We (EMMI) are Independent Catholics (ISM) and Clerics devoted to the Roman Catholic Church’s teaching authority.

The Difference between Church and Ministry

In Christianity, ministry is the office held by persons set apart by ecclesiastical authority as ministers called to special vocational service of general recognition. The type of ministry varies across churches. The form that developed in the early church and is retained by the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Old Catholic, Anglican, and some Protestant churches is episcopal (see episcopacy) and is based on the three orders, or offices, of bishop, priest, and deacon.

What is a Church?
A church refers to a physical building and the community of believers within it. It serves as a place for worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Here are some key functions of a church: Churches provide a space for communal worship, where congregants come together to pray, sing, and participate in sacraments like baptism and communion. A church fosters belonging among its members by offering support through small groups, social events, and outreach activities. Churches often offer educational programs, such as Bible studies and Sunday school, to help members grow in their faith and understand scripture. Many churches run outreach programs that serve local communities and participate in missions to spread their beliefs beyond their immediate surroundings.

What is a Ministry?
A ministry is a specific service or function. Ministries can focus on various aspects of church life and operate independently or under the church’s umbrella. Here are some key functions of ministries:

Ministries often have a specific mission, such as chaplaincy, church association, or prayer ministries, to serve particular groups within the broader community. Our ministries give members opportunities to grow spiritually through specialized programs, events, and mentorship.

• These ministries aim to spread the Franciscan faith beyond church walls and organize events or initiatives to reach non-believers.
• The FoRCES Chaplain Ministry supports those in need through counselling, food drives, and other forms of assistance.

Understanding the distinction between a church and a ministry can deepen your appreciation of the roles each plays in a faith community. God says to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). It encompasses various activities and roles, from preaching and teaching to acts of service and charity. Ministry expresses one’s spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-7), calling believers to serve God and others in ways that reflect Christ’s love and compassion.

We are ministries independent of the church; the ministries are not “a church” but are to the church.

The EMMI Secular Franciscan Order is a community of Catholic men and women of any rite who adhere to Rome’s teaching authority. Our Mission Statement: “Our mission is to observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of our holy father, Saint Francis of Assisi and the beautiful example of our beloved Saint Clare of Assisi and Saint Antony of Padua, who made Christ the inspiration of their lives, in a spirit of community, humility, adoration and compassion, mirroring Christ in our lives.”

We are a Canadian non-profit organization (NGO) founded in 2014 by the Archbishop, the Most Reverend Eric Gagnon (QC), and the Bishop, the Right Reverend Marie Arnold (NS). Our Ministries are under Jesus through the Holy Mary. We at Eric Michel Ministries International are part of the Franciscan family.

EMMI is an autocephalous ministry (literally, “self-headed”), meaning a church whose bishop is independent and does not report to any higher human authority, yet usually remains in communion with other affiliated churches. The Holy Synod (Symposium) is the ministry’s highest authority and sets the rules and regulations for church organization, faith, and the order of service. The principle of summoning a synod or council of ecclesiastical persons to discuss a grave question affecting the Church dates back to the Church’s earliest history. Since the Apostles met in Jerusalem to decide whether Gentile converts were to keep the Old Law (Acts 15:6–29), it had been customary to call such gatherings as occasion required. Bishops summoned synods of their clergy, metropolitans and patriarchs summoned their suffragans, and since 325, a succession of extraordinary synods representing the whole Catholic world has followed, known as general councils.

Many times in our text we mention the word church; we refer to the people as members of the ministry.