Volume 2 Number 4
Fourth Quarter 2014
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Contents
From the Editor............................................................................................ page 4 The Perfect Joy of Saint Francis of Assisi.................................................. page 6 What to call me............................................................................................ page 8 Schism.......................................................................................................... page 10 Life in a Fishbowl....................................................................................... page 12 In the Beginning......................................................................................... page 14 Look! Over There! A Female! .................................................................. page 16 Green Shoes................................................................................................ page 20 Altar Linens................................................................................................ page 22 Letters to the Editor................................................................................... page 23 The “Boxes” of Life..................................................................................... page 24 Self Care ...................................................................................................... page 25 Ignatians from Colombia.......................................................................... page 26 Making Bishops.......................................................................................... page 28 An Inner Christmas................................................................................... page 30 What Are Your Gifts?................................................................................. page 32 Katholic Kitchens (Christmas Version).................................................. page 34 Fourth Quarter Liturgical Calendar........................................................ page 57 Fourth Quarter Wordsearch..................................................................... page 60
Convergent Streams Vol 2 No 4 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 2014 All rights reserved. Executive Editor: The Right Rev. Gregory Godsey Managing Editor: The Very Rev. David S. Jennings Editor-at-Large: The Right Rev. A. Edmund N. Cass Contributing Editors:
The Very Rev. Prior Michael Beckett Mrs. Brenda Eckels Burrows Rev. Father Kenneth Nelan Right Rev. Tom Shortell Rev. Father Brian Wolf Guest Writers: Very Rev. Jeisson David Castro Rev. Father Glenn Glorioso Michael Maciel Right Rev. Carl Matthews Very Rev. Lady Shelia Sherwood Rev. Mrs. Dollie Wilkinson 3
From the Editor The Right Rev. Gregory W. Godsey editor@convergentstreams.org
Christmas Celebrating the Christ-Child
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hristmas is my favorite time of the year. The cold weather is painful with arthritis and the shorter days does a number on my depression, but the excitement and anticipation of the coming of the Christchild makes all that seem irrelevant. Of course, the cold weather is easier to deal with at my size. I can at least breathe better and I can always put on more
clothes if I am cold. One of the things I do not look forward to is the commercialization of the holiday. Before you think that I am going to rail about the “War on Christmas©”, I do not care what a retail worker says to me at this holiday season. I do not care if they say Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas, because it does not change the coming of the Christ-child one little bit. No, the commercialization I am speaking of is the
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hustle and bustle of the stores, the push to buy more and more stuff we really don’t need. It is the coming of the Christmas decorations and music in September and October. Those of us in church leadership are also guilty of this to an extent. I have been guilty of referring to Christmas as my busiest time of the year. We stand waiting for the crowds, looking for a boost in the collection plate, worrying about making a good impression on the once a year visitors in the hopes they will come back more than once a year. Do we want them to come back so they can be saved and join us in heaven, or so that they can drop a check in the collection plate. Even worse, in the Independent Sacramental Movement especially, we want them to come back so we can brag about our numbers. In all of this we forget what is important. We forget that we are here to preach Christ, who came to save us from our sins, who looks for us because he wants to have a personal relationship with us. We forget the great gift Christ gives us every time we are Mass, himself in the form of bread and wine. We allow ourselves to become distracted by the glitz and glamour of the season. We worry about whether we have enough red or white poinsettias. We want to make sure we have enough Christmas Trees and that their lights are synchronized. I even knew a priest who insisted that each poinsettia had to be exactly 6 inches apart. He even brought a ruler to make sure they were!
born into simplicity. His first visitors were shepherds who likely smelled and were dirty. And yet, the angels called these shepherds to come see the Christ-Child because he came for all of us, not just the rich. This Christmas, I encourage you to not doll up the church. Spend the money you would spend on poinsettias and Christmas trees on helping the poor. Buy them food or a coat. Help someone less fortunate rather than spending the money on decorations. This would honor the Christ-Child much better than all the decorations you might buy. I wanted to take one moment to thank everyone who submitted articles to the magazine this quarter. We have a wonderful selection of articles. Please be sure to check out the Christmas section of this edition as well. We have introduced a Letters to the Editor section. If you would like to send in a Letter to the Editor, you may email it to editor@convergentstreams.org. We enjoy getting mail and look forward to publishing some of your letters. Additionally, if you have a suggestion for an article or series of articles or if you would like to write for Convergent Streams, please feel free to use the above email address to send in your suggestions or submissions. Until next time, may you have a very Holy and Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Blessings!
We spend all this time and money dolling up the church for Christmas that we forget the child born in a stable. He was born in an impoverished way. He was
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Friar’s Fancy The Right Rev. Aaron Edmund N. Cass metropolitan@myiocc.org
The Perfect Joy of Saint Francis of Assisi
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hen I think of Francis of Assisi, I don’t consider the garden statues or a simple animal loving tree hugger, no, rather I see a dynamic, prophetic and “thoroughly Catholic man”. I see a soul on fire with the love of God, commissioned by Christ to bring a new vitality to the Church which was rife with corruption and whose faith was a dim flicker of the flame it had been.
as it “awaits the revelation of the Sons of God.” For Francis, the encounter with God was so profound that it could only be expressed in joy. He earned the title troubadour of the Great King for the songs and poetry he composed and he sang often the praises of God. His mind was constantly occupied with thoughts of
What was the fire within Francis that drove him to found a movement that continues to revive and enliven the Church even to this day? I am of the opinion that it was his total acceptance of the incarnational mystery…that is, God present within His creation, down to the very fabric of it. God so permeates creation in the mind of Francis that to behold creation was to behold part of the beauty and majesty of God reflected in it or shining through it. Francis response to so great a mystery was to live that mystery through the perfection of joy. Joy flowing from the Holy Spirit who still moves through creation urging and perfecting it 6
the incarnation deeply and mystically. This experience caused Francis to create the first Living Nativity and the impact this had on the Church and Western Christianity is evidenced by Nativity scenes found during the Christmas and Epiphany season in homes and Churches to this day. As Francis contemplated Christ, whether as the crucified, a child or in the Eucharist, he did so expressed by profound joy.
Image by Thomas Godsey (Used with permission) God and his soul cried out to God for more and more, to be perfectly conformed to the Christ until, on 17 September, Christ himself joined with Francis by imprinting his sacred wounds on his body to allow the saint to be perfectly conformed to the likeness of His death. This completed Francis joy, for now, he could not merely contemplate the Crucified, he could participate in the mystery of the passion more deeply and profoundly than ever before. But, for Francis, the most profound and intimate union with Christ would come through his devotion to the Holy Eucharist. Francis tells us the “Christ is made present to us at the hands of the Priest each time the sacred elements are consecrated just as he was made present in the womb of the Virgin Mary”. It was this absolute knowledge of Christ’s actual presence that consumed Francis, driving him to enter into the mystery of
As we consider Francis and his deep devotion to Christ, his bridegroom, we to can access the joy he so celebrated in his life as we yield to the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As we toss out the idols we foolishly feed and care for, we give way to the lordship of Christ in each and every aspect of our lives and that yielding up of our very selves, as Francis would see it would be our selling all we have and following Christ. To abandon ourselves to Christ as did Francis is to give ourselves over to perfect love. Paul tells us that “perfect love casts out all fear…” and is yielding to the torrent of love flowing from Christ, we to can abandon all fear for the surety of the Divine Providence in every aspect of our lives. The Right Rev. Aaron Edmund N. Cass, FESC is the Presiding Bishop of the International Old Catholic Churches, founder of the Franciscans of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and Vicar of Upper South Carolina within the Order of Corporate Reunion. He is pastor of Saint Anthony the Wonderworker Parish in Greenville, South Carolina and ministers at local nursing homes.
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A Dominican’s Dithyramb The Right Rev. Prior Michael Beckett, OPoc msgrbeckett@myiocc.org
What to call me
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nd so, several days ago, I was consecrated a bishop. Since that time, many of you have asked, “When are you going to change your Facebook name?” “What do I call you? How do we address you? What is your correct title?” I want to take a moment to answer these questions, but in a few minutes. First of all, allow me to explain for my (many) non-liturgical
friends, just what a bishop is, and why is being a bishop a big deal. When one is consecrated a bishop, one has “come to the fullness of the priesthood.” Our bishops have Apostolic Succession, which means we can trace our lineage via episcopal laying on of hands, based on the New Testament, which implies a personal apostolic succession
From Left to Right: Rev. Archdeacon Dollie Wilkinson, Very Rev. Kenneth Nelan, Right Rev. Michael Beckett, Rev. Deacon Scott Brown, Rev. Father Bryan Wolf, and Friar Dominic Ferrante 8
(from Paul to Timothy and Titus, for example). Other documents of the early Church, especially the Epistle of Clement, discuss Apostolic Succession. In this context, Clement explicitly states that the apostles appointed bishops as successors and directed that these bishops should in turn appoint their own successors; given this, such leaders of the Church were not to be removed without cause. Further, proponents of the necessity of the personal apostolic succession of bishops within the Church point to the universal practice of the undivided early Church (up to AD 431), before being divided into the Church of the East, Oriental Orthodoxy, the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. In our bishops, we see our shepherds. Since Christ gave the Apostles His authority, bishops who are consecrated via Apostolic Succession are direct representatives of Christ’s authority. This is why, in many liturgical faith traditions, one bows or genuflects to a bishop, and why bishops are to be held in great respect. Is everyone who is made a bishop worthy of that office? NO. Unfortunately there are those who have disgraced the faith and trust put in them at their consecrations, and they will be held accountable one day. Many are they who have let “being a bishop” go to their heads, and who are convinced that they are “better than” and deserving of great homage and respect. These are they who insist on being addressed as “Bishop So and So” or “Your Grace” or “Your Excellency.” These people tend to forget that respect must be earned. These people forget that our Christ, whom we as bishops are to represent, washed feet, did the job of a
servant, a slave. As our Jesus humbled Himself to die for us, so we must humble ourselves to live in service to those given to our charge. We are to remain “foot washers.” Yes, we have authority. But let us not forget that we are to temper that authority with love, with patience, and with gentleness. Yes, we are to lead. But let us remember that we are to lead by example, never forgetting the example that Jesus, the Christ, set for us. Now, to answer the questions, what to call me? Ya know, if you feel that you must and should call me “Bishop Michael,” that’s great. If you feel you want to continue to call me “Father Michael,” then that’s great, too. One of my very dear friends settled in her mind that I should be “Father Bishop” which I thought was a pretty creative way to settle the question. To still others, I remain as I always was, Myke or Michael. What do I prefer? It matters not a whit to me. What does matter, is that I serve my God, and that the Light of Christ is evident in my life. What matters to me is that those given to my charge love and trust me, and feel that they can call on me, knowing that I am here for them, that I love them, and that they are ever in my prayers. Does it matter to me what you call me? Nope. What matters to me is that you feel you CAN call me and call on me. Make sense? Bishop Prior Michael Becket, OPoc is the Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese of Saint Dominic in the International Old Catholic Churches. He is the Prior of the Order of Preacher, Old Catholic. He and his husband Scott live in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. They are the proud parents of three furry children. Bishop Beckett is a renown florist and wedding planner.
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The Bilingual Bishop The Right Rev. Tom Shortell uaccmex@gmail.com
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Schism
here has been a lot of publicity lately in the press about priests leaving the Roman Catholic Church to incardinate into other nonRoman catholic jurisdictions. The reasons for leaving the Roman jurisdiction of our catholic faith obviously vary, but for the most part it is because of either discontent or conflict with an archaic, inflexible and dictatorial hierarchy. The Roman battle cry invariably shouts out “schism” and then threatens a supposedly unsuspecting laity that wants to follow a beloved shepherd to a new spiritual home, with excommunication and the warning that their very souls will be in jeopardy of eternal damnation. Yeah right!! Let’s talk a little about schism. The Roman hierarchy throws the word about as though it means something diabolical, evil and horrific. Worse yet, it often times combines the word schism with the word sect implying of course a malicious and unchristian environment. Not always true. If it were not for separations or schisms, there would be no growth. In fact, there would be no Catholic Church. The church that Jesus founded was by its nature, schismatic. It varied and took a different road to what conventional Judaism taught at that time. Jesus was pursued, persecuted and ultimately put to death at the insistence of the Jewish clerical hierarchy, not because of political beliefs but because he encouraged
people to follow a new way, a different way to understand religion and spiritual relationship. He turned peoples’ hearts to God and to a relationship with YHWH not based exclusively on rigid adherence to The Law and the church patriarchal hierarchy but rather a loving paternal relationship between parent and child. Jesus turned the Jewish world upside down! Those who dared follow Jesus were thrown out of the Jewish synagogue. This Jewish schism was the birth of Christianity. Since then, there have been multiple divisions, schisms if you will, within the Body of Christ. Like a single human egg cell that upon fertilization, splits, grows, and splits again and again until it forms a new and complete being, the church continues to undergo these cell divisions in a process of growth that will ultimately grow into the being, the Church, Jesus planned from the beginning. Church historian Diarmaid MacCulloch remarked, “Conflict in religion is inevitable and usually healthy — a religion without conflict is a religion that will die….” (http://www.faithstreet. com/onfaith/2012/07/10/topchurchhistorian-sees-catholic-schismahead/21980 accessed June 20, 2014). Let’s take a cursory walk down Church History Lane to see just how many divisions conflict has caused. 10
KP).
The following list is reproduced here from OrthodoxWiki with permission under the terms of GNU Free Documentation License as used by Wikipedia and/or the AttributionShareAlike Creative Commons License. OrthodoxWiki is an online encyclopedia administered by Fr. John, a priest of the Orthodox Church in America. (http:// orthodoxwiki.org/Timeline_of_Schisms, accessed June 20, 2014)
Roman Catholic • •
Timeline of Schisms
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Chalcedonian During Period of the Single Church • • • • •
362-414 Antiochian Schism. 484-519 Acacian Schism. 553-698 Schism of the Three Chapters. 863-867 Photian Schism. 1054 Great Schism between East and West, generally regarded as having been completed by the act of the Fourth Crusade in 1204.
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Within Orthodoxy • •
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1265-1310 Arsenite Schism. ca.1666-67 Old Believers became separated after 1666-1667 from the hierarchy of the Church of Russia as a protest against church reforms introduced by Patriarch Nikon of Moscow. 1921 Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (UAOC). 1935 Old Calendar Schism, when three bishops declared their separation from the official Church of Greece stating that the calendar change was a schismatic act. 1990 Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kiev Patriarchate (UOC-
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1378-1417 Western Great Schism ensues, including simultaneous reign of three Popes of Rome. 1723 The Church of Holland, (or Church of Utrecht) broke with Rome under its own archbishop and hierarchy, becoming the mother church of the Old Catholic Churches. 1889 In southern India 5000 Catholics broke from Rome over an organizational dispute, and formed the Independent Catholic Church of Ceylon, Goa and India (i.e. the Jacobite Church of Ceylon, Goa and India; today this is a self-governing branch of the Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church, known as the Brahmavar (Goan) Orthodox Church, a uniate faction under the Indian Orthodox Church). 1889 Federation of Old Catholic Churches, not in communion with Rome, at the Union of Utrecht. 1945 Bp. Carlos Duarte Costa of Botucatu (in Brazil), a strong advocate for the liberal reform of the Roman Church since the 1930s, was finally excommunicated by the Vatican on July 2, 1945, in particular for his criticisms of Vatican foreign policy during World War II toward Nazi Germany; in 1945 Bp. Costa became the founder and first patriarch of the Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church, an independent Roman Catholic Church (claiming 58 dioceses (Continued on page 41)
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The Constabulary Christian The Rev. Father Bryan Wolf frwolf@myiocc.org
Life in a Fishbowl
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s a spiritual man of faith, I am asked many times in many different types of situations; usually unfortunate ones, “ How could God let this happen? “ A devastating car accident, an unexpected death, a diagnosed terminal illness or recurring debilitating one, an unforeseen financial hardship and even personal crisis of faith. “ God is to be merciful, how could God permit this? “ The questions continue to echo. Some people might not have thought about God for months, maybe even years~ but now faced or crushed with suffering they cannot comprehend, they lash out at God in anger and disbelief. Still others attempt to barter with God; “Get me through this and I will do such and such.”
illness, disease and death. Are glorious gift of free will unfortunately makes some people drive drunk, commit crimes and victimize others. In our inability to live in brotherhood, we cause war and injuries to others. When we grieve over these tragedies, it is God who grieves with us. Perhaps, more so.
First and foremost, God in His mercy freely accepts our anger and frustration. God understands in our inability to deal with or control overwhelming suffering and hardships, God is there to embrace us. God is the silent companion who sits with us in sorrow, shoulders us in our pain and uplifts us to carry on. But we find ourselves being angry with God anyway. In our faith somehow, the question can remain unanswered.
God does use these events, to have us be more Christ-like. To embolden us to display our compassion and charity. In Chapter 9 of the Gospel of John, Jesus is asked why was a man born blind? What sin did he or his family commit that would warrant such a punishment. Jesus answers that no sin was committed, but “that the work of God might be displayed.” In other words, acts of human directed toward they who are less fortunate. Likewise Jesus relates the story of the collapse of the Tower of Siloam ( Luke 13 ) where many innocent Galileans were killed. “ Do you think these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this way? [...] Do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no.” Jesus then commands us to not only repent; but to be good, compassionate and merciful. Because, you never know when the end is coming.
It is important to understand that God does not cause pain and suffering to happen. Human beings are susceptible to
There are those so narrowly focused as to interpret unfortunate events, both in personal lives and globally, as somehow 12
being an act of God as punishment. While this may have been the case in some Old Testament stories, these must be seen in context- God’s displeasure expressed to the Hebrew nation in matters of rebellion and discord. In his book, Theories of Illness, Dr. George Murdock; a medical anthropologist, surveyed more than 100 tribal cultures throughout the world. All but four; perceived illness, death and tragic events as a sign of God’s disapproval. We would look foolish if we held to those standards today. Sadly, there are evangelists and religions that do. In his book, Where is God when it Hurts, renowned Christian author Philip Yancey submits this interesting perspective: “There are to great errors. The first error when we attribute all suffering to God, as punishment for human mistakes and the second error assumes that life with God will never include suffering.” God became human, not only to demonstrate to us His Word through the teachings and acts of Jesus; but also that God might experience His creation. So that God might understand what it is to be human. We find this rooted in the actual word of Sympathy- a combination of two Greek words Sym and Pathos, which means suffer with. In such, Christ teaches us God’s most important lessonto trust in God. For as faithful as Jesus was, even Christ asked that his impending fate be removed from him and Jesus felt forsaken by God when held upon the Cross. Christ had these personal feelings and knows in time of adversity we would have them too. This again is the ultimate gift of free will. If the world operated on fair fixed rules and there were no true freedoms, this would be of detriment to both God and we His children. God would not know if we loved God for being God. We
would expect every sin earn a punishment and every good deed, a reward. Our lives and souls would not be challenged, would not grow. There would be no fruits of a growing soul; no courage, kindness, generosity or love. Whatever rewards we did obtain would be worthless, because they were anticipated and not achieved. Earlier I mentioned those who sought to negotiate with God for a solution to their suffering. Can any relationship that is built on love, endure an atmosphere of negotiation rather than trust? Even in scripture very few had personal encounters with God, like Moses or Job. Most people of faith then and even now, approach a “hidden” God in prayer. We seek to understand God and that is a gift which gives God pleasure. True, God could step in at any moment but more often choses to remain a parentarms outstretched beckoning us to walk forward and picking us up and dusting us off when we fall. God of course; does intercede through his mercy of friends, doctors, clergy and the charitable. We must make of ourselves to be those. I entitled this article Life in the Fish Bowl, so I could relate a most appropriate story that sums up how we must look at God in our suffering while at the same time peak your curiosity. The Jesus I Never Knew, again another book by Philip Yancey tells of his personal observation from owning a tropical salt water fish tank. Mr. Yancey had to maintain the tank; keep the chemical in the water balanced, change the filter, the appropriate levels of ultraviolet light the tropical fish needed as well as vitamins and such. Twice daily her would approach the fish tank to feed the fish. Did they circle in delight knowing it was feeding (Continued on page 48) 13
Guest Writer Reverend Father Glenn Glorioso, FESC peregrinuslxix@aim.com
In the Beginning John 1:14 - The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Hebrews 7:15-17 - And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. For it is declared: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.�
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wo years ago, August 18, 2012, I took my vows as an Ordained Priest with the then Old Catholic Apostolic Church, now known as the International Old Catholic Churches. I never would have thought I was to become a priest, nor that I would have the opportunities to perform some of the Sacraments that I was so graciously blessed with being able to perform. Several Holy Matrimony Sacraments, a few Sacraments of the Anointing of the Sick, and a few Sacraments of Confession later, and I realize what a blessing it is to be able to serve those who seek out my spiritual advice and comfort. Those who look to me to help them in their times
of spiritual need, as well as those who sought me out to be the one to unite them together in their marriages, and those who just wanted someone to talk to and know that I had experienced much of what ailed them as well. It was not because I was a Priest, or because I wore vestments, or that I had a great sounding title, or that I was some Holy, and Religiously Pious person. It was because they knew me as they were, a human, with compassion, caring, loving, empathy, and a giving nature. They knew I did not sit in judgment of them, and that I did not preach by words, that I preached in my actions, and my deeds. It is easy for one to lose sight of what inspired them initially into their vocation nowadays. So much is going on in this world, and it affects each and every one of us in so many ways. There is a steady decline in morals, a turning away from organized religion, and an increase in crime, and war, and its associated death. One could say to be a Priest in these times is very challenging and difficult. To me it is a challenge, but not a difficult one. I love that I can be here to help someone find their faith once again. To encourage and support those who feel that everyone has abandoned them, or that God does not hear them. 14
Now, for me to sit here, and say that it has been an easy journey, well, that would be very untrue! It has been anything but an easy journey to this point. However, with faith, and family, and friends, and a most wonderful Church family, and most importantly, a loving and gracious God, I have managed to overcome many obstacles in my life. They become mere speed bumps, something to slow down upon approaching, give it a tap of faith to get over it, and watch it fade in the rear view as I continue on down the path set before me by God.
I often times reflect upon my last two years and I think to myself, wow, would I have changed anything in that time, and I just remember that it is because of all that has happened in the past, which has shaped us into who we are now. So no, I would not change the past, and I chose to focus on the present. I look at the Church, our fellow clergy, our future clergy, our mission, our goals, our ministry, and I thank God for every moment I can be part of it. To be able to spread that love, that faith, that beautiful message, that is reward enough. It is just as much about all of that, as it is about
humility as well. We must always remember that being a Priest, or a Deacon, or a Bishop, or an Archbishop, is always about being a servant. Not just to God, but to our fellow man(woman), to our Church, to those in need, to the world, and yes as a Franciscan to all living things, great and small! Philippians 2:3-11 - Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. These last two years the thing I am most proud of is that I never once thought of being a Priest as any more different than being a servant. To me the two are synonymous. One cannot be without the other. Two halves that equal one whole. Does that make me any less of a person? Not at all, as a matter of fact, it makes me more of a person. It is in humility that we learn to persevere, that we learn true empathy, and love, and compassion. Over the last month, I was challenged in many ways, ways that made me reflect upon my future as a Priest, my standing with the Church, my standing with society, and my standing in general. I felt I was being punished for my sins, past and present. I truly felt that God was putting me in my place! My faith was challenged, my strength was challenged and by that I mean spiritually and mentally. I was dealt (Continued on page 55) 15
Guest Writer Brenda Eckels Burrows, aMGC brendaanneckels@gmail.com
Look! Over There! A Female! (aka The Roman Church attempts to keep bloggers looking elsewhere)
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y facebook group, one fine day in June, had a re-post of “Question of the day” that appears on a member’s blog, which I have reprinted here: Jeannie Boudreau Richards via Miriamne the Magdala - The First Chapter in the Yeshua & Miri Novel Series Today’s Big Question: What’s YOUR Point Of View? “In 2012 a survey of Roman Catholics, on behalf of the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP), showed that 87 percent believed priests should marry and 77 percent were in favor of women being priests. Another 22 percent believed matured married men should be ordained ... Father Sean McDonagh said it is the obligation of the Irish bishops to raise these issues in Rome and added that it is not an issue unique to Ireland. He also noted that Pope Francis has indicated that he is open to such suggestions.”~Irish Central.com Do you support the clergy’s right to
marry? Are you in favor of the ordination of women priests? Tell me what YOU think! As always, your comments are appreciated and validated! JB Richards Author of “Miriamne the Magdala”The First Chapter in the “Yeshua and Miri Novel Series” and Content Creator for The Miriamne Page Now, I like Jeanne. She is the very talented Mom of one of the guys my kids went to high school with, who is, as the saying goes, an old soul adept at singing, writing poetry, interrupting US Presidents during speeches, and passionately defending the poor and oppressed. She is like me in that she frequently finds herself homebound due to her disabilities, and we both share the feminist sensability that both women and men are human and good. Some days I have had to call her off, as she was cross posting from her blog onto mine so frequently that the regular members were beginning to get fed up with her. 16
Her blog is pretty specific to a particular kind of Catholic, where mine is a big tent that lets every denomination, including Romans, in and then I act as the lady with the whistle who sometimes has to order everybody out of the pool. She has very firm beliefs in a lot of things, I have this one belief that when God nudged me and said “Everyone in, or no one gets to go” that he was serious and somehow He will, like a good gardener, get us all in shape and in order so we are each individual, yet taken together a glorious testament to His Unending Love. Needless to say, she makes more money than I do at blogging, and probably has about 6 times the number of friends, a shocking percentage of which she can actually talk with on a regular basis. I chalk that one up to the fact her kid is going on 24. The last of my 15 I have birthed, adopted, or cared for is 11. The comments started right away, as usual with Jeanne herself: Jeannie Boudreau Richards: RELATED ARTICLE: The “PUSH” is on! From Huffington Post via Religion News Service: “Top Catholic and Orthodox church officials in North America are calling on the Vatican to let married men become priests in Eastern rite Catholic churches, another sign that optional celibacy could become a front-burner issue under Pope Francis.” What’s YOUR opinion?...See More Something’s Gone Terribly Wrong www.huffingtonpost.com This was followed by: Stephanie B. Alles: I think it IS indeed time for both married ane (sic) women priests. And for the argument that the
apostel (sic) were all male: If “latecoming” Paul is an apostel (sic), then Mary of Magdala IS in fact an apostel (sic)! And as she first whitnessed (sic) Jesus risen from death, she is one of the most important! Jesus did NOT say: “Hold your mouth shut and wait until the boys come here” Jeannie Boudreau Richards write back in my absence: Thanks for commenting, Stephanie B. Alles, I love your example! Via private message: “What about those clergy who LIKE being celibate or who feel it is a special calling? Will they become the new second class citizens of the Roman church?” “Great. Now all the abusive nuns on power trips will be clamoring to get into seminary and get ordained so they can make us even more miserable.” “Read Jeanne’s most recent. Is anybody paying attention to the fact that the more buzz there is about married and female clergy, the less attention gets shed on the fact that so far Francis hasn’t actually done anything about the pedophile crisis? What’s he going to do when a Mary Jo Letorneau gets ordained and starts wreaking havoc?” “Somehow, I think some Romans are sure that if they open the door just enough so that married and female clergy are ok, they can go shut it again before any GLBTQ clergy can get in openly and NOT be celibate.” “Even if Francis does allow married priests and bishops, even if he does create a female deaconate, it isn’t going to fix anything long term. It is just going to set up a lot of people who feel called to be clergy for a complete dressing down when (Continued on page 48) 17
Wandering Wisdom Rev. Father Kenneth Nelan, OPoc ken.nelan@sacredwandering.com
My Spirit Rejoices in God, My Savior “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.” ~ (Luke 1:46-55 – The Magnificat)
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e who are called, whether religious or secular, know only too well the draw deep within the core of our beings to serve our God, as well as our sisters and brothers who surround us each moment of our lives. It is one of the many reasons we become servants, but there is one reason which surpasses all others - the celebration of the most Holy Eucharist. I am not referencing our hourly celebrations or private devotions, although those are equally important, I am instead referencing how we extend that celebration throughout every moment of our lives and with those we encounter from day to day. There are varied thoughts on the Divine presence within the Celebration of the Eucharist. Many believe in the very real and tangible presence of Jesus within the consecration of the Body and Blood – transubstantiation – a literal transformation of not only the bread
and wine on the altar, but of ourselves as we receive. There are also others who believe the transformation is symbolic of a celebration dedicated thousands of years ago in a small upper room during the high Jewish celebration of Passover – consubstantiation. With both we celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of our Lord through anamnesis, a shared memorial or memory, of the meal shared with the Apostles. Despite their differences, there remains one crucial unifying factor – transformation through our Divine Savior and Christ, Jesus. There is, however, something we need to remember and bring to the forefront of our minds every moment of every day. When receiving the Eucharist and because of our belief in the real transformation, whether real or symbolic, we bring into ourselves that Divine presence. We are in essence coming together with and absorbing the grace and beauty of our God, through our Lord. There is something else we need to remember – the Eucharistic celebration is not something arbitrarily tacked on to the end of our celebrations. It is the center and core focus of our spirituality, as well as an expression of our call as Christians 18
and of our faith as Catholics. Without the Eucharist in our lives we are pitiable creatures lost in a desert: that or we are in this solely for the power associated with our positions; either way we are lost. What drew me to the priesthood as a child was the deep internal draw to the real presence of our God alive within the celebration of the Eucharist. I was inseparable from the sacraments and would hide from my parents under the protection altar when it was time to go home. When I was old enough I joined the ranks of altar servers and gradually worked my way up to sacristan. I was ready to enter a high school seminary, complete with recommendations and even a scholarship, but our God sets before us paths which, if we walk them and allow ourselves to be transformed by them, ultimately teach us about ourselves and how we fit in with the world. So it was for me, but I never lost my love for the Eucharist. It wasn’t until my 30’s that I found myself faced with the opportunity of a lifetime. My diocese at that time offered me a chance to follow my passion of service. I have since followed my heart and renew myself within the Holy celebration and sacrifice of the Eucharist. For me the mystagogia of our faith lies within that brief moment of time when we experience the fullest love and devotion. That moment of sublime ecstasy must be shared with those we encounter from day to day, moment to moment. The beauty within the celebration is revealed only AFTER the celebration has been incorporated into our own “one in being with the Father” through Jesus.
Eucharist. Why? Because the Eucharist is Jesus Christ living on earth, in our midst, today.” ~ Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J. If we, as servants, cannot bring ourselves to the celebration, then perhaps we need to reexamine and reflect on why we have become servants in the first place. We, as both servants and leaders, must return to our core calling within the Teachings of our Lord Jesus, the Christ. Our lives and worship center on becoming one Body of Christ and so our focus must again return to that central figure and reason for our existence. We have been granted the greatest gift humankind could receive – love. Through love we were granted forgiveness of our sins and welcome into the Kingdom of God. To those we serve – help us to never lose sight of our central focus. Remind us to continue wandering our paths of sacred service. Remind us that we need you too and that we are first and foremost servants of the Eucharist we profess to love – in all people – through Christ our Lord, Amen. The Very Rev. Kenneth Nelan, OPoc, is the Vicar General of the Diocese of Saint Catherine of Siena within the International Old Catholic Churches. He is also a friar in the Order of Preachers, Old Catholic. He also host a show on uStream called Sacred Sewing in which he demonstrates how to sew and repair liturgical linens and vesture. He lives with his family in Glendale, Wisconsin.
“Our spiritual life will grow and our apostolates will flourish, on one condition: that we center our lives on the 19
Guest Writer Right Rev. Carl Matthews revcarlmatthews@gmail.com
Green Shoes
You’re here now…… I know and I think you know, This place is your final earthly stop on the journey. We share this bond of knowing, you and I, Yet not sharing our “ secret” with others, Spare others the pain of knowing, we think… I visit you , your frail body now wracked with pain, A shell of the person you once were. Your breathing now labored at times I read scripture to you, the labored breaths now easier, if only for a brief time Hospice is now an active participant in your care… And I think we both know that our time together here On earth will be short, But we are grateful for the time we do have together Yet that remains our unspoken secret.. Spare others the pain—— You’re here now ; Stripped of your independence, Few choices remain, When meals are served, ‘it’s time for your bath”, someone says “it’s time for us to get you up’, another calls out. And you struggle so to remain “in charge”___ Choices now removed I WANT YOU TO HAVE CHOICES! A visit to our thrift shop .. I see three pair of crocheted bedroom shoes and I think of you A bright green pair with pom -pom tassels ; “Linda will like these”, I think, But she needs choices…… 20
I leave the thrift shop with all three pair; I want you to have choices.. To make decisions!
I arrive to visit you, shoes in hand. I introduce myself….. I see in them their love for you I want you to have choices, don’t take that away! I show you the pairs of shoes and you select the …...green pair You ask that I put them on your feet I gently remove the blue socks, fearful that I might hurt you ———feet now calloused from years of hard work and living on the streets, ——feet no longer able to support your now frail body I remember how Jesus washed the feet of His disciples.. I fought back the tears, wondering if this would be the last act of God’s love I could give you Green shoes…….you said Green! , new growth, new beginnings, spring, green pastures Green shoes.. To lead you to green pastures, to take you to still waters Green shoes….you said Green shoes to take you into God’s arms, to dwell with him forever more! And now a home and at home The Right Rev. Carl Matthews is one of the Convening Bishops of Christ Catholic Church. Part of his self care is through journaling or writing prose or poetry. Green Shoes details a part of his journey with Linda, a 47 year old woman, who was dying from the ravaging effects of breast cancer.
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Sacred Sewing Rev. Father Kenneth Nelan, OPoc ken.nelan@sacredwandering.com
Altar Linens Fair Linens (Altar Cloths)
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air linens cover the main altar and were traditionally embroidered with five crosses, one in each corner of the mensa (the altar slab or stone) and a centered embroidery. The five crosses on the fair linen are meant to depict the five wounds of Christ. A fair linen usually includes a drop, which is completely at the discretion of the altar guild. The fair linen (altar cloth) represents the shroud in which Jesus was wrapped for burial.
depending on the purpose, liturgical season, and style of altar. Frontals are also usually the same width as the altar. Purificator Purificators are folded in thirds and placed over the chalice and under the paten. These small linens are the most frequently laundered of all the linens in liturgical use. Purificators are used to clean out the chalice and patten after communion and to collect any spilled sacred species. Purificators are washed preferably by hand in the Sacristry following the service and the water poured directly into the ground; not into the sewer system. Corporal The corporal is a large square linen folded in thirds and then thirds again, and used to catch any and all sacred species
Cnbrb at the English language Wikipedia GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0, from Wikimedia Commons Frontal Frontals are decorative drops attached to the front of the altar which generally measure from the top of the mensa to the floor, but can be of any varying length 22
including crumbs from the host and wine from the chalice. It is the first item placed during the celebration of the Eucharist, under both the chalice and paten. The corporal is so named because the word comes from the Latin “corpus,� meaning body. Pall Palls are square and stiffened with plexiglass for ease of laundering. Palls are often enlarged to accommodate a wide chalice. Palls are embroidered with a large center cross. Palls are placed over the chalice during communion. The function of the pall is to cover the Eucharistic elements during communion so nothing falls into them once consecrated. Chalice Veils Chalice veils are normally square and vary in size according to the size of the chalice and are used to cover and protect the chalice. Chalice veils are removed before consecration and restored after the chalice has been cleaned. The Very Rev. Kenneth Nelan, OPoc, is the Vicar General of the Diocese of Saint Catherine of Siena within the International Old Catholic Churches. He is also a friar in the Order of Preachers, Old Catholic. He also host a show on uStream called Sacred Sewing in which he demonstrates how to sew and repair liturgical linens and vesture. He lives with his family in Glendale, Wisconsin.
Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, It was the fall of 2013 that I learned of the publication of Convergent Streams . I recall the excitement I had on learning that a publication specific to the Independent Sacramental Movement (ISM) existed. I immediately ordered all of the back issues as well as the current issue for that time. In fact I keep the hard copies on my night stand and will often return to and re-read an article (s). There is a need for ongoing communication and sharing within the ISM. Convergent Streams provides an avenue for that. The challenge to the magazines continued success as well as the enhancement of communication within the movement is making others aware that such a publication exists . The magazine from my perspective added a degree or level of validity to the movement. Although some may disagree with this statement , I believe this to be true . I like perhaps a number o others find myself frequently explaining who and what I am and who and what , we are. Convergent Streams serves as a resource for advancing that identity . Keep up the great work! In Service With You, Bishop Carl Matthews Christs Catholic Church Diocese of the Gentle Shepherd Goldston, North Carolina
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Guest Writer Very Rev. Lady Shelia Sherwood, OPoc reverendsherwood@gmail.com
The “Boxes” of Life
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ust as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. - 1 Corinthians 12:12 In our society today, as indeed all throughout history, we as humans seem to have this compulsion to put ourselves and others “in boxes”. These “boxes” Include but are not limited to: Gender, Sexual orientation and disability. It amazes me why we as humans constantly feel the need to do this. If we spent as much time showing God’s love and forgiveness to each other as we indeed ought to be instead, we would indeed be nearer to being and living as the Lord teaches us to be.
suffer, have the same emotions and all will experience physical death. We are all God’s children, all created with the same Father’s love. God does not put us in “boxes”, we are all loved and treated as his children equally regardless of our differences. We are “All one body” In Christ. It is time that we are as our Father asks us to be. It is time to stop looking at each other in the ways that put us and them into “boxes” and to simply treat all as the “One body” and “family” which we all are! Let me remind you of the words of the Hymn “One Bread,One Body” One bread, one body, one Lord of all, one cup of blessing which we bless. And we, though many, throughout the earth, we are one body in this one Lord.
I myself would be “boxed” as the following: Female, Heterosexual and disabled, whilst another may well be male, homosexual with no disability.
1. Gentile or Jew, woman or man, no more.
My point here is simply that although we all have differences, in reality,we all share many more similarities as indeed we are all human, all are created by God and ALL are loved by God EQUALLY!. If a female heterosexual disabled person was to cut herself or get a cold for instance, She would bleed or feel grotty. Wouldn’t a non-disabled Male homosexual do and feel EXACTLY the same? Of course as all humans are equal. We are all born, age,
2. Many the gifts, many the works, one in the Lord of all. 3. Grain for the fields, scattered and grown, gathered to one, for all.
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Guest Writer Right Rev. Carl Matthews revcarlmatthews@gmail.com
Self Care We Are Called To Do So, But Do We?
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PART I
he day began as all other weekdays had this summer. I awoke at 5 a.m., a time so ingrained in me that I do not require an alarm clock. With a cup of coffee in hand, I sit in my favorite chair in the corner of the den. This is my favorite time of the day, thirty minutes of total and welcome silence. It is a time of simply “being”. The time of my “aloneness” flies by. Showering and shaving, my pace picks up as I dress, and then get our two year old dressed and ready for daycare. In the midst of the busyness of our daily routine I realize we are running late, an aspect of the morning rush that is becoming all to familiar. The drive to daycare and my office is a thirty minute commute through acres of unblemished woods. Hundreds of cows grazing in green pastures pay us no attention. The scenic drive has been a gateway for my connection to and with Spirit. This day, as I was about to learn was to be a very different day. Fifteen miles and minutes into our drive I began to have intense sub sternal chest pains accompanied with incessant belching, nausea and profuse perspiration .The
belching and chest pains came as no real surprise as I have a hiatal hernia, a condition I have had for a number of years. Swallowing a second Prilosec I was confident the hernia was rearing its ugly head once again. The chest pain became an unwelcomed companion and chose to intensify rather than leave. I began to have a tingling sensation in my left arm and fingers. I became extremely anxious and was confident that I was having a heart attack. In the “middle of no where” as folks in the south often say, I was faced with multiple dilemmas. My primary concern was for the safety and well being of our son Isaiah, who was thankfully sitting in his car seat and singing away. A roller coaster of thoughts raced through my mind; do I pull over to the side of the road and call 911 and then sound my horn until someone, a good Samaritan comes by, do I continue to drive and make it to the McDonald’s drive through and ask the staff to call 911 and stay with Isaiah until his other dad could get there; do I try to get to the daycare and then call 911. I called my spouse and told him that I thought I was having a heart attack but (Continued on page 54) 25
Guest Writer Very Rev. Jeisson David Castro, SSI vicariatolatinoamericano@myiocc.org
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Ignatians from Colombia
reetings to all our readers, it is a pleasure and honor for me to share with you the experience of the gospel and more on our evangelizing work in Colombia. First I should introduce myself: my name is Jeisson David Castro. I am an Old Catholic priest in the Priestly Society of St. Ignatius Loyola, known as “Ignatian Fathers, Old Catholic”. I am located in a city of Colombia called Medellin. Work in these lands is diverse as it is deeply rooted in its traditions. It is very religious due to the Spanish influence in the colony. In the last 4 years we began a missionary and pastoral plan beyond “indoctrination” to really search for “integral evangelization”, keeping in mind that violence has strongly marked this country’s history, but also really looking for the truth despite the aftermath of the violence; although the truth is it continues from a violence that is more than 50 years old and every day is marked with inequality. It is there where our challenge as Christians and followers of Jesus should bring proposals and answers to the questions of the people who have one way or another lost hope. I have come to realize that in this kind
of work “temples” and “institutions”, while important are not fundamental. Meanwhile the heart of people still continue to suffer and in this case Christianity should bring hope and above all a voice of encouragement and strength to dignify and lift those who fall due to the same injustices to which they are always exposed. We are within a context where it is not enough to speak like ecclesiastic institutions. It is time to listen to all those people who have been violated and that for one reason or other are on the verge of losing their faith. The mission in Colombia that the Ignatian Priestly Society has undertaken with the general Vicariate of Latin America I.O.C.C. is to provide comprehensive care to the people, not just confining ourselves to the spiritual part, but also the human side. We will not wait for the people to look for us, instead we are going to people in their different social, cultural and perhaps even religious circles. It is because of that our mission begins within inclusion and the promotion of a justice from truth and peace from the respect for differences. This is why our work has lead to several moments in 26
which we have tried to inform, to train and to raise awareness. If there are not those three aspects it will be difficult to advance a mission founded in this area. Our mission is initially discernment and spiritual accompaniment, but above all seeking a gradual restoration of each individual who has already come and who are coming to us. One of the principles of our work is to not compete or much less rival with any church institution. Rather we believe in Christian Unity from the difference and I believe that all this is accomplished when I am aware of my differences, but searching for the common good and the unity in faith in Jesus. One of the biggest problems facing Colombia has been intolerance and intolerance unleashes violence, and violence brings about inequality and injustice. It is sad to see that part of this has been provoked by many sectors which are also called “Christians”, but ultimately only want power and dominion over the weak. That is why in our mission we decided to think big, to work in the area of reconciliation, but not a external type of reconciliation like we used to know, but rather a reconciliation that is born from the depths of the self and leads first to reconciliation with the self, with their history, with their reality, not aiming to forgive and forget, instead a forgiveness that remembers, but without hatred or revenge. A forgiveness with justice and without impunity. It is a demanding job, but we do not lose heart in that way because if we do not build ourselves on the basis of forgiveness it will be difficult to speak of a true Christianity which begins in love and forgiveness, but
considering that whoever forgiveness breaks the chains of slavery. But still, they also seek a consciousness in God, where God is not a character from a book or in the worst case “invented” by a group of people, but a reality that lies in our daily living. Faced with the above, the “Consciousness in Jesus” movement was born as a way of making “universalism” (catholicism) not a name or a label, but a “praxis”, that is to say a practice, which translates into this simple example: “if we want to know the true meaning of “catholic” practice look at the arms of Jesus on the cross and of how they are”open”... and therefore where Christianity flows as a consciousness we are called to be open and inclusive.. Which speaks of the person of Jesus and his teaching, and how those trying to have a meeting with him must go through a process of personal and comprehensive restoration. Thus our pastoral model is based on small groups of people, families and professionals, which we call “core consciousness” where people work a lot on the teachings of Jesus, and work thoroughly with our essential tool, the S.T.R The Seminary of Therapeutic Restoration, where we work in the stories of the people as stated previously, we seek a reconciliation from the inside out, and look for a personal experience of forgiveness. As another example, we have other work fronts here in Colombia and more precisely in the city of Medellín, and that is the Rational Ecumenical Observatory “Ignaz von Dollinger”. This is one of the contributions to the global ecumenical (Continued on page 53) 27
Guest Writer Very Rev. David Jennings dsjwriter59@aol.com
Making Bishops
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recent article on ordination penned by the Very Rev. Lady Shelia Sherwood, OPoc did an excellent job of describing the sacrament and explaining why it couldn’t be accomplished from a distance. I could have written the answer to the rhetorical question posed by the headline more substantially, however. The terse response would be, “No.” More emphatic would be the response, “Heck no.” I could even get a little verbose by saying, “No effing way!” Any of those answers would have been dwarfed by the headline, and wouldn’t be nearly as informative. Lady Sherwood’s writing got me to thinking about consecration, the elder sibling of ordination, which is how bishops are made. Those of us who belong to liturgical and hierarchal churches may have gotten puzzled looks from friends and family from evangelical Protestant denominations. They might have a hard time understanding why a church might need leaders before it begins accumulating followers. The main difference, I would submit, is that evangelical Christians place a heavier emphasis upon the Great Commission: “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them
to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:16-20, (NIV) Members of liturgical churches, however, put a little more emphasis on this verse: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”– Matthew 16:18, (NIV) The second verse gives us a splendid sense of Christ’s efforts to redeem us from our sins. After all, Peter had abandoned Jesus in the Messiah’s darkest hour. The once self assured disciple became, ahem, petrified by the notion of being identified as one of Christ’s followers; now he would be a leader. Church tradition holds that Jesus’ words made Peter the first pope. In the early days of the church, there was little difference between a Bishop and what we would call a priest today. Over time, however, the job became more about administration than performing the main works of the gospel. Eventually, they became the ones who dispatched 28
missionary priests to all sorts of inhospitable places like northern Europe, the British Isles, and North America to bring the Good News to the indigenous residents, whether or not said residents were interested in receiving it. Evangelicals, on the other hand, would focus on spreading Christ’s words of hope and salvation. When a particular missionary had gathered enough followers, a church would be built and a formal leader chosen. Choosing a Bishop is a more complex process than elevating a member of the laity to priesthood. The preferred form, was to have at least two bishops involved in consecrating the latest episcopal candidate. In the early days of the church, I am certain that a requirement for multiple bishops being involved in elevating of a priest to the episcopacy was intended to maintain orthodoxy. The church fathers would have taken a dim view of a group of parishioners prostrating themselves before a driedout gourd or receiving Communion in the form of pizza and beer. (Domino’s: deliverance in 30 minutes or less.) Within the independent Catholic movement, there have been times when there was a shortage of bishops to allow for a traditional consecration which has given rise to the so-called “one handed” consecration, in which only one bishop lays his hands on the individual about to become his or her equal. An interesting variation on the onehanded consecration is the long-distance consecration. Case in point, a Bishop with his hands upon a rock consecrating it. Once the Bishop-elect is on the scene and the U.S.
Postal Service has delivered the package, the recipient would place his or her hands upon the rock. Through the wonders of transitive property, the recipient is now a Bishop. Blessed be the rock of my salvation, indeed. The other interesting phenomenon surrounding consecrations in the independent movement is that of “linechasing.” In a perfect world, every bishop could trace the line of bishops who preceded him all the way back to St. Peter. Of course, that is rarely possible, so some would-be bishops spend time scrutinizing the predecessors – the lines – of those who would consecrate them. They hope that by locating a consecrator with a particularly distinguished pedigree – in church terms apostolic succession - that they will be regarded every bit as legitimate as bishops from other, larger churches. It’s kind of like Pokémon for people who wear purple. “Well, my lines include Mercurialis of Forli, and he could slay dragons.” “That’s nothing. Hilarius of Arles could make your guys laugh themselves sick.” (Not really, but doesn’t it sound like it might be right?) “Oh yeah? Well, Polycarp was an a apologist, so he could debate your guys under the table.” (But don’t you think an expert apologist ought to be able to talk himself out of being executed?) “Yeah, but Augustine of Hippo could crush them with his ummm... err... Hippo Power!” (Continued on page 56) 29
Christmas Special Michael Maciel michaelmaciel@mac.com
An Inner Christmas
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here is no doubt that the world conspires against anyone trying to have a contemplative Christmas. At this most inward time of year, we are frazzled by last minute obligations and the desire to have home and hearth just right for the holidays. To experience the Virgin Birth, however, we must seek the fire within and go there. We don’t want to neglect our social and cultural duties, mind you, because doing that only nags our attention away from our interior preparations.
Photo by Susan (tweety2766) on Flikr. Used under CC-2.0. The first objection of the mind is that THE VIRGIN BIRTH was a onetime event, and that was for the ONLY Son of God. I capitalize these words, because that’s how loudly mainstream Christianity shouts this warning to anyone who seeks the reality behind the story. The mind’s second objection is
I’M NOT GOOD ENOUGH (as though that had anything to do with it). This is a hand-me-down from the idea that God is everything human times one hundred— all good, all merciful, all giving—not like us! This is just a clever dodge by the ego to keep from having to surrender to God. I actually heard someone say once that he couldn’t seriously pursue the spiritual path because he smoked. Talk about putting the cart before the horse! The third objection of the mind is I DON’T HAVE TIME. I know, this sounds ridiculous, but it is all the more insidious for its apparent unimportance. Because we have put Jesus on such a pedestal and made the path of Initiation loom so large, we have made him and it conveniently inaccessible. Anything that great couldn’t possibly leave enough time to have a life. We can still point to Jesus and revel in the richness of his legacy and the wealth of his teachings, and we can claim them as our own in a possession kind of way, but we don’t have to internalize any of it. This is sort of like the way the Israelites built the golden calf. As long as divinity can be objectified and placed far above the reach of mere mortals, the ego can continue partying and still look good. Moses saw right through that, of course, as does our inner knowing every time we try to buy our way into attainment with lip service, which is to say philosophy. 30
So let us not speak falsely now... we must experience the Virgin Birth ourselves if we are to know the reality of Christmas. “Of what use, O Gabriel, thy message to Marie, if thou canst not also give the same message to me?” –Angelus Silesius. And again, this doesn’t mean that we have to be as pure as the driven snow. I cannot emphasize this part enough, because the truth is that we will never be good enough. Besides, we don’t really know what that means anyway, so it’s not up to us to decide. The only thing we need to be is willing.
will break loose, but that’s what Easter’s for. We’ll cross that bridge (no pun intended) when we get to it. So, be sure to check out the lights this Christmas, not the ones “out there,” but the ones shining within you. Take time to experience the Birth of Christ. Merry Christmas (in advance) and God bless you. Michael Maciel is the author of The Five Vows, Raising Your Spiritual Commitment to the Next Level, available on Amazon. He also writes The Mystical Christ weblog at www.mysticalchrist.org. He lives in Redwood City, California.
A Prayer At Bethlehem Words: Anne P. L. Field Source: Christmas: Its Origin, Celebration and Significance as Related in Prose and Verse - Robert Haven Schauffler (1907)
The experience of the Virgin Birth is an ever-attendant reality waiting only for the “pH” of our soul to shift into a receptive mode. As soon as we drop the reasons why we can’t receive it and open ourselves up and acknowledge that it has already been given, it will happen. It cannot NOT happen. The Star of Bethlehem will appear in our inner nighttime sky, the gifts of the East will be showered upon us, and the world will be transformed. Of course, later on, all hell
O pulsing earth with heart athrill With infinite creative will! O watchful shepherds in whose eyes Sweet hopes and promises arise! O angel-host whose chanting choir Proclaims fulfillment of desire! O flaming star so purely white Against the black Judean night! O blessed Mary bending low With sense of motherhood aglow! O holy Babe with haloed head Soft pillowed in a manger bed! O Mystery divine and deep Help us Thy prophecies to keep!
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Guest Writer The Rev. Deacon Dollie Wilkinson dolliewilkinson@gmail.com
What Are Your Gifts?
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hristmas is around the corner (only 121 shopping days left), and like some of you, I always try to get an early start on my Christmas shopping. So I make a list of family and friends I buy for, and try to come up with that one perfect gift for everyone. But often, like most honest intentions, I’m left scrambling at the last minute to buy something for those on my list. In this way, the idea of gifts, and gift giving, becomes a rather stressful chore. But what about those gifts you can’t buy in the store? Such as the ones mention by Paul in Romans 12:1-8:
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to
present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God--what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.” Here Paul is giving us a set of instructions........some words to live by, if you will. First we must present ourselves to be “holy and acceptable to God”, which is our worship. When are then told to not be a conformist, but to allow 32
God’s grace and love to change us, to become something “good and acceptable and perfect”. Next, Paul cautions us to never think too highly of ourselves. That we all are individual, each person unique because He made us. Though we are one body, one body of Christ, we are many, each of us serving a role. This is where I think it gets interesting. And speaks to me personally. As in any business, corporation, or Church, not everyone has the same role, or job. If this were so, nothing would get done. So we all agree, everyone has to play their part, do their assigned job, in order for things to get accomplished. Paul is detailing how though we are all God’s children, we are all very different. By grace each person is given a gift (or role), which enables them to fulfill their purpose here on earth. So what are the gifts: prophecy, ministry, teacher, exhorter, giver, leader, compassionate. How do we know which gifts we have received? We pray, we
listen, and we read and study. Now what do we do with these gifts? Here is the hard part. Just as a business needs many people doing different jobs, so does a Church or ministry. So what is our role? This is a difficult issue for some people to understand. One person can not do it all, but yet often times this is the case. Or what happens, one person feels upset because they are not doing what someone else is doing, thinking their role is not as important. But this isn’t true. God gave you gifts, so I can imagine He expects you to use them to fulfill your particular role in the body of Christ. You are not to compete with others, to feel superior, or inferior, in your assigned role. You have a purpose, and your divine gifts, will enable you to do what you must do, as a child of our heavenly Father. Sister Dollie Wilkinson is an Archdeacon in the International Old Catholic Churches. She lives in West Virginia.
Andreas F. Borchert, CC-BY-SA-3.0-de, CC-BYSA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0 or GFDL via Wikimedia Commons 33
Katholic Kitchens (Christmas Version) Convergent Streams Staff and Readers staff@convergentstreams.org
Friar Ed’s Famous Butternut Squash Soup • • • • • • • •
3 cups diced butternut squash 1 medium sweet onion rough chop 1 pint chicken broth Tablespoon of brown sugar Salt and pepper to taste Three strips of apple-wood smoked bacon Milk Chopped Chives and a dollop of Sour Cream.
Spray the bottom of the pot with Pam and cook the bacon strips on medium heat until crisp…remove and reserve. Sautee the onion until translucent. Place the squash in and stir, sautéing a bit to get a color change. Slowly add in the brown sugar and the broth, add salt and pepper and cook until the squash is soft. Mash the mixture or puree if desired for smoother consistency. Add milk to make the soup creamy…do not scald! Remove from the heat and serve topped with crushed reserved bacon, Chives and a dollop of Sour Cream!
Apple and Fennel Roasted Pork Tenderloin Makes: 4 servings Active Time: 45 minutes 34
Total Time: 45 minutes Ingredients 2 large sweet-tart apples, such as Fuji or Braeburn, sliced • 1 large bulb fennel, trimmed, cored and thinly sliced, plus 1 tablespoon chopped fronds for garnish • 1 large red onion, sliced • 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons canola oil, divided • 1 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper • 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
•
Preparation 1.
Position racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 475°F.
2. Toss apples, sliced fennel and onion with 1 tablespoon oil in a large bowl. Spread out on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast on the lower oven rack, stirring twice, until tender and golden, 30 to 35 minutes. 3. About 10 minutes after the apple mixture goes into the oven, sprinkle pork with salt and pepper. Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on one side, about 2 minutes. Turn the pork over and transfer the pan to the top oven rack. Roast until just barely pink in the center and an instant-read thermometer registers 145°F, 12 to 14 minutes. 4. Transfer the pork to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Immediately stir vinegar into the pan (be careful, the handle will be hot), scraping up any browned bits, then add to the apple mixture. Thinly slice the pork; serve with the apple mixture and sprinkle with fennel fronds.
Crispy Pear and Celery Salad Makes: 6 servings, 1 cup each Active Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Ingredients 35
• • • • • • • • •
4 stalks celery, trimmed and cut in half crosswise 2 tablespoons cider, pear, raspberry or other fruit vinegar 2 tablespoons honey 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 ripe pears, preferably red Bartlett or Anjou, diced 1 cup finely diced white Cheddar cheese 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted (see Tip) Freshly ground pepper, to taste 6 large leaves butterhead or other lettuce
Preparation 1. Soak celery in a bowl of ice water for 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces. 2. Whisk vinegar, honey and salt in a large bowl until blended. Add pears; gently stir to coat. Add the celery, cheese and pecans; stir to combine. Season with pepper. Divide the lettuce leaves among 6 plates and top with a portion of salad. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Tips & Notes • Make Ahead Tip: Prepare salad without pecans up to 2 hours ahead. Stir in pecans just before serving. • Tip: To toast chopped pecans, cook in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.
Tuscan Cabbage and Mushrooms Makes: 4 servings, about 1 cup each Active Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Ingredients • 2 medium leeks, white and light green parts only • 3 teaspoons butter, divided • 1 ounce finely cubed pancetta, or bacon • 1/4 teaspoon salt, divided • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided • 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth, or water, divided, plus more as needed • 6 cups thinly sliced Savoy cabbage • 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems removed 36
Preparation 1. Cut leeks in half lengthwise; rinse thoroughly under water. Cut crosswise into thin slices, place in a colander and rinse again. 2. Heat 2 teaspoons butter in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over low heat, add pancetta (or bacon) and cook, stirring, until almost crisp. Transfer to a paper towellined plate with a slotted spoon. 3. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon butter and the leeks to the pan. Season with 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper and add 1/4 cup broth (or water); simmer, covered, until tender, about 5 minutes. 4. Add cabbage and the remaining 1/4 cup broth (or water); season with the remaining 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cover and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. (Check the cabbage after 5 minutes; if necessary, add more broth or water, a tablespoon at a time, to prevent scorching.) Stir in mushrooms; cover and continue simmering until the vegetables are tender, 5 to 7 minutes more. Serve sprinkled with the reserved pancetta (or bacon).
Roasted Carrots with Cardamom Butter Makes: 4 servings, about 2/3 cup each Active Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Ingredients • • • • •
4 teaspoons butter, melted 2 teaspoons canola oil 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut diagonally into 1/4-inch-thick slices Preparation 1. Position rack in lower third of oven; preheat to 450°F. 2. Combine butter, oil, cardamom and salt in a medium bowl. Add carrots and toss well to coat. Spread evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast the carrots, stirring twice, until tender and golden, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately. 37
Deep Dish Apple Pie Makes: 10 servings Active Time: 1 1/4 hours Total Time: 4 hours (including cooling time) Ingredients Crust • • • • • • • •
1 1/4 cups whole-wheat pastry flour, (see Ingredient Note) 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream 3 tablespoons canola oil 4 tablespoons ice water
Filling 6 cups thinly sliced peeled McIntosh apples, (about 2 pounds) • 6 cups thinly sliced peeled Granny Smith apples, (about 2 pounds) • 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg • Pinch of ground allspice • Pinch of salt • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar • 1 large egg white, lightly beaten, for brushing
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Preparation 1. To prepare crust: Whisk whole-wheat flour, 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Cut butter into small pieces and, with your fingers, quickly rub them into the dry ingredients until the pieces are smaller but still visible. Add sour cream and oil; toss with a fork to combine with the dry ingredients. Sprinkle water over the mixture. Toss with a fork until evenly moist. Knead the dough with your hands in the bowl a few times"the mixture will still be a little crumbly. Turn out onto a clean surface and knead a few more times, until the dough just holds together. Divide the dough in half and shape into 5-inch-wide disks. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. 38
2. Meanwhile, make filling: Combine apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and pinch of salt in a large bowl. Reserving 4 cups, transfer the rest of the apple mixture to a Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the apples are tender and beginning to break down, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the reserved apples and 2 tablespoons flour; let cool for about 30 minutes. 3. To assemble & bake pie: Position a rack in lower third of oven; preheat to 425°F. 4. Remove the dough from the refrigerator; let stand for 5 minutes to warm slightly. Roll one portion between sheets of parchment or wax paper into a 13-inch circle. Peel off the top sheet and invert the dough into a 9 1/2-inch deep-dish pie pan. Peel off the remaining paper. Scrape the filling into the crust. Roll the remaining portion of dough between sheets of parchment or wax paper into another 13-inch circle. Peel off the top sheet of paper and invert the dough onto the fruit. Peel off the remaining paper. Trim the crust so it overhangs evenly. Tuck the top crust under the bottom crust, sealing the two together and making a plump edge. Flute the edge with your fingers. Combine 1 teaspoon granulated sugar and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush the crust with egg white and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar. Cut 6 steam vents in the top crust. 5. Bake the pie on the bottom rack for 20 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 375° and continue baking until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling, 25 to 35 minutes more. Let cool on a wire rack for about 1 1/2 hours before serving. Tips & Notes • Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the crust (Step 1), wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 6 months. | Equipment: 9 1/2-inch deep-dish pie pan • Ingredient Note: Whole-wheat pastry flour, lower in protein than regular whole-wheat flour, has less gluten-forming potential, making it a better choice for tender baked goods. You can find it in the natural-foods section of large super markets and natural-foods stores. Store in the freezer.
39
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Schism
tradition 1. Maronite Church (patriarchate): Lebanon, Cyprus, Jordan, Israel, Palestinian Authority, Egypt, Syria, Argentina, Brazil, United States, Australia, Canada, Mexico (union re-affirmed 1182) • 685 John Maron elected first Maronite patriarch, founding the Maronite Catholic Church, which embraced Monothelitism, rejected the teaching of the Fifth Ecumenical Council, and separated from the Orthodox Church. • 694 Byzantine army of Justinian II defeated by Maronites, who became fully independent. • 1182 Maronites, who assisted the Crusaders during the Crusades, reaffirm their affiliation with Rome in 1182. 1. Syriac Catholic Church (patriarchate): Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Palestinian Authority, Egypt, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, United States and Canada, Venezuela (1781). 2. Syro-Malankara Catholic Church (major archiepiscopate): India, United States (1930). • 1930 Some of the New Party (Puthankuttukar), joined the Catholic Communion on on September 20, 1930 as the SyroMalankara Catholic Church.
(Continued from page 11) and five million members in 17 countries, as of 2007). • 1957 The “Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association” (the official state-approved Church) is established by the People’s Republic of China’s Religious Affairs Bureau, to exercise state supervision over mainland China’s Catholics; the unofficial (Papal) Church continues function as a separate entity. • 1970 In opposing the changes within the Church associated with the Second Vatican Council, French Roman Catholic Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre founded the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), which is still the world’s largest Traditionalist Catholic priestly society, composed of 4 bishops and 463 priests, 85 brothers, 75 oblates and 160 seminarians. Eastern Catholic Churches The Vatican’s Annuario Pontificio gives the following list of 22 Eastern Catholic Churches and of countries in which they possess an episcopal ecclesiastical jurisdiction (date of union or foundation in parenthesis): Alexandrian liturgical tradition 1. Coptic Catholic Church (patriarchate): Egypt (1741) 2. Ethiopian Catholic Church (metropolia): Ethiopia, Eritrea (1846) Antiochian
(West-Syrian)
Chaldean or East Syrian liturgical tradition 1. Chaldean Catholic Church (patriarchate): Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Turkey, United States (1692) 2. Syro-Malabar Church (major
liturgical
(Continued on page 42) 41
(Continued from page 41)
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Syro-Malabar Church.
archiepiscopate): India, Middle East, Europe and America (date disputed) 1599 The Synod of Diamper, held at Udayamperoor/Diamper, (Kerala, India) formally united the ancient Christian Church of the Malabar Coast Saint Thomas Christians with the Roman Catholic Church, and severed its direct ties with the Assyrian church of the East. 1653 A group of the Saint Thomas Christians gathered at Mattancherry near Fort Kochi under the leadership of their archdeacon; They swore the Coonan Cross Oath not to obey the Pope of Rome; subsequently they received a bishop, Mar Gregory, from the Syriac Orthodox Church of West Syrian tradition; those who accepted Mar Gregory became known as the New Party (Puthankuttukar). 1663 A large section of the Old Party (Pazhayakuttukur) cut its ancient ties with the churches in Persia and joined the Catholic Communion in 1663 AD with the ordination of Chandy Bishop. This section is presently known as
Armenian liturgical tradition 1. Armenian Catholic Church (patriarchate): Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Syria, Turkey, Jordan, Palestinian Authority, Ukraine, France, Greece, Latin America, Argentina, Romania, United States, Canada, Eastern Europe (1742) Byzantine liturgical tradition 1. Albanian Greek Catholic Church (apostolic administration): Albania (1628). 2. Belarusian Greek Catholic Church (no established hierarchy at present): Belarus (1596). 3. Bulgarian Greek Catholic Church (apostolic exarchate): Bulgaria (1861). 4. Byzantine Church of the Eparchy of Križevci (an eparchy and an apostolic exarchate): Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro (1611). 5. Greek Byzantine Catholic Church (two apostolic exarchates): Greece, Turkey (1829). 6. Hungarian Greek Catholic Church (an eparchy and an
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7. 8. 9.
10.
11.
12.
13. 14.
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apostolic exarchate): Hungary (1646). Italo-Albanian Catholic Church (two eparchies and a territorial abbacy): Italy (Never separated). Macedonian Greek Catholic Church (an apostolic exarchate): Republic of Macedonia (1918). Melkite Greek Catholic Church (patriarchate): Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Brazil, United States, Canada, Mexico, Iraq, Egypt and Sudan, Kuwait, Australia, Venezuela, Argentina (1726). Romanian Church United with Rome, Greek-Catholic (major archiepiscopate): Romania, United States (1697). Russian Catholic Church: (two apostolic exarchates, at present with no published hierarchs): Russia, China (1905); currently about 20 parishes and communities scattered around the world, including five in Russia itself, answering to bishops of other jurisdictions. Ruthenian Catholic Church (a sui juris metropolia, an eparchy, and an apostolic exarchate): United States, Ukraine, Czech Republic (1646). Slovak Greek Catholic Church (metropolia): Slovak Republic, Canada (1646). Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) (major archiepiscopate): Ukraine, Poland, United States, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, Germany and Scandinavia, France, Brazil, Argentina (1596). 596 Union of Brest-Litovsk, several million Ukrainian and Byelorussian Orthodox Christians, living under Polish rule, leave the Church of
Constantinople and recognize the Pope of Rome, without giving up their Byzantine liturgy and customs, creating the Uniate church. Non-Chalcedonian Oriental Orthodox Communion Church of Alexandria (Coptic) •
ca.451 Coptic Christianity broke from the Byzantine churches in the wake of the Fourth Ecumenical Council in Chalcedon in 451; Shenouda the Great, abbott of White Monastery in Egypt (d.466), is considered the founder of Coptic Christianity.
British Orthodox Church •
1994 At the feast of Pentecost in 1994, at Saint Mark’s Cathedral in Cairo, Abba Seraphim was ordained a Metropolitan by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, and the British Orthodox Church became a constituent of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate.
Church of Antioch (Syriac) •
•
541 Jacob Baradeus organizes the Non-Chalcedonian Church in western Syria (the “Jacobites”), which spreads to Armenia and Egypt. Church of Antioch (Syriac). 544 Jacob Baradeus consecrates Sergius of Tella as bishop of Antioch, opening the lasting schism between the Syriac Orthodox Church and the Chalcedonian Church of Antioch.
(Continued on page 44) 43
(Continued from page 43)
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Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church •
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1665 “Jacobite” bishop, Mar Gregorios Abdul Jaleel of Jerusalem came to India, confirming the Episcopal consecration of Mar Thoma I as the head of the Orthodox Church in India; this was a new beginning in the history of the modern Malankara Church; the Western Syrian language and Antiochene liturgy was adopted in their church. 1912 The Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church (‘Bava Kakshi’ (Patriarch’s Party)) remained as an autonomous jurisdiction of the Church of Antioch (Syriac), when the Church of India split from Antioch in 1912.
1993 Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church was formerly a part of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, its autocephaly being reluctantly recognized by the Ethiopian Patriarchate after Eritrea gained its independence in 1993.
The Church of India (Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church) •
1912 Church of India (‘Methran Kakshi’ (Bishop’s Party)) declares autocephaly from the Jacobite Church of Antioch (Syriac), after a vertical split in the Malankara Church in 1911; the Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church (‘Bava Kakshi’ (Patriarch’s Party)) on the other hand remained as an autonomous jurisdiction of the Church of Antioch (Syriac).
Armenian Apostolic Church
Other Assyrian Church of the East
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•
554 Church of Armenia (Armenian Apostolic Church) officially breaks with West in 554, during the second Council of Dvin where the dyophysite formula of Chalcedon was rejected.
Ethiopian Church •
Orthodox
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Tewahedo
1959 Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, (Abbysinia), is an Oriental Orthodox church in Ethiopia that was part of the Coptic Church until 1959, when it was granted its own Patriarch by Coptic Pope Cyril VI.
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Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church 44
410 Council of Seleucia declares Mesopotamian Nestorian bishops independent of Orthodox bishops. 424 Formal separation of the Assyrian Church of the East (“Syrian Church” or the “Persian Church”), from the See of Antioch and the western Syrian Church under the Byzantine Emperors, occurred at a synod in 424; (in India, it is known as the Chaldean Syrian Church; In the West it is often known as the Nestorian Church). 484 Synod of Beth Lapat in Persia declares Nestorianism as official theology of Assyrian Church of the East, effectively separating
the Assyrian church from the Byzantine church.
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Protestant Groups •
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• • • • •
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1517 Lutheran Church founded by Martin Luther, nailing his Ninety-Five Theses to door at Wittenburg, sparking Protestant Reformation. 1525 Anabaptism established; (today’s descendants include particularly the Amish, Hutterites and Mennonites). 1534 Church of England (Anglicanism) founded by King Henry VIII. 1541 Calvinism, (the Reformed tradition, the Reformed faith, or Reformed theology) founded, as the French theologian Johannes Calvinus establishes the first Reformed church in Geneva. 1560 Presbyterian religion founded by John Knox in Scotland. 1571 Dutch Reformed Church founded at the Synod of Emden. 1592 Congregationalist religion originated by Robert Brown in Holland. 1609 Baptist religion launched by John Smyth in Amsterdam. ca.1630-40 Puritan movement in England; approximately 20,000 Puritans emigrated to New England in the Great Migration; in 1662 the Puritans (also known as “Dissenters”, later “Nonconformists”) left or were forced out of the Church of England altogether. 1648 Society of Friends (Quakers) founded by George Fox, as a Nonconformist breakaway movement from English Puritanism.
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1744 Methodist religion began by John and Charles Wesley in England; (the movement did not form a separate denomination in England until after John Wesley’s death in 1795). 1773 Unitarian denomination dates from the secession of Theophilus Lindsey from the Anglican Church. 1789 Episcopal Church formally separated from the Church of England, so that clergy would not be required to accept the supremacy of the British monarch; a revised version of the Book of Common Prayer was also written for the new church in 1789. 1827 Plymouth Brethren; Anglican priest John Nelson Darby became an influential member of the movement now known as the Plymouth Brethren, and advocate of Dispensational Premillenialism, an innovative Protestant movement that gave rise to Evangelicalism. 1830 Mormon (Latter Day Saints) religion started by Joseph Smith, in Palmyra, New York; Book of Mormon published. 1844 Seventh Day Adventists arose from the Millerite movement of the 1840s, which was part of the wave of revivalism in the United States known as the Second Great Awakening, and was formally established in 1863. 1865 Salvation Army sect began with William Booth in London. 1879 Christian Scientist religion is born, founded by Mary Baker Eddy. 1879 Jehovah’s Witnesses founded by Charles Taze Russell. (Continued on page 46)
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(Continued from page 45) •
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1906 Pentecostal movement spreads after the Azusa Street Revival (1906-09); also known as “Charismatic Movement” from ca.1960 onwards. 1925 United Church of Canada, the second-largest Christian denomination in Canada after the Roman Catholic Church, is founded as a merger of four Protestant denominations. 1957 United Church of Christ (UCC) is a mainline Protestant Christian denomination principally in the United States, generally considered within the Reformed tradition, formed in 1957 with the union of the Evangelical and Reformed Church and the Congregational Christian Churches.
Add to this the many churches classified as autocephalous or part of the Independent Sacramental Movement (ISM) and the list would go on for a few more pages. My particular church, the United American Catholic Church, was established because of a split/ reorganization. A good source on the subject of the ISM is The Many Paths of the Independent Sacramental Movement by John P. Plummer In view of such an extensive list, to speak of schism as though it was something unusual and scandalous is misleading. Many Christians are aware of the Great Schism that caused a split in the Church that effectively established the Greek Orthodox Church and Latin Roman Catholic Church. But how many know that there was another schism in history within the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church (1378-1417)
that caused the simultaneous reign of 3 popes. Another skeleton in the closet! Throughout history many of the splits in the church were due largely to political, social, national and cultural reasons, although at times theological differences can be cited. In our current post-modern era, denominational splits continue and are mainly due to differences in opinion on social issues that people have very strong feelings about, such as a married clergy, women’s ordination, gay rights and marriage equality. As a secondary consequence of these differences, we see clergy and laity switching church affiliations. In those instances when a popular pastor or priest feels the need to leave his denomination, laity could follow. We have recent examples of two Roman Catholic priests (Fr. Alberto Cutie and Fr. James Radloff) who left their Roman affiliation and were followed by some of their parishioners. In the case of Fr. Cutie, he affiliated with the Episcopal Church and Fr. Radloff affiliated with an ISM church, the Evangelical Catholic Church and established a new congregation . While their respective Roman Bishops claimed that their departure caused scandal and confusion to the faithful, I think the opposite is true. What is scandalous is the polity and culture of the Roman Church that causes good men to leave and prohibits good women from entering as ordained clergy, not to mention the Roman Church’s sociopolitical agenda. Jesus had good reason for establishing a dichotomy between Caesar and God. It’s hard to quantify the number of priests that have left the Roman fold over the years, since no in-depth study has been done. We know that since the 46
1960’s priests started to leave the ministry completely while others left to go to other denominations but continue ministry. Some left to get married, some for other reasons. Rev. Stephen Joseph Fichter, a research associate for the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), gathered some statistics in 2009 from the research offices of 5 on the mainline Protestant Churches. He found 414 former Roman Catholic priests that continued in ministry. Of those, 131 agreed to participate in his study. He found that 105 became Episcopalians, 15 Lutherans, 8 Congregationalists and 3 Methodists. His study revealed that from his group of respondents, a priest who left the Roman Church spent twice as long in Protestant ministry as he did being a Roman priest. Given the 2:1 ratio in length of service, I would say that these men made the right but difficult decision for themselves that allowed for their personal and spiritual growth and happiness. (See the article “When Priests Leave the Church” at http://americamagazine. org/issue/709/100/when-priests-leavechurch, accessed June 21, 2014) Because the Church is made up of people, it is bound to have all the frailties and problems that our imperfect human nature causes. When an entity becomes intransient and disregards the sensus fidelium, you can be sure that sooner or later, there will be a split or an exodus. Why? Growth. One cannot progress forward when those entrusted with your spiritual growth continually look backward or adhere to archaic paradigms that have no relevance to a post-modern society. To be sure, our society has many ills and a church in tune with the life and pulse of the current world would do wonders to keep and promote a healthy spiritual life. To live and govern as in the past is to have no future. Living in the past
brings stagnation and death. Jesus tells us in Scripture, “seek and you will find”, “knock and the door will be opened”. To some degree the Holy Spirit is involved in schisms and will not defraud those who seek God with a pure heart and sincere devotion and faith. I am a happy schismatic. I left the Roman Church because for me and my life experience, staying would have brought ultimate death….perhaps not physically but certainly spiritually and psychologically. To all those you are facing the decision of whether to stay with your current church affiliation, whatever it is, or move to another home, I would tell you to let the Holy Spirit be your guide. If you feel in your soul that a change in venue is needed, then don’t let harsh and threatening words like ‘schism’, ‘schismatic’ and ‘excommunication’ cause you to fear. While we know that nothing can separate us from the love of God, a church that does not foster that love will stunt your own growth into God’s love and eventually will have a detrimental effect on your spirit. I prefer a schism to a chasm. With schism is the chance for continued spiritual growth and learning; or not. You give the Holy Spirit an opportunity to still walk with you to bring you to that relationship that the Creator desires to have with you. In the chasm you’re in a free fall. One’s faith in God, through Christ and emboldened by the Holy Spirit is the tie that binds all Christians into a universal, catholic church, regardless of how one expresses that reality. We are all brothers and sisters. We are all one church. Peace and Good. Bishop Tom Shortell, OSFC, D.Min. is the Bishop Ordinary for Mexico for the United American Catholic Church. 47
Life in a Fishbowl
(Continued from page 13) time? No, they swam hurriedly to the bottom to hide beneath rocks and plants. The fish never expressed gratitude for all that he supplied, only fear at his presence. To the fish, Philip relates, he was a deity. So it would be with us. Can any of us imagine God miraculously appearing to right all the wrongs and end all the suffering? Would we believe God? Those of us who did not run away in fear of this even happening would probably remain behind and question God. Like the old movie with George Burns and John Denver, Oh God. God appears and is placed on trial. Even after he satisfies the questions they had for him, there is still doubt in many that he was even God. It comes down to faith. Have faith that God will overcome. God does not bring sadness and misfortune into our lives, but God is there for us. “ I am the one who sits in sorrow. I am the one who feels your pain. I am the hope of your tomorrow. When all is lost, I still remain. I am the silence and the sound. The gentle rain the breaks the stone. I am the dream of love unbound, I am the one who calls you home. “ [ I Am the One by Miriam Winter and Janis Ian. ] “ Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. For I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. “ Matthew 11:28-30 Father Bryan Wolf is a priest in the International Old Catholic Churches and a police officer. He resides in New Jersey with his husband.
Look! Over There! A Female!
(Continued from page 17)
he dies and the pendulum swings back.” “OK, so there is all this discussion about married and female clergy, while at the same time Francis still hasn’t stripped the Ugandan Cardinal for making statements supporting that country’s new laws that it is ok to execute someone for being born gay. I can’t find one word he has said publicly about all those dead babies at those Irish homes run by nuns. Yeah, he fired those bank cardinals, and put put good people in to get the money under control. But why is he moving so fast at fixing the money problem, and dragging his feet in Uganda and Ireland?” “Oh please. As if the Vatican bureaucrats are going to keep putting up with all this nonsense. Do you ever watch the mass in St. Peter’s now? All those mucky mucks in the plain ordinary cloth vestments, and you can see them seething with anger. He’s a cagey one, but Francis is mortal, and eventually the assassins will get him. Honestly Brenda, why do you persist in this belief that the Romans are salvagable? They are Paul’s failed experiment, and have survived only due to corruption. All of the Church is better off if God just continues to prune them out of existence.” My first post on the conversation on the group was: Mary Magdalene was recognized in the early church as an apostle, as were other women. Women were not just the keyholders to the homes where the early church gathered, they were active builders of the faith. There is plenty of evidence that women and married men were clergy in the 48
(Continued from page 48) early church, and the removal of these two groups had more to do with maintaining political power over the so-called Holy Roman Empire than in any theological issue. Some denominations had female and married clergy until into the middle ages, and One denomination of Orthodox Catholics had female deacons up until fairly recently. As far as married clergy, which even Rome had for quite a long time, the Romans need only look at the other denominations that have chosen to be ruled by the Vatican - many of which have married clergy. I think one facet that can be added to this is that in the Episcopal, Old Catholic (Utrechtian), Independent Old Catholic, and Independent Catholic churches women have been clergy for a long time, including as bishops, and many of them have shown that theological knowledge, managerial ability, pastoral care, ministry dedication and all that goes into being a Catholic clergy is possible for either gender (or even for the third gender). So too, all of the above have had male clergy who were married, with same good result. I propose that Celibacy can be a person’s natural, genetic relationship orientation, irregardless of gender orientation or sexual orientation. While I do think it is possible for a person with a monogamous, serial monogamous, or poly-amorous orientation to choose to be celibate as a religious observance, it is not necessarily a requirement of God’s to be an effective, spiritual, dedicated clergy
person nearly as often as the previous Roman Bishops of Rome have wanted us to believe it was. I think it is much more likely that the ranks of the celibate within that denomination were so simply because that is how the rules were written. As for the argument that a celibate clergy can stop nepotism in a particular denomination... two words: The Medici’s. Ultimately, what matters is that the clergy person live his or her life as true to whatever orientations God gave them, and to keep sacred the promises they make. Even Francis would agree, I believe, on that one. His biggest problem will be figuring out how exactly to “redefine” papal infallibility so that the changes that denomination needs can be made. The problem? Celibacy isn’t the only problem to fix. Sexism isn’t the only problem to fix. They do, however, have a common cause. It is the entire view of humans as sexual beings, of holding the ideals of marriage and celibacy while harboring the reality of infidelity and pedophilia, that the Roman denomination has to look at first, because for nearly 2,000 years they have been trying to stuff square pegs into round holes and caused misery to everyone from Renaissance brides to modern gay men. Will adding female and married clergy solve the vocations crisis and put a priest back in front of the pews at each church? Maybe. Will it in the end solve the theological, ministerial, and legal issues of that denomination? No. It will be the equivalent of seeing a 49
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(Continued from page 49) festering infected 2,000 year old sore, washing a bit of water through it, slapping a bandage on it, and then paying the injured party to ignore the pain, stench, and worsening health and pretend it is all ok. Victims of pedophilia will still be created, as will mistresses and whatever name we are going to make up for the male equivalent. Those of us outside the Roman denomination have no excuse to sit back, pat ourselves, and say “Ha! We’re so much better!” because with very few exceptions at least a part of our history, theology, or customs are at least partially influenced by that group of gentile Jesus followers started by Paul and (if the legends are half true) co-opted by Peter that grew into the Constantinian Wrecking Ball, killing off the other denominations before the differences might have been able to show that none of those humans had it exactly right anyway. If anything, those of us who did have at least the concepts: 1. That children are not for sexual recreation, 2. That when a clergy person has an affair it hurts more than just the spouse and family have been far too lax, for far too many years, in bringing our example and our history to the public and to our fellow bishops. For example: • When was the last time an Independent Bishop took the time to write to his brothers in the Roman denomination? Not just to brag “We didn’t have any pedophile problems for 5 years” but to thoughtfully and carefully outline HOW that result was achieved. • As for transparency, when was
•
the last time an Orthodox or Old Catholic denomination had a press release to announce that they had turned over a pedophile suspect in their ranks to the police? How many non-Roman denominations have been rocked by infidelity scandals, or worse, had such affairs among the clergy but covered it up?
Some days, I wish that more than anything Francis could issue a good scholarly Jesuit rebuttal of the way Vatican I was handled and rushed out into opening, occurring, and making pronouncements not in keeping with the One Church or with early church history, before Rome’s own theologians could finish the work they were doing on the topic. That such an important work was rushed out the door just so one man could have it become official during his favorite jubilee year should be evidence enough for Francis to reopen and reexamine the entire affair. It may indeed have been Vatican I, and the unholy deification of clergy it birthed, that accelerated the clergy pedophile crisis in the Roman church. However, Francis does a disservice to the concept of clerical reform and abuse prevention if he only looks back that far. The problem of clergy having relations with children has existed for centuries – long enough that hundreds of years ago Irish writers were composing limericks about not letting your altar server son get too close to the pastor. It remains to be seen, if Francis can ever open up the convent records to the light of day, as to whether the disease of pedophilia was purely a male clergy issue or not. Once the Romans solve the problem 50
of placing a man higher than God, the female / married clergy, along with issues like GLBTQ clergy, Intersex or third gender clergy, and about 3/4 of the abuses committed by religious and clergy can be truly dealt with. Now, as things stand, they are painted into a corner by statements of previous popes that “can’t” be redefined or undone. The only two examples I can think of that Francis could use to buttress his argument that even a Pope can be wrong is the statements made by JP II apologizing to the Jews and the “un-excommunication” as it were of Copernicus and other scientists. Even though JPII’s statements were primarily about the Shoah, the fact is that the Holocaust was born of centuries of excathedra statements by Popes of the most vile accusations against the Jews, complete with sanctions to be placed on them, which created the scapegoat that turned the “us” who crucified Christ out of ignorance, wrath, avarice, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony into a “them” of nameless, faceless Jews. Had those Popes not erred, the seeds of hate that bred the Shoah would never have been able to germinate. Likewise, had it not been for clergy with “secret wives” (reportedly still a problem that the Romans have yet to deal with in Africa), Popes who went along with such misbegotten notions like kings being allowed to have as many mistresses as they wished, so long as they didn’t actually want to marry one, such characters as the Medicis, and the simultaneous claim that married for benefit of procreation was both blessed and lesser than celibacy, we might not have had such problems as the Massachusetts priest who took off when his drug addicted mistress suddenly overdosed and died on him. If nothing else, it might have saved us from the ennui and boredom of the slower parts of
The Thorn Birds miniseries. In short, to simply create a female deacon-ate, or to permit widower deacons to become priests, or to allow married deacons to progress to priesthood...is beside the point. First, Francis must go back, open up all his archives of 1st and second century materials, and carefully search forward with impartial scholars and researchers to see where and when the concept of celibate clergy gained so much ground it became the norm, and settle once and for all when the issues of clergy having relations with children and supposedly celibate clergy having relations with others originated. So far, we know that it was not unusual for a Roman gentile male in the first century to have male slaves of fairly young age that could be “used” for sex. We know that Paul was a Jew who was also a Roman citizen. We know that a lot of his letters are to Timothy, but the guy who actually wrote about him was a doctor named Luke. We know that at least on one occasion he sent a newly converted slave back to his community, and however much Paul may have preached that in Christ all are free, the Roman owner of that slave most probably didn’t agree. How old was Timothy when he started following Paul around? Who gave Luke the Q gospel, the here’s what Paul did stories, and what stuff did he leave out? Were there early Christian converts in Paul’s community who were child sex slaves, and did Paul do anything to change the status they had or the life they were subjected to? My bet is that it is back there, with a Roman gentile convert to Christianity, that the answer to the pedophilia crisis origins can be found.
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(Continued from page 51) The case of celibate clergy doing the nasty on the other hand, may very well trace back not to deification of clergy at all, but simply on the basis that celibate to most clergy of the times was translated as “I won’t get married legally, so my kids won’t take over my pointy hat or my funny collar, ok?” If sexual contact had become divorced as it were from the issue of marriage, as it so obviously had by the time the Renaissance came around, then the solution is so much simpler. All the Romans need do is go back to the early church practices of • the community of believers bringing forth the candidates for ordination • the community of believers voting for who is or is not the bishop and add a good DNA testing protocol for pastors and higher. There, no more nepotism, and the marital status, sexual orientation, and relationship orientation can be whatever they are, and everyone can focus on whether that candidate has qualities like theological knowledge, pastoral training, and a good sermon. Then, just as soon as the Romans are done, all of us outside the Vatican can put the same approach to the various abuses and mistakes we all have in our denominations, and get ready for a true ecumenical church council. Every bishop goes who has at least 2 unrelated souls who follow him, and no one bishop is higher than any other. I hope I live that long, if just to see how many bishops with garage cathedrals or waiting arrest warrants look around to find they don’t make the cut because the only thing they catch with that crosier is air as they wave it around. Rome can turn off the lights, and let Bernie Law do a walk around once every hour to make sure no one breaks in. Not sure what the other bishops will do,
but with a garage cathedral to maintain, those belonging to the liturgical drag show can always dust the chandeliers. When the happy day arrives, and the entire Catholic church gathers for a true ecumenical council, hopefully the Roman Pope and his fellow bishops who actually have flocks will be there, with a healthy and strong denomination, alongside each of us, equally healthy and strong. Barraging the media with buzz over what Francis may or may not do about married or female clergy isn’t the answer. Debridement, surgery, proper assessment, and complete professional wound care is what is needed. The noisy buzz does a disservice not only to the Romans, but to the Catholic Church as a whole. When not writing for Convergent Streams, Brenda blogs at brendaanneckels. wordpress.com, is chief cook and bottle washer at Tender Mercies Ministry, and runs a Facebook group called Not All Catholics Are Roman...But All Catholics Are One (NACAR for short). She is a passionate advocate for domestic violence prevention, mental health care, and vegetarian cooking. Disabled since 1993, she has had careers in banking, mental health care, retail, information technology, and has owned several businesses. A lay Franciscan religious, she is an Old Catholic, a bride to be, a Steampunk fan, a Mom, and a Babka (Slovak for Granny). Brenda enjoys riding Black Cherry, a 2005 Harley Davidson Roadking, crafting, slam poetry, and getting dressed up to sing karaoke. She lives in a tiny cabin by a lake in Southern New Hampshire with her fiance Brian, dog Booker, and every other weekend the last of the kids, Jamie. The other 14 kids – which she categorizes as “my baked, bought, and borrowed’s” are scattered around the US in careers ranging from culinary to health care and lots in between. 52
Ignatians from Colombia
(Continued from page 27) movement and being faithful to our “Old Catholic” nature, I mean, the fact of being open to interdenominational dialogues, as a strong response to the religious intolerance that live in daily and that in Latin America is so common, and which they name with the pretext of: “defense of the faith” For this reason, the Observatory generates a space for information, as well as a critical formation on what is the ecumenical movement and its scope for the development of our societies today, and how every day our cities become multicultural in its religious expressions, and instead of running over individual beliefs, seeking respect, as well as including those whose differences contribute to the construction of a more just, but peaceful society. In all this work, and facing that same from religious and ecclesiastical plurality, we cannot hide the reality of what occurs here in Colombia in this regard, like many who improperly take advantage of diversity, to abuse the spiritual need of people turning them into commodities of faith. As a response to that came the Old Catholic Center of Information and Research as a means to inform and educate the people about what is really the old Catholic Church and its vision in Latin America. Because of all the above, many use the ‘old Catholic’ name in the wrong way, to damage the persons and take their money, creating a bad image and reputation for the old Catholic churches in Latin America. That is why our work
is very demanding because it involves knowledge, but also to discern the different areas of action to which we are exposed. In fact the work carried out by the C.I.I.V. goes hand in hand with the Ecumenical Observatory and the Consciousness in Jesus Movement. In general terms and in conclusion, the Ignatian Priestly Society, put much of the formation and of the integral promotion of the people providing tools that allow them to have a free and sincere spiritual life. Also, the vicar general for Latin American seeks your pastoral action not just to relieve the spiritual emptiness, but also all those things that concerns the human realm. Again I return what is above, we are out here to preach the Gospel of love and inclusion. The key is that we must listen to those people who need to be heard and who have been silenced for various reasons. For this reason, the Ignatian Priestly Society and the General Vicariate of Latin America, try to be innovative in the plan and pastoral projects, where we are attempting to create awareness, but also a seduction to the person and the thought of Jesus, retaking the trait characteristic of an Apostolic and Subaposolic Christianity, leading us to recognize the reality of Jesus’ humanity, leading us to recognize God’s revelation in Him, his son and our Redeemer, making clear of all this flows through the faith that comes from the Holy Spirit. I hope this brief article has helped people gauge the task that the IOCC has in the work of evangelization and integral human development as a fundamental mission of bringing free Christianity constituting a clear choice to express faith in Jesus. 53
Self Care (Continued from page 25) that I was going to try and make it to the daycare. Looking in the rear-view mirror I saw Isaiah who was now asleep. I began to cry and to pray. “God if it is time for me to be with you, I am willing to go, but first please I beg you allow me to get our baby to day care.” We both arrived safely there. My spouse had arranged for a staff member there to meet me outside in order to take Isaiah to his classroom. The rescue squad was called and responded within a few minutes. Taking the position that I was indeed having a heart attack, the emergency medical technicians began to treat me immediately. With sirens blaring I was taken to the emergency room to our local hospital. Met by the cardiology team an assessment of my condition began. Bloodwork, xrays, EKGs , heart monitor, intravenous fluids accompanied with what seemed like 10,000 questions was the mode of operandi and all moving at the speed of lightening. A visit by the cardiologist who recommended a heart catherization and that it be done immediately. I was anxious prior to his visit but his request only served to escalate my level of anxiety. Moving once again at what seemed like the speed of lightening many health care workers were doing all of the necessary pre surgical preparations. As I signed the consent papers for the procedure, the nurse gave me some “statistitics”; one in one thousand people having this procedure may have a heart attack and die, one in one hundred persons may have a stroke. I am a person who prefers to “process” but there was
no time to do so. I began to cry and wondered if I would become “one of the ones”, a statistic on the lower end of the scale of probabilities. I was concerned that I would not get to see our children again. Questions of “did I” or “what if ” ran haphazardly through my mind. I was on the “other side” and it was scary. I was in a difficult and uncomfortable state of being. As a chaplain I am the one who is to be a ministry of presence to those who are experiencing anxiety and other life issues. Without anytime to “process” I was placed in a position of vulnerability and dependency. As a priest this is not a role I was comfortable with. I recall in one of my units of Clinical Pastoral Education that the supervisor often reminded those in his class that we give to others what we ourselves wish to receive. Well, I have certainly given of the gifts I have been blessed with to others, but being in the position of receiving those gifts was indeed a challenge for me. The catherization showed that I had not had a heart attack and that my heart is in great shape. Further tests revealed a gallbladder filled with many gallstones which will require surgery. So the good news is that I do not have any health problems with my heart and that the problem with the gallbladder can be corrected with surgery. Perhaps though a somewhat deeper issue that I need to address is that of my reluctance to accept with gratitude the acts of care and compassion given to me by so many. It is difficult for me as a “caregiver” to be in the position of “care receiver”. Yet I know that Jesus who cared for all and demonstrated throughout his earthly life countless acts of love and 54
(Continued from page 54) kindness to others also allowed others to care for him. It was Mary who took the extremely costly oil of spikenard, one pint of it, to pour over Christ’s feet; and Mary who wiped those feet with her own hair. Jesus accepted this care. During my sixteen hour visit to the hospital one of many doctors visiting me asked “are you under any particular stress?” My immediate response was “no not really” , but then I recalled and related to her that in July 27 of my patients had died and that thus far in August six patients have died. I also recalled that my partner and I had reached the decision to move to the mountains of North Carolina in the fall of 2015 and birth a small spiritual retreat center. To make this possible we also made the decision to have a living estate auction of our many collections of antiques accumulated over the years. So yes doctor, I guess I am experiencing some stress. Having “stress” is the catalyst for writing this article. As God’s servants whether lay or cleric I wonder how many of us honor ourselves with the gift of self care. I am confident we teach and “preach” self care to those whom God sends us. In doing so we are also called to be models of self care, but are we? Are we dishonoring God when we do not take care of ourselves? Are those entrusted to our care able to see that “we walk the talk.” Can we be fully available to others if we are not open to God as fully as we can be which would reflect good care of self? The Right Rev. Carl Matthews is one of the Convening Bishops of Christ Catholic Church.
In the Beginning (Continued from page 15) crippling blows to my familial life, my Church life, my business life, and very harshly to my love life. To say I was in pain would be an understatement. Week after week passed, and as the time went by, I began to see some things more clearly. I saw that no matter what this earthly life may throw at you, some things will get you through it. First and foremost, was my faith in God. Realizing that sometimes, it is better to let go and let God! Second, was my family, and yes it is true, blood is thicker than water. Third was my Church, and how supportive and caring they were. I could not be happier to belong to such a wonderful and loving Church as the IOCC. Bringing up the rear are my friends, and it is true that you can truly count your real friends on one hand. I had moments where I did not think that I would make it out to the other side, but I did. I had moments where I questioned whether or not I was worthy to belong to the Clergy of the IOCC. That was resolved through my conversations with the Church, through my Bishop, Bishop Beckett. For that I am grateful. I was forgiven my sins! Shall we talk about sin? I know, Priests cannot sin, we are too holy! Sure, and I just hit Bigfoot on the way to the lake to see the Loch Ness Monster! Priests are as fallible as any other person, and to think otherwise is downright foolish. To err is human, to forgive is divine. Oh what a wonderful saying! We as Priests must be first to acknowledge our imperfections, and to seek penance for 55
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our errors, so that we can be spiritually healed, otherwise, we lack the credibility, the standing to be able to give penance to those who seek it from our mediation. How hypocritical to think that we can help someone else to seek out forgiveness for their sins, all the while denying our own transgressions? I hope that I can grow from all that has transpired and learn from it. Nothing in life is easy. Of that I am very sure. For me the best part of life is the challenges it throws at us. The best part of being a priest is to overcome not only the challenges that come our way, but to help others overcome theirs as well.
together! I hope you see the message in the picture, and then you will realize too what it means to me! With that, I leave you all with this prayer! One that also means a lot to me, and comes from the late, and great Father Mychal Judge, OFM of whom my ministry was named for: Lord, take me where you want me to go; Let me meet who you want me to meet; Tell me what you want me to say, and Keep me out of your way. Fr. Mychal Judge, O.F.M., Chaplain, New York Fire Department; Copyright © 2001 Holy Name Province Father Glenn Glorioso is a priest in the International Old Catholic Churches and serves as Director of the Office of Social Justice and pastors Fr. Mychal Judge Ministry. He lives in Fairfax, Virginia.
Making Bishops (Continued from page 29) There are other things that distinguish bishops in the independent movement from their peers in the larger churches. I look forward to so many more years of serving God, of serving you all, and of making the very best of my small piece of this world. I look forward to touching someone’s life, in whatever way I can that helps them. That is what we are here for, to be humble servants.
But that’s a topic for another time. Monsignor David Jennings is the Vicar General for the International Old Catholic Churches. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.
This picture reminds me so much of what it is to be a priest. It wraps all of this 56
Fourth Quarter Liturgical Calendar Convergent Streams Staff staff@convergentstreams.org
October October 1, 2014: Theresa of the Child Jesus, V October 2, 2014: Guardian Angels October 3, 2014: Friday of the Twenty-Sixth Week of Ordinary Time October 4, 2014: Francis of Assisi, Rel October 5, 2014: Twenty-Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time October 6, 2014: Bruno, P; Bl. Marie Rose Durocher, V October 7, 2014: Our Lady of the Rosary October 8, 2014: Wednesday of the Twenty-Seventh Week of Ordinary Time October 9, 2014: Denis, B & M, and companions, Mm; John Leonardi, P October 10, 2014: Friday of the Twenty-Seventh Week of Ordinary Time October 11, 2014: Saturday of the Twenty-Seventh Week of Ordinary Time October 12, 2014: Twenty-Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time October 13, 2014: Monday of the Twenty-Eighth Week of Ordinary Time October 14, 2014: Callistus I, Po & M October 15, 2014: Teresa of Avila, V & D October 16, 2014: Hedwig, Rel; Margaret Mary Alacoque, V October 17, 2014: Ignatius of Antioch, B & M October 18, 2014: Luke, Evangelist October 19, 2014: Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time October 20, 2014: Paul of the Cross, P October 21, 2014: Tuesday of the Twenty-Ninth Week of Ordinary Time October 22, 2014: Wednesday of the Twenty-Ninth Week of Ordinary Time October 23, 2014: John of Capistrano, P October 24, 2014: Anthony Claret, B October 25, 2014: Saturday of the Twenty-Ninth Week of Ordinary Time October 26, 2014: Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time October 27, 2014: Monday of the Thirtieth Week of Ordinary Time October 28, 2014: Simon and Jude, Ap October 29, 2014: Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week of Ordinary Time October 30, 2014: Thursday of the Thirtieth Week of Ordinary Time October 31, 2014: Friday of the Thirtieth Week of Ordinary Time
November November November November November
1, 2014: All Saints 2, 2014: All Souls 3, 2014: Martin de Porres, Rel 4, 2014: Charles Borromeo, B 57
November 5, 2014: Wednesday of the Thirty-First Week of Ordinary Time November 6, 2014: Thursday of the Thirty-First Week of Ordinary Time November 7, 2014: Friday of the Thirty-First Week of Ordinary Time November 8, 2014: Saturday of the Thirty-First Week of Ordinary Time November 9, 2014: Dedication of St. John Lateran November 10, 2014: Leo the Great, Po & D November 11, 2014: Martin of Tours, B November 12, 2014: Josaphat, B & M November 13, 2014: Frances Xavier Cabrini, V November 14, 2014: Friday of the Thirty-Second Week of Ordinary Time November 15, 2014: Albert the Great, B & D November 16, 2014: Thirty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time November 17, 2014: Elizabeth of Hungary, Rel November 18, 2014: Dedication of Churches of Peter & Paul; Rose Philippine Duchesne, V November 19, 2014: Wednesday of the Thirty-Third Week of Ordinary Time November 20, 2014: Thursday of the Thirty-Third Week of Ordinary Time November 21, 2014: Presentation of Mary November 22, 2014: Cecilia, V & M November 23, 2014: Christ the King November 24, 2014: Andrew Dung-Lac, P & M, and companions, Mm November 25, 2014: Catherine of Alexandria, V & M November 26, 2014: Wednesday of the Thirty-Fourth Week of Ordinary Time November 27, 2014: Thursday of the Thirty-Fourth Week of Ordinary Time November 28, 2014: Friday of the Thirty-Fourth Week of Ordinary Time November 29, 2014: Saturday of the Thirty-Fourth Week of Ordinary Time November 30, 2014: First Sunday of Advent
December December 1, 2014: Monday of the First Week of Advent December 2, 2014: Tuesday of the First Week of Advent December 3, 2014: Frances Xavier, P December 4, 2014: John Damascene, P & D December 5, 2014: Friday of the First Week of Advent December 6, 2014: Nicholas, B December 7, 2014: Second Sunday of Advent December 8, 2014: Immaculate Conception or NoĂŤl Chabanel December 9, 2014: Juan Diego December 10, 2014: Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent December 11, 2014: Damasus I, Po December 12, 2014: Our Lady of Guadalupe December 13, 2014: Lucy, V & M December 14, 2014: Third Sunday of Advent December 15, 2014: Monday of the Third Week of Advent December 16, 2014: Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent 58
December 17, 2014: Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent December 18, 2014: Thursday of the Third Week of Advent December 19, 2014: Friday of the Third Week of Advent December 20, 2014: Saturday of the Third Week of Advent December 21, 2014: Fourth Sunday of Advent December 22, 2014: Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent December 23, 2014: John of Kanty, P December 24, 2014: Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent December 25, 2014: Christmas December 26, 2014: Stephen, M December 27, 2014: John, Ap and Evangelist December 28, 2014: Holy Family December 29, 2014: Thomas Becket, B & M December 30, 2014: Sixth day in the Octave of Christmas December 31, 2014: Sylvester I, Po
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Fourth Quarter Wordsearch Convergent Streams Staff staff@convergentstreams.org
I H K A A S B U M W L R H H G
G X S I B M A A U F G A Y A G
P P D E A I G C K H L C C R W
R Y V R L D G Q R I C H N A O
L E T J E Z W A L O L E Y S N
V H A L B I Y E I V D L H O M
A R I Y E P D R E L U H T U R
C N J T Z P G U A M U R L G I
ABIGAIL EVE Mary MAGDELINE BATHSHEBA HAGAR RACHEL DEBORAH JEZEBEL RUTH
E C V P E O R B G M A X O U B
C J Q A J R X G I Q F C W R S
X N J D S A E G D E B O R A H
A B E H S H T A B R Z N O E Z
U D G M C R T H Y E Y D M G T
D H A G A R Y I O M Q T A M G
R E H T S E V H R S O Y B Q C
DELILAH LYDIA SARAH DORCAS MARTHA VASHTI ESTHER MARY ZIPPORAH
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