Eric Michel Ministries International is a Franciscan Chaplaincy Ministry with sub-ministries. We do not have a church or a parish.
We are a Franciscan Marianist & Teilhardist Organization that operates different ministries. Ministers and Brothers serve as chaplains in prisons, hospitals, the military, police and fire departments. Friars serving as chaplains do not live in a friary, but they meet regularly to pray, eat, and celebrate the Eucharist. Ministers serve in sacramental ministry in addition to the many other ways a brother may, such as in religious education, teaching, administration, service to the poor, the arts, worship, counselling, and more. All friars bring their gifts and join the team of friars and lay ministers, serving for the good of the Church of Christ. We are part of the Province of Saint Mary Theotokos, North American Continent Charters. Eric Michel Ministries International Charter of Order of Franciscans of the Eucharist Charter # 04062022 (Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada) Date of Charter: April 06, 2022.
We are Catholics who practice the Anglican (Episcopal) rituals as outlined in the Book of Common Prayer.
Autocephaly is the status of a hierarchical Christian ministry, where the head bishop, in our case, the Archbishop, does not report to any higher-ranking authority. The term is primarily used in Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches.
We are Protestant Catholics and Clerics devoted to the Catholic Church’s teaching authority.
The Difference between Church and Ministry
Ministry, in Christianity, is the office held by persons set apart by ecclesiastical authority to be ministers call to special vocational service of general recognition. The type of ministry varies in the different churches. That which developed in the early church and is retained by the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Old Catholic, Anglican, and some Protestant churches is episcopal and is based on the three orders, or offices, of bishop, priest, and deacon.
What is a Church?
A church refers to both the physical building and the community of believers that gather 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 gather to pray, sing, and participate in sacraments such as baptism and communion. A church fosters a sense of belonging among its members, 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 deepen their faith and understanding of scripture. Many churches engage in outreach programs, serving their local communities and participating 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 provide opportunities for members to grow spiritually through specialized programs, events, and mentorship.
The ministries are dedicated to spreading the Franciscan faith outside the church walls and organizing events or initiatives to reach non-believers.
The FoRCES Chaplain Ministry focuses on supporting those in need through counselling, food drives, or other forms of assistance.
Understanding the distinction between a church and a ministry can enhance your appreciation of the roles each plays in the life of a faith community. God says 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 is seen as an expression of one’s spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-7), where believers are called to serve God and others in a manner that reflects Christ’s love and compassion.
We are ministries independent of the church; the ministries are not “a church” but are to the church.
On the other hand, we do worship, in a church, in our home chapel named the THREE MARYS: Our Lady of High Grace, Mary of Magala and Mary Salome. It can also be at the location of the faithful, which could be in a field.
On the other hand, each member has a church or parish that is connected with, for example, our Brother Eric is a parishioner of the Franciscan Grotto Our Lady of the Lourdes in Lachute, Quebec.
La Grotte de Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes
Les Franciscains
250, Boulevard Providence, C.P. 336
Lachute (Québec) J8H 3X5
https://www.zonepastoralelachute.org/Grotte/Celebrations.html