The Pax Press

Issue 3

Volume 3

Office of the Co-Adjutor

Act of Love

“O my God, I love Thee above all things with my whole heart and soul, because Thou art all-good and worthy of all love.  I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee.  I forgive all who have injured me and ask pardon of all whom I have injured.”

As I read this I realized again just how important these words are, this short paragraph contains everything we need to live a fulfilling life.  If we all lived by these simple, but difficult words we would be showing Christ to all who see us.

The bible teaches us that Love of God should be first in our daily lives.  It also teaches “to love one another as I loved you”.  Maybe one of the hardest for all of us to do is to forgive those who have hurt us and for others the hardest is to ask pardon of those we have hurt.  To forgive, not 7 times, but 70 X 7.

Most of you have heard me say over and over, we must be the hands and feet of Christ on this earth.  That we must take the time to see Christ in everyone we meet and most importantly have people see Christ in us.

If we all took the time to read this each morning and then make the effort to live it through out the day, what a difference it would make.

Being human it is easy to carry a grudge, to love ourselves more than others and even forget to thank God for his Love.  I urge each of us to live these words each and everyday.  When we live what we teach others see truth.

God Bless each of you in your ministries and may he enrich your lives with Joy+

Archbishop David Frazee RSJ

Co-Adjutor

OFFICE OF THE BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF ST. PATRICK

Here we are again into our hot, humid summer weather in Ohio.  And the added blessings of storms with lightning and thunder, which cool us down for a few minutes, but shortly afterward, raise our humidity up to 99%.  But in spite of all of this, we continue to give thanks to God for our many blessings.

  In the past few months we have added new members to our diocese, and welcomed back Rev. Mothers Susan Orlos, and Molly Wilcox into the family of the Reformed Catholic Church with their congregation of St. Luke in Columbus, Ohio. We wish them well and pray for the continued growth of St. Luke parish.

I am planning two visits during the month of August.  One to our parish of Holy Cross in Toledo with Msgr. Marcis Heckman and another to  Holy Redeemer parish in Ft. Wayne, Indiana with Fr. Michel Holland and his congregation.   It is always a great joy for me to visit the parishes of the diocese, and see the wonderful work that our priests are doing for the church.

I have just returned from a visit to St. Louis, where I met with our associate +Jerome Robben, and we then traveled to Branson Missouri for a few days of rest and relaxation in Branson, Missouri.  Branson is a beautiful area, located in the Ozark mountains 8 miles from the Missouri, Arkansas border. Had the opportunity to take in three shows while there, and enjoy the good food offered in their  many restaurants.

It is important for us as ministers of Gods word to allow ourselves some time for rest and relaxation in order to fulfill our duties to God and the people he sends us.  During His ministry Jesus often went off alone to pray and listen for Gods word.  It is a most serious office to be a priest, deacon, or bishop in Gods church. We often face complex and very important decisions in our ministries.  We must take care of our physical bodies as well as our spiritual life.  If we are not in good shape, physically, spiritually, and mentally; we can not be good ministers of the word, and help others as we should. 

In the Gospel for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary time, which we celebrated last Sunday, Jesus speaks about the parable of the sower and the seed.  In this parable or story, Jesus speaks of the message of salvation, which is heeded by some people

for a while, or is ignored.  Others listen intently, and strive to live the word of God.  These are the ones who hear and understand, and they bear fruit and yield rich harvests. May God bless us, his ministers, as we strive to bring the message to the people, to help them hear, to help them understand, and pray that they be included in Gods rich harvest.  

I wish you all a wonderful summertime, and pray that God provides you all with peace, some much needed relaxation, and His continued blessing upon your ministerial duties. 

My best wishes and Gods blessing

Archbishop Bill Quinlan

OFFICE OF THE BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER

We are pleased to announce that our Chancellor,   Msgr. Eugene Young,  has been nominated and elected by the College of Bishops of the Reformed Catholic Church to the Office of Bishop.  Msgr. Bishop-Elect Young,  will work with Bishop David Pfluger as an Auxiliary Bishop for our diocese.  As our diocese grows we look forward to many blessings sent to us from above, especially our outstanding Priests,  Brothers, and Sisters !

          A very special project is taking shape here in Phoenix.   Through a co-operative effort of all of the local Independent Catholic Bishops,  we are working with the local airport authority to receive permission to have our Independent Churches celebrate Mass in the airport Chapel.   The Roman Diocese no longer has clergy available for this ministry,  so we are going to assist in providing Mass on a rotating schedule.   We will keep you appraised of our progress on this project !

       Several weeks ago we ran an ad in the National Catholic Reporter requesting the donation of any used vestments, altar linens, etc for our mission parishes.   To date we have received several stoles, cintures, with more on the way.   These items are being collected for Fr. Moura and his new parish in Rio Brazil.

      On the first weekend of each month  our Loaves and Fishes Program collects non-perishable items to be given to local needy families.   We thank all of our parishioners for their continued support for this very important ministry !

      Our diocese has developed a new brochure which explains who we are, our ministries,  and what services we offer.    This is a fantastic tool to spread the good news about the Reformed Catholic Church !   If you would like to have a copy of this brochure,  please contact our Chancery Office at (480) 649-0901

    In September we will once again offer our educational classes for those who are interested in learning more about the Independent Catholic Movement.     Sister M. Bridget, F.O.R.,  our Director of Religious Education has put together a teaching manual to provide these lectures.     If you would like to start an educational class in your parish and need some assistance,  please contact us !

OFFICE OF THE BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Most Reverend Shane Price  D.Min  RSJ

God has definitely smiled on the mid-west! When I travel across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming I am consistently amazed at the level of beauty that you experience as you travel through some of these “old west” communities. In North Dakota one of the things that you experience is close knit friendships in cities and towns.

A little bit of humor for you...the town of Pillsbury, North Dakota was in the news a few days ago. Now most of the time that would not be noticed...but Pillsbury has a population of only twenty three people. The reason for the news story was because nobody had voted in the local elections. Not even the candidates used the opportunity to cast a ballot. I thought it was interesting that the concept of civic duty was ignored even in such a small community. This type of behavior is rather normal though, not because people refused commitment or anything like that, but because this election had already been decided around a table where they ate dinner and shared in conversation about the prior day's ordeals.

It is pleasant to see such closeness in a community today. Towns like Pillsbury tend to focus more on the family dynamics of a community then the legal and statutory side. I liken this view of a community as pretty similar to the view that I share of God. My relationship with God is important to me and it should be important to everyone. Just like every community has rules, so too does God. A relationship with God can be like a relationship with a large city. Take Los Angeles for example, there are way to many people in Los Angeles for a person to come to know the entire city...let alone have a city wide barbecue. You want to build a fence, you need to get permission, you want to build a house, apply for a building permit. There are many rules and regulations that you have to follow when living in such a big city. While the rules and regulations still exist in a small community, the chance is greater that you know who the mayor is. When you know the people, talking can accomplish a lot more then a book of City Ordinances. Sounds like I am rambling a bit, but really I am not. You see, when we make the decision in our lives to follow God, we do it because we know who He is. We can talk to him, and him to us. We can get a lot more done as a result so I try to not allow myself to become burdened with the details. There is so much else to do.

One of the focuses for me since I have become bishop out here is ministry to the Native American people. Here in North Dakota alone we have six major reservations. There is yet another seven in South Dakota. In fact, South Dakota is the home of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. This particular reservation earned itself a place in the brutal history of America. It is the site of the massacre at Wounded Knee. Then there is the Standing Rock Reservation, this reservation is where the Sioux Chief Sitting Bull was shot by units of the Standing Rock Indian Police. Life is a lot different in the reservation areas then they are most anywhere else in North Dakota. For an example, let me tell you about Cannonball, North Dakota.

As you approach the Standing Rock Reservation from the north, the first town that you will come across is the town of Cannonball. The population of Cannonball is approximately eight hundred people. The first thing that you notice is that Cannonball can only be accessed by a dirt road. Concrete and asphalt should be standard even for a town with so few people. Cannonball consists of about twelve different streets all arranged in a grid pattern. It is the not the people of the town that are the problem but the conditions that they are given to live it. Many of the houses that are built on the reservation are subsidized by the United States. They are awarded to Native American's on the basis of need. They really are nice houses, with up to four bedrooms and back decks to allow the occupants to enjoy the beautiful North Dakota Summer.

There is only one public building left in Cannonball and it is not occupied. It was destroyed some fifteen years ago when teenagers from further north destroyed the building. Administrative offices were then moved to the tribal capital at Fort Yates. Now with the tribal government all but non-existent in Cannonball there has been major problems in the town that no one has the power to resolve. The tribal administration all but ceased trash pickup in Cannonball forcing the residents to set up a make shift dump just to the north of town. Without the dedicated trash service, the garbage rarely makes it to the dump. It is left mostly near houses in large piles or in back yards. Some of it is burned to provide fire for summer cooking. Gas service is not subsidized which is odd. Since most Cannonball families do not have the money to pay for it, they only get gas service during the winter months. Those with gas stoves are left to fend for themselves in the summer.

Perhaps the ones who suffer the most are the children. Children on the reservation often go without the basic needs necessary for life. It is kind of a back yard example of the “Save the Children” commercials that you see on television. When driving through in February of last year, I was surprised by the number of children on porches and in yards who were clothed in little more then rags...certainly not enough to shelter them from the frigid North Dakota winter. When you look to the south of the town, you see a large building on a hill about eight miles away from the town. A quick five minute drive will get you the Prairie Knights Casino and Resort. You look out the windows on the north side of the building and you can see Cannonball in the distance. It is incredibly sad to have such wealth when there is such suffering just down the road.

This is the reason why I feel that God has called me to ministry in the Dakotas. The need for so many basics here is great. It has put people in the position where they have had to put faith last in order to satisfy their basic human needs. In so doing they miss the number one need in any person's life...God! Not only as a bishop, but as a human being, I have been determined to help these people in their plight. There is so much that we are able to do. The Diocese of the Holy Spirit has long been looking at the need for basic assistance in the reservation areas. Matters are complicated by sheer distance and a genuine lack of desire on the behalf of people here to help the Native American population. They hold the misguided belief that the casino distributes the profits to the people of the reservation, when actually contributions go to the tribe's general fund. It is an unfortunate case of the few having and the many having nothing.

As you can all see, I have rambled intently in this article, but it is the suffering of these people that attract the energies with which Christ has gifted me. I yearn to be able to change the situation that these people live in daily. I believe that the Great Commission of Christ calls us to help people who are in these situations. In is extremely unfortunate that much of the population here in Bismarck reserves their excesses for themselves because of the stereotype that the “indians will just drink it away.” The help that I am able to bring to these people and the joy I find in doing so is among the many reasons I became a priest. The thing that I wish people would understand more is that you do not need to be a priest to help. Many people giving a little bit of their time could solve these problems and hundreds more. I encourage you to remember this the next time you are looking at a drunk person, or at a felon, or even at yourself...remind yourself that you are looking at the Body of Christ.

Most Reverend Shane Price  D.Min

NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE OF ST. KATHARINE DREXEL

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

It is an exciting time for the Diocese of St. Katharine Drexel!  Since the last edition of the newspaper, we have celebrated a Confirmation and First Holy Communion, welcomed a Roman Catholic priest from the Philippines into the Reformed Catholic Church, ordained a Roman Catholic deacon to the priesthood, and received news of a new Ordinary for the diocese.  To be able to celebrate such momentous occasions in our first year as a diocese is truly a blessing!

Here are some highlights from these past months:

Confirmation and First Holy Communion

On Saturday, 21 June, we gathered at Christ Church in Hackensack, New Jersey, to celebrate the sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion.  This wonderful event was planned and coordinated by Monsignor Joseph Catrambone, O.Carm., who has ministered in several communities in the region.

Monsignor Catrambone presented the candidates for Confirmation to Archbishop Phillip Zimmerman who, with Brother Stephen Wilson, traveled from Columbus, Ohio to be with us.  Our seminarian, Dale Grandfield, of Bethlehem, PA, was among the nine who were confirmed, and three children received their First Holy Communion at the same Mass.

Among those assisting with the ceremony were Fr. Michael Abair, Fr. June Emilio, Deacon Terence McGovern, Brother Stephen Wilson, and Candidate Glenn Glorioso.  Monsignor Catrambone was the principal celebrant of the Mass, and I had the privilege of assisting as chaplain to the archbishop.  Afterwards, we gathered for a wonderful meal at a nearby reception hall.

We are very grateful to Msgr. Catrambone and to everyone who gathered in Hackensack for this historic event!  Special thanks to Jason Babin, our photographer, who provided us with many memorable photos.

Reception of Fr. June Emilio into the Reformed Catholic Church

During the Mass in Hackensack, Father June Emilio, a Roman Catholic priest from the Philippines, asked to be received into the Reformed Catholic Church.  Just after Communion, Archbishop Zimmerman formally received Fr. Jun into the ranks of the RCC clergy.  We welcome Father to our family of faith, and promise our prayers and support as he continues his ministry in the United States!

Ordination to the Priesthood and First Mass of Father Walter Turoczy

On Sunday, 22 June, Deacon Walter Turoczy of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wilmington was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Phillip Zimmerman.  Assisting the archbishop with me were Father Michael Abair and Brother Stephen Wilson.  An especially touching moment during the ordination was when Father Walter’s wife, Margie, was called to lay hands on her husband.  We are all deeply blessed by the bond of love that Walter and Margie have shared for so many years!

After the Ordination Mass, we were treated to a wonderful feast prepared by the newest priest of the RCC!  Our prayers are with Father Walter as he continues his ministry in Delaware, now under the name of St. Pelagius Catholic Mission, an outreach of the Reformed Catholic Church.

In the coming months, we hope to extend our ministerial efforts throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.  Please keep us in prayer, and know that you are remembered in our thoughts and prayers every day!

Your grateful servant,

Rev. Msgr. C. Christopher Tobin

Bishop-Elect

OFFICE OF THE BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF ST. MICHAEL

HAPPENINGS AROUND THE DIOCESE

We have been “doubly honored with the selection of two of our priests to be ordained as bishops during the Fall Synod.  First, Monsignor Joseph M Corrigan, Vicar for Chaplains  becomes the first Vicar for Uniformed Services for the RCC. Bishop –Elect Corrigan as Chaplain (Lieutenant Commander). United States Coast Guard serves as a Port Chaplain and is an accomplished writer. His book "The Patriot's Way" Everything You Need To Know About The POW/MIA Issue." can be found in many top line bookstores. 
As a former chaplain myself, I see many good works coming out of Bishop Corrigan’s ministry.

Bishop -Elect Joseph  Catrambone, OCarm. as a monsignor served as Secretary to the Presiding Bishop and was later appointed as Nuncio to South America.  Hogar Para Los Ninos (A Place-Orphanage-for Children) is a labor of  his love and faith with his Guatemala Mission. Hogar Para Los Ninos, is a refuge for abused and abandoned children, age ranging from  infancy to five years old. We hear that Bishop – Elect Catrambone  may also be traveling to Quetzaltenango {Xela} to assist many families in desperate need.  Can you imagine living on less than five dollars a day? Almost half of the people of Guatemala and El Salvador do. Enter these countries when visiting our neighbors to the south and you enter a fascinating world. Here children suffer due to economic and social problems - they are abandoned, abused, neglected, and victims of exploitation and drug addiction. Poverty and the breakdown of the family continue to put  more children at risk. Bishop –Elect Catrambone has his work cut out for him.

On May 30, 2008, the Diocese welcome Reverend Father Daniel Varga into the RCC. He and his wife Teri and two children reside in Centerville, Georgia which is part of the metropolitan Macon area. Father  Daniel’s Ministry Plan entails staff chaplaincy at a nursing home in Macon, A diverse mix of residents range from those who need full time care, to the elderly, and to those who suffer from mental digression. I currently volunteer as a Staff Chaplain.  The Medical Support Command is a developing 501c3 ministry. We perform duties as the Brigade Chaplain as well as providing pastoral care for disaster victims when the unit is activated as a member of the Medical Reserve Corps and the Citizens Council. To round out his pastoral ministry, he has initiated dialog with the Centerville Police Chief as they develop a Police Chaplaincy Program and Police chaplains position. 

On an “ambivalent” note, this month we bid Godspeed to Brother John Daly, OSF.  Those that attended the Spring gathering in Atlanta may recall the “brown robed Franciscan” with the veracious appetite.  John will be missed as he follows the Spirit’s lead as a Secular Franciscan and a return to the Roman Catholic Church. While, some may perceive this as a negative…I spiritually see this as a positive element for the Diocese and the Reformed Catholic Church. As part of Brother John’s immersion into the Secular Franciscan life, he has spoken to Roman Catholic priests that are full aware of the RCC. In their eyes we have held true to the dogmas and liturgical traditions of the church.  At this writing, Brother John has informed me that his novitiate may be shortened by the 10 months he has spent in formation with the RCC.  We wish him well and continued support with our prayers and masses. With permission of  his Fraternity and the Archdiocese of Atlanta he will continue his ecumenical works of charity with the RCC as part of his formation with the Secular Franciscans.

In the latter part of June, Jerry Clanton, a parishioner of St. Michael the Defender was part of  an East Point local organization that held a fundraiser for Jerusalem House.

Jerusalem House provides two residential facilities for homeless people with HIV/AIDS. The first Jerusalem House, opened in 1991, houses 25 single men and women. Residents are drug-free when they enter and must pledge to remain so. In 1997, Jerusalem House opened a second residential facility for single women with AIDS and their children. Located near Emory University, the second Jerusalem House provides one, two, and three-bedroom apartments for 15 families. More than 25 local agencies and organizations form a network of support services for Jerusalem House families. Jerry, known to many locals as “Jerryboi” is a “Boy George’ impersonator. The group raised over $6000 during a 3 hour benefit show. Parishioners gathered with their friends and neighbors for an evening of camaraderie and fellowship.

Most Reverend Patrick Batuyong 

Diocese of St. Michael

OFFICE OF THE BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF OUR LADY OF PEACE

News from Our Lady of Peace

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Since I was appointed to the position of Diocesan Bishop I have given much energy to reaching out to other faith communities that express a catholic faith. 

My desire is to find individuals and communities that need a place to come home to.

The response has been slow but I don't give up that easy.  I have even been told that I am just plain stubborn.  Regardless of my slow progress I am encouraged by the success of our other diocese.  I am also excited about our international growth.  I know that with your prayers and support that the Diocese of Our Lady of Peace will take deeper root, grow and bear good fruit!

I know that we all have much work to do but I know that each and every one of us feels strongly about the work we have all been called to do.  May God's richest blessings continue to be poured upon your lives and ministries.

Your Humble Servant

Most Reverend James Martino RSJ

Our Lady of Peace

NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE OF ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER

Most Reverend David Pflueger Auxiliary Bishop

Although we remain unincorporated, the Mission of Christ the King is still the only North American Old Catholic Church in Tacoma, Washington. Through the authority of The Reformed Catholic Church, we offer an alternative expression of the Catholic Faith that is tolerant of individual freedoms.  Therefore we offer the Catholic Sacraments to all individuals without regard to ones gender, sexual orientation, or cultural identity.  The Reformed Catholic Church extends this openness to the Holy Orders of the Church.

General Reflections

Throughout my journey through life I have come across many people, who would like to fully participate in the Catholic Mass and other rites, but they do not want to join the Roman Catholic Church or they want to continue with their current church membership and supplement their membership with participation in the Catholic Faith.  Unfortunately, these individuals all too often have their dreams of full Catholic participation dashed because of the exclusiveness of the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church.  So it should be no surprise that when they find a parish of the Reformed Catholic Church, their emotions dance for joy, because they have found a truly Catholic Church that will allow them full participation to the degree that THEY are the most comfortable with. 

The Ministry of the Rites

The Catholic Mass is still a private affair offered by Pastor Dave and all attempts to attain a small room or chapel for the purpose of celebrating the Mass and other Catholic rituals at an establish congregation have failed.  Pastor Dave is making every attempt to attend the Moment of Blessing events, this is a program of Associated Ministries of Tacoma, and in May he attended the consecration ceremony of the new center of worship and service of First United Methodist Church of Tacoma.  Note: If a Christian has a sincere desire for a Catholic Sacrament they can contact Pastor Dave, membership in a Catholic Church is not required!

Pastoral and Episcopal Ministries

The Church has kept Pastor Dave busy.  The June Conference Call of the College of Bishops reviewed and voted on candidates for the episcopacy, dealt with clergy dues, and put forth the idea of a military chaplaincy.  Since being appointed as the Director of the Agape Community Project Pastor Dave has approved one application and is reviewing another one.  The international Fall Synod Convocation (the annual governing meeting of the Church) of the Reformed Catholic Church is set for the first week of October in Columbus, Ohio.  Bethany Lutheran Church E.L.C.A. of Mountlake Terrace, Washington has granted Father Richard the use of their building on Tuesday evening - Praise the Lord.  Our missionary Tim Cook in Yakima, Washington is doing well and is looking forward to hearing from people, especially those passing through Yakima.

Well, with the end of the school year I have wrapped-up another year of looking for odd jobs to supplement my income and assist with the special ministry of raising my autistic child. And, once again it was a very disappointing year.  Hopefully when things kick off in September again it will bring a better year.  Even Father Paul of Saint Luke's Memorial Episcopal Church was surprised by how few people needed yard waste pick-up (leaves and other stuff), storm related rubbish cleaned, or small stuff hauled somewhere.  Needless to say this lack of work opportunities is leaving a large financial hole in the budget.  So, we are really praying that when the leaves turn brown in the Fall the work request will also fall into our inbox.

The pick-up truck that is used in this ministry is in the shop repair for some major work.  All Transmission of Tacoma has informed Pastor Dave that the repairs to the emission system will cost just under $900 (YIKES).  They also said that the truck is worth keeping. So, everyone is hoping that funds for the repairs could be raised before September or October at the latest.

This and That

We are looking at developing t-shirts as a means of promoting the North American Old Catholic Faith here in the Northwest and beyond.  If there is enough people who want such a t-shirt we will put an order with a printer. 

A Reminder, all donations should be made out to The Mission of Christ the King C/o the Most Rev. P. David Pflueger.  Thank You!

We wish to offer thanks and praise for the gifts that were sent to Pastor Dave by the Bishop of our Diocese - Archbishop Michael Hillis, DD of Tempe, Arizona.  These are wonderful gifts and Pastor Dave is looking forward to their use in the years to come!

Rose House of Tacoma, a charity that serves those with psychological disabilities, is seeking individuals to serve on their board of directors.  Phone (253) 272 1759      

During the Labor Day weekend Saint Luke's Memorial Episcopal Church will be celebrating their 125th Anniversary.  Pastor Dave is a member of Saint Luke's and will be attending the celebration.      

The Reformed Catholic Church website   http://www.reformedcatholicchurch.org/ 

The Mission of Christ the King Web Site  Christ the King

Most Reverend David Pflueger

Auxiliary Bishop

Diocese of St. Joseph the Worker