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worldwide daily communication newsletter of The Reformed
Catholic Church
August 2008
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Columbus, Ohio Contrary to
misleading and conflicting information in BBC, Catholic Newspapers and
South and Central America Newspaper press releases, The Reformed Catholic
Church does not have any clergy, mission or parishes in Venezuela.
The newly formed Reformed/Reform/Reformist Catholic
Church of Venezuela is not affiliated with this jurisdiction. The
Reformed Catholic Church is a global church that is non-political in
nature and is focused on missionary work to the poor, the sick, the dying
and those imprisoned. The Reformed Catholic Church does not seek financial
support from any governmental agency.
All questions about this matter may be addressed to
the Communications Officer at the following email address:
This letter is in response to the recent flurry of abusive articles in
Poland about the Reformed Catholic Church.
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Poland,
As
the Presiding Bishop of The Reformed Catholic Church and the Bishop for the
Diocese of Europe, we feel that the time has now come for us to express our
deep concern about the clearly abusive and misleading statements made by
certain Roman Catholic Church officials concerning The Reformed Catholic
Church in Poland.
We
begin this letter with sacred scripture that should be familiar to the
youngest of children:
Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice
the log that is in your own eye? Matthew
7:3-5
With great disappointment, we
have been provided regular and deeply disturbing reports from Poland that
Roman Officials have joyously and methodically dismissed The Reformed
Catholic Church as nothing more than a "gay sect" and that it is not a true
church. But that characterization is deeply flawed, unkind and certainly
unchristian, both in its content and its context. Contrary to the puerile
name calling and dismissal by some outspoken Roman Clergy and Lay
Leadership, the truth is that The Reformed Catholic Church is INDEED a global CHURCH. A
global family of faith that now has a number of communities and ministries
growing and thriving in Poland.
Unlike some "traditional" churches, we welcome all people to the table of
the Lord, saint and sinner alike, with no judgment, so that they may equally
share in the most holy sacraments of the church. Most importantly, we
welcome and embrace those people whom the church has harmed through
a regular and intentional pattern of ignorance, prejudice, discrimination
or, worse yet, indifference.
It is easy to deny, denigrate
and dismiss a people, a community or a church... but an important question
begs to be answered: Is
this correct behavior for those who claim to serve as ministers of the
Gospel?
Are these ministers not aware that they were given a shepherd's staff, not a
judge's gavel, as a sign of their office? Perhaps a judge's gavel is a more
convenient tool for those who sit in judgment and do not expect to be judged
by others. Just how large is the log in their eye?
Sadly, it seems that certain Roman Officials in Poland are not aware of the
position or policies of their own church: As such, we gently remind our
brothers of the following:
At the Vatican on 16 June, 2000
Pope John Paul II ratified and ordered the publication of Dominus Iesus.
This Declaration of the
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith was signed and published by
Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI) in August of the same
year.
In
this Declaration, the Roman Catholic Church recognizes the validity of
Orders and Sacraments of other Catholic denominations.
"These Churches which, while not existing in perfect communion with the
(Roman) Catholic Church, remain united to her by means of the closest bonds,
that is, by apostolic succession and a valid Eucharist, and are true
particular Churches."
"Therefore, these separated Churches and communities as such...have by no
means been deprived of significance and importance in the mystery of
salvation. For the spirit of Christ has not refrained from using them as
means of salvation which derive their efficacy from the very fullness of
grace and truth entrusted to the Catholic Church." IV Unicity and Unity of
the Church, 17
A
true church is a place where the Spirit of God fills the hearts of the
people and inspires them on to great works of mercy, charity and love. Like
many other communities of faith, The Reformed Catholic Church is seeking to
be the living hands and feet of our Lord. Yes, we understand that religious
zealots and fanatical politicians will seek to deny the validity of this
church by frightening the faithful about our unconditional acceptance of
people who are gay, bisexual, transgendered, divorced, remarried,
questioning or any other artificial and irrelevant barrier or label used by
the church to separate people from God.
We
must recognize that the time for this destructive diatribe has long since
past. It is time to allow the church to be what it should be, not what it
has been. Precious blood has been spilled, families divided and cultures
destroyed, all in the name of the church. It is time to stop the insanity of
derisive and inflammatory words and characterization. It is time to be a
people of God.
We remind our Roman Brothers of
St. Paul's words to the Corinthians: In the end
there are three things, faith, hope and love… and the greatest of these is
love. 1 Cor 13:13
Love... Love is a gift that not all of humanity is blessed to know or to
share. From the intensity of the negative comments and characterization
of The Reformed Catholic Church, it certainly seems that love is the missing
piece of the puzzle in this matter. A people in love with our Lord and His
people would not choose to act in such a deplorable manner. A people in love
with the Gospel of Christ would reach out in love and kindness, not insult
and threats. A people in love would not choose to cause pain to their
sisters and brothers. A people in love do not abuse.
St. Paul reminds us that love is
patient, love is kind, love does not judge... love bears all things.
And so, we shall keep in mind the words of the Apostle Paul and seek only to
reach back in Agape love to those who now choose to be abusive towards our
community. We will bear the negative comments and misinformation with
dignity and pray that those who make derogatory comments about The Reformed
Catholic Church come to understand that their words are, in many ways, the
reason that this church exists. We choose to be a safe and welcoming home
for all people, wherever they may find themselves on this journey we call
life. Welcome home, sisters and brothers! You are a gift from God and we
accept you exactly as you are.
Lastly, we remind our angry family in
Christ of the words of St. Augustine of Hippo: In
essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, CHARITY!
May we choose to be charitable to each other and stop the abusive diatribe
that only serves to cause pain and suffering. May we remember that where
charity and love prevail, there God is ever found.
May the God who created us all, protect us all, and help us to remove the
log from our eye.
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Fall 2008
Synod in Columbus
CUM
VOCE UNAM -- With One Voice!
Columbus, Ohio:
The Reformed Catholic Church will hold its Fall Synod in Columbus, Ohio
during October 1-5, 2008. The theme of the Fall Synod is CUM
VOCE UNAM -- With One Voice!
Synod fees remain the same,
$125.00, which includes all meals and supplies. Monsignor Heckman and
Brother Wilson secured hotel arrangements with the Baymont Inn & Suites - Columbus North
for $59.00 per night
Please book your reservation before
September 1, 2008, for this rate.
Posted information about hotel accommodations can be found on the
On - Line
Registration
web page.
Synod is an essential part of
our formation, and we strongly encourage ALL clergy and religious to
attend this event. We also ask that you invite your lay leadership or
members of your parish/mission/ministry to attend. The Synod provides an
opportunity to meet the community and to build lasting friendships.
ALL Vicars, Diocesan Bishops
and Religious Order Provincials will present a report to the assembled
community. Further, to ensure diversity of information, we are seeking
volunteers who would be interested in presenting plenary sessions. Each
session is one hour in length. Please contact Archbishop Zimmerman if
you are interested in presenting a session.
We look forward to your
participation in the Synod!
The Most Reverend Phillip Zimmerman,
ThD RSJ
The Reformed Catholic Church
Office of the Metropolitan Archbishop
Presiding Bishop
Aug. 27, 2008
Dear Family in Christ,
Lord, save your people!
"I give you this new commandment, you shall love one
another." These words, spoken by our
Lord, not as a recommendation, but a commandment,
seemingly has fallen on deaf ears these days. Sadly, in
far too many instances, these deaf ears are attached to
people who claim to be ministers of the Gospel of our
Lord.
In these early years of the 21st
Century, it seems that we have not learned much about
love. In the nearly two thousand years of the Christian
Church, there still exists bitter divisions, bitter
arguments, cruel judgment and discrimination, more concern
about canon law than love, and more concern with
"orthodoxy" than orthopraxy. In the end, true teachings
are reflected in true actions. Some actions of the clergy
leave one to wonder what they truly teach... and believe.
When I reflect upon the
destructiveness of all the denominational politics, name
calling, never ending bitter rivalries and puerile
attitudes of superiority, the words: Lord save me
from your ministers immediately comes to mind!
The people of God are not to be
abused by those who have been called to ministerial
service. Yet, too often, we see bishops and elders,
priests and ministers, deacons and lay leaders from across
the broad spectrum of denominational lines eagerly and
willfully engaged in behaviors that are clearly
antithetical to the core teachings of Jesus the Christ.
Instead of pastoral love and affection, many of God's
people are met with harsh judgment and rejection.
Sadly, many of these "ministers" eagerly commit their
hateful and malicious statements to writing, to their
great shame, for all of posterity to read. Read, and
perhaps, to judge?
When was the Church given
the authority or the right to be a judge? At what point
in time did our Lord demand that certain members of his
family be pushed aside and deemed unfit or unworthy of
salvation? When did the message of the Gospel become less
important than church politics? What is Christianity
becoming at the hands of these "ministers"? Lord,
save me from your ministers.
Over the past few days, I have
been made aware of some horrific, unkind and clearly
unchristian statements made by those who claim to be
people of faith, or worse, ministers of the Gospel. These
words were spoken or written by clearly misguided and mean
spirited "ministers" who do not understand that their
message of intolerance speaks more about them than those
whom they have attempted to denigrate, diminish or
dismiss. Lord, save me from your ministers.
The days for abusive name calling
and grade school scuffling is behind us. Yet, some of our
brothers seemingly do not understand this. My prayer is
that this reprehensible cross of hatred and judgment is
soon lifted from them, and that they seek reconciliation
with those whom they have harmed through their abusive
words and actions, and their souls begin to heal so that
they may truly serve our Lord with integrity. Lord,
save your ministers.
I urge the people and clergy of The
Reformed Catholic Church to always choose to be a people
of charity and love, never a people of judgment
and anger. For, as scriptures remind us, By
their fruits you shall know them.
The questions that comes to mind
is: What does our fruit say of us?
May our fruits continue to be
healthy and blessed. May we always keep the Gospel in our
hearts and choose to be the living hands and feet of our
Lord. The people of God deserve nothing less than the
very best we can share with them. And if some choose to
be unchristian in their comments, remember the words of
St. Paul, If God is for us, who can be against
us? (Romans 8:31)
May God continue to bless each of
you as you labor in the fields.
++Phillip Zimmerman, ThD RSJ
Metropolitan Archbishop
Presiding Bishop
Dear Family in Christ,
The peace of our Lord be with each
of you!
What an exciting time for our
community!. Over the past few days, Bishop Robert Ritorto and the people of Christ
the King Church in Zanesville, Ohio and Bishop-Elect Ramzi
Musallam and the people of St. Ann Arabic Catholic Church
in Millport, Pennsylvania have joined the growing family
of The Reformed Catholic Church. We warmly welcome
our sisters and brothers into the rich diversity that is
The Reformed Catholic Church! May their ministries and
the people whom they serve be greatly blessed!
Welcome Home! Ahlan wa Sahlan!
حللت أهلاً ووطئت سهلاً
The Fall Synod is fast approaching.
If you are planning on attending, please register on-line
soon. I recommend that you reserve your hotel room before
September 1, otherwise there exists a possibility that the
rate will increase. This Synod will prove to be
an historic event and I hope that you will be able to
share this experience with us.
Our sisters and brothers in Kenya
are also preparing for an historic moment in their
country. In mid October, The Reformed Catholic Church
will consecrate 5 bishops for the African Continent, and
more than 18 deacons and 20 priests to serve the people of
God in Kenya and the countries of the African Continent.
Please keep Bishop-Elect Bernard Wamalwa in your prayers
as he prepares to shepherd the RCC Flock in Africa!
May we all commit ourselves to be
the living hands and feet of our Lord. May our faith be a
source of strength and hope to those whom we serve. May
God continue to bless the RCC and her people.
In Christ,
++Phillip Zimmerman, RSJ
Presiding Bishop
Dear Family in Christ,
Only nine weeks till the Fall Synod!
Please make sure that you register online! Hotel
Reservations can be made online by clicking the links
provided by Monsignor Marcis.
At the Fall Synod, we will present
the Fr. Robert Olexo Humanitarian Award. Fr. Olexo was a
wonderful man, a dedicated father, a tireless advocate for
social justice and a passionate priest of The RCC , Fr.
Olexo never met a stranger. A man who had a big heart, he
passed to his eternal reward on February 17, 2006.
We are asking for nominations for Fr.
Olexo Humanitarian Award. Nominations are open to both
laity and clergy. We ask that all nominations be in to my
office no later than August 31, 2008 so that we may
carefully review them. Nominations may be send to the
following email address:
presidingbishop@reformedcatholicchurch.org ,
in the
subject line, please state "FR. OLEXO HUMANITARIAN AWARD
NOMINATION
The Award will be presented on
Friday, October 3, 2008 during the Episcopal Ordination
Mass.
Thank you all for the amazing work
you are doing for the people of God.
In Christ, the Light of the World,
++Phillip Zimmerman, RSJ
Metropolitan Archbishop
Presiding Bishop
From The Office
Of The Co-Adjutor
The Most Reverend
David Frazee DD RSJ
7/29/2008
Dear Family
in Christ,
This past
Sunday we celebrated our 3rd year anniversary for Project Mary's Open
Arms outreach program. We were blessed to have Peace Lutheran join us in
preparing the meals and delivering them on the streets. We have provided
152,163 meals in the past 3 years. We have started keeping track of
Communion and Rosaries just this past year, we have given 6209
Communion and 5008 Rosaries. We have been blessed with the volunteers who
help us each week.
We have given
out hundreds of articles of clothing, hats, gloves, blankets and toiletry
bags.
If you have
similar programs let us know what you are doing so we can post it and let
others see that we truly are a Church that cares for all.
As Synod
grows ever closer, make sure your plans are made and you send in your
$125.00 Synod fees as quickly as possible. We need to be able to plan and
get things in place to make sure that your time is well spent while you
are here in Columbus.
God Bless
each of you+
++David Frazee RSJ
Co-Adjutor
"Feed my lambs"
Dear Family
in Christ,
My name is Fr.
Bernard, Bishop Elect For RCC in Kenya – Africa, I work in the Slams of
Mathare Valley in Kenya with people living under extreme poverty conditions.
People here live in shanties, a good majority have never known the comfort
of sleeping on a bed. There are so many hungry Children here and most of
them have never worn a shoe. Though Education in Kenya has been declared
“free” for Primary schools, pupils and students are expected to buy their
school Uniforms, shoes, pens and pencils, books to write in and some school
administrators ask for a contribution from each parent towards buying desks.
Most of the students are not able to go to school because they can't afford
the later demands. In response to the directive of Christ to St. Peter,
"Feed my lambs" I have recently started a feeding program for hungry
children in the slams. I give them one meal every Saturday and Sunday after
Mass. I wish to do this once every day but I have no funds at the moment; I
have a portioned a little money out of my mean salary that I get from
working at a local University here, to buy the food. Some weekends I am not
able to feed them and so we skip. Archbishop Phillip has been very
supportive of the program and we have been brain storming as to how we can
keep this good deed going. I have thought of requesting most of you
Archbishops, Bishops, all other clergy and Religious at RCC worldwide to
adopt each a child for as low as $50 a month to provide for one meal a day
for the child. You will get a photo of the child you are sponsoring and if
you wish you can have personal correspondence with the child, and you can
plan to come visit and meet the child in Kenya any time at your convenience.
You can also help by passing on information and showing the photos to many
more the faithful in your Diocese and Parishes, friends and well wishers who
may want to adopt a child in Africa for a meal a day. You can definitely
make deference in a child's life and also make this world a better place to
live in with just a small sacrificial giving.
God Bless you and
I look forward to hear from you personally.
I will be
forwarding the Photos and a brief history of each child soon, look out for
them on the Pax Press.
ST. CECILIA RCC MISSION IN SOUTH SUDAN
"FEED
MY FLOCK" BY: Kiiza Tom
Introduction:
South Sudan is a country recovering from 21 years of civil war and conflicts.
We are therefore, "picking up the pieces" of a society ravaged by war, that
left millions dead, widowed, orphaned, impoverished and in abject poverty.
As a post war society, much of the work is to rehabilitate the entire
country in all spheres and sectors of life; Education, Health,
infrastructures and first evangelization. The vineyard of the Lord is so
vast for the Gospel to be spread. Churches were destroyed, schools were
burnt, homesteads were set ablaze, and the morals of the society were lost.
There are places were Mass (The Eucharist) has never been celebrated save
for a Sunday service, because there are no agents of evangelization. The
Sudanese people are a wonderful people. They are literally "thirsty" for
the; Gospel, an integral education, proper health facilities, counseling
services to help them recover from the war and conflict traumas.
St. Cecilia RCC
Mission-Sudan
The Reformed Catholic Church Mission,
is situated in Marial Lou Payam, Tonj North county, Warrap State-Southern
Sudan. Our mission has been warmly welcomed, appreciated and is loved by so
many local communities. South Sudan is more than a "fertile" ground for Reformed Catholic Church
ministry!!
We have been able to obtain enough land
to build the Church and the Priests' house. Pray for us as we look forward
to spread the Gospel of Christ among His flock and be a true sign of His
love, mercy and Consolation.
1) We have established a WomenCenter for Adult and Accelerated Learning Programs to offer an
opportunity to the poor women, girl children and adults to access literacy
classes. Our women group is named: Marial Lou Women Initiative, a
rural women organization within St. Cecilia RCC Mission. Our activities
are: basic skills training, small scale income generating activities, we
hold workshops on Hiv/AIDS, sanitation and health, civic education, human
rights and justice, peace and reconciliation, prayers in small groups,
counseling services etc. We have 120 women and girl children enrolled. We
appeal for assistance to all our RCC brethren.
2) St. Cecilia RCC-High School -MARIAL
LOUACADEMY
Marial Lou Academy was established in January 2008, as a response to the
innumerable needs for secondary education of an immense number of youth and
adults of the Great Tonj Zone and the entire Southern Sudan,
who did not get a chance to access secondary education due to the 21years of
civil war. The war left a lot of people in abject poverty, orphaned,
illiterate and without hope for a future. The high level of illiteracy in
the area is so alarming, that together with the local community I took the
initiative of opening this rural community secondary school.
The school is based on the preferential option for the poor. Our students
come from poorest families, single parents, orphans and abandoned. We
managed to construct the school using local materials with full support of
the local community who provided labour. This will be our first year of
successful teaching and learning. Our High School is a ground for spreading
the Gospel.
MISSION OF MARIAL LOUACADEMY
To offer an opportunity for secondary education to an enormous number of
youth and adults in this area.
To reduce the high level of illiteracy in this area and preparing future
skilled personnel for the country and the world.
Offer an opportunity for the students to recover from Post-war and
conflict trauma through full time counseling services at school.
To offer an integral education that aims at a holistic growth and
transformation of the human person.
I am praying and appealing for volunteers, friends, priests and people of
good will to support our mission. We need to make a strong RCC team for
Sudan and Uganda.
Br. Tom
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Should anyone wish to re-print anything submitted, contact the Vicariate
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