networks we have a great deal of information available and potential connections to share with our community of brothers and sisters. We recognize, however, that we have a responsibility to advocate, connect, and advise within the framework of understanding our non-expert status. We envision expanding our presence to daytime dropin centers that serve people beyond Sundays. We hope to tap into the current urban trend of city approved, shortterm occupation of empty buildings to provide rest and refreshment, clothing, referral services, literacy programs,
and other one-on-one help. Side Note: For the year 2013, we have served over 9800 lunches to the homeless in Hayward and Oakland. we have had over 1924 attendees (one timers and faithful attendees), and communicated over 1900! The Rev. Deacon John Trubina is the pastor of Sacred Space and is a Deacon in the International Old Catholic Churches. He and his husband and their son live in California.
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Truth (Continued from page 13) I used above from Merriam Webster. It is already there, in the final definition - “7. God” Father Wolf is a police officer in New Jersey and is the pastor of St. Aelred’s Parish in the International Old Catholic Churches.
Final Things (Continued from page 19) have all the time in the world. We as clergy should know better. After all, we see death and dying on a regular basis. Yet we tend to forget or ignore our own mortality and the problems we will leave for the living by not being prepared. So what can we do to make things easier on the living? Here are a few suggestions on how to lighten their load when your end comes. 1. A Living Will A Living Will (sometimes called an Advanced Directive) is just what it is called, it is a Will stating your wishes should you still be alive but unable to communicate. This is the number 1 most important document all clergy, all people, should have. This takes the guess work out of the equation when you are lying there,
your family is emotional and they cannot think rationally. This gives the doctors and hospital a clear idea of what you wanted in this situation. An example of this is the following: In determining your wishes, think about your values, such as the importance to you of being independent and self-sufficient, and what you feel would make your life not worth living. Would you want treatment to extend life in any situation? Would you want treatment only if a cure is possible? Would you want palliative care to ease pain and discomfort if you were terminally ill? Although you can’t predict what medical situations will arise, be sure to discuss the following treatments. It may help to talk with your doctor about these, especially if you have questions. • Resuscitation. Restarts the heart when it has stopped beating (cardiac death). Determine if and when you would want to be resuscitated by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or by a device that delivers an electric shock to stimulate the heart. • Mechanical ventilation. Takes over your breathing if you’re unable to do so. Consider if, when and for how long you would want to be placed on a mechanical ventilator. 36
• Nutritional and hydration assistance. Supplies the body with nutrients and fluids intravenously or via a tube in the stomach. Decide if, when and for how long you would want to be fed in this manner. • Dialysis. Removes waste from your blood and manages fluid levels if your kidneys no longer function. Determine if, when and for how long you would want to receive this treatment. 1 These Wills can also be used to stipulate if you want to be an organ donor or not. It is important to have these documents signed, notarized and to give them to family or friends who will need them in the event something happens to you. Some states require that these documents be filed with the state in order to be legally binding. Check the laws in your state before proceeding. 2. Power of Attorney This document is just as important as a Living Will. This document appoints someone you trust to act on your behalf should you be incapacitated or incompetent. There are various types of Power of Attorneys, however, the two most popular are the Durable Power of Attorney (or in some places called an Enduring Power of Attorney) and a Health Care Power of Attorney (also called a Health Care Proxy in some places). The Durable Power of
Attorney can cover more than just medical issues as it can grant a person the ability to sell property or conduct business on behalf of the individual granting the POA. The Health Care Power of Attorney typically only covers healthcare decisions. While it might be good to have both, in most states you can have a Durable POA with healthcare POA language in it and they will honor it. However, each state is different. So you will need to check with your state to be sure. The other question you might be considering is that if you have a Living Will do you need a Power of Attorney as well. The answer is yes. The Living Will cannot cover every possible situation and it is always good to have someone you trust who can make decisions should there be a situation that arises that is not covered in your Living Will. Do not assume that just because you are married that your spouse will automatically be your POA or that their wishes for you will be honored. In most states, they will not honor their wishes if you have not specifically given them legal authority to act on your behalf. As with most things this important, it is better to be safe than sorry. 3. Last Will and Testament While many people think 37
that writing a Last Will and Testament is old fashioned or only for those that have lots of money and property, this is simply not true. A Last Will is very important if you want to keep what little property and money you have out of probate and in the hands of your loved ones. Without a Will, your property and money will be placed in probate and in some cases that means that no one can live in your house or utilize your banking accounts until the probate process is over. For those of us who are clergy, a Will is important for several different reasons. If you want to leave any property you own (ie. Vestments, church wares, ect) to your parish or Jurisdiction, then a Will makes sure that those items go where you want them to and not an auction house or pawn shop. Your Will also gives you the opportunity to lay out your funeral arrangements. Are there special prayers or hymns you want at your funeral Mass? Include that in your Will. Is there a funeral home you want to handle your remains? Do you want to be cremated or buried? Which cemetery do you want to be laid to rest in? All these questions can be answered in your Will. This takes the guess work out of your final arrangements and makes things so much easier for your loved ones and friends. Like with the Power of Attorney, it is best and in some states required that you
name an executor of your Will. This is someone you trust who will make sure your Will is followed to the letter. They will be responsible for making sure your property is divided up the way you want it to be. Just like the Power of Attorney, the executor of your Will is not guaranteed to be a loved one unless you spell it out in your Will. If you want to go the extra mile to ensure a smooth process after you pass, you might want to look into prepaid funerals and burials. While it may seem morbid, it is only acknowledging the inevitable. Most of these things seem to be common sense things, however, we tend to overlook them and think that we can deal with them later. In many cases, later never comes and before you know it you are exiting this world and leaving a nightmare behind for your loved ones. If you follow these suggestions, the peace of mind you will be giving your loved ones will be invaluable. We will have more information and links to resources to help you with your final planning on our website at http://www. convergentstreams.org. The Right Rev. Gregory Godsey, FESC is the Managing Editor of Convergent Streams. He is also the Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese of the Southeast in the IOCC. 38
Third Quarter Liturgical Wordsearch c e u s c a n o c a e d m h a e r a c e
o h h k l s e l d n a c a s s o c k p l
o e r n e e r r r r m l i l p c d u t r
acolyte alb altar ambo ambry amice Aspergillum bishop boat Burse CANDLES Cassock Censor chalice chaliceveil chaplain chasuable Chrism ciborium Cincture
a c c i s l c o r p o r a l m o v v l c
e i a r s n b t o r n i a l p a h c m o
s l l y o m s a p i s o r t y r t s e v
p a s e r i c r u e t s c s l z u i i e
i h c e c a b p r s r h n a u a n s c b
i c r r l o n t i t a m i c e n s o r c
l i o u a e i o f l n h c r l d e o h l
s x z t r m l n i h c h c i a e b o e n
Cope Corporal crozier cruets Dalmatic deacon exorcist host humeralveil Lectionary lector mitre Monstrance Pall pallum paten pectoralcross piscina porter priest 39
e s i c o p e c c t e n e s b m c u t l
e p e n t c e n a t c v i t a o a t s s
o n r i c v x r t n l e s y y u r p o y
l p p c e y e o o a r s l t a l b i h r
t m a i p s r l r o r e t r o p o s u b
m u l l i g r e p s a y b t i l m c w m
a t l e l c m u i r a r c a s c e i a a
e e a c o u l t b o s t p a t e n n v r
Purificator Pyx Sacramentary sacrarium sacristy stole subdeacon Surplice tabernacle vestry vimpa wine zucchetto
m t o p h i m l t u l l v l p e c a r a
Saints Calendar July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July
1, 2014: Bl. Junipero Serra, P & Rel 2, 2014: Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week of Ordinary Time 3, 2014: Saint Thomas, Ap 4, 2014: Saint Elizabeth of Portugal 5, 2014: Saint Anthony Zaccaria, P 6, 2014: Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time 7, 2014: Monday of the Fourteenth Week of Ordinary Time 8, 2014: Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week of Ordinary Time 9, 2014: Saints Augustine Zhao Rong and companions, Mm 10, 2014: Thursday of the Fourteenth Week of Ordinary Time 11, 2014: Saint Benedict, Ab 12, 2014: Saturday of the Fourteenth Week of Ordinary Time 13, 2014: Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time 14, 2014: Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, V 15, 2014: Saint Bonaventure, B & D 16, 2014: Our Lady of Mount Carmel 17, 2014: Thursday of the Fifteenth Week of Ordinary Time 18, 2014: Friday of the Fifteenth Week of Ordinary Time 19, 2014: Saturday of the Fifteenth Week of Ordinary Time 20, 2014: Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time 21, 2014: Saint Lawrence of Brindisi, P & D 22, 2014: Saint Mary Magdalene 23, 2014: Saint Bridget, Rel 24, 2014: Saint Sharbel Makhluf, P 25, 2014: Saint James, Ap 26, 2014: Saint Joachim and Ann, Parents of Mary 27, 2014: Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary Time 28, 2014: Monday of the Seventeenth Week of Ordinary Time 29, 2014: Saint Martha 30, 2014: Saint Peter Chrysologus, B & D 31, 2014: Saint Ignatius of Loyola, P
August August 1, 2014: Saint Alphonsus Liguori, B & D August 2, 2014: Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, B; Saint Peter Julian Eymard, P August 3, 2014: Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time August 4, 2014: Saint John Vianney, P August 5, 2014: Dedication of St. Mary Major August 6, 2014: Transfiguration August 7, 2014: Saint Sixtus II, Po & M, and companions, Mm; Saint Cajetan, P 40
August 8, 2014: Saint Dominic, P August 9, 2014: Saint Teresiae Benedicta of the Cross, V & M August 10, 2014: Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time August 11, 2014: Saint Clare, V August 12, 2014: Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, Rel August 13, 2014: Saint Pontian, Po & M and Hippolytus, P & M August 14, 2014: Saint Maximilian Kolbe, P & M August 15, 2014: Assumption August 16, 2014: Saint Stephen of Hungary August 17, 2014: Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time August 18, 2014: Monday of the Twentieth Week of Ordinary Time August 19, 2014: Saint John Eudes, P August 20, 2014: Saint Bernard, Ab & D August 21, 2014: Saint Pius X, Po August 22, 2014: Queenship of Mary August 23, 2014: Saint Rose of Lima, V August 24, 2014: Twenty-First Sunday of Ordinary Time August 25, 2014: Saint Louis of France; Saint Joseph Calasanz, P August 26, 2014: Tuesday of the TwentyFirst Week of Ordinary Time August 27, 2014: Saint Monica August 28, 2014: Saint Augustine, B & D August 29, 2014: Beheading of John the Baptist, M August 30, 2014: Saturday of the TwentyFirst Week of Ordinary Time August 31, 2014: Twenty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time
September September 1, 2014: Monday of the TwentySecond Week of Ordinary Time September 2, 2014: Tuesday of the TwentySecond Week of Ordinary Time September 3, 2014: Saint Gregory the Great, Po & D September 4, 2014: Thursday of the TwentySecond Week of Ordinary Time September 5, 2014: Friday of the TwentySecond Week of Ordinary Time September 6, 2014: Saturday of the TwentySecond Week of Ordinary Time September 7, 2014: Twenty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time September 8, 2014: Birth of Mary September 9, 2014: Saint Peter Claver, P September 10, 2014: Wednesday of the Twenty-Third Week of Ordinary Time September 11, 2014: Thursday of the TwentyThird Week of Ordinary Time (Continued on page 42) 41
(Continued from page 41) September 12, 2014: The Most Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary September 13, 2014: Saint John Chrysostom, B & D September 14, 2014: Triumph of the Cross September 15, 2014: Our Lady of Sorrows September 16, 2014: Saint Cornelius, Po & M and Saint Cyprian, B & M September 17, 2014: Saint Robert Bellarmine, B & D September 18, 2014: Thursday of the TwentyFourth Week of Ordinary Time September 19, 2014: Saint Janurius, B & M September 20, 2014: Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, P & M, Saint Paul Chong Hasang, M, & companions, Mm September 21, 2014: Twenty-Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time September 22, 2014: Monday of the TwentyFifth Week of Ordinary Time September 23, 2014: Saint Pio of Pietreclina, P September 24, 2014: Wednesday of the Twenty-Fifth Week of Ordinary Time September 25, 2014: Thursday of the TwentyFifth Week of Ordinary Time September 26, 2014: Saints Cosmas and Damian, Mm September 27, 2014: Saint Vincent de Paul, P September 28, 2014: Twenty-Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time September 29, 2014: Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels September 30, 2014: Saint Jerome, P & D
‘When the soul finds herself in the sacred silence of faith and love, and feels an interior impulse to pray for the wants of the Church, or of the world, for some special or general intention, she should do so immediately; but this interior movement ceasing, she ought to repose again in God. If this repose transform itself into the sleep of love and faith, so much the better. The Divine Goodness, I hope, will make you understand this language if you be very humble and retain a full sense of your nothingness.’ St. Paul of the Cross 42